Closer to the Original Wording
Some translations stay very close to the wording and structure of the original languages.
Go Deeper · Bible Translations
Which Bible Should I Read?
The Bible was originally written in Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek. Translations help us read and understand God’s Word clearly today.
01 · The Reason
Why Are There Different Bible Translations?
The Bible was not originally written in modern English. It was written in Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek.
Because of this, every English Bible is a translation. Translators carefully bring the meaning of the original languages into words we can understand today.
Every English Bible is a translation.
Hebrew
The foundation
Aramaic
The foundation
Greek
The foundation
Preserved Through Time
English Bible
Understood for today. Faithful to the original.
02 · The Process
Translation Is Not Always Simple
Translators must decide how closely to follow the original wording while still communicating the meaning clearly in English.
Clearer and More Natural English
Other translations express the meaning in wording that sounds more natural and familiar.
A More Freely Expressed Meaning
Some restate the message more freely to help the reader understand the main idea.
This is why different Bible translations exist. Each approach balances wording, meaning, readability and faithfulness in a slightly different way.
03 · Three Main Types
The Three Main Types of Bible Translations
Bible translations often fall into three broad categories. Each approach makes careful decisions about wording, meaning, readability and faithfulness.
01
Word-for-Word
These translations try to stay as close as possible to the wording and structure of the original languages.
Examples
ESV · NASB · KJV
Best for
Deeper study · Teaching · Careful reading · Slower reflection
02
Thought-for-Thought
These translations focus on communicating the meaning of the original text clearly in natural English.
Examples
NIV · NLT
Best for
Beginners · Daily reading · Building understanding · Longer passages
03
Paraphrase
A paraphrase restates the message of Scripture in simpler or more reflective language.
Examples
MSG · The Message
Best for
Devotional reading · Reflection · Fresh perspective · Comparison
These categories are helpful, but they are not absolute. Every translation involves careful decisions about wording, meaning, readability and faithfulness to the original languages.
04 · A Balanced Approach
Use More Than One Translation
Read a clearer translation for everyday understanding, then compare it with a more formal translation when studying a passage more closely.
These pairings are suggestions rather than fixed rules. The goal is to combine depth with clarity.
05 · Which Bible Should You Choose?
Which Bible Should You Choose?
There is no single perfect translation for every moment. Choose a Bible that helps you understand Scripture and continue returning to God’s Word.
Recommended translation
Begin with the NIV or NLT.
Suggested approach
Read one translation consistently, then compare difficult passages with another translation when helpful.
Recommended translation
Begin with the NIV or NLT.
Suggested approach
Read one translation consistently, then compare difficult passages with another translation when helpful.
Recommended translation
Begin with the NIV or NLT.
Suggested approach
Read one translation consistently, then compare difficult passages with another translation when helpful.
Recommended translation
Begin with the NIV or NLT.
Suggested approach
Read one translation consistently, then compare difficult passages with another translation when helpful.
A Simple Suggestion
Start with the NIV. Add the ESV as you grow.
The goal is not to find the “perfect” translation. The best Bible translation is one you can understand, trust and continue to return to.