Bible Translation Guide

The Amplified Bible (AMP)

A wonderful resource for both study and devotions, the Amplified Bible supplies multiple alternative meanings for each key word in the biblical text. Unique among English Bible translations, it was first published by Zondervan in 1965 and based on the 1901 American Standard Version (ASV).

Christian Standard Bible (CSB)

The Christian Standard Bible captures the Bible's original meaning without sacrificing clarity, making it easier to engage with Scripture’s life transforming message and to share it with others.

Contemporary English Version (CEV)

First published by the American Bible Society in 1995, the Contemporary English Version is an accurate and faithful Bible translation (not a paraphrase) from the original manuscripts, using English that can be read easily by children of primary school age, as well as adults for whom English is a second language. The aim is to present God’s Word in contemporary language that is clear, direct, and uncompromisingly simple. Ideal for children’s and youth ministry, and for cross-cultural outreach.

English Standard Version (ESV)

The English Standard Version (ESV) seeks to capture the exact words and phrasing of the original text – a translation philosophy known as “formal equivalence”. Highly accurate and readable, it is an excellent choice for both private study and public reading.

International Children’s Bible (ICB)

The International Children’s Bible is the children’s presentation of the New Century Version (NCV) first published by Thomas Nelson, Inc. in 2005. Unlike some kids' Bibles that present adult translations with notes and illustrations for children, the ICB was translated directly from the Hebrew and Greek texts into simple English that can be read and understood by children between the ages of 6 and 12.

King James Version (KJV)

Commissioned by King James I of England, the 'King James' Bible was a monumental achievement of biblical scholarship. Formally known as the Authorised Version, its influence on the development of English is impossible to overstate; its rich language – contemporary with that of Shakespeare - retains a compelling grandeur. Building on William Tyndale's legacy, the translators maintained a commitment to word-for-word accuracy that has stood the test of time, and the KJV continues to be the translation of choice for many Christians.

Message (MSG)

Translated by scholar, pastor, author, and poet Eugene Peterson, and thoroughly reviewed and approved by twenty biblical scholars, The Message combines the message of God’s Word with the cadence and energy of conversational English. Its contemporary language and idiomatic expressions can help you gain a deeper understanding of the Bible’s message and enrich your spiritual journey with new insights and perspectives.

New International Version (NIV)

Published in 1978, the New International Version (NIV) was conceived in 1965 by a broad coalition of America’s evangelical and reformed denominations, and its production was financed by the New York Bible Society (now known as Biblica). A team of over 100 experts undertook the translation, working with the best available Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek texts. A rigorous development and review procedure harmonised the efforts of both translators and stylistic consultants, resulting in a translation that matches scholarly integrity with clear readability.

New International Reader's Version (NIrV)

The New International Reader’s Version (NIrV) builds on the integrity and readability of the NIV, using simpler, shorter words and sentences where possible. The translators of the NIrV have compared every revision they’ve made to the best copies of the original Greek and Hebrew texts, ensuring readers are getting the actual Word of God.

New King James Version (NKJV)

Although the beauty and accuracy of the King James Version are still highly valued, many modern readers find it hard to understand. To address this, Thomas Nelson Publishers commissioned a new edition that modified obsolete terms and applied insights from recent biblical scholarship. The resulting New King James Version was published in 1982.

New Living Translation (NLT)

The New Living Translation was first published in 1996 by Tyndale House, and is based on the principle of “dynamic equivalence”, whereby the biblical text is translated according to overall sense and meaning rather than word-for-word. The aim is to express the biblical text in such a way that it will make the same impact on its contemporary readers as on its original audience. Accordingly, the English of the NLT is that of everyday speech, making this version exceptionally vivid, engaging, and easy-to-read. It is not a paraphrase, but a genuine translation of the original Greek, Hebrew, and Aramaic texts, guided by best practice in contemporary translation scholarship.

New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition (NRSVue)

With revisions based on new textual evidence, historical insights, and linguistic precision, the NRSVue delivers a translation of Scripture based on meticulous care for accuracy and readability. Continuing the legacy of the NRSV, this updated edition aims to faithfully serve the church in personal spiritual formation, in the liturgy, and in the academy.