Which is the best Bible translation?

According to the American Bible Society, “the number of printed English translations and paraphrases of the Bible, whether complete or not, is about 900” (“Number of English Translations of the Bible,” https://news.americanbible.org, 12/2/09, accessed 11/13/24). This count includes revisions and updates to previously published versions. Having so many English Bible translations is both a blessing and a problem. It is a blessing in that the Word of God is available to and understandable for anyone, regardless of background, reading proficiency, or comprehension level. The number of Bible translations is a potential problem in that it can be hard to choose the “best” one, and the differences among the translations can be a subject of controversy or division within the church body.


Determining which Bible translation is the “best” is complicated by the fact that different translations meet different needs and offer various benefits. It’s like trying to find the “best” tree to plant—is its purpose ornamental, shade, or lumber? Or the “best” guitar to play—electric or acoustic, and how many strings? Or the “best” shoes to wear—am I playing pickleball, tap dancing, or hiking a trail? Sometimes, one translation of the Bible is better than another because of the need it will meet.

We can consider the various Bible translations from various angles by asking some questions:
All Bible translations fall on a continuum with reliability at one end and readability at the other. At the “reliability” end of the spectrum are translations that place a high value on rendering each word in the original into English as precisely as possible. This translation method is commonly referred to as “word for word” or “formal equivalence.” Examples of Bible translations that seek to use the closest corresponding English word are the KJV and NASB.

The problem with formal equivalence, if it can be called a “problem,” is that it must often sacrifice readability for the sake of exactitude. There is a trade-off. So, some translations place more emphasis on producing a naturally flowing, readable text. This translation method is commonly referred to as “thought for thought,” “functional equivalence,” or “dynamic equivalence.” At the “readability” end of the spectrum are translations such as the NIV and NLT. Many other translations attempt to "meet in the middle" between the two methods, aiming for a mix of accuracy and ease of comprehension.

Here is a list of common Bible translations, ranked from those striving to be most literal (word-for-word correspondence) to those placing more emphasis on readability (thought-for-thought correspondence):
Apart from translations are the paraphrases. These versions of the Bible are retellings, really, that strive to give the sense of the original without having to translate every word or phrase. Paraphrases have a very loose equivalency to the original text. Examples include The Living Bible, The New Testament in Modern English, and The Message.

It is probably wise to have access to several major Bible translations for comparison’s sake. If a passage seems a little confusing in one version, it can be helpful to compare it side by side with another version. Bringing in a paraphrase can provide a different perspective altogether.

Another consideration might be the features of a particular edition, such as cross references, footnotes, maps, devotional content, etc. These features don’t have any bearing on the translation itself, of course, but can aid the readers’ understanding of God’s Word.

There are many more Bible translations than those mentioned above. Despite the multitude of English Bible translations, we can be confident that God’s Word is truth and that it will accomplish His purpose (Isaiah 55:11; 2 Timothy 3:16–17; Hebrews 4:12). With a modicum of research, a bit of comparison, and sufficient prayer, you can choose which Bible translation is “best” for you.