📖 BIBLE TRANSLATION SPECTRUM
| Literal ←——————————————Translation Approach——————————————→ Interpretive |
| Word-for-Word | Thought-for-Thought (Dynamic Equivalence) | Meaning-for-Meaning / Functional | Paraphrase / Summary |
🔵 1. Word-for-Word (Formal Equivalence)
These aim to translate each word from the original languages as directly and accurately as possible. Best for serious study.
| Bible Version | Notes |
|---|---|
| Interlinear Bible | Hebrew/Greek with English beneath; not readable but very precise |
| NASB – New American Standard Bible | Extremely literal and scholarly |
| LSB – Legacy Standard Bible | Update of NASB 1995 by Master’s Seminary |
| ESV – English Standard Version | Formal and readable; good for study and teaching |
| KJV – King James Version | Classic, poetic, and literal (archaic language) |
| NKJV – New King James Version | Updates KJV language while keeping formal tone |
| YLT – Young’s Literal Translation | Very literal; awkward English for precision |
| AMP – Amplified Bible | Expands meaning with brackets/parentheses for clarity |
🟢 2. Thought-for-Thought (Dynamic Equivalence)
Focuses on translating ideas and sentences rather than exact words. Easier to read but still quite faithful to the original text.
| Bible Version | Notes |
|---|---|
| NIV – New International Version | Balanced translation; great for all-around use |
| HCSB / CSB – (Holman) Christian Standard Bible | Very readable, with high accuracy |
| NRSV – New Revised Standard Version | Scholarly and gender-inclusive |
| RSV – Revised Standard Version | Predecessor to ESV; more formal |
| NET – New English Translation | Extensive translator notes; modern dynamic style |
| NCV – New Century Version | Easy to read; great for children or youth |
🟡 3. Meaning-for-Meaning (Functional Equivalence)
Aims to convey the intent and emotional tone of Scripture more than the exact structure. Prioritizes understanding over word accuracy.
| Bible Version | Notes |
|---|---|
| NLT – New Living Translation | Smooth and devotional; excellent for comprehension |
| CEV – Contemporary English Version | Very easy to read; great for outreach or younger readers |
| GNT/TEV – Good News Translation / Today’s English Version | Global readability focus |
| ICB – International Children’s Bible | Full Bible for kids; clear and simple |
| ERV – Easy-to-Read Version | Originally for deaf readers; very basic vocabulary |
🔴 4. Paraphrase / Summary
Not true translations from the original languages. These are retellings or rewordings for clarity, often using modern imagery and idioms.
| Bible Version | Notes |
|---|---|
| MSG – The Message | Highly contemporary, poetic, and emotional |
| TLB – The Living Bible | Paraphrased by a father for his children (from ASV) |
| The Voice | Includes poetic formatting, dramatic flair |
| The Story | Condensed summary version using selections from NIV/NLT |
| The Jesus Storybook Bible (children) | Thematic paraphrase for kids—each story points to Christ |
| The Action Bible (children/teens) | Comic-style paraphrased retelling of biblical stories |
| Bible in Contemporary Language (Street Bible, etc.) | Various urban or modern-day versions (extremely paraphrased) |
🧠Summary Chart
| Category | Focus | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Word-for-Word | Accuracy to original words | NASB, LSB, ESV, KJV, NKJV, YLT |
| Thought-for-Thought | Clarity of ideas | NIV, CSB, NRSV, NET |
| Meaning-for-Meaning | Accessibility and tone | NLT, CEV, GNT, ICB, ERV |
| Paraphrase | Retelling for understanding | MSG, TLB, The Voice, Jesus Storybook Bible |
✅ Final Tip:
For serious study: use NASB, ESV, or CSB
For devotionals or children: use NLT, NIrV, ICB, or CEV
For comparison or creative retelling: use MSG or TLB alongside a more accurate version
