Rose Publishing - Bible Translations Comparison: Compare 20 Popular Versions of the Bible

• Compares 20 Bible translations, such as the New International Version (NIV), Amplified Bible (AMP) , King James Version (KJV), and The Message in less than 30 minutes.
• Shows what the translations have in common, how they differ, and which one is best for you.
• For each translation, it includes the name, the method of translation, reading level, sponsors, textual basis, purpose, sample verses to show the difference in wording, the year published, and much more.
• Provides a list of 13 "Important Words to Know" such as: Apocrypha, Biblia Hebraica, and the Dead Sea Scrolls.

For more than 2000 years, scholars have been translating the Bible. The Old Testament was written over a 1500-year period before the birth of Christ. It was written primarily in Hebrew, with a few portions in Aramaic. The New Testament was written within 70 years of Christs death and resurrection ( AD 50100). The writers of the New Testament wrote in koine Greek (common Greek).

The original manuscripts have not survived, but Gods Word has been preserved through meticulous copying. Three primary methods of translation (and a fourth translation treatment) have evolved over the centuries:

• Word-for-Word A process in which biblical and linguistic scholars attempt to translate each word based upon the word usage at the time of the writing. No translation is actually word-for-word, but the intent is to come as close as possible.
• Balance A process in which scholars attempt to mediate between a word-for-word approach and a thought-for-thought approach.
• Thought-for-Thought A process in which scholars translate the meaning of each thought. This approach is also known as dynamic equivalence. This is how most non-biblical translation for modern books is done.
• Paraphrase A re-statement of a translation in modern terms and vocabulary, often expanded (or amplified) for clarity.

1. Words change. Modern language changes constantly, and the Bible must use understandable words for everyday life.
2. Understanding of ancient languages changes. The Bible was written using hundreds of words that are no longer understood. Scholars continue to discover the meanings of words and phrases, and either update or create new translations.
3. Translators purposes vary. When an ancient word may be translated correctly in several different ways, the translators purpose affects the words chosen.

BIBLE TRANSLATION In order by date of release

YEAR Year complete Bible was released

TRANSLATORS Number of scholars and linguists involved in translating

SPONSOR The organization(s) that helped sponsor the version

TEXTUAL BASIS Which English Bible(s) and Greek and Hebrew manuscripts were used

PURPOSE The purpose each translation was trying to accomplish

NOTABLE Interesting facts

SAMPLE VERSE Matthew 4:19 and John 3:1617 as they are found in each version

Word-for-word
Reading Grade Level: 12.0

1611, current edition, 1769

54 translators

Six panels of translators appointed by King James I of England

Bishops Bible (1568) and Tyndales Bible (1535)
Old Testament: Masoretic Texts: Complutensian Polyglot and Antwerp Polygot
New Testament: Textus Receptus

In response to Protestant concerns of inaccuracies in earlier English versions (Tyndale, Geneva, Bishops)

The most widely printed and distributed version of the Bible. Used for devotional reading and Bible study by adults who prefer the English found in older versions.

And he saith unto them, Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men. Matthew 4:19

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. John 3:1617

Word-for-word
Reading Grade Level: Unstated

1901

30 American scholars who were part of the English Revised Version project in 1885

British scholars from a variety of denominations

Derived from the English Revised Version (ERV) and the King James Version (KJV)
Old Testament: Hebrew Masoretic Text, and Septuagint
New Testament: Westcott-Hort Greek New Testament

To address approximately 300 suggestions from American translators to change the English Revised Version to acceptable American word use

ASV has earned the reputation as being very true to the Greek and Hebrew texts. Very formal. Used for serious Bible study.

And he saith unto them, Come ye after me, and I will make you fishers of men. Matthew 4:19

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth on him should not perish, but have eternal life. For God sent not the Son into the world to judge the world; but that the world should be saved through him. John 3:1617

Word-for-word
Reading Grade Level: 10.0

1952

32 translators

International Council of Religious Education

Based on the American Standard Version (ASV)
Old Testament: Masoretic Text, Dead Sea Scrolls, Septuagint
New Testament: Nestle-Aland text

To preserve the best of the English Bible versions that preceded it

Because the translation changed words such as virgin to young woman, this version was criticized by conservatives.

And he said to them, Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men. Matthew 4:19

For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God sent the Son into the world, not to condemn the world, but that the world might be saved through him. John 3:1617