Which Bible translation is best?
The best translation is one you will read. For most people that means a balanced modern translation such as the BSB, CSB or NIV; for close study, add a word-for-word one such as the NASB or ESV.
| Approach | Examples | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Word for word | NASB, ESV, KJV, NKJV | Closest to the original wording; can read stiffly. Best for close study. |
| Balanced | BSB, CSB, NIV | Accurate and natural English. A good default for reading and study. |
| Thought for thought | NLT, GNT | Easiest to read; the translators interpret more. Good for reading large sections. |
| Paraphrase | The Message | One writer’s retelling in modern idiom. Best as a companion, not a main Bible. |
Same verses, two translations
The Berean Standard Bible (2023, public domain) next to the King James Version (1769). The BSB has 729,758 words in all; the KJV has 791,577.
John 3:16
BSB
For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that everyone who believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.
KJV
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.
Philippians 4:6
BSB
Be anxious for nothing, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.
KJV
Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.
Isaiah 40:31
BSB
But those who wait upon the LORD will renew their strength; they will mount up with wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not faint.
KJV
But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.
Matthew 6:34
BSB
Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Today has enough trouble of its own.
KJV
Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.
Questions
What is the most accurate Bible translation?
Word-for-word translations such as the NASB, ESV and KJV stay closest to the original wording. Accuracy also means conveying the meaning clearly, which is why many scholars recommend balanced translations such as the CSB, NIV or BSB for everyday reading.
What is the easiest Bible translation to read?
Thought-for-thought translations such as the NLT and the Good News Translation are the easiest; The Message is easier still but is a paraphrase.
What Bible does the Catholic Church use?
Catholic Bibles have 73 books. In the United States, Mass readings use the New American Bible (NABRE); the RSV Second Catholic Edition and the Douay-Rheims are also widely used.
Is the King James Bible Catholic?
No. The King James Version was translated for the Church of England and published in 1611; the text most printed today is the 1769 edition. Protestant editions have 66 books.
What Bible do Orthodox Christians use?
In English, many use the Orthodox Study Bible, whose Old Testament is translated from the Greek Septuagint and whose New Testament is the NKJV.