Guide To Bible Translations

According to BibleGateway, there are approximately 32 (English) translations of the Bible.  Most people have their favorite choice but I find that using several versions concurrently gives me a leg up in my studies (and my writing).  This is because, depending on your translation you are getting either a 'word-for-word' translation OR a 'thought-for-thought' translation.  Curious to know what your favorite is?  This Handy Dandy Guide to Bible Translations is our objective look at these translations, and helps you find the right one for the right purpose in your life.  (We won't be looking at ALL 32 translations.  :)  We will however be showcasing the most widely used and accessible translations.)

AMP - Amplified Bible:

This version gives a word-for-word translation with additional amplification for certain word meanings.  This is a great version for those individuals looking for more meaning within the scripture.  For the hardback version, click here .  For Kindle, click here .

"For sin shall not [any longer] exert dominion over you, since now you are not under Law [as slaves], but under grace [as subjects of God’s favor and mercy]."  Romans 6:14 (AMP)

 CEV - Contemporary English Version:

The Contemporary English Version is great for those adults who do not have prior knowledge of God's Word.  The thought-for-thought translation was published in 1995, therefore uses modern English language and annotations.  Additionally, the CEV can be used for children or tweens as it was written on an elementary school level.  For the hardback version, please click here .  For Kindle users, please click here .

"Don’t let sin keep ruling your lives. You are ruled by God’s kindness and not by the Law."  Romans 6:14 (CEV)

ESV - English Standard Version: 

The English Standard Version is a word-for-word translation that is suitable for all readers.  Click here for the ESV - Study Bible or here for the Kindle edition.  

"For sin will have no dominion over you, since you are not under law but under grace."  Romans 6:14 (ESV)

GWT - God's Word Translation:

The GWT is for everyone, Christians, non-Christians and children alike.  It blends a balance of word-for-word translation with thought-for-thought.  GOD'S WORD Translation (with direct verse lookup and book and chapter navigation), Kindle version or click here for the hardback version.  

"Certainly, sin shouldn’t have power over you because you’re not controlled by laws, but by God’s favor."  Romans 6:14 (GWT)

HCSB - Holman Christian Standard Bible:

Published in 2004, the HCSB seeks to bring balance between word-for-word and thought-for-thought translations using formal and modern language.  Click here for the hardback version or here for the Kindle version.

"For sin will not rule over you, because you are not under law but under grace."  Romans 6:14 (HCSB)

KJV - King James Version:

The KJV was translated in 1611 by a total of 54 scholars and churchmen appointed by King James IV of Scotland as he was to be crowned King of England.  This was two-fold in that he needed to unite the Puritans and Anglicans, and he wasn't quite sure the previous translations were translated correctly.  The Authorized Version, or King James Version, quickly became the standard for English-speaking Protestants. Hard to read for some, the old English flows with rhythmic poetry and has had a profound influence on the literature of the past 400 years.  Click here for the best Kindle version of the King James Bible.  Paragraphed edition with direct jump navigation.  Click here for the hardback version.

"For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace."  Romans 6:14 (KJV)

MSG - The Message:

Arguably the most talked about version among Christians, The Message was published in 2002 with the intention to 'paraphrase' traditional Bible translations.  This paraphrasing uses contemporary English and tones to communicate to the modern reader a thought-for-thought translation while retaining the meaning of the KJV text.  The Message is best for anyone who is seeking a 'fresh look' at scripture.  The hardback version can be found here.  Or, click here for the Kindle version.

"That means you must not give sin a vote in the way you conduct your lives. Don't give it the time of day. Don't even run little errands that are connected with that old way of life. Throw yourselves wholeheartedly and full-time—remember, you've been raised from the dead!—into God's way of doing things. Sin can't tell you how to live. After all, you're not living under that old tyranny any longer. You're living in the freedom of God."  Romans 6:14 (MSG)

NASB - New American Standard Bible:

The NASB is the most literal word-for-word translation of all translations.  Published in 1971, this version was an update to the American Standard Version.  It can be found here for the hardback and here for the Kindle.  

"For sin shall not be master over you, for you are not under law but under grace."  Romans 6:14

NCV - New Century Version:

Based on the International Children’s Bible, the NCV is a very readable translation using the thought-for-thought translation method.  The simple terminology is great for kids, teens, and those who are unchurched.  Published in 1991. 
NCV Mom's Bible: God's Wisdom for Mothers, hardback.  Kindle users, click here. 

"Sin will not be your master, because you are not under law but under God's grace."  Romans 6:14

NIV - New International Version: 

This bestselling translation is widely accepted by evangelical Christians and uses a balance between word-for-word and thought-for-thought.  Published in 1978.  For the hardcover, click here.  Kindle users, here.

"For sin shall no longer be your master, because you are not under the law, but under grace."  Romans 6:14 (NIV)

NKJV - New King James Version:

A modern language update preserving the poetry of the original King James Version.  You can find the hardcover here and the kindle version here. 

"For sin shall not have dominion over you, for you are not under law but under grace."  Romans 6:14

NLT - New Living Translation:

The NLT is a work of 90 Bible scholars and a smaller team of English stylists. These scholars and stylists went back to the ancient languages and sought to produce the closest natural equivalent of the message in natural, contemporary English.  The New Living Translation is a thought-for-thought translation, published in 1996.  The hardcover version can be found here .  Kindle versions, click here (currently free for Amazon Prime Members).

"Sin is no longer your master, for you no longer live under the requirements of the law. Instead, you live under the freedom of God’s grace."  Romans 6:14

We hope this helps you in deciding which translation is best for your needs.  I have my favorites and I'm sure you will too.  


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