Bible Versions
Contemporary English Version CEV (1991) Dynamic Equivalence
The CEV attempts to be both reliable and readable. It translates by finding phrases in
English that better express the meaning to modern readers than a wooden word-for-word
literal translation. Reading level: 5.4.
King James Version KJV (1611) Formal equivalence
The most popular English version in history was authorized by King James of Great
Britain. It was the work of over 50 Anglican scholars. Their work used the Greek and
Hebrew as well as several earlier English versions of the Bible. The KJV has undergone
some editing and revision since 1611. Reading level: 12.
Living Bible (1971) Paraphrase
The contemporary version represents a paraphrase, or a translation of a translation.
Kenneth Taylor used the American Standard Version (1901) as a base text which he then
put into his own words in order to better convey the meaning to a modern reader. It
differs from a translation in not being a word-for-word translation from the Hebrew and
Greek originals. It is very readable and represents an evangelical viewpoint. Reading
level: 8.3.
Message, The (1994) Paraphrase
This version of the New Testament by Eugene Peterson is in a contemporary English
idiom. It is a paraphrase which is based upon the Greek language but it is not a word-forword translation of Greek into English. Peterson sought to convert the tone, the rhythm,
the events and the ideas into the way Americans actually think and speak. Reading level:
5.5 to 10, depending on the passage.
New American Bible NAB (1970) Formal Equivalence
This is an American Roman Catholic version translated in English directly from the
original languages. The translation team had 50 Catholic and 5 Protestant scholars. The
style is clear, readable, and conservative in language. It includes the Old Testament
Apocrypha. Reading level: 6.6.
New American Standard Bible NASB (1971) Formal Equivalence
The NASB is a revision of the American Standard Version (1901) and involved a 10 year
effort by 58 scholars. It essentially represents a new translation since the original
languages were used as base texts. It represents a conservative evangelical viewpoint in a
literal (though somewhat wooden style) of modern English. Reading level: 11.
New Century Version NCV (1983) Dynamic Equivalence
This is the first English translation from Hebrew and Greek which has been specifically
prepared for children (originally published as the International Children's Bible). The
NCV represents a revision which makes it more suitable for adults, presenting the reading
level of a daily newspaper without sacrificing accuracy. Over 40 scholars collaborated to
produce a clear, uncomplicated text. Reading level: 5.6..
New International Version NIV (2011) Dynamic Equivalence
The NIV (1978) is a completely new translation from Hebrew and Greek texts, involving
an international team of scholars from English-speaking countries (110 scholars
representing 34 different denominations). It is a thought-for-thought translation which is
mid-way between strict literalness and a paraphrase. It is the first version to outsell the
KJV in America. The 2011 update made changes to the original NIV where new
information of the languages has been attained. It also moved toward a more genderinclusive language related to humans. Reading level: 7.8.
New Jerusalem Bible (1966) Dynamic Equivalence
This is a Roman Catholic translation, originally produced in French in Jerusalem (1956).
The English version was translated from Greek and Hebrew texts but it follows the
French version in matters of interpretation. It includes the Old Testament Apocrypha. The
NJB is noted for its freedom of language style.
New King James Version NKJV (1982) Formal Equivalence
This is a revision of the KJV by over 130 scholars who sought to update antiquated forms
and obsolete words into modern comprehensible English without significantly departing
from KJV wording or literary style. Reading level: 8.
New Living Translation NLT (2011) Dynamic Equivalence
In 1989 ninety evangelical scholars from various theological backgrounds and
denominations were commissioned to begin revising The Living Bible. Over seven years
scholars worked at translating entire thoughts (rather than just words) into natural,
everyday English. Reading level: 6.3.
New Revised Standard Version NRSV (1990) Formal Equivalence
This is a revision of the Revised Standard Version (1952). It was prepared by a
committee of about 30 scholars over the course of 15 years. The translators attempted to
be as literal as possible, as free as necessary. The translators also sought to avoid genderspecific terms where the original languages did not warrant it. The NRSV was intended
to be an ecumenical version acceptable to Protestants, Orthodox and Roman Catholics.
Reading level: 8.1.
Today’s English Version TEV (1976) Dynamic Equivalence
This version is also known as the Good News Bible and Good News For Modern Man. It
is a translation from Greek and Hebrew into modern idiomatic English. The main feature
of this version is its attempt to avoid technical theological language and high literary style
in order to present Scripture in a common, everyday language. Reading level: 7.3.
Formal Equivalence: a word-for-word translation (as much as possible)
Dynamic Equivalence: a thought-for-thought translation
Paraphrase: transmits the ideas of the original in one person’s own words