See an Overview of this Rating System and Algorithm Here
Top 10
#1 The New Living Translation
4.59
The New Living Translation is based on the most recent scholarship in the theory of translation. The challenge for the translators was to create a text that would make the same impact in the life of modern readers that the original text had for the original readers. In the New Living Translation, this is accomplished by translating entire thoughts (rather than just words) into natural, everyday English. The end result is a translation that is easy to read and understand and that accurately communicates the meaning of the original text.
#2 The New American Standard Bible
4.53
The New American Standard Bible (NASB), long considered a favorite study Bible by serious students of the Scriptures, has been completely revised and updated in this new 1995 translation. Preserving the Lockman Foundation’s standard of creating a literal translation of the original Greek, Hebrew, and Aramaic manuscripts, the 1995 NASB provides a literal translation that is very readable. Formalized language and outdated words and phrases have been replaced with their contemporary counterparts. In short, the 1995 NASB is a Bible translation that is very conducive to word-by-word study and is also able to be read (and understood) by the whole family.
#3 The Christian Standard Bible
4.51
The Christian Standard Bible aims to draw readers into a deeper, more meaningful relationship with God. By translating Scripture into the clearest possible modern English, the CSB allows readers to experience God’s Word at its fullest. Developed by 100 scholars from 17 denominations, the Christian Standard Bible faithfully and accurately captures the Bible’s original meaning without compromising readability…
#4 The New International Version
4.48
The New International Version (NIV) is a completely original translation of the Bible developed by more than one hundred scholars working from the best available Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek texts. The initial vision for the project was provided by a single individual – an engineer working with General Electric in Seattle by the name of Howard Long. Long was a lifelong devotee of the King James Version, but when he shared it with his friends he was distressed to find that it just didn’t connect…
#5 The American Standard Version
4.42
The ASV has long been regarded by many scholars as the most literal English translation since the King James Version—maybe the most literal translation ever. This has made the translation very popular for careful English Bible study, but not for ease of reading. While the KJV was translated entirely from “western manuscripts,” the ASV 1901 was influenced also by the older “eastern manuscripts” that form the basis for most of our modern English translations. Because the ASV 1901 is very difficult to find in print, Logos is pleased to be able to preserve and distribute this significant work. This is an excellent choice for comparative English study.
#6 The English Standard Version
4.38
The English Standard Version™ is founded on the conviction that the words of the Bible are the very words of God. And because the words themselves—not just the thoughts or ideas—are inspired by God, each word must be translated with the greatest precision and accuracy. As Jesus Himself stressed, “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God”…
#7 The New Revised Standard Version
4.10
The New Revised Standard Version (NRSV), released in 1989, is an English translation of the Protestant Bible and the Apocrypha. The NRSV is updated revision of the Revised Standard Version, itself a revision of the American Standard Version. It maintains the traditions of the older versions with fresh new vocabulary and modern English construction, designed to meet the needs of churches and individuals from a wide range of backgrounds. The NSRV, translated with the benefit of the Dead Sea Scrolls, reflects manuscript discoveries and advances in modern scholarship. This translation also adopts a policy of gender inclusive language and eliminates usage of archaic second person familiar forms, “thee” and “thou.”
#8 The King James Version
4.10
The King James Version of the Bible is still the most widely used text in the English language. The Authorized Version was first begun in 1604 by the Church of England. This version is based upon the Pure Cambridge Edition first published around 1900 which is the product of the process of textual purification that has occurred since 1611 when the Authorized Version was completed.
#9 The Message
4.06
Many people assume that a book about a holy God should sound elevated, stately, and ceremonial. If this is how you’ve always viewed the Bible, you’re about to make a surprising discovery. The Message brings the life-changing power of the New Testament, the vibrant passion of the Psalms, and the rich, practical wisdom of Proverbs into easy-to-read modern language that echoes the rhythm and idioms of the original Greek and Hebrew…
#10 The New King James Version
4.0
The New King James Version is a total update of the 1611 King James Version (KJV), also known as the “Authorized Version.” Every attempt has been made to maintain the beauty of the original version of the KJV Bible, while updating the English grammar to contemporary style and usage. The result is much better “readability.” It is noteworthy that the NKJV is one of the few modern translations still based on the “Western” or “Byzantine” manuscript tradition. This makes the New King James Version an invaluable aid to comparative English Bible study.
Top 30
- Wright, N.T. The Kingdom New Testament
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Stumblingstone Press 