Some English Bible translations apply what could be called a “sunshine law,” meaning they make the translation process transparent so the reader can see where interpretive or textual decisions have been made.
We just saw an example of that regarding verse 37. The New American Standard put it in a footnote. They didn’t remove it entirely.
These translations often use italicized words to indicate terms that were added in English to make the sentence readable but are not directly present in the original Hebrew or Greek. They also frequently include footnotes or marginal notes that show alternate manuscript readings, allowing the reader to see differences between the Textus Receptus and readings found in earlier Greek manuscripts.
Examples of translations that emphasize this kind of transparency include the King James Version, which used italics to show supplied words, the New King James Version, which provides extensive manuscript notes comparing the Textus Receptus, Majority Text, and modern critical texts, and study-oriented translations such as the New English Translation, which includes detailed notes explaining translation choices and textual variants.
This approach allows readers not only to read the translation itself but also to see the underlying textual issues and understand how translators arrived at the final wording.
I think this is an important part of any English translation I own.
So, with all that being said, how do I answer the question,
Which English translation or translations are closest to the original?
Well, here’s where you will see part of my bias. I do not ascribe to the dogma of the author I referred to at the beginning. I am not a “King James only,” “Textus Receptus only” Bible believer. So, I lean toward the principles applied by modern translators. These are the principles applied by translators to Scripture.
1. The Translation Should Be Based on the Original Languages
A reliable translation must be produced directly from the original Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek manuscripts, not from another translation. This principle reflects the long-standing commitment in biblical scholarship to return back to the original sources. Translating from the original languages helps avoid errors that can accumulate when translating from a translation.
2. The Translation Should Use the Best Available Manuscript Evidence
Scholars should compare the thousands of available manuscripts to reconstruct the most reliable Greek and Hebrew text. Conservative scholars generally support using the earliest and most reliable manuscripts while comparing them with the broader manuscript tradition. The goal is not to favor a single manuscript family but to evaluate all the evidence carefully.
3. The Translation Should Follow a Formal (Word-for-Word) Philosophy
Many conservative teachers prefer formal equivalence, meaning the translation attempts to reproduce the structure and wording of the original languages as closely as English allows. This approach seeks to preserve the actual words that were inspired rather than paraphrasing the meaning. Translations often recommended in this category include the New American Standard Bible and the English Standard Version.
4. The Translation Should Avoid Paraphrase or Heavy Interpretation
A trustworthy translation should translate the words of Scripture rather than interpret them for the reader. Paraphrases expand or explain the text and therefore reflect the translator’s theology more than the original wording. Careful translations allow readers to interpret the text themselves rather than filtering the meaning through a translator’s paraphrase.
5. The Translation Should Be Produced by Qualified Scholars
Reliable translations are produced by teams of scholars who are experts in biblical languages, theology, and textual criticism. Committee translation helps guard against individual and denominational bias and allows translators to evaluate linguistic, historical, and doctrinal questions carefully.
6. The Translation Must Preserve Doctrinal Accuracy
Because Scripture is the final authority for faith and practice, a faithful translation must accurately represent key theological terms and concepts. Important doctrinal language—such as justification, redemption, propitiation, and sanctification—should not be replaced with vague or watered-down expressions.
7. The Translation Should Be Clear but Faithful
A translation should be understandable in modern English while still preserving the structure and meaning of the original text. Clarity is important, but it should never come at the expense of accuracy.
And I would add this,
8. The Translation Should apply the “Sunshine Law” allowing the reader to see major manuscript decisions that went into translating the text.
This means that any major manuscript difference will be noted, and large sections excluded from older manuscripts will be not only be noted but included in the text, either in italics with a footnote, or written in the footnotes.
Let me further explain a type of Bible I just mentioned; the paraphrase. The most well-known example of a paraphrase today would have to be the Message Bible, or the Living Bible from a few years back. This is how a paraphrase is usually compiled. One author sits down with an English Bible, reads it a verse at a time, and then rewrites the verse so it can be understood for a more modern audience. Writers of paraphrases usually do not spend much or any time in the Greek and Hebrew manuscripts.
So, a paraphrase is really built on one person’s interpretation of the English text. Let me give you an example of what that ends up looking like.
This is what the first part of Ephesians 2:8-9 would look like in Greek.
τῇ γὰρ χάριτί ἐστε σεσῳσμένοι διὰ πίστεως…
Here’s the King James based on the Greek of the Textus Receptus.
8 “For by grace are ye saved through faith;”
And here’s the rest of the verse.
“and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: 9 Not of works, lest any man should boast.”
This is how the New American Standard translates those verses. Now remember that the New American Standard is a translation that tries to keep even the word order of the Greek as long as it is understandable.
8 “For by grace you have been saved through faith; and [a]this is not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; 9 not a result of works, so that no one may boast.”
Notice that there are words in italics. This indicates that those words were not in the Greek, but they are supplied in English to make it clearer.
Now this is the Message Bible, the interpretation of Eugene Peterson from his own mind.
“Saving is all his idea, and all his work. All we do is trust him enough to let him do it. It’s God’s gift from start to finish!”
That is remarkably different than both the King James, and the New American Standard.
Now, I’m not saying that anything said in that paraphrase is incorrect. But the danger comes when we start calling one man’s words, the Bible, or the Word of God.
“For by grace are ye saved through faith;” is Scripture. “Saving is all his idea, and all his work.” is not Scripture. It is the line of a sermon.
I get up to preach from the Bible on Sunday morning. And I might even explain Ephesians 2:8-9 by saying,
Saving is all his idea, and all his work. All we do is trust him enough to let him do it. It’s God’s gift from start to finish!
But I would never tell the people that my words explaining the actual English translation are the Word of God. That is dangerous territory.
So, back to our original question. Where do we fall with these criteria, and which Bible translations are best? I’ve created a ranking for you based on the above criteria. And then put those which meet those criteria at the top of the list, and those which fail on several of the criteria toward the bottom. Here are some words you might need to understand.
Formal Equivalence: A translation approach that tries to stay as close as possible to the original words and structure.
Very Literal Translation: A translation that follows the original language word-for-word, even if it sounds less natural in English.
Majority Text: A Greek text based on the most commonly found manuscripts, especially later copies.
Formal Scholarly Translation: A carefully produced translation by a team of experts, focused on accuracy to the original languages.
Dynamic Equivalence: A translation approach that focuses on conveying the meaning rather than exact wording.
Optimal Equivalence: An approach that tries to combine accuracy (word-for-word) and clarity (thought-for-thought).
English Bible Translations Ranked by Translation Criteria
Translation Translation Style Text Base Sunshine Law Transparency Rating Legacy Standard Bible Extremely formal equivalence Modern critical Greek text Italics and textual notes showing manuscript differences ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ New American Standard Bible Very formal equivalence Modern critical Greek text Brackets and footnotes indicating textual variants ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ English Standard Version Formal equivalence Modern critical Greek text Footnotes identifying manuscript differences ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ New English Translation (NET Bible) Formal with extensive explanatory notes Modern critical Greek text Very extensive translator and textual notes ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Lexham English Bible Very literal translation Modern critical Greek text Extensive textual notes ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ New King James Version Formal equivalence Textus Receptus with Majority Text and critical text comparisons Detailed manuscript comparison notes ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ American Standard Vers Formal equivalence Early modern critical Greek text Marginal notes identifying textual variants ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Revised Standard Version Formal equivalence Modern critical Greek text Footnotes identifying textual variants ⭐⭐⭐⭐ New Revised Standard Version / New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition Formal scholarly translation Modern critical Greek text Detailed manuscript notes ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Christian Standard Bible Optimal equivalence (balance between formal and dynamic) Modern critical Greek text Some manuscript notes ⭐⭐⭐⭐ King James Version Formal equivalence Textus Receptus and Masoretic Hebrew text Italics indicate supplied English words ⭐⭐⭐⭐ New International Version Dynamic equivalence Modern critical Greek text Limited manuscript notes ⭐⭐⭐ New Living Translation Dynamic equivalence Modern critical Greek text Few manuscript notes ⭐⭐
Now, as you look over that list you might say, “I don’t see my Bible there.” Often that is because the version of a Bible is not printed on the cover. Bibles are given all kinds of names these days for various reasons.
The MacArthur Study Bible, The Promise Bible, The Women’s Study Bible, The Extreme Youth Bible, The Life Application Study Bible, The Chronological Study Bible, The Adventure Bible, The Student Bible, The Teen Study Bible, The Archaeological Study Bible, The Apologetics Study Bible, The Leadership Bible, The Worship Bible, The Devotional Bible, The Couples Bible, The Family Bible, The Daily Walk Bible, The Quest Study Bible, The Open Bible, The Spirit-Filled Life Bible, The Thompson Chain-Reference Bible, The Cultural Backgrounds Study Bible, The Story Bible, The One Year Bible, The Prayer Bible, The Faith and Work Bible, The Military Bible, The Recovery Bible, The Names of God Bible, The Outreach Bible or even the Holy Bible.
These are not the names of translations. These were given these names for marketing purposes. You need to go to the title page at the front of the Bible, and there you will find the Bible version they used.
So, your first priority should be to choose a Bible that is faithful to the original text. Then I would suggest that if you want a study Bible, you find one whose notes help you understand what a passage meant “back then.” Let me explain with an example.
Example Passage: Philippians 4:6–7
“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God…”
A Study Bible might have this note on that verse.
“Be anxious” translates a Greek word meaning ‘to be divided or pulled apart.’ In the first-century context, anxiety often related to daily survival, persecution, and uncertainty. Paul writes from prison, encouraging believers to replace anxiety with trust in God through prayer.
“Supplication” (deēsis) refers to specific, urgent requests. “Thanksgiving” (eucharistia) indicates gratitude even before the answer is received.
Notice that the notes are designed to help you what the passage meant, “back then.” The person writing the note is trying to help you understand the world and language, “back then.”
Now this is what your notes from “Be anxious for nothing” may look like in a more devotionally themed Bible.
Sample Note (Women’s / Life Application style):
When life feels overwhelming, take your worries to God one at a time. Start by thanking Him for what He has already done. Trust that He hears you and cares deeply about every detail of your life.
One type of note helps you understand, “back then” and leaves the application to your life to the work of the Holy Spirit and your own mind. The devotional Study Bible immediately jumps to applying the verse “here and now.” It does the thinking for you and the Holy Spirit.
I prefer the first type of study Bible, because it enriches your understanding of the passage and allows the Spirit of God to apply it to your heart in all the unique ways that you are unique.
Now, let me make a final comment. I am relatively familiar with most of these translations in the above table. And I think this is a solid list for you to use to begin your search for a Bible. But let me tell you some things that may make a difference to you.
Legacy Standard Bible
Highest on my list is the Legacy Standard Version of Scripture. It is essentially a revision of the New American Standard Bible. One of the goals for this translation was to make the translation more consistent. For example, if a word for “slave” was used in the Greek translation of the Old Testament, (doulos) the translation chose to translate that same word “slave” every time it appears in the entire Bible.
Romans 1:1 Paul, a slave of Christ Jesus, called as an apostle, having been set apart for the gospel of God,
Romans 1:1 King James Version
Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated unto the gospel of God,
Previous translations might use alternates like “servant.” I like the consistency of the Legacy Standard. It helps me when I study to know that the same Greek word is behind an English word.
In addition to that, the translation takes the name of God; Yahweh, in Hebrew, and uses the name every time it is in the text. This clears up meaning from other translations that would put the word LORD in all capital letters when Yahweh was the Hebrew word. Let me give you an example verse. This is how the King James translates Psalm 110:1.
The Lord said unto my Lord, Sit thou at my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool. He second
Notice that the first “Lord” is in all capital letters. The second “Lord” is not. That was how the King James indicated that the first one was the name of God. (Yahweh)
This is how it is written in the Legacy Standard.
Yahweh says to my Lord: “Sit at My right hand Until I put Your enemies as a footstool for Your feet.”
I highly recommend the Legacy Standard translation, but I want you to be aware that the repeated use of Yahweh takes a bit to get used to.
The New American Standard Version
This criticism for the New American Standard Version would also apply to the Legacy Standard. They both attempt to keep to precise equivalence in their translations. They are criticized for sacrificing understandability in order to stay as close to the original Greek as possible. Here is an example,
New American Standard
Hebrews 12:14 “Pursue peace with all men, and the sanctification without which no one will see the Lord.”
Here’s how the Christian Standard Bible writes it.
14 Pursue peace with everyone, and holiness—without it no one will see the Lord.
Here are some other critiques of other versions.
English Standard Version
Criticisms: Some scholars claim the ESV sometimes follows traditional wording rather than strictly literal translation.
Genesis 3:16 “Your desire shall be contrary to your husband”
Some critics argue the Hebrew likely means “your desire shall be for your husband.”
This verse has generated debate about interpretation.
New English Translation
Criticisms: Extensive notes can make it appear overly interpretive. Some critics say it occasionally explains meaning rather than strictly translating
Romans 3:25 “God publicly displayed him at his death as the mercy seat accessible through faith.”
Some scholars think “propitiation” is a more precise theological term.
Lexham English Bible
Criticisms: Extremely literal structure can produce awkward English phrasing. Designed more for study than reading
Ephesians 1:3 “Blessed is the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.”
Some critics say the phrasing feels less natural in modern English.
New King James Version
Criticisms: Based primarily on the Textus Receptus. Critics argue this relies on later Byzantine manuscripts
1 John 5:7 “the Father, the Word, and the Holy Spirit; and these three are one.”
Many earlier manuscripts do not contain this phrase.
American Standard Version
Criticisms: Very literal but extremely archaic and stiff. Sometimes uses awkward constructions
Psalm 23:1 “Jehovah is my shepherd; I shall not want.”
Critics say the phrase “shall not want” is confusing to modern readers.
Revised Standard Version
Criticisms: Historically criticized by conservatives for rendering Isaiah 7:14 as: “Behold, a young woman shall conceive” instead of “a virgin shall conceive.”
Critics believed this weakened the prophecy of Christ’s birth.
New Revised Standard Version
Criticisms: Some critics say the translation occasionally reflects modern linguistic preferences.
Romans 16:7 “Junia”
Some argue the name should be Junias, though manuscript evidence favors Junia.
Christian Standard Bible
Criticisms: The “optimal equivalence” approach sometimes results in less literal wording.
Psalm 8:5 “You made him little less than God.”
Some scholars argue the Hebrew may mean “little lower than the angels.”
King James Version
Criticisms: Based on the Textus Receptus, which relied on relatively few late manuscripts. Contains several readings absent from earlier manuscripts.
Acts 8:37 “I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.”
Absent from many early manuscripts.
Mark 16:9–20 Long ending not found in earliest manuscripts.
New International Version
Criticisms: Dynamic equivalence sometimes interprets instead of translating
Romans 3:25 “sacrifice of atonement”
Critics say the Greek word hilasterion may be better translated propitiation.
New Living Translation
Criticisms: Highly interpretive. Often expands wording beyond the Greek text.
1 Timothy 6:10 “For the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil.”
Adds “kinds of” to clarify meaning.
Well, the sum of it all should be this; Everyone should have a good study Bible to use as their primary source of study. Now there are also many “Bibles” that you should avoid. And you should avoid them because they are nothing more than one man’s interpretation of what a Bible passage means. They are like reading only devotional books or only listening to lite sermonettes. They are not tools for a deep study of Scripture.
Here is a list for those, “don’t buy” Bibles.
Paraphrase or Interpretive Bible Versions Often Avoided for Study
Version Author Type Main Concern The Living Bible Kenneth Taylor Paraphrase Paraphrased largely from the English ASV rather than directly from Hebrew and Greek The Message Eugene Peterson Paraphrase Highly interpretive and conversational wording rather than translation The Passion Translation Brian Simmons Paraphrase Expands the text and inserts interpretive material not found in the original manuscripts The Mirror Bible Francois du Toit Paraphrase Reflects theological interpretation rather than textual translation The Clear Word Jack Blanco Paraphrase Expands the biblical text with explanatory commentary The Cotton Patch Version Clarence Jordan Cultural paraphrase Replaces biblical settings with modern American locations The Voice Various editors but heavily interpretive Dynamic paraphrase Adds explanatory dialogue not present in original text
Well, that is my answer to the question, “Which Bible is best?” When it comes right down to it, I have faith that most English translations, (not paraphrases) will be suitable for a person’s spiritual edification. As I’ve said repeatedly, the differences in the translations are usually minor, and no major doctrine depends on a word or verse that is found in one version, but not the other.
The biggest differences really come down to whether you want a Bible that is a tool which fully informs you about various manuscripts or if you would prefer not to have all of that.
I know this has been a deep dive into what seems like a simple question, but I hope this has been helpful.