English Versions of the Bible

Since the translation of the Bible into the vernacular of the people by Luther, Wycliff (1382), Tyndale (1535), and others, English versions of the Bible have appeared as new textual and archaeological information has come to light and as the language itself has changed. The King James Version of 1611, translated by a committee of scholars and theologians, has been a favorite for many generations of Christians, but its Elizabethan language has become archaic and difficult, although the majesty and literary value appeals to many yet today. A modern updating of the KJV, the New King James Version, seeks to retain as much of the flavor of the KJV while making it more understandable to the modern reader.

Other modern translations have appeared which represent more original scholarship and reference to new manuscripts, particularly the Dead Sea Scrolls found in 1947, and the Nag Hamadi manuscripts. The key to selecting a version is in considering the specific purpose of that Bible. For private devotional reading, a paraphrase may be meaningful; for public worship a more literary translation; and for Bible study an accurate version with study helps, perhaps. Some modern translations, in their attempt to be contemporary, sound jarring to the ear. Parallel translations, in which one can compare versions side by side can not only help us to understand the Scripture, but also choose a favorite version.

• The New English Bible (1970) Outstanding literary merit; a British version which may not be as understandable to the American reader.
• The Jerusalem Bible (1955) Another outstanding literary translation; by French Dominican scholars.
• J.B. Phillips translation Early attempt to make the Bible understandable to the modern reader.
• Good News Bible (1976) (TEV) American Bible Society translation, accurate and readable.
• Good News for Today's Family (CEV) More simplified version (3rd grade reading level)

• the New Living Bible (1972) Popular paraphrase by Kenneth Taylor, whose intent was readability, now updated by a team of scholars (1996). Often interprets the text to suit a particular point of view.

• the New International Bible (NIV) Conservative, very accurate, tries to reflect some of the flavor of the KJV while retaining readability.

• New Revised Standard Version (NRSV) Reflects new texts and current scholarship; produced by a committee of Bible scholars.