Best Bible Translations

One of the most common questions about the Bible is: “What translation should I use?”

The truth is, the best translation for you is one you can understand and follow. We are blessed today to have so many excellent translations, each with its own strengths.

Literal Translations – Closest to the Original Languages

These versions aim to keep the wording and phrasing as close as possible to the original Hebrew and Greek.

• New American Standard Bible (NASB) – My personal favorite. Accurate, reliable, and faithful to the original text.

• English Standard Version (ESV) – Very similar to the NASB, also an excellent choice.

• Updated NASB editions remove older pronouns like thee and thou for easier reading while keeping accuracy intact.

Paraphrase Translations – Easy to Read

These rephrase the text into modern-day English for clarity and readability while keeping the meaning intact.

• The Living Bible – Great for early morning reading or when you want to clearly grasp the message.

• Often available as a Life Application Bible, which includes study notes, maps, and commentary to help apply Scripture to daily life.

Balance Between Literal and Paraphrase

• New Living Translation (NLT) – Blends the clarity of a paraphrase with the accuracy of a more literal translation.

Classic Translations

• King James Version (KJV) – Beautiful and historic, dating back to the 1600s.

• New King James Version (NKJV) – Maintains the classic style but updates the language for today.

Bible Apps

Don’t forget about the convenience of Bible apps like YouVersion’s Life Bible App—carry multiple translations on your phone and read anywhere.

No matter which translation you choose, the key is to read it regularly, understand what God is saying, and apply it to your life.