I thought it might be good to look at the types of English Bible translations available, along with their various focus, strengths, and limitations. Some of you may be wondering what translation would best suit you and why some translations seem so different from others. I thought this might be helpful.
We will look at them from the most accurate to the original text to the least:
- Interlinear or Ultra-Literal: This is the most transparent to the original text. It shows direct word alignment with original languages along with morphology and word order.
Its strength is maximum transparency and is ideal for textual and linguistic analysis.
Its major limitations are that you can’t read the thing. It pretty much requires a knowledge of the original languages.
Examples: Greek-English Interlinear or a Hebrew-English Interlinear.
- Formal Equivalence (Word-for-Word): This is the highest quality readable translation type. It preserves as much grammar, syntax, and terminology as possible.
Its strengths are that it provides the best balance of accuracy and usability with minimal theological interpretation.
Its major limitations are that it can sound awkward and the figures of speech may be unclear.
Examples: NASB (1995, 2020), ESV, NRSV, KJV
- Optimal/Mediating Equivalence: This form leans toward formal but smooths where the English requires it.
Its strengths are that it is generally faithful while readable. As a result, it is often used in both academic and church settings.
Its major limitation is that it may include interpretation to make it more readable.
Examples: CSB, REB, TNIV
- Dynamic Equivalence (Thought-for-Thought): This prioritizes meaning over form. It translates ideas rather than exact wording.
Its strengths are that it is clear, accessible, and communicates the sense of the passage to the modern reader.
It is limited in the sense it loses verbal precision and includes more translator interpretation.
Examples: NIV, NLT, GNT (Good News Translation)
- Functional/Reader-Response Equivalence: This type attempts to focus on how the original audience would have felt or understood the text.
The strength here is strong cultural clarity.
Its limitation is that we are starting to creep further from the original wording and relying more on the translator’s interpretation.
Examples: CEB (Common English Bible), CEV (Contemporary English Version)
- Expanded/Amplified Translations: These insert additional possible meanings into the text itself.
The strength here is that it is helpful for word studies.
The limitations are that it blurs translation to provide commentary and is less reliable as a stand alone text.
Example: AMP (Amplified Bible)
- Confessional/Theologically Guided Translations: Doctrine influences this translation type and so may adjust wording to align with theology.
The strength is that it is internally consistent, though it may not be consistent with the text.
The limitation, of course, is the risk of doctrinal bias overriding the linguistic evidence.
Examples: NWT (New World Translation), Orthodox Study Bible, New Jerusalem Bible
- Paraphrase: This is the least reliable for conveying the original text as it rewrites Scripture in a modern form.
The strength is that it is readable and is often used as a devotional Bible.
The limitations are that it is not a translation in the technical sense but reflects the author’s interpretation more than the original wording.
Examples: MSG (The Message), TLB (The Living Bible)
Why is this important?
Translation types and styles are very important and provide a variety of sources for the Christian. If we are looking for a relaxing devotional time, we might reach for a paraphrase to get the overall meaning of a passage. If we wanted to do an in-depth study of that passage, though, we would be much better served by picking up a Formal Equivalence translation, which will give us a much more accurate picture of the words and order of the words the original writer wanted to convey.
Also be aware that there are Bibles out there that are extremely doctrinal such as a theologically guided translation, which can heavily interpret a passage to match what the denomination (NJB-Catholic) or cult (NWT-Jehovah’s Witnesses) teaches.
Or, maybe you might want something less wooden yet close to the text. The Mediating Equivalence form might be more to your liking.
Whatever your needs or tastes, know what you’re getting when you buy a Bible. Remember, the original documents are inspired, not the translations. The farther we move away from a translation from the originals, the more interpretation slips in.
Believers Armed and Dangerous 