General Translation Classifications:

• Word For Word: (KJV, NASB, NKJV) sometimes called Formal Equivalence, ie. as literal as possible, sometimes sacrificing meaning.

• Optimal Equivalence (ESV, HCSB) is a recent term used with the English Standard Bible and the Holman Christian Standard Bible. The theory is to translate using Formal Equivalence where possible and Dynamic Equivalence where needed to clarify the text.
  

• Thought For Thought: (NIV) Meaning based, sometimes referred to as Dynamic Equivalence, sometimes sacrificing literal meanings.
  

• Paraphrase: (The Message, The Living Bible), sometimes called a  'Free Translation' however it is not strictly a translation but a interpretive restatement of the text.

We do recommend the ESV**  for detailed study and the NIV for general reading. They are the best choices for today's Bible student.  The NLT is a good choice for devotional reading and for young people but not for study.

We do not recommend Study Bibles. See our Not Recommended page for details.

Also see: Translation Comparison (based on Romans 3:23-26), and Recommended Translations

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