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Interactive comparison

Compare Bible translations

Enter any passage, choose two to four Bibles, and see how translation approach shapes the English you read.

Now showing Guided. A short summary, then the passage, with a little context for each difference.

This is an educational comparison guide — not a Bible reader, and not a quiz that picks a best Bible. You can change this anytime.

The short version

This guide lists the ESV as Word-for-Word and the NIV as Balance. This guide lists NIV at grade 7 and ESV at grade 8.

This summary uses the listed method and reading-grade listings. It is not a ranking.

  • How literal is it?

    ESV stays closer to the wording and structure of the original languages. NIV aims to balance original wording with natural English.

  • How easy is it to read?

    This guide lists NIV at grade 7 and ESV at grade 8. Moderate reading difficulty is a teaching group of that number, not a quality score.

  • What does it feel like to read?

    ESV is first listed in 1970 or later (2001) and more word-for-word. NIV is first listed in 1970 or later (1978) and a balance of both.

  • What is it especially good for?

    ESV: To produce a modern, readable, and accurate translation in the tradition of the Tyndale Version (1535) and King James Version (1611). NIV: To provide a modern translation acceptable to many denominations. The 2011 revision brought the translation into line with contemporary…

Change the Bibles or the passage anytime. The short version updates with your selection.

Showing John 3:16

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Two to four translations. Tap a name to replace it; arrows reorder the columns.

John 3:16

2 translations · how they translate

Translators sometimes keep more of the original wording and structure. Sometimes they prioritize natural English. Every translation involves judgment. Closer wording is not automatically more accurate, and natural English is not automatically less faithful.

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Where these translations sit

This picture shows differences in approach and reading grade, not which Bible is best.

Placement on this picture is a teaching view of the listed method classification and reading-grade numbers. It is not a measured diagram and is not a measured distance.

More word-for-word

A balance of both

More thought-for-thought

A paraphrase

ESV

English Standard Version

  • Approach: More word-for-word. This guide lists this as Word-for-Word.
  • Reading: Moderate reading difficulty. the listed grade is 8.
  • English era (app grouping): first listed 2001 — 1970 or later.

NIV

New International Version

  • Approach: A balance of both. This guide lists this as Balance.
  • Reading: Moderate reading difficulty. the listed grade is 7.
  • English era (app grouping): first listed 1978 — 1970 or later.

Explore this difference

The versions you selected differ as translations in the ways listed below. That does not explain any particular word in this passage.

  • Translation approachWord-for-Word · Balance
  • Reading gradeESV 8 · NIV 7
  • LineageESV: Revised Standard Version (1971 edition) · NIV: not listed in this guide
  • Textual basisESV: United Bible Societies Greek New Testament, Nestle-Aland Novum Testamentum Graece · NIV: Eclectic text
  • Stated purposeThis guide lists a different stated purpose for each of these versions.
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These pairs are generated from listed facts. They are contrasts to learn from, not rankings.