How to use this site

Start with a task

• Understand why translations differ

  Start with the main question this guide exists to answer.

  Understand why translations differ

• Compare two Bibles

  Read the same verses in the ESV and the NIV, then change the pair.

  Compare two Bibles

• Find easier-to-read translations

  the listed reading-grade numbers, from easier modern English to more complex sentences.

  Find easier-to-read translations

• Learn where a translation came from

  Trace the earlier English Bibles this guide lists for a translation.

  Learn where a translation came from

• Understand translation philosophy

  See the continuum from more word-for-word to more thought-for-thought.

  Understand translation philosophy

• Learn why verses or footnotes differ

  English Bibles may rest on different Greek New Testament editions.

  Learn why verses or footnotes differ

• Explore the history of English Bibles

  Walk first listed release years. Dates are not a family tree.

  Explore the history of English Bibles

Different dimensions, same subject

What each tool is for

• Side-by-side differences

  Compare

  The same verses in two to four translations. Difference Map and Translation Lens live here as modes, not separate sites.

  Open Compare

• How it translates

  Translation approach

  Word-for-word through paraphrase. Neither end is automatically better.

  Open Translation approach

• Reading difficulty

  Reading level

  How demanding the English is. This is not accuracy or spiritual value.

  Open Reading level

• Lineage

  Family tree

  The earlier English Bibles this guide lists. Chronology is not a family tree.

  Open Family tree

• When

  History

  First listed release years. Dates are not philosophy.

  Open History

• Textual basis

  Greek texts

  The three popular Greek New Testament editions this guide compares.

  Open Greek texts