Word-for-Word
Scholars translate each word based upon the word usage at the time of the writing. No translation is actually “word for word,” but the intent is to come as close as possible. This method is also called formal equivalence.
Signature experience
Translation continuum
For more than 2,000 years, scholars have been translating the Bible. Three primary methods — and a fourth approach — have evolved.
The original manuscripts have not survived, but God's Word has been preserved through meticulous copying.
Three primary methods of translation (and a fourth approach) have evolved over the centuries.
Now showing Guided. The four approaches this guide lists, with a short explanation of each.
This is an educational comparison guide — not a Bible reader, and not a quiz that picks a best Bible. You can change this anytime.
Select up to four translations on the continuum.
More emphasis on formMore emphasis on natural expression
Word-for-Word
Word-for-Word
Also called
Scholars translate each word based upon the word usage at the time of the writing. No translation is actually “word for word,” but the intent is to come as close as possible. This method is also called formal equivalence.
Balance
Balance
Also called optimal equivalence
Scholars attempt to mediate between a word-for-word approach and a thought-for-thought approach. This method is sometimes called optimal equivalence.
Thought-for-Thought
Thought-for-Thought
Also called
Scholars translate the meaning of each thought. This is how most non-biblical translation for modern books is done. This method is also called functional (or dynamic) equivalence.
Paraphrase
Paraphrase
Also called free translation
This is a restatement of a translation in modern terms and vocabulary, often expanded for clarity. This approach is sometimes called free translation.
Four translations are selected. Deselect one to add another.
Compare the selected translations
ESV
Word-for-Word · Grade 8 · 2001
NIV
Balance · Grade 7 · 1978
NLT
Thought-for-Thought · Grade 6.3 · 1996
KJV
Word-for-Word · Grade 12 · 1611
Compare the translations
These are the listed classifications for each version. They describe the translation, not this verse.
Method
- ESV Word-for-Word
- NIV Balance
- NLT Thought-for-Thought
- KJV Word-for-Word
Reading
- ESV Grade 8
- NIV Grade 7
- NLT Grade 6.3
- KJV Grade 12
Era
- ESV 2001
- NIV 1978
- NLT 1996
- KJV 1611
Lineage
- ESV Revised Standard Version (1971 edition)
- NIV Not listed in this guide
- NLT The Living Bible (1971)
- KJV Bishop's Bible (1568), Tyndale's Bible (1535)
NT basis
- ESV United Bible Societies Greek New Testament, Nestle-Aland Novum Testamentum Graece
- NIV Eclectic text
- NLT United Bible Societies Greek New Testament, Nestle-Aland Novum Testamentum Graece
- KJV Textus Receptus
OT basis
- ESV Biblia Hebraica Stuttgartensia, Dead Sea Scrolls, Septuagint, Samaritan Pentateuch, Syriac Peshitta, Vulgate
- NIV Biblia Hebraica, Dead Sea Scrolls, Septuagint, Aquila, Symmachus and Theodotion, Vulgate, other ancient manuscripts
- NLT Biblia Hebraica Stuttgartensia, Dead Sea Scrolls, Septuagint, Vulgate, Syriac Peshitta, Samaritan Pentateuch
- KJV Masoretic Text; Complutensian Polyglot, Antwerp Polyglot
Purpose
- 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…
- NLT To provide an easy-to-read modern version.
- KJV In response to Protestant concerns of inaccuracies in earlier English versions (Tyndale's, Geneva, Bishop's).
What changes as you move across the continuum?
This axis is translation approach — how English relates to the form and meaning of the source languages. It is not an accuracy scale. Left is not better; right is not worse.
Balance
Scholars attempt to mediate between a word-for-word approach and a thought-for-thought approach. This method is sometimes called optimal equivalence.
Thought-for-Thought
Scholars translate the meaning of each thought. This is how most non-biblical translation for modern books is done. This method is also called functional (or dynamic) equivalence.
Paraphrase
This is a restatement of a translation in modern terms and vocabulary, often expanded for clarity. This approach is sometimes called free translation.
Why do new translations continue to appear?
Words change
Modern language changes constantly, and the Bible must use understandable words for everyday life.
Our understanding of ancient languages changes
The Bible was written using hundreds of words that are no longer understood. Scholars continue to discover meanings of words and phrases, and either update or create new translations.
Translators' purposes vary
When an ancient word may be translated correctly in several different ways, the translators' purpose affects which words are chosen.