ASV
Word-for-WordTranslation profile
American Standard Version
ASV
How it translates, how hard it is to read, where it came from, and what makes it distinctive.
Now showing Guided. How it translates, how hard it is to read, where it came from, and what makes it distinctive.
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
ASV stays closer to the wording and structure of the original languages.
These sentences use the listed method, reading-grade, lineage, and notable-facts fields. They are not a ranking.
Translation approach
ASV stays closer to the wording and structure of the original languages. This guide lists this as Word-for-Word.
Reading difficulty
More complex sentence structure. This guide lists grade 12.
What makes it distinctive
This version has earned a reputation as being very true to the Greek and Hebrew texts.
Lineage / history
This guide lists earlier English work: English Revised Version, King James Version.
How it translates
Translation approach: . ASV stays closer to the wording and structure of the original languages.
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.
Reading level
More complex sentence structure. This guide lists grade 12. Reading level does not measure accuracy.
Where it came from
: English Revised Version; King James Version
First listed 1901.
Text and source listings
Old Testament: ,
New Testament: Westcott-Hort
What makes it distinctive
A translation’s story
Why this translation exists
1
Before it
English Revised Version · King James Version → ASV → American Standard Version · American Standard Version
English Revised Version, King James Version
2
Why it was created
To address about 300 suggestions from American translators to change the English Revised Version to acceptable American word usage.
3
How it translates
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.
4
Who / what it was designed for
This version has earned a reputation as being very true to the Greek and Hebrew texts. Formal and used for serious Bible study.
5
Where it sits
Word-for-Word · Grade 12 · First released 1901 (Historical English).
See it in action
Compare with translations that offer a useful contrast — not a ranking.
KJV
Related English lineage
GNT
Different translation approach
NIrV
Different reading grade
Sample verses
And he saith unto them, Come ye after me, and I will make you fishers of men.
16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth on him should not perish, but have eternal life. 17 For God sent not the Son into the world to judge the world; but that the world should be saved through him.