GW
BalanceTranslation profile
God's Word Translation
GW
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
GW aims to balance original wording with natural English.
These sentences use the listed method, reading-grade, lineage, and notable-facts fields. They are not a ranking.
Translation approach
GW aims to balance original wording with natural English. This guide lists this as Balance.
Reading difficulty
Easier modern English. This guide lists grade 5.1.
What makes it distinctive
This version was translated by a committee of biblical scholars and English reviewers to ensure accurate, natural English.
How it translates
Translation approach: . GW aims to balance original wording with natural English.
Scholars attempt to mediate between a word-for-word approach and a thought-for-thought approach. This method is sometimes called optimal equivalence.
Reading level
Easier modern English. This guide lists grade 5.1. Reading level does not measure accuracy.
Where it came from
This guide does not list an English Bible lineage for this translation.
First listed 1995.
Text and source listings
Old Testament:
New Testament: Nestle-Aland Novum Testamentum Graece
What makes it distinctive
A translation’s story
Why this translation exists
1
Before it
This guide does not list an earlier English Bible in this translation’s lineage field.
2
Why it was created
To accurately translate the meaning of the original texts into clear, everyday language.
3
How it translates
Balance. Scholars attempt to mediate between a word-for-word approach and a thought-for-thought approach. This method is sometimes called optimal equivalence.
4
Who / what it was designed for
This version was translated by a committee of biblical scholars and English reviewers to ensure accurate, natural English. Used by teenagers and adults for personal devotions, worship, and Bible study.
5
Where it sits
Balance · Grade 5.1 · First released 1995 (Modern English).
See it in action
Compare with translations that offer a useful contrast — not a ranking.
KJV
Different translation approach
ASV
Different reading grade
RSV
Older and newer English
Sample verses
Jesus said to them, “Come, follow me! I will teach you how to catch people instead of fish.”
16 God loved the world this way: He gave his only Son so that everyone who believes in him will not die but will have eternal life. 17 God sent his Son into the world, not to condemn the world, but to save the world.