Word-for-Word

These translations attempt to provide the reader with an exact translation of the Greek, Hebrew and Aramaic original texts into English. These translations prioritize the original wording of a text, even if that means the meaning might be obscure at times.

Thought-for-Thought

The Bible was composed over centuries in a variety of cultural contexts. Sometimes something can be lost in a word for word translation given the need for more context. Thought-for-thought translations attempt to provide a close translation of the text that also more clearly conveys a passage’s ideas. These translations try to balance both readability and fidelity to the Bible’s original wording.

Paraphrase

While not attempting a word-for-word or close translation of a passage, a paraphrase is still an attempt to communicate the meaning of a passage. A paraphrase prioritizes the original meaning of a passage, but not its original words.

Bible version abbreviation key

• CSB: Christian Standard Bible
• CEV: Contemporary English Version
• ESV: English Standard Version
• MSG: The Message
• NASB: New American Standard Bible
• NIRV: New International Reader’s Version
• NIV: New International Version
• NKJV: New King James Version
• NLT: New Living Translation