ASV1901
American Standard Version
Protestant/InterdenominationalFormal equivalence
The American Standard Version represents a watershed moment in biblical translation history. Published in 1901 as an American revision of the British Revised Version, it prioritizes word-for-word accuracy and consistency in translating key biblical terms. Its literal approach and use of 'Jehovah' for the divine name make it invaluable for serious Bible study.
“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.”
BSB2020
Berean Standard Bible
InterdenominationalLiteral
The Berean Standard Bible represents a modern effort to combine accuracy with readability for contemporary readers. Produced by the Bible Hub team and released in 2020, it is based on the most reliable Hebrew and Greek manuscripts available. As a free, open-source translation, it prioritizes both scholarly precision and clear, natural English that modern audiences can understand.
“For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that everyone who believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.”
CatholicFormal equivalence
The Douay-Rheims American Bible represents the Catholic English-speaking tradition's approach to Scripture. Based on the Latin Vulgate rather than the original languages, it includes the Deuterocanonical books accepted by the Catholic Church. The translation combines formal, reverent language with a theological perspective shaped by Catholic doctrine and tradition.
“For God so loved the world, as to give his only begotten Son; that whosoever believeth in him, may not perish, but may have life everlasting.”
Latter-day SaintInspired revision
The Joseph Smith Translation represents a unique scriptural work within the Latter-day Saint tradition. Rather than a translation from original languages, Joseph Smith undertook an inspired revision of the King James Version, believing he was correcting passages that had been altered or mistranslated over centuries. This translation includes significant theological additions and clarifications important to LDS doctrine.
“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”
ProtestantFormal equivalence
The King James Version stands as the most influential English Bible translation in history. Commissioned by King James I and translated by 47 scholars, it combines majestic Elizabethan prose with remarkable linguistic accuracy. Its cadence and language have shaped English literature and speech for over four centuries.
“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”
LSV2020
Literal Standard Version
InterdenominationalLiteral
The Literal Standard Version represents an extreme commitment to literalness in Bible translation. Published in 2020, it aims to preserve the structure, word order, and grammatical features of the original Hebrew and Greek as much as possible within English constraints. For readers seeking maximum transparency to the original languages, the LSV offers unparalleled insight into how the biblical text was constructed.
“for God so loved the world, so that His only-begotten Son He gave, that everyone who is believing in Him may not perish, but may have life eternal.”
Jehovah's WitnessesLiteral
The New World Translation is produced by Jehovah's Witnesses and represents their theological perspective and translation principles. First published in 1961 and substantially revised in 2013, it emphasizes literal accuracy and clarity while consistently using 'Jehovah' for the divine name. The translation is known for its clear modern language and distinctive renderings that reflect Witness theology.
“For God loved the world so much that he gave his one and only Son, so that everyone exercising faith in him might not be destroyed but have everlasting life.”
WEB2000
World English Bible
InterdenominationalFormal equivalence
The World English Bible is a modern, free translation that updates the American Standard Version for contemporary readers. Published in 2000 and placed in the public domain, the WEB maintains the ASV's commitment to literal accuracy while using modern English that is clearer and more accessible to 21st-century audiences. It represents a continuing effort to make Scripture freely available to all.
“For God so loved the world, that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish, but have eternal life.”