Which Bible Translation Should You Read? Let’s Break It Down

So, you’re ready to dive into the Bible, but you’re staring at a shelf full of translations, wondering which one to pick. Or maybe you’ve been reading one version for years and you’re curious about switching things up. Either way, I’ve got you covered. I’m Travis Maxey, and I’ve read or listened through the Bible over 55 times in the last decade, journeying through it about once a month. I’m passionate about helping you navigate your own Bible-reading adventure, so let’s talk translations!

Video Link

The big question is: Which Bible translation is the right one?

Is God only found in the King James Version, or is He speaking through other translations too? What’s reliable? What’s not? Here’s the deal—I’ve read and listened to a ton of translations, and guess what? They all carry the same core message from Genesis to Revelation. We can get hung up on which one is “better,” but honestly, they all have a purpose. It’s less about finding the perfect translation and more about finding one that works for you.

I spend about 3-6 hours a day reading and studying God's Living Word. I give away my weekly verse-by-verse notes for free. Click the button below to subscribe to the weekly commentary.

Get the Weekly Commentary

The Three Types of Bible Translations

Before we dive in, let’s break down the three main types of translations out there:

1. Word-for-Word: These aim to stick as close as possible to the original Hebrew and Greek texts. Think King James Version (KJV) or New American Standard Bible (NASB).

2. Thought-for-Thought: These focus on capturing the overall meaning of the original text in a way that’s easy to read. Examples include the New Living Translation (NLT) and New International Version (NIV).

3. Paraphrase: These are more like a retelling of the Bible in modern, conversational language. The Message is the big player here. Each type has its strengths, so where do you start? It depends on your background and what you’re looking for.

My Take on the King James Version

I know a lot of folks grew up with the King James Version, and I respect that. It’s a classic, falling into the word-for-word category. But here’s my pushback: we don’t talk like that anymore. The “thees” and “thous” can make it tough to understand, especially if you’re sharing the Bible with someone new to faith or far from God. You end up translating the English into modern English just to get the point across, and that can feel clunky. If you love the KJV and its manuscripts, that’s awesome—stick with it! But you might want to try the New King James Version (NKJV). It keeps the essence of the KJV but swaps out the old-school language for something more approachable. It’s a great bridge between tradition and clarity.

A Word on “Word-for-Word” Translations

Here’s a quick reality check: there’s no such thing as a perfect word-for-word translation. Hebrew and Greek don’t map neatly onto English. Sometimes, it takes multiple English words to convey one Greek or Hebrew word. Context is everything. Take the shortest verse in the Bible, “Jesus wept” (John 11:35). Some translations say Jesus wept out of compassion, but the Greek word used there often means “indignant” elsewhere. So, was Jesus compassionate or angry at unbelief? Context shapes the meaning, and no translation gets it 100% perfect. That’s why it’s good to explore a few versions. My go-to word-for-word translation is the NASB 1995. I love it because it’s transparent—it flags “supplied” words (ones added for clarity that aren’t in the original text) and highlights clear Old Testament references. It can read a bit choppy, but I dig that precision. Another solid option is the English Standard Version (ESV), which flows a little smoother but still stays close to the original texts.

Thought-for-Thought: Great for Clarity

If you’re new to the Bible or just want something easier to read, thought-for-thought translations like the NLT or NIV are fantastic. They focus on the author’s intended meaning rather than a strict word-for-word rendering, which makes them great for devotional reading or studying the big picture. I’d caution against newer NIV editions (post-1970s) because they sometimes gender-neutralize pronouns, which can shift the text’s meaning. If you’re curious about the NIV, stick with an older version. Either way, thought-for-thought translations are a great way to mix things up, whether you’re a new believer or a seasoned reader.

Paraphrase: A Fresh Perspective

Then there’s the paraphrase category, like The Message. I’ll be honest—I was super skeptical of it at first, especially for the Old Testament. It’s not my top pick, but I’ve come to see its value. It’s like a 10,000-foot view of the Bible, especially the New Testament, and it can make the storyline pop in a fresh way. It’s not for deep study, but reading it once in your life can spark new insights about living God’s way.

So, Which Translation Should You Pick?

Here’s my advice: just start reading. Seriously. Pick a translation and dive in. They all point to the same truth. If you’re unsure, here’s a quick guide: - Love tradition? Try the NKJV or ESV. - Want precision? Go for the NASB 1995. - Need clarity? Check out the NLT or an older NIV. - Feeling adventurous? Give The Message a whirl for a fresh perspective.

Your Turn: What translation do you read most, and why? Drop your thoughts below—I’d love to hear what’s working for you! Keep exploring, keep reading, and let’s journey through the Bible together. —while adapting the script for a blog post format. It’s concise, engaging, and includes your personal insights and recommendations, with a clear call to action at the end. Let me know if you’d like any tweaks!