Find the Right Bible
Bibles come in a variety of formats and sizes. Many are targeted for specific people or special occasions. Some have additional material for devotion or study. Here are the most popular Bible translations grouped by type, with a brief description, a sample reading, and a link that will allow you to quickly find more Bibles of the same type.
AMP
Translation Type: Word-for-Word plus additional amplification of word meanings. Formal Equivalence.
Target Audience: Those looking for more detailed shades of meaning in scripture.
Denominational Affiliation: None
Publisher: Zondervan
Year Released: 1965, 1987
CEB
Translation Type: Hybrid verbal equivalent with dynamic balance and common language.
Target Audience: Bible readers of all ages.
Denominational Affiliation: Interdenominational
Publisher: Abingdon Press (Sole Distributor)
Year Released: 2010, 2011
CEV
Translation Type: Dynamic Equivalence – thought-for-thought
Target Audience: Unchurched.
Denominational Affiliation: Conservative, evangelical and mainline
Publisher: American Bible Society
Year Released: 1995
CJB
Translation Type: Dynamic Equivalence: thought-for-thought
Target Audience: Jews and Christians interested in Jewish roots.
Denominational Affiliation: Messianic Jewish
Publisher: Messianic Jewish Publishers / Jewish New Testament Publications
Year Released: 1998
CSB
Translation Type: Dynamic Equivalence: thought-for-thought
Target Audience: Anyone interested in reading the Bible.
Denominational Affiliation: None
Publisher: Broadman and Holman
Year Released: 2017
ESV
Translation Type: Formal Equivalence: essentially literal
Target Audience: Bible readers of all ages.
Denominational Affiliation: Evangelical, interdenominational, conservative
Publisher: Crossway
Year Released: 2001
GNT
Translation Type: Dynamic Equivalence: thought-for-thought
Target Audience: Evangelical and mainline Protestant. Catholic Orthodox.
Denominational Affiliation: Evangelical snd interconfessional
Publisher: American Bible Society
Year Released: 1976, 1992, 2001
HCSB
Holman Christian Standard Bible
Translation Type: Formal Equivalence
Target Audience: Bible readers of all ages
Denominational Affiliation: Protestant, evangelical, conservative, interdenominational
Publisher: Holman Bible Publishers
Year Released: 2000, 2002, 2004
ICB
International Children’s Bible
Translation Type: Dynamic Equivalence: thought-for-thought
Target Audience: Elementary readers
Denominational Affiliation: Broad evangelical
Publisher: Thomas Nelson
Year Released: 1989
KJV
Translation Type: Formal Equivalence
Target Audience: Conservative protestant
Denominational Affiliation: Church of England, conservative and evangelical
Publisher: Various
Year Released: 1611
KJVER
King James Version Easy Read
Translation Type: Formal Equivalence
Target Audience: Conservative protestant
Denominational Affiliation: Conservative and evangelical
Publisher: Whitaker House
Year Released: 1974
MSG
Translation Type: Paraphrase. Contemporary equivalence.
Target Audience: People who have never read the Bible. Long time Christians wanting to read with new eyes.
Denominational Affiliation: Evangelical
Publisher: NavPress Publishing Group
Year Released: 2002
