My Bible Preferences

1. NIV (2011) – amazing accuracy, yet very easy to read and understand. TNIV and the 1984 NIV are also very close.

2. NET Bible – While not the finest translation for reading, it is a very accurate rendering of the scriptures in English; and oh, those wonderful notes!

3. NRSV – Easier-to-read translation in the Tyndale tradition.

4. NASB – The most literally accurate English translation, along with exceptional text notes.

5. ESV – Accuracy in the Tyndale tradition.

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This list shows which Bible translations in the order of my preferred use, not necessarily which one(s) I think are better. For instance, I am presently using the new NIV 2011 first and foremost, but I think the NET may be a better translation and turn quickly to it for study and comparison.

(See “The NASB: I Keep Coming Back“)

NOTE: Most of my reading and studying is now with mediating and formal translations. I believe that mediating translations combine the best of both accuracy and readability. Formal translations are also excellent for study.

At this time there are no functional translations that I am using for my own reading and study.

These are my own preferences, based on my own informed and educated opinion.  They are subject to change at my own whim, when I feel I have found a translation I like better.