How to Compare English Bible Versions
The Bible is constantly being reinterpreted by Bible scholars and theologians through different versions. Some of the more popular versions of the Bible are the New International Version (NIV), the King James Version (KJV), The Message and the New American Standard (NASB). The process of comparing these different versions requires a general understanding of Biblical language. While all versions of the Bible are considered authentic spiritual scriptures, different versions appeal to different types of people.
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Instructions
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Comparing Bibles
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Find a familiar verse. In this case, let's use John 3:16. Look at the same verse in each version of the Bible.
The Message version of John 3:16 reads, "This is how much God loved the world: He gave his Son, his one and only Son. And this is why: so that no one need be destroyed; by believing in him, anyone can have a whole and lasting life."
The NASB version reads, "For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life."
The NIV version reads, "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life."
And finally, the KJV reads, "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."
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Look at the differences in each version. Notice that The Message version, which is the most recent version, is much different than the other versions. This is typical to The Message, because it groups verses together in paragraph formats. The Message is usually very easy to read, making clear statements that explain themselves.
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Realize that the NASB, NIV and KJV are similar in style, but have clear differences. The KJV is easy to spot, because it uses Old English words. In John 3:16 you'll notice the word "believeth," which will not be found in any other English Bible. The KJV will often contain words like this ("cometh" instead of "come," "ye" instead of "you"), setting it apart from other versions.
The differences between the NIV and NASB are subtle, but apparent. The NASB is often like the KJV in that the Old English words were replaced by more modernized language. The NIV is not as obvious and blatant as The Message, but reads more casually than the other versions. This can be seen in John 3:16, as the NIV reads "one and only Son" while the NASB reads "only begotten." Notice how "only begotten" came from the KJV, but was left over in the NASB. NIV attempts to make the read a bit easier, especially for younger people who may not know the definition of "only begotten."
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Tips & Warnings
Comparing Bible versions is a way to perform a more in-depth Bible study. For example, if you're reading a KJV verse, comparing it with an NIV or Message version of the same verse may clarify or help you understand the passage. If you're having a Bible study with friends, supply participants with different versions so that each person has a different angle to present.
There is nothing wrong with reading different versions of the Bible. Some groups believe that some versions are better or "more inspired" than others. This is especially true of readers of the King James Version. But all major versions of the Bible should be accepted by Christian believers as the inspired Word of God.
