Question: What are the differences between the New International Version (NIV), English Standard Version (ESV) and New American Standard Bible (NASB)?

There have been quite a few new Bible translations in the past few years, which leaves the choice for accuracy and purpose quite important for the serious student, who is aware of the profusion of differing teachings world-wide, even in the main Denominations!

As the student becomes aware of the different translated meanings, and the importance of knowing what is the Holy Spirit's intended meaning, the search takes on new importance.

Some groups and denominations are very rigid in their teachings and rules, which in the opinion of the writers must always be checked against the Word of God, by using a trusted Translation, and or making comparisons, prayerfully considered!

The writers use a number of Translations, but have come to rely as a base document in the "Companion Bible", which is the KJV with profuse notes by two renowned scholars of spiritual and intellectual integrity; the details of which are shown in the Link at the bottom of the page.

Regarding some of the newer Translations, the following gives a start for comparison.

Google: What's the difference between NIV and NASB Bible?

The NASB is presented verse by verse whereas the NIV is presented in paragraph format, with the NASB on the left-hand side and the NIV on the right-hand side of the page. For roughly $40 (at least at this time).

What is the difference between the NIV and ESV?

The ESV renders it as the more neutral “having accomplished”, which allows the reader to decide the relationship between glorifying the Father and the work Jesus has accomplished. The NIV also changes an active to a Nepassive construction.

Why the ESV is not a good translation?

One of his criticisms of the ESV is its treatment of Greek genitives. The ESV follows the above ambiguity of the Greek genitive too far in many cases. Or Romans 6:4 is translated as “we too might walk in newness of life” in the ESV. Again Strauss says that this is an attributed genitive meaning “a new life”.

What is the most accurate version of the Bible to read?

The New American Standard Bible is a literal translation from the original texts, well suited to study because of its accurate rendering of the source texts. It follows the style of the King James Version but uses modern English for words that have fallen out of use or changed their meanings.

Is the NASB Bible the most accurate?

The Lockman Foundation claims that the NASB "has been widely embraced as a literal and accurate English translation because it consistently uses the formal equivalence translation philosophy."

What Bible translation should I buy?

NASB, it's the New American Standard Bible, this is a word for word translation and it's often considered to be the most accurate English translation available. Not necessarily the easiest to read, but it's a great direct representation.

What Bible translation should I read?

Almost all scholars agree that the New American Standard Bible (NASB) gets the crown for being the most accurate English Bible translation.

Which Bible do non-denominational Churches use?

Non-denominational Churches use Bible translations such as the New International Version (NIV), the English Standard Version (ESV), the New American Standard (NASB), the King James Version (KJV), the New King James (NKJV), and the New Living Bible (NLT). Other accurate, readable translations may be read as well.

Study Bibles:

ESV Study Bible—Wayne Grudem & J. I. Packer. The Jeremiah Study Bible (available in NKJV, ESV, and NIV)—David Jeremiah. The MacArthur Study Bible (available in NKJV, NASB, ESV, and NIV)—John MacArthur. CSB Tony Evans Study Bible—Tony Evans.