Bible Versions

Reading a variety of translations and paraphrases helps to give study of the Bible nuance and greater understanding. 

The original text of the Bible was written in several ancient languages like Hebrew and Greek. Through time, it has been translated many times, and today there are so many versions of the Word of God that it can become overwhelming. 

Some use word by word translation of the text, like the English Standard Version (ESV) and the New American Standard Bible (NASB). Others translate phrase by phrase like the New International Version (NIV). Still others are paraphrases of the text instead of direct translations, like the New Living Translation (NLT) and The Message. 

Reading a variety of translations and paraphrases helps to give study of the Bible nuance and greater understanding.