This chart lists the Bible translations from most literal “word for word” to easiest to understand “thought for thought”. Most literal doesn’t necessarily mean it is better, it depends on your reason for reading. All bible translations have their strengths and weaknesses. Some of these translations are not widely used but are included here for reference sake.

Most literal, word for word

Interlinear (Greek and English)

New American Standard (NASB)

Amplified (AMP)

English Standard Version (ESV)

Revised Standard Version (RSV)

King James Version (KJV)

New King James Version (NKJV)

Holman Christian Standard (HCSB)

New American (NAB)

New Jerusalem (NJB)

New International Version (NIV)

Today’s New International Version (TNIV)

New Century Version (NCV)

New Living Translation (NLT)

New International Readers’ Version (NIrV)

Good News Translation (GNT)

Contemporary English Version (CEV)

The Living Bible

The Message

Easiest to understand, thought for thought