For more than 2,000 years, scholars have been translating the Bible.
The Old Testament was written over a 1,500-year period before the birth of Christ. It was written primarily in Hebrew, with a few portions in Aramaic. The New Testament was written within 70 years of Christ’s death and resurrection (AD 50-100). The writers of the New Testament wrote in koine Greek (“common” Greek). The original manuscripts have not survived, but God’s Word has been preserved through meticulous copying.
Because of the changes in language and scholars’ changed understanding of ancient languages, we usually end up with more translations than we know what to do with! So what are the most popular translations as of late? (Note: these are simply a list compiled by unit sales, and not an endorsement by Rose for one translation over another).
Top 10 Bestselling Translations (by 2014 unit sales)
- New International Version
- The Voice
- King James Version
- English Standard Version
- New King James Version
- New Living Translation
- Holman Christian Standard Bible
- Reina Valera 1960
- Nueva Version Internacional (Spanish)
- New International Reader’s Version
The Right Translation For You?
While we can agree there’s no “right” translation for every body, there are various translations to suit various purposes. Here’s a handy chart:
Free Giveaway of the Week!
This “Bible Translation Comparison” eChart compares four of the most popular Bible Translations, the King James Version (KJV), New International Version (NIV 2011), New American Standard Version (NASB), and New Living Translation (NLT).
This eChart compares Year published, Method of translation (“word-for-word” or “thought-for-thought”), Sponsor, Purpose of translation, Notable features, Sample verses, enabling you to compare the four versions at a glance. Download It Now!
Share This with a Friend!
Copy this link to SHARE with your friends: https://blog.rose-publishing.com/2015/05/25/top-10-translations/
The sales figures are interesting, but do not reflect e.g. internet purchases, digital reading, private printing and distribution by Christian groups and missionaries. More interesting, and more revealing, are the annual State of the Bible reports commissioned by the American Bible Society. These show, consistently over at least the past five years, that the preferred reading version is the AV(KJV) – latest figure 39%; and NKJV-13%. Thus, the American Bible -reading public appears to have a definite preference for a very traditional/lightly updated translation! Why is this? The NIV is preferred by 13%, and the ESV by 8% ( though I understand that the ESV continues to make inroads into the NIV market!) And why is the excellent NASB read by only 2% of readers..at the same level as the NRSV and the NLT? (All other translations hardly are now eead, it seems!) We really do need a new debate on Bible versions, as there is definitely a big ” disconnect” between publishers/academia and the long-suffering Christian public! (By the way, can anyone tell me where to find the UK figures? No- one seems to produce them!
Best wishes (from the UK)!
The sales figures are interesting, but do not reflect e.g. internet purchases, digital reading, private printing and distribution by Christian groups and missionaries. More interesting, and more revealing, are the annual State of the Bible reports commissioned by the American Bible Society. These show, consistently over at least the past five years, that the preferred reading version is the AV(KJV) – latest figure 39%; and NKJV-13%. Thus, the American Bible -reading public appears to have a definite preference for a very traditional/lightly updated translation! Why is this? The NIV is preferred by 13%, and the ESV by 8% ( though I understand that the ESV continues to make inroads into the NIV market!) And why is the excellent NASB read by only 2% of readers..at the same level as the NRSV and the NLT? (All other translations hardly are now eead, it seems!) We really do need a new debate on Bible versions, as there is definitely a big ” disconnect” between publishers/academia and the long-suffering Christian public! (By the way, can anyone tell me where to find the UK figures? No- one seems to produce them!
Best wishes (from the UK)!
I lost my job few months back and there was no way to get income for my family, things was so tough and I couldn’t get anything for my children, not until a met a recommendation on a page writing how Mr Bernie Doran helped a lady in getting a huge amount of profit every 6 working days on trading with his management on the cryptocurrency Market, to be honest I was skeptical at first but I took the risk to take a loan, and I contacted him unbelievable and I was so happy I received a profit of $15,500 with an investment of $1500 within 7 days of trading , the most joy is that I can now take care of my family, i am just sharing my testimony on here. I don’t know how to appreciate your good work Mr. Bernie Doran, God will continue to bless you for being a life saver I have no way to appreciate you than to tell people about your good services. He can also help you recover your lost funds, For a perfect investment and good return on investment contact Mr Bernie Doran on Gmail : [email protected] his telegram : IEBINARYFX or his whatsApp : 1 ( 424 ) 285 – 0682
NATURAL WAY TO GET HERPES1&2 CURED. If you have been looking for ways to naturally get rid of the herpes simplex virus from your body completely, then you are welcome to read further. Let’s face reality here, you have tried so many counter drugs and you are confused, weak and angry because nothing seems to work. Good News For you my friend…. Yes, I came with good news that will liberate you from the pains and stress of herpes outbreak, you will get total cure from this virus using Dr.MOSES BUBA Herbal Methodology. Who is Dr. MOSES BUBA?You may ask. Dr. MOSES BUBA is a herbalist and a naturalist. He researched and identified some herbs and established a unique methodology to healing the human body using Herbal medicine that was confidently entrenched in his over 30 years of experience. According to him, he has the cure for so many diseases/virus like GENITAL HERPES, HIV, DIABETES, CANCER, HPV, HSV1&2, GENITAL WART, SHINGLES, VAGINAL INFECTION and so many more. You can reach Dr MOSES BBUBA on his email: [email protected] / WhatsApp +2349060529305 . You can also contact him through his website: https://bubaherbalmiraclem.wixsite.com/website. Facebook page : https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61559577240930 . I am using this medium to inform everyone how to get treated of herpes using Dr MOSES BUBA recommended Herbal methodology.