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What Your Favorite Bible Translation Says About You

What Your Favorite Bible Translation Says About You

Let’s be honest, when someone tells you what their favorite Bible translation is, you fairly or unfairly make certain immediate assumptions about that person; caricatures will pop into your mind.

And when it comes to our favorite Bible translations, we can get pretty defensive.

Bible translations can often be hot-button topics for believers that can cause arguments, debates and division. But it’s time for a definitive list on what your favorite Bible translations really has to say about you:

New International Version (NIV)

Three Things You Can’t Live Without: Button-downs and flannels because suits are for squares, Jesus Calling devotional book and Instagram
Most Likely To Be Spotted At: The only vegetarian restaurant in town
You Have The Uncanny Ability To: Find the perfect verse for every situation even if no one wants to hear it right now

English Standard Version (ESV)

Three Things You Can’t Live Without: Skinny jeans and cardigans, at least two different Apple products and black-rimmed glasses (you might not actually need them but you’ll never tell)
Most Likely To Be Spotted: Running from church to SoulCycle
You Have The Uncanny Ability To: Read the newest Timothy Keller book before anyone else has had a chance to

King James Version (KJV)

Three Things You Can’t Live Without: Your favorite pew spot, the Left Behind series and McDonald’s coffee
Most Likely To Be Spotted At: The local Cracker Barrel before 5 p.m.
You Have The Uncanny Ability To: Use the King’s English while praying

New American Standard Bible (NASB)

Three Things You Can’t Live Without: Alternative transportation, a backpack and your blog (though it hasn’t been updated since 2011)
Most Likely To Be Spotted At: A conference that’s largely attended but mysteriously no one sees you at the break-out sessions
You Have The Uncanny Ability To: Inform anyone, even a complete stranger, that you know a tad bit of Greek

New King James Version (NKJV)

Three Things You Can’t Live Without: The Jesus fish on your car, the Prayer of Jabez starter-kit, and a zip-up Bible cover that not only holds your Bible, but also all of your church bulletins
Most Likely To Be Spotted At: dc Talk’s Jesus Freak Reunion Tour
You Have The Uncanny Ability To: Sneak out of church at noon whether the pastor is done preaching or not

New Living Translation (NLT)

Three Things You Can’t Live Without: Essential oils, your journal and cold brew coffee
Most Likely To Be Spotted At: Wherever the Spirit takes you
You Have The Uncanny Ability To: Show up late every single time no matter where you go, but you always have a really creative excuse

The Message Bible

Three Things You Can’t Live Without: The Shack, a hemp necklace and the saying: “Don’t give me theology, just give me Jesus.”
Most Likely To Be Spotted At: Anywhere but church
You Have The Uncanny Ability To: Believe that you’re actually reading a real Bible translation

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