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
