The Christian Booksellers Association has published its list of bestselling Bible translations in 2012 for the United States.
2012 – Based on Dollar Sales
- New International Version
- King James Version
- New Living Translation
- New King James Version
- English Standard Version
- Holman Christian Standard Bible
- New American Standard Bible
- Common English Bible
- Reina Valera 1960
- The Message
2012 – Based on Unit Sales
- New Living Translation
- New International Version
- King James Version
- New King James Version
- English Standard Version
- Common English Bible
- Holman Christian Standard Bible
- New American Standard Bible
- Reina Valera 1960
- New International Readers Version
Are there any surprises to you? How many of these translations have you read?
I think it could be defined as a surprise that the ESV continues to run middle of the pack, and cannot even supplant its closest formal equivalence rival in the NKJV. I view this as almost a rejection of the version in one sense, it doesn’t seem like it will supplant the NIV as being the closest thing to a universal English version we have, contrary to what the groups pushing it are asserting. I think the HCSB is hanging tough but suffers from lack of marketing and awareness. The CEB gets the boost because its the mainline translation.
The only versions that have a shot at “dethroning” the NIV are the NLT and HCSB, it would seem. I figured the NIV would suffer a little more based on the controversy surrounding it, but it still seems to be the favorite.
Excellent analysis DH. Great points on the different translations. Thanks for the contributions.
And thank you for the excellent blog. I really hope the HCSB does well; I prefer the traditional language that it retains over the NIV, and that places it above the NIV and NLT which both read well (as does the HCSB).
I just wish for a little better layout when it comes to the poetry. It’d probably also help to one day get a copy of it that’s as nice as my ESV genuine leather large print version I lucked up and won on Twitter. However, I don’t typically spend that much on Bibles!
To answer the questions as to what versions I’ve read, I’ve read 10 out of the 11 total listed. The only one I haven’t read is the Reina Valera, and that’s because my Spanish is muy malo.
Thanks DH. We are encouraged about trends in the HCSB.
I like NIV the best. However, I do not care for the 2011 update at all. I stick with the 1984 version.
Thanks Alice.
Always enjoy your blog. In reference to what Bible versions I’ve read, the NIV, NLT and the Message are versions I’ve read through. Grew up with the KJV.
Thanks so much Jacob.
Not so much surprises as trends–Interesting to see that (1) KJV is *finally* slipping to #2 & #3. Powerful tradition, isn’t it? Also (2) Rise of the NLT is interesting. I wonder if that was accelerated by the 2011 revision of the NIV?
It will be interesting to see future developments Lawrence.
I have read the NKJV, NASB, and the NIV. I am almost finished with the RSV (taking well over a year and a half to finish a 1 year reading plan), and in Deuteronomy reading the ESV. I may or may not have read through the HCSB. I can’t really remember. I try to do a different translation each year, and think I have completed 4, but the HCSB is uncertain. I grew up KJV, but I have never gotten beyond the Psalms trying to read it. Funny enough, KJV isn’t my preferred translation (I go back and forth between the NASB and ESV), whenever I try to quote scripture, I default to KJV.
Thanks DL.
Would love to see some data on what translations are being purchased/used by evangelicals.
Might be able to get that information later Todd.
I grew up with KJV, so I tell people I’m still ‘fluent’ in KJV. Used NASB in Bible school and preferred it. It seems like NIV is most common in my circles these days and it’s grown on me. I have a copy with the NIV and Message side by side and really like the ability to quickly compare. I love reading the MSG and it gives a more wholistic sense of the passage (especially NT epistles) but I’d never use it for technical study, hence having the NIV right there keeps me from losing the intent of the passage.
Thanks Heartspeak.
Brother Thom: Thanks for the list, and thanks for your leadership @ Lifeway.
I love bibles, and like to read a lot of translations. Our church uses the NKJV and that is what I preach from every week. It is what I started using in seminary – The Believer’s Study Bible – and took with me to the pulpit. However, I like the NLT as an easy to read and have passed along that recommendation to new Christians. I like the NASB for a literal translation. I have tried to like the ESV. I appreciate the scholarship and endorsers of the ESV, but I just don’t like to read it for some reason. The HCSB is good as well and more and more people in our church use this translation, which I certainly do not discourage. The NIV . . . well, IMHO there are just better choices. The old KJV is hard to beat for the simple beauty of the English language, and it is hard to read the Psalms in any other translation.
Thanks Heath for your good input.
I would have lost a bet over the number one slot. I thought it would have been the KJV. On a personal note, after my conversion I was given a NLT by my pastor, even though he was/is a KJV onlyist. As of right now, I favor the NASB for its literalness, but I’m open to hear why I should study and preach from the Holman.
Steven -
For you and the other readers: I would love to send you some pretty insightful information on the HCSB. If you are interested, send your mailing address to Amy.Jordan@LifeWay.com. Thanks!
I would be interested in seeing what pastors prefer as their primary preaching text, in line with Todd’s comment above. Our senior pastor went to the HCSB this past year after the NIV 2011 update.
I’m dismayed that the ESV and HCSB are not doing better, but I presume that most people buy a “brand” (forgive me) that they recognize.
Ted -
Both the HCSB and ESV are young as far as translations go. They are doing well at this point.
That is a valid point and great perspective.
Grew up on the KJV, then over the past 20 years shifted moved to the NIV, NASB and finally my current version, the ESV. I have heard favorable things about HCSB and like Steven, would be open to hear more about the Holman.
Scott -
See my comment to Steven. Thanks.
I prefer the New American Standard translation as I’ve found it to be closet to the original language, which makes for a more accurate exegesis when preparing my Sunday School lessons.
The NASB has some really good helps too. Their is an interlinear edition that is really nice.
Hi. Dr. Rainer,
Thanks for posting this helpful data! I think it would be interesting to see some trending data as well over the last say 10 years. I have read all of these translations at some point with the exception of the Spanish version, Reina-Valera. Personally I carry an ESV study bible with me most of the time and that is the translation of choice when I preach as well. We use the ESV student study bible in our teenage groups in the church as well for teaching and memory. When I preach, I go to my logos library and print out the ESV, KJV, Holman, NASB and the NLT to read over together. I really don’t prefer The Message but do often refer to JB Phillips in the NT. I grew up in a KJV only church and often when I quote from memory that is what comes out! In the end all of these owe a great debt of gratitude to the KJV and William Tyndale. Nothing in my mind will ever fully replace it and it’s poetic beauty, but I do like my ESV
Ronnie -
Maybe we can do the trending data in the future.
I am not surprised at all by the NIV remaining the top selling Bible translation. What surprised me is the NLT being the top translation for unit sales. I thought the ESV (my preferred translation) would do much better as well as the HCSB. I think a lot of Christians do not have a clue about the updated NIV because they have not been informed of the changes. My only guess with the NLT is some churches have used that as their many translation.
I’ve studied for years and years. Started with the NKJV from the time I was little. Switched over to the NASB in college. Then to the ESV right after it came out. All have their pros and cons.
Typically, when I want to just read the Scriptures, I lean towards the HCSB which I dscovered last year. It’s got a great flow. It has the same problems the ESV, NASB and NKJV versions do; mistranslations, but you can’t help but let a little bias in, it’s human. All translations seem to suffer in some areas regarding mistranslations.
If I’m studying in depth (not just reading), I tend to have 3 versions open, the NASB, the Complete Jewish Bible and the Young’s Literal. I’m finding there’s value in all translations. None are perfect. However, the troubling thing to me is the NIV. It’s a really, really bad translation. Google search it, people. It can straight up change the meaning of passages easily.
While i have read and used most of these translations to varying degrees in both personal and ministry situations, most of my scripture memory has historically been from the NIV84. I was an NIV guy forever until they changed it. I will not buy the new NIV and have all but converted to the ESV, which I really really love. I still use the NIV84 on occasion. Of course as a good Southern Baptist I do like and have some affection for the HCSV but it is not my primary goto version.
I find the ESV landing in the middle of the pack as a bit of a surprise and would have expected it to be higher up in the list. It will be interesting if this will remain true in the coming year. While the NIV has had a dominant hold in mainstream evangelicalism for such a long time, I wonder if some of reason it remained at the top was because of the NIV-2011 being released? It could account for sales in people either wanting another 1984 copy before production completely ceased, or people investigating the 2011 version. While not “heretical”, the NIV-2011 has some controversy surrounding it’s translation of certain passages, similar to the TNIV several years ago. As churches are forced to make a choice regarding pulpit versions as the 1984 is no longer available, I’m curious- how many are selecting the NIV-2011 rather than switching to another version? As a church, we were faced with this decision recently and have decided to switch to the ESV. Finally, since Crossway makes the ESV so widely available for free online and in apps, is that affecting it’s position in the middle of the pack as people use the free versions on their electronic devices rather than purchasing physical copies?
Jeff -
I don’t think so. Almost all the translations offer free e-versions.
Dr. Rainer-
That was my thought too. I really didn’t anticipate a shift either, with the wide availability of e-versions, but just thought I’d throw the question out there. Thank you.
I’ve read through all but The Message and CEB. I prefer the ESV over the others although I could live with any of them (except The Message).
I’m surprised the KJV continues to sell so strongly.
It would be interesting to see which translations are being “used” the most. What I mean by that is, which translations are being purchased or read by people who read their bible once a week? twice a week? three times a week? and so forth. Also which translations are being quoted by popular books? I realize that’s a lot of research but i think it says a lot about a translation if serious bible readers are reading one particular translation, or if popular authors chose to quote one particular translation. For the record i love the HCSB and i recommend it often.
I have several versions that I look to and read, depending on what I am studying.
My main bible that I have had since spiritual birth is the NIV study bible. I love the KJV also and memorized many scriptures from it, as a new believer. It was the version my kids used in school for memorization.
However, I am using more and more the NKJV, NASB, and Amplified: I really like the fact that all the pronouns for God are capitalized, unlike the NIV, ESV, NLT and others.
Does bother anyone else when you see pronouns for God in small caps?
Julia -
The HCSB is one translation that capitalizes pronouns for any person of the Trinity.
I was always taught to capitalize God’s name, and even the pronouns, too! I’m surprised when other Bibles don’t.
I guess I was surprised that the New Revised Standard Version is not even in the top ten. Of course, I knew it wouldn’t be high on that list but many of the “mainline” churches use it as their pew bible and I know several ministers who preach from it. In addition it has the “sanction” of many denominations, and has been published in specifically Protestant, Catholic, and Eastern Orthodox editions. There is also at least one “scholarly” edition, meant for academic study. What does the NRSV’s lack of popularity indicate? Is it a lack of interest in the Bible among that translation’s constituent groups?; Is it that those groups are more effected by evangelicalism than they are really even aware of?; Is it something else entirely?
Get ready for some rapid fire random thoughts here, (and probably TMI!): Now that the dude has Logos on our home computer, I have access to almost all of them — but have never heard of Reina Valera. My only surprise is that the NCV (New Century Version) isn’t on there. I’ve always heard it was accurate yet at an easier reading level. The NCV was probably the first Bible I bought for myself because I tended to notice more details about the passages when the language was simplified. I remember memorizing some Psalms for elementary Sunday school classes from my parents’ King James, and it’s still hard to read those passages in another version b/c they just don’t sound right!. When I was in high school, a public school teacher gave me the NIV for my birthday b/c she found out I didn’t have a personal Bible. I’m a bit attached to it b/c I read it during the time I first noticed God’s Spirit at work in my life. I excitedly highlighted every passage in the New Testament that talked about grace and faith as I first began to comprehend it for myself. It is a trip down memory lane every time I open it. The dude preaches out of the NASB, and I have experimented with the HCSB in a small mentoring group I lead. (I remember being surprised that the HCSB translated Noah as planting the *first* vineyard while none of the others that I know of make that distinction.) Also, I do like flipping over to see how The Message will translate something, because it often will give a new food for thought. However, I don’t use it for study because I’ve noticed that it leaves out important things — such as the wording that indicates certain passages are Messianic prophecies. I did recently buy my preteen a study Bible that uses the New Living Translation. It was a reactionary moment b/c one Sunday the women in our mentoring class were all out of town and I sat in on an adult SS class where too many were sitting around being right about their understanding of scripture and applying it to such surprisingly shallow things. So, I thought maybe my son might need some balance in our church in hearing the heart of God from a thought for thought translation rather than satisfaction in being right all the time. Again, probably TMI, but there it all is!
I know that we have data available for total money spent and total units sold, but I would be interested to see a breakdown of what people are reading based on age. Being a younger minister (under 30) I see that most of my contemporaries are using the ESV, while some use the NASB, HCSB, or others. I do not really know anyone in my age who uses the NIV anymore, largely due to the existence of more faithful translations and the aforementioned “edits” in the 2011 version.
I would think that if there was a way to follow what translations the younger ministers are using that it would help in projecting what translations are going to be sold in the next 10-12 years as older pastors retire and younger ones assume the pulpit. What translation are these younger ministers going to use when preaching to their churches, and will the people in the congregation start reading these translations in order to better follow the pastor? I know that this data is much more difficult to scientifically quantify, but it would be interesting nonetheless, as well as quite useful.
Good idea Jason.
I can certainly see why the New Living Translation has risen to the top of the lists. I read through it some time back and was so impressed with how smoothly it flows that I use it as my primary Bible now. However, I have not found a more helpful study Bible than the ESV Study Bible.
Out of the ten, I have read eight. My favorite is the NLT.
The results reflect the blessing and challenge of so many English versions of the Scriptures. Christians are in a sense overwhelmed with choices. There are objective differences (translation philosophy, gender language, etc.) but often subjective criteria carry more weight (“That’s easy to undertand,” or “That sounds like the Bible as I’ve always heard it,” etc.). I used the NIV84 for about 25 years as a pastor. It wasn’t perfect but I liked it a lot. When they updated it in 2011, I had a choice. Stay with the 84 and confuse my congregation as the NIV2011 was all that is available in the stores. Or I could switch to the new edition even though I didn’t like some of the changes. Or I could move to another version as my main preaching text. I chose to go with the ESV and haven’t regretted it at all. It is a good “bridge” translation between those who like the KJV/NKJV (as do some in our church) and those who like the NIV or NLT. Honestly, I prefer the more traditional language (such as in Psalm 23). I took a close look at the HCSB and saw much to like. But I was frustrated by some factors (relatively minor): 1. Horrible name– “Holman Christian…” I know this is the result of threated legal action by another company that uses “Christian Standard” but including the company name wasn’t the best choice. 2. Tendency to “improve” traditional verses (see John 3:16, Psalm 23, etc.) Not saying that it’s inaccuate, I just like the continuity with longstanding translation traditon where possible. Again, this is my preference. I’m not saying the HCSB is wrong or bad in this. 3. Distracting features, “bullet points,” capitalization of pronouns for deity (not a practice of the original languages), use of Messiah for Christos, and use of Yahweh (all of these are defensible and fine, just not my preference). I could mention other things (like the waste of money to do a translation when other viable ones were useable, a Study Bible that lacks a concordance, and the fact that it is a translation so closely tied to a single denomination–even if it is my own). These reasons may not be relevant to others and I rejoice whenever a good translation is actually read, studied, and preached from, whether it’s my favorite or not.
I like the HCSB but am okay with the NIV, even the 2011. The NIV will stay popular due to Biblica selling them at such a low price. It makes it affordable to buy a lot and give them away and have plenty in the pews (chairs) on Sunday. It is the one we can afford to give away and that most people already have so it is the one I continue to preach from. If possible get the HCSB at a lower bulk price and you might see it rise in use.
I definitely prefer the ESV version, however i have read NIV, KJV, NLT, NKJV and NASB (also a favourite)
What saddens me is the fact that Bibles are so dear.
NLT is probably top based on selling Bibles cheaper than NIV which i reckon is a better version.
Would love to see ESV top of unit sales and non-existent on dollar sales (£0/unit would be great!)
Thanks
Phil
KJV is the best in my opinion!
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I remember in my seminary days (early 1980″s) our professor explained that translations come about from two criterion; accuracy to the orginal text and readibility to the current hearers. In that day, he placed the NASB in the best position for accuracy and the NIV for readability. I’m interested, Dr. Rainer, if you would agree those are still the top two in those categories today? Appreciate hearing any other reader’s thoughts on this as well.
With more and more of the younger generations downloading their Bibles on their electronic devices for free (phones, tablets, etc…), myself included, I wonder how accurate this list actually is. It might be a good thing to research the number of free Bible downloads out there to get a better picture of what is most used.
Joseph,
I think that is a good question. I have several bible translations in electronic format that I don’t have in a hard copy. Among these are the ESV, NASB, NRSV, NIV11, RV, ASV etc…Some of them I actually paid for via my LOGOS program but others were free downloads. I don’t even know where a study would begin to track all of that.
I noticed a person in comment wanted to hear from pastors about what we use in the pulpit. I was trained on the KJV and that’s what I still use in the pulpit. However, in my Sunday School class and on Weds night I used the NKJV. To be honest, I would prefer to use the NKJV all of the time. I do like the ESV and the HCSB as well. I’m certainly no fan of the Message for a number of reasons.
Thanks John.
Hi Thom,
This is a very interesting list; thank you for sharing. I’m curious: have you ever read the Recovery Version published by Living Stream Ministry. Yes, there is some controversy related to the notes, which is something I don’t have a problem with, but I’m curious to know if you’ve read any of the text yourself. A lot of people find the translation to be very accurate. Would love to know if you’ve tried it out.
All the best,
Joseph
Haven’t read those Joe.
You can read more about it here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Recovery_Version. It’s definitely worth looking into even if you only use it as a reference.
Best regards,
Joe
I’ve read from most of those, except the Common English and Spanish version. HCSB and NIV are the two I use the most and then the KJV. Of course, since I work for B&H it started out as job security to know and promote the HCSB, but now it is my favorite. However, when purchasing a Bible for a new Bible reader, I usually go with the NIV because of cover style chooses (which HCSB is improving on). Plus it’s not so intimidating in its language for understanding.
Good word Deborah.
During my Hebrew classes at seminary each student had to choose an English translation to compare with the Hebrew text. I chose the NLT and it has become my favourite translation. During that same time I received an HCSB. I had never read it before and decided to give it a try. Now I recommend it to everybody who is interested in such things. The NIV rounds out my top three translations from which to read and preach. With those three you get a decent range in translation method, from more literal to more functional equivalence. For study purposes I use both the NASB and the ESV as comparisons, but somehow the ESV strikes me as a Reformed translation and it rubs me the wrong way. It’s hard to explain. I use the NLT mostly for preaching, and I don’t think there is a better translation for the Bible’s narrative material. It simply shines. For poetry I often want to know the literal metaphors used in the original text and so I often use another translation at that point. I worship with Chinese immigrants and their Canadian born children, and I find they respond well with the NLT. I was raised on the RSV and am grateful for the nurture I received through it.
Started out in seminary with RSV from my father; then in early 70s, Jerusalem Bible. Then on to the NIV followed by NRSV. These days, am loving the freshness of the CEB.
I only read the King James Version.
Thanks for the list!
I grew up with KJV. As an adult (and pastor), I’ve developed an appreciation for many translations with the NLT being my most -used for a number of years. I’ve also relied on the CEV. Interestingly, I grew up with anti-NIV people so I’ve never really used the NIV.
But I’ve been reading the Common English Bible (CEB) since it was published recently. I believe it’s the newest translation on the list, and I was surprised to see it doing so well so quickly. I’m almost all the way through it.
My next translation to read beginning-to-end is going to be the NET, which I’ve referred to mainly for study.
No surprises here except for the CEB which is getting quite a push from the UMPH. I’ve read all of these translations, but not the Spanish one, since I don’t read Spanish.
For me the following translations get daily use: RSV, NRSV, NIV. I consult a variety when I study. The NLT is excellent for extended reading of narratives. While I like it in Job, I don’t like it in Psalms, but like it in Proverbs. I like what they did with the gospels, too. The HCSB has some good renderings and I like the HCSB Psalter. We’re so blessed to have so many English translations. Some language have none or only one.
Clay -
Your point is well taken. We are blessed to have many translations since some people groups have none.
Somewhat surprised the ESV is only #5. In the early years I grew up with KJV, then mostly NIV. The last few years I have been spending more time in the ESV. While it doesn’t “flow” as nicely as the NIV, I do believe it is more a word for word translation rather than the NIV. The ESV has an outstanding study bible.
I find it hard to believe that the NRSV is not on either list. It is a standard English translation for the Mainline and in the academy. I know Evangelicals do most of the Bible-buying in this country but the fact that it is available in many editions means some people are still buying it. Was it excluded from the count?
Jedediah -
The NRSV was not excluded; it just did not make the top ten in either category.
The NRSV has been off & on this list over the years. I know for some in the mainline the CEB is an alternative. NRSV is used in settings other than the mainline, too. Many evangelical theological schools have professors who use & recommend it (among others).
Thanks Clay.
Where’s the NET Bible? Why’s that not selling in the US? Surely it is the most helpful translation ever!! If it were for sale here in the UK I would make it our standard Bible.
Jonny -
The NET did not make the top ten in either category.
I would be interested to see how the translations rank among denominations but I am surprised that the ESV is half way to the NIV throne
This is very interesting! I am curious what kind of people group that were buying the Bible. I am sure that most were just buying the Bible and not really using it daily. I don’t do paraphrase translations at all. I have read some but not for me.
As for me being reformed, I love ESV, then NASB’77 then NASB’95 then NKJV. As a child, I started with the Big Print KJV, then Good News, then NIV’84 at my parent’s choice. On my own before both of my parent went home to be with the Lord, NASB’77, and after they went home to be with the Lord. In the year of ’98 (a little bit at the family UMC church which isn’t my church home until I found a church in 1999 or Jan 2000 I started going to Southern Baptist Church, I still did NASB’77 then NKJV. Then I went to reformed Southern Baptist Church I learned about ESV which became my favorite of all translations. I still use NASB, and NKJV. I sometime had to look into NIV’84 if needed to work on my Bible Study homework to answer the question if my teacher were using some of the wording from NIV. I only prefer Words to Word Translation and not paraphrase or Thought for Thought. I do have HCSB but I almost never use it. I see that HCSB is in Gospel Project, but on the other hand, I always read from my ESV every time. The wording is very different there which sometimes threw me off. I do have e-Bible as well, but I prefer book form Bible so that I can underline and mark them up.
Growing up, KJV was about the only translation I even knew existed. I was given a Living Bible by my grandparents when I was saved and baptized in 1991. In junior high, I discovered the NIV(84), which remained my translation of preference until I became a pastor. Some key leaders in my church had a real beef with the NIV(84), so I started preaching from the NASB. I never really like the rigid, formal equivalent style, but it got the job done. Sometime into my second pastorate, I started preaching regularly from the HCSB, and now, in my third pastorate, I use it almost exclusively. For readability, I like and most often recommend the NLT (Life Application Study Bible) to those looking to purchase a Bible to read and study.
I used to read the NIV all the time, and would use the NASB for closer study, but with the 2011 translation of the NIV I started my search for a new “go to” Bible. I have read all the translations listed, with the exception of the Reina Valera. Currently I read mostly the ESV, but I also love my HCSB and the NASB. I think the HCSB suffers from a couple of things. One, lack of advertising. People just don’t know about it. Two, the word Holman in the translation title. I’ve heard from some saying that has turned them off from even looking at. Maybe it would be better to just call it the Christian Standard Bible? The other thing, in reading it, I have found a couple of places where it looks like the translation is a bit biased. Unfortunately, I can’t think of the verses off the top of my head, but if I remember where they are I’ll email them to you. Overall though, I love the HCSB, it’s more literal than the NIV, but doesn’t seem as literal as the NASB or ESV. That helps it to be a more fluid read.
I agree with Chris, a lot of people are not aware of the changes in the NIV with the 2011 edition. I am a speaker and teacher, and when I talk about the various English translations, I am continually surprised by the look of shock on the face of the people in the audience. They had no idea about the changes. I think as word gets out, the NIV 2011 will lose ground and some of the other better translations will garner a larger audience and more popularity.
I’m interested in receiving the information on the HCSB that you mentioned above. I have already emailed the address you posted and look forward to any information you can send me.
Thanks for posting the list!
Great analysis Linda. Thanks for requesting the material.
The first Bible I ever had was the Good News and read through that for a number of years. Then it was the NIV for most of my youth and young adult. In Bible College I was introduced to the NASB. Then for most of my pastoring I used the NASB for study and the NIV in the pulpit. Occasionally I would reference the NLT and the Message. I have never really felt drawn to the ESV even though I have looked at it.
Now that I’m back in seminary I have been enjoying NRSV (Renovare Life With God Bible), but our local church in Toronto, Canada uses the HSCB as it’s “official translation.” I have since fallen in love with it. I wasn’t aware of the HCSB until about just over a year ago, nor the revisions it has gone through, but I continue to be impressed and share it with others.
Thom, can you elaborate on the major differences between the 2009 and the 2003 editions of the HCSB? Are they anywhere as significant as the changes of the 2011 NIV or the 2004 NLT?
Greg -
Though there were a number of changes, they were not so substantive that we felt like it should be called an update. Most of the changes were for better flow of reading.
Thanks for the encouraging words about the HCSB.
With all the free KJVs published and given away by Gideons and many others, not to mention small publishers who print it because of no copyright, the number two spot is still lowball. Amazing!
What? Really? A translation is considered to be the “best” if it either 1) makes the most money, or 2) sells more copies than it’s neighbors? Am I reading that right?
Chris -
I haven’t seen anything in the post or the comments that indicate a translation is better because it sells more in dollars or units. These two top ten lists simply rank them by dollar sales or unit sales, not by any qualitative assessment. With due respect, I believe your comments are unfounded.
Seems like a lot of “conservative” folks out here! I tend to agree with Gordon Fee on holding functional and formal equivalent in tension, with ultimate preference going toward functional. There is no “literal” translation, though marketing and branding will always say otherwise, and I appreciate the readability and gender neutrality of the NIV2011. My formal equivalence counterpart is usually the NRSV because I find it clearer than the KJV and NKJV. Truthfully, I haven’t read much of the HCSB but I do have one on my shelf that I’m now thinking I should grab more often.
Thanks for the list!
Thanks Jonny.
I really enjoy the HCSB…
I would really like to see a version where the chapter and verse numbers are removed, and are organized in individual books. I really believe that would more closely resemble the originals. Last Thursday I copied part of the book of Exodus and removed all the numbering and reference lettering. I was completely stunned at how much easier it was to read. I know it really shouldn’t matter…but I think subconsciencely it interrupts the flow, or perhaps it becomes an information overload for me.
I would absolutely love to see a HCSB version done this way. Can you make that happen Mr. Rainer?
Thanks Stephen. Yes, I could make that happen. In order for me to make a wise stewardship decision, I would need to know that many others would interested in a such a Bible. Let’s see if any other readers have an opinion. Our HCSB team members are reading these comments closely and carefully.
>I would really like to see a version where the chapter and verse numbers are removed, and are organized in individual books.
This is where Bible Study Software is useful.
The good programs let you read the text without chapter and verse numbers. However, doing so is usually deep in the advanced configuration settings.
Are we really counting The Message as a real translation?
I would be interested to see see how many people switched translations after the new NIV came out in 2011. And if they did switch what did they switch to? I was not a huge fan of the changes in the NIV (and have talked to others who feel the same way) aand needed a new Bible so I went to the HCSB.
For any who may me interested,
As far as I’m aware, Eugene Peterson has never really pushed The Message as a “translation,” but as a paraphrase. When we think “The Message,” we should think “The Living Bible.” That’s not to knock either one, but they fall into the same basic category. The difference is that the paraphraser of The Living Bible started with an English translation (the KJV) and went from there, whereas Peterson started with the original languages and paraphrased it using contemporary language and idioms.
The New Living Translation, however, is not a paraphrase. It is a translation, as the name suggests, into modern English. While some liberties were taken to render certain thoughts understandable to current English readers, it falls well within the functional equivalence range.
Just some thoughts that may help clarify some of the issues surrounding the various versions out there.
I was very surprised to see the NLT beat the NIV in unit sales and was sonewhat surprised that the MSG did not mke that list. I am unfamiliar with Reina Valera 1960. I;ve read (all the way through at least once) the NIV, TNIV, The MSG, KJV, NKJV, NLT, HCSB, CEV, ESV, NET, and a few others not on these lists. I’m a proponent of using multiple versions.
Impressive Greg. I’ve only read four translations in their entirety.
Quite pleased I think mainly the better translations are doing very well. I preach mainly from NKJV as I find it a good middle ground between KJV and the modern translations. Apart from those two I also like NLT and NASB. Possibly surprised NASB so low on the list. Its a good translation though not as widely used as some Glad the Message is down in the territory I feel it should be.
I honestly am not surprised one bit by the top 4, those are the Bibles that most people are familiar with. Because I work at LifeWay in the Dallas area, I know a little as to what people like. Most people will gravitate to those 4 because everybody uses them and they have always been popular. Most people, especially in areas where LifeWay does not have a store don’t know about the HCSB or how the translation reads. In the Dallas area, (my store especially) we sell more ESV’s than either the KJV or NKJV combined simply due to the fact that many churches in our area are using that translation. I think the fact that most churches stick to their originality and roots when it comes to translation greatly influences what kind of Bibles people purchase. My church for example reads from the NKJV but I prefer the ESV.
I Went from a NIV (1984) to an HCSB and NASB for daily reading. I like the NASB as well. I still teach out of my old NIV, but that’s about it. And even then, I use comparative translations in my sermons.
I think with the changes, you’re going to see a SPIKE in NIV usage, but for all the wrong reasons.
I have read parts of each version except the Spanish one. Prior to being introduced to HCSB the NIV was my translation of choice. I now prefer HCSB, and recently got the Appologetics Study bible which uses HCSB… everything to formatting to style to language I prefer over other versions. I also have seen HCSB use a more literal form of words they translate and for me the more realistic it is the more it means. Please don’t use flowerly language , just get to the point. I feel like HCSB does so without croupting scripture.
For speaking uses and the rare occasion I bring my tablet to church rather than my bible I use ESV, personally I use HCSB and when quoting I like to compare translation to see which one drives the point clearest.
Which Bible Translation really comes down to a matter of convenience. There is nothing worse for me than listening to a preacher read from one when I’m trying to follow in another. While I prefer to have a paper bible in my hand for personal study and reading, I carry a Kindle with multiple Bible translations just in case (It has KJV, ESV, NIV84, HCSB, and NASB). As for me, I preach and teach exclusively from the HCSB (The Hard Core Southern Baptist Bible) because my seminary professors from Capital Bible Seminary helped translate it. In many of my Greek and Hebrew translation classes, we would discuss why certain verses were translated a certain way (e.g. John 3:16). They kinda sold me on it’s reliability. And from a personal perspective, I really like the way it reads. I will say that if I am teaching in John 3, I get a little uncomfortable with the translation and usually spend some time defending the accuracy of that translation. I really hope that it eventually catches on because it is such an awesome translation!
Thanks for compiling the list. Very insightful!
It continues to amaze me how people continue to bad mouth the NIV11. I use it daily and it is my preferred translation. It is a little different than the NIV84. As far as its accuracy? I actually think there are a great many passages that have improved in its accuracy. In fact, many of those passages that are different in the 2011 are now much more similar to the ESV. It seems to me that it is vogue to criticize the NIV11. People read someone’s pet peeve list of passages they don’t like from the 2011, and then they jump on the negative bandwagon. In reality, similar lists could be made of every translation. Each translation has its strengths and weaknesses. It’s interesting that those who criticize the NIV11 are virtually silent about the NLT which is very similar, only the NIV11 is a bit more literal. Go figure. Remember, the Greek text is the standard for being literal, not an English translation. So unless you’re fluent in Greek, I’d be careful in criticizing any English translation for its supposed accuracy. Perhaps we should elevate understandability and application a little more than we do when it comes to translations. What does literal matter if someone can’t understand it. We can only apply the scriptures when we understand them.
Not too long ago I was in a LifeWay store (a little plug for you Thom!) and a lady came in looking for a Bible. A conversation began and she said that she had just started going to church (less than 3 times) for the first time in her life. Her friend encouraged her to get a Bible and suggested to her the NKJV because of its accuracy. I gently suggested to her a different translation which I assured her was accurate and reliable: the NLT. As someone who had no history with the Bible, she would have been lost in the NKJV. If the Living Bible were published as a Life Application Bible, I would have suggested that to her.
I really don’t care what translation a person uses as long as the can understand what they’re reading and *applying* what they read. Reading and studying without application is a waste of time (James 1:22-25), and you’re not going to apply what you don’t understand.
Let’s value understanding and application more than someone’s opinion on what they believe is an accurate translation (especially when they aren’t fluent in Greek).
I celebrate any version of the Scriptures that people will faithfully read, understand and apply.
When He saved me over 12 years ago (I’m 36), the first Bible I purchased was the NLT, at the suggestion of my wife, who grew up with the KJV. I now use the NLT as my standard give-away Bible, always on hand for those being presented the Gospel. It is not intimidating by any means. Personally, I now use the NKJV because that’s the version John MacArthur has his study Bible formatted. But now I’m highly interested in the HCSB and will make that purchase in the very near future as well as utilize it on my various Bible applications and Kindle. Thanks, Thom.
Thanks Bill!
Disappointed to see the “NIV” continuing to hold its market share, given that the “NIV” of 2012 and following is a totally different translation than the NIV 84 that I and others have known, loved, used and recommended. Zondervan’s “bait and switch” in foisting a new, more PC version on the public while still calling it the NIV has evidently succeeded. For shame.
I’m a Greek & NT professor. Periodically, I get frustrated with the NIV & its lack of specificity, & go to the RSV / NRSV / ESV / NET for my text classes. But I somehow always end up going back to the NIV. It’s more readable, less tendentious than the ESV, and it doesn’t have the “hey look at us we’re scholarly & edgy” quality that I get from the NRSV.
I’ve decided that it’s better to use the NIV for preaching & teaching and warn my students / listeners when I think it isn’t specific enough.
Thanks Perry!
Do online purchases (amazon, especially) get reported to that list? If not, could that skew our understanding of actual trends?
Please note that the list is derived from the Christian Booksellers Association. That organization includes Christian booksellers, both online and brick and mortar stores. It would not include secular sellers such as Amazon or Barnes & Noble. Amazon provides rankings, but they do not divulge individual book or Bible sales.
Thanks very much for the clarification! I’m having some leaders in our church spend a few months reading through HCSB. Then they’ll offer feedback and we’ll make a decision on switching to it for Sunday mornings. Thus far I’ve found it exactly as advertised and very readable.
I’m surprised ESV is still at number 5! I started using it when NIV11 came out. At first I didn’t like ESV but after reading Kevin DeYoung’s short eBook on the ESV about a year ago, I was convinced it was time to make the switch. Right now, I’m replacing my memory verses with ESV.
My second go to version is a tie between NIV84 and HCSB, followed by NLT and NKJV. I still use NIV because almost all the Bible phrases I memorized are from NIV and I use HCSB because of its simply clarity.
Thanks, Dr. Rainer, for posting the list! The pastor of our church uses the NASB for his sermons and, on occasion, will augment his sermons using the Philips New Testament. When the HCSB came out, I started using it in my Discipleship Training class lessons. The pastor stopped by my class one night and told us that if he were starting his preaching ministry today, the HCSB would be the translation he would select. An interesting note is that our Associate Pastor to Students uses the ESV when he reads the Scripture passage from the pulpit each Sunday morning.
I attend a Presbyterian church which uses the NIV. I teach 2 times a week at the church and use the HCSB primarily. The ESV is over-hyped in my opinion. I like the HCSB not only because it is easy to read, but from my studies, is probably the most accurate translation. Now if we can get the HCSB to release an interlinear, I’d be in Heaven!!!
Thanks Ted!
in my church we always used NIV 1984. we don’t mind if we have the update 2011NIV my pastor it’s okay with it some of our new members use the 2011NIV but . We like the NIV 2011 .but we love More the NIV84 th en the 2011 . I am so thankful and surprise NIV still the best selling Bible
I began using the NASB in seminary and for my initial ministry. I have been “testing out” both the ESV and HCSB for the last 2 years. For me at least there is not enough difference between the NASB and ESV for me to move from the NASB. I am really enjoying the HCSB and have been teaching with it for several months. They are all 3 fine trnslations and I greatly wish the HCSB were more widely known. I am hopefully this will happen with its use in The Gospel Project as I would love to see more people use it either as their primary Bible or just add to their reference collection.
Thanks Dr. Rainer for the update. I am using both ESV and HCSB in my preaching. I also love the NKJV, and will sometimes use it. The only thing that drives me crazy about the ESV are the personal pronouns for deity. I really wished they had capatlized those pronouns.