There are many attempts to translate the Bible into modern English which is defined as the form of English in use after 1800. Since the early 19th century, there have been several translational responses to the rapid spread of Christianity throughout the world. Various denominational and organizational goals have produced, and continue to produce, Bibles that fit the needs of English speakers in all walks of life. Differing base texts, theological emphasis, style, and translation aims (e.g. readability vs literality) are just a few of the variables that contribute to the wide range of Bibles available today.

As this diagram illustrates there was a long gap between the creation of the King James Version of the Bible and the Revised Standard Version. The formal equivalence translations have now been continued with new versions of the Revised Standard, the American Standard and the King James.

One of the biggest changes in the late 20th Century was the appearance of Bibles which were much less literal in their translation style, a translation technique known as dynamic equivalence. This was led by the introduction of The Living Bible, published by its author, Kenneth Taylor in 1971. Taylor had begun quite simply because of the trouble his children had in understanding the literal (and sometimes archaic) text of the King James version of the Bible. His work was at first intended for children, but then he wondered if he could also make it easier for adults to understand the whole Bible. He took

In spite of this widespread criticism, The Living Bible opened the floodgates to a less literal style of translation. Realizing the immense benefits of a Bible which was more easily accessible to the average Christian, and responding to the criticisms of the Living Bible, the main English-speaking Bible societies came together to produce a brand new Bible in this more readable style: thus was the Good News Bible born; this translation has gone on to become one of the best selling in history.

Another project aimed to create something in between the very literal translation of the King James Bible and the very informal Good News Bible. The goal was to create a Bible that would be very scholarly, but not too formal. The result of this project was the New International Version.

Today, there is a range of translations running the full gamut from the most literal, such as the New King James Version to the most free such as The Message and The Word on the Street.

18th and 19th Century Translations

20th and 21st Century Complete Bible

King James Versions

The King James Version of 1611 still has an immense following, and as such there have been a number of different attempts to update or improve upon it.

Other major versions

The biggest selling version of the 20th Century has been the New International Version, which has appeared in a number of different editions:

In America, one of the primary versions has been the American Standard Version and versions which stem from it, shown in date order:

Other major versions of the 20th Century include the following:

Highly dynamic translations

One of the most notable aspects of the latter half of the 20th Century was the appearance of translations which took a much more dynamic approach to translation.

Simplified English Bibles

There have been a number of attempts to produce a Bible which greatly simplifies the English.

Catholic translations

Jewish translations

Main article: Jewish English Bible translations

The Jewish community have always chosen to have their own translations of the Bible with their own emphasis:

Translations Published by Jehovah's Witnesses

Other translations

New Testament only

See also

• Comparison of English Bible translations - comparing verses, in the many different Bible versions is often the best way to judge a translation
• Jewish English Bible translations
• Bible translations - for a view of translation into languages other than English.
• Bible errata