Why are there so many versions of the Bible?

If you’re someone who reads the New Revised Standard Version (NRSV) or the New International Version (NIV), you’re not alone. These are the most widely read Bible versions in the UK, particularly in churches and theological colleges.

But have you ever wondered why we have so many different versions? And how do those differences shape what you’re reading?

Not all Bibles are the same

It’s easy to think all Bibles say the same thing. But the version you pick up or hear in church can change the tone, meaning, and even the theology behind the text.

That’s one of the topics we explore in the Introduction to Biblical Studies Taster Term at St Augustine’s College of Theology. 

In this blog post, we’ll look at some of the most widely used Bible versions and what sets them apart.

The King James Version (KJV)

This one has been around since 1611, and many people love its poetic language, but it can feel a bit old-fashioned. It also uses a mix of English words to convey single Hebrew or Greek terms, making it sound beautiful; however, the exact meaning can sometimes get blurred.

The American Standard Version (ASV)

Published in 1901 as an update of the KJV, it uses more accurate manuscripts and tries to stick closely to the structure of the original texts. 

It has a slightly stiff feel, which some biblical studies students actually prefer. It also uses terms like ‘Jehovah’ instead of ‘Lord’ and ‘Sheol’ rather than ‘grave’ or ‘Hell.’

The Revised Standard Version (RSV)

This was published in 1952 and updated the ASV with more modern language, but it kept old-fashioned words like ‘thee’ and ‘thou’ when addressing God. 

It also added books recognised by the Catholic and Orthodox churches in a separate section. Not everyone liked the changes; some even accused the translators of having political agendas!

The New International Version (NIV)

First published in 1978, the NIV is one of the easiest to read and remains popular in churches today.

It avoids old-fashioned language and uses a modern, conversational tone. Although translators from around the world helped create it, it was driven mainly by American scholars.

The New Revised Standard Version (NRSV)

This is the preferred version for theology students. Released in 1990, it includes ideas from recent discoveries like the Dead Sea Scrolls. It uses modern language and avoids gendered language where it’s unnecessary. 

These changes can shift the meaning of some verses, like changing ‘son of man’ in Psalm 8 to ‘mortals.’ That’s quite a big change if you consider how that phrase relates to Jesus.

The JPS Hebrew-English Tanakh

If you’re interested in the Old Testament, this version is worth a look. 

It includes the Hebrew Scriptures alongside a respected English translation, based on our oldest complete Hebrew Bible, the Leningrad Codex. This version is a brilliant way to get closer to the Jewish roots of the Bible.

What about the Good News Bible (GNB)?

You might have come across this one, particularly in schools, but it’s more of a paraphrase than an accurate translation. The GNB simplifies ideas that can be helpful, but not if you want to go deeper.

Apply for the Biblical Studies Taster Term to learn more about the Bible

If you want to understand where the Bible came from and why translations matter, join us for the Introduction to Biblical Studies Taster Term at St Augustine’s College of Theology. 

The next term starts in September 2025, and applications are now open.

Apply today and start exploring the Bible in a whole new way!