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Bibles/Prayer Books & their history
For Bibles, their Study Bibles, Concordances, Prayer Books etc. it is best to look at the individual publisher’s sites, or ask at your nearest Christian Bookshop, but we have given brief descriptions of the best loved versions, their publishers and examples of each version.
Brief description of best loved versions
New International Version (NIV) Published by Hodder in UK. Certain editions, mainly fine bindings, published by Cambridge University Press (CUP) The most popular translation with evangelical churches. Combines word-for-word and easy-to-read translation methods with the aim of providing reasonable accuracy and readability alike.
Today's New International Version (TNIV) Published by Hodder in UK. Certain editions, mainly fine bindings, published by Cambridge University Press (CUP). Substantially updating and enhancing the NIV, it presents the fruit of the ongoing study of the same team of translators that were responsible for the NIV.
New International Readers Version (NIrV)is a new Bible version developed to enable early readers to understand God's message. Published by WTL Publications Ltd.
Revised Standard Version (RSV) Published by Cambridge University Press (CUP),Collins, and Oxford University Press (OUP),
New Revised Standard Version (NRSV) Published by Cambridge University Press (CUP), Collins, and Oxford University press (OUP), . The most widely accepted across the different denominations, and offers word-for-word accuracy alongside modern scholarship and gender-sensitive language.
Good News Bible (GNB) Published by Collins was the first truly easy to read translation and is the UK's best-selling translation according to Nielsen Booktrack, especially popular with schools and for work with children and young people, but also used in churches that want a Bible people can read easily.
English Standard Version (ESV) Published by Collins.Certain editions, mainly fine bindings, published by Cambridge University Press (CUP) Aims at the highest possible accuracy in the context of modern English, using the Revised Standard Version as a base. As such, it is very popular with churches emphasising expository preaching and close Bible study.
King James Version or Authorised Version (KJV or AV) Published by Cambridge University Press (CUP), Collins and Oxford University Press (OUP), . An indispensable classic which has left permanent marks on the English Language and its literature. Largely a revision of earlier works by William Tyndale and others.
Contemporary English Version (CEV) Published by Collins. This is the most up-to-date easy to read translation available, thoroughly accessible and ideal for use with anyone new to the Bible, and thus in churches focused on outreach to new areas and/or on young people's work.
New Living Translation (NLT) Published by Tyndale and distributed by STL. Certain editions, mainly fine bindings, published by Cambridge University Press (CUP) It is committed to accuracy within the constraints of easy-to-read translation methods.
New King James Version (NKJV)Certain editions, mainly fine bindings, published by Cambridge University Press (CUP) This is a fresh, completely updated translation. It captures the beauty and accuracy of the KJV, in contemporary readable language.
Revised English Bible (REB) Published Cambridge University Press(CUP) and Oxford University Press (OUP) A translation standing firmly in the tradition established by the New English Bible. This substantial revision expresses the mind and conviction of biblical scholars and translators of the 1980s
New Century Version (NCV) Published by Thomas Nelson and Authentic Media. Aims to be faithful to the manuscripts in the original languages while making the language clear enough for all people to read the Bible and understand it for themselves.
New Jerusalem Bible (NJB) Published by DLT. A fresh translation which combines accuracy with dignity and clarity of modern usage, and is approved for use in many churches today. This Bible is widely used by the Catholic church as its study Bible, as the footnotes and commentaries are biased toward Catholic theology.
New American Standard Bible (NASB) Published by Zondervan. Certain editions, mainly fine bindings, published by Cambridge University Press (CUP) A very literal translation, ideal for in-depth word studies but without archaic language.
Amplified Bible Published Zondervan. A popular translation used to understand the hidden meaning of Greek and Hebrew words. Additional amplification of word meanings is given in a system of brackets and parenthesis.
The Message Published by Navpress distributed by STL. A contemporary rendering of the Bible from the original languages, crafted to present its tone, rhythm, events and ideas in everyday speech. A paraphrase that reads as a novel but now some editions have numbered verses.
Brief description of best loved versions
New International Version (NIV) Published by Hodder in UK. Certain editions, mainly fine bindings, published by Cambridge University Press (CUP) The most popular translation with evangelical churches. Combines word-for-word and easy-to-read translation methods with the aim of providing reasonable accuracy and readability alike.
Today's New International Version (TNIV) Published by Hodder in UK. Certain editions, mainly fine bindings, published by Cambridge University Press (CUP). Substantially updating and enhancing the NIV, it presents the fruit of the ongoing study of the same team of translators that were responsible for the NIV.
New International Readers Version (NIrV)is a new Bible version developed to enable early readers to understand God's message. Published by WTL Publications Ltd.
Revised Standard Version (RSV) Published by Cambridge University Press (CUP),Collins, and Oxford University Press (OUP),
New Revised Standard Version (NRSV) Published by Cambridge University Press (CUP), Collins, and Oxford University press (OUP), . The most widely accepted across the different denominations, and offers word-for-word accuracy alongside modern scholarship and gender-sensitive language.
Good News Bible (GNB) Published by Collins was the first truly easy to read translation and is the UK's best-selling translation according to Nielsen Booktrack, especially popular with schools and for work with children and young people, but also used in churches that want a Bible people can read easily.
English Standard Version (ESV) Published by Collins.Certain editions, mainly fine bindings, published by Cambridge University Press (CUP) Aims at the highest possible accuracy in the context of modern English, using the Revised Standard Version as a base. As such, it is very popular with churches emphasising expository preaching and close Bible study.
King James Version or Authorised Version (KJV or AV) Published by Cambridge University Press (CUP), Collins and Oxford University Press (OUP), . An indispensable classic which has left permanent marks on the English Language and its literature. Largely a revision of earlier works by William Tyndale and others.
Contemporary English Version (CEV) Published by Collins. This is the most up-to-date easy to read translation available, thoroughly accessible and ideal for use with anyone new to the Bible, and thus in churches focused on outreach to new areas and/or on young people's work.
New Living Translation (NLT) Published by Tyndale and distributed by STL. Certain editions, mainly fine bindings, published by Cambridge University Press (CUP) It is committed to accuracy within the constraints of easy-to-read translation methods.
New King James Version (NKJV)Certain editions, mainly fine bindings, published by Cambridge University Press (CUP) This is a fresh, completely updated translation. It captures the beauty and accuracy of the KJV, in contemporary readable language.
Revised English Bible (REB) Published Cambridge University Press(CUP) and Oxford University Press (OUP) A translation standing firmly in the tradition established by the New English Bible. This substantial revision expresses the mind and conviction of biblical scholars and translators of the 1980s
New Century Version (NCV) Published by Thomas Nelson and Authentic Media. Aims to be faithful to the manuscripts in the original languages while making the language clear enough for all people to read the Bible and understand it for themselves.
New Jerusalem Bible (NJB) Published by DLT. A fresh translation which combines accuracy with dignity and clarity of modern usage, and is approved for use in many churches today. This Bible is widely used by the Catholic church as its study Bible, as the footnotes and commentaries are biased toward Catholic theology.
New American Standard Bible (NASB) Published by Zondervan. Certain editions, mainly fine bindings, published by Cambridge University Press (CUP) A very literal translation, ideal for in-depth word studies but without archaic language.
Amplified Bible Published Zondervan. A popular translation used to understand the hidden meaning of Greek and Hebrew words. Additional amplification of word meanings is given in a system of brackets and parenthesis.
The Message Published by Navpress distributed by STL. A contemporary rendering of the Bible from the original languages, crafted to present its tone, rhythm, events and ideas in everyday speech. A paraphrase that reads as a novel but now some editions have numbered verses.
The Book of Common Prayer: Past, Present and Future: A 350th Anniversary CelebrationEdited by Prudence Dailey The book is a 350th anniversary celebration which embraces the foundations laid over a century before our current Book of Common Prayer. There are 14 essays, a Foreword by HRH The Prince of Wales and an Afterword by the Bishop of London, Richard Chartres. A key theme is the influence the Book of Common Prayer has had on the English language, and at the heart of this work of English formation is Archbishop Thomas Cranmer. P D James quotes Cranmer's biographer, Diarmaid MacCulloch - 'Millions who have never heard of Cranmer, or of the muddled heroism of his death, have echoes of his words in their minds'. Each writer contributes from their experience what value they place on the Book of Common Prayer – theology, Bible reading, mission, the inner devotional life and memorability. This is a timely tribute to that 'via media' which is the Church of England and the Anglican Communion, and its Prayer Book. Do read it – it will send you to the BCP and fresh appreciation. Review by Sam Burrows (06/02/12) |
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| Paperback Price: £12.99 Publisher: Continuum Published: October 2011 ISBN: 978-1-441-12818-8 View this book on its own page >> |
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Your Sunday MissalThe New Liturgy The 'new translation' of the Roman Missal (i.e. the prayers of the Mass), means that most religious publishers are providing a Sunday and / or Daily Missal, which includes the Readings for Mass. Incidentally, it is intended that the Readings are going to be revised, with, maybe, another authorised translation, so these Missals have a limited life span. As the reviewer has not seen other new Missals, he is unable to say whether or not this is the best in the field. However, Your Sunday Missal meets the criteria for it to be recommended. It is easy to navigate; the typeface is clear; the paper is not too thin; there are enough marker ribbons and the binding and cover appear hard-wearing. It also includes major feasts. Being able to read the Prayers of the Mass being proclaimed by the Priest may help people make more sense of much of the convoluted language and poor syntax of this 'translation'. While the Missal is clearly for the congregation, space should have been found for the prayers said quietly by the Priest, e.g. during the Offertory and before Communion, as they are suitable for lay people to pray as well. The 'Latin Texts for the Mass' for the congregation are on the final pages - these are inadequate, as they lack context. There is a short 'Welcome from the Editor', which is a good explanation of the 'why' and 'what' of Mass. The Missal concludes with various popular devotions: Litanies, meditations on the Mysteries of the Rosary (but not the prayers which make up the Rosary - one should never assume that these are known), a prayerful modern translation of St Alphonsus Liguori's 'Stations of the Cross' with a further selection of prayers by St Alphonsus, ending with a Daily Prayer by Fr Denis McBride. Review by J.Nicholas Latham (11/01/12) |
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| Imitation Leather Price: £19.95 Publisher: Redemptorist Publications Published: 16 November 2011 ISBN: 978-0-852-31397-8 View this book on its own page >> |
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The King James Bible After 400 Years- Literary, Linguistic and Cultural InfluencesEdited by Hannibal Hamlin & Norman W Jones I found this book to be a mine of information, (Do you know about Anne Boleyn’s Bible?) and a great source to read or dip into. There are explorations of the political and religious contexts of 1611, and their effects on the development of the King James Bible (KJB). The structure of the book consists of an introduction followed by fifteen chapters each by a different contributor. The book is divided into three sections each looking at different areas of study. Some useful chronologies of the various translations are also included. The editors view is that it, ‘is the most complete one-volume exploration of the story of the KJB and its influence…..Each chapter exemplifies a broader field of study in relation to the KJB, such as literary history, women’s studies, the history of the book, translation studies, African American studies, postcolonial studies, and the history of Christianity.’ (page 2) This is a book worth reading, as it opens up unimagined dimensions to the origins of the KJB and its impact on society. I would suggest that if you are going to have one book celebrating the 400 years of the King James, then this is the one to get! Review by John Macaulay (24/11/11) |
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Publisher: Cambridge University Press (CUP ) Published: 09 December 2010 ISBN: 978-0-521-76827-6 View this book on its own page >> |
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The New Testament for Everyoneby Tom Wright When I am presented with a 'different' translation of the Bible, the first thing I do is to go to a few verses which have played a key role in the formation of my life as a Christian. Then, I look at a couple of 'difficult to understand' or controversial verses and finally, I sit down and read longer passages to try and get the feel of the text. This fresh translation of the New Testament by Tom Wright scores high on each of the above criteria. I love the easy flow of the narrative and the way it is broken down into bite-sized chunks. The clear, helpful maps placed mainly at appropriate points in Acts are a bonus. In his preface, Tom shares his reasons for producing this new translation and then he gives a very useful introduction to the rationale behind his work. Then he writes: 'My hope and prayer for this book is that many people will discover through it just how exciting and relevant the New Testament really is.' I'm sure that prayer will be answered. This truly is a book for Everyone. Review by Jackie Rowe (31/08/11) |
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| Hardback Price: £14.99 Publisher: SPCK (Society for Promoting Christian Knowledge) Published: July 2011 ISBN: 978-0-281-06426-7 View this book on its own page >> |
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Begat- The King James Bible & the English Languageby David Crystal Hardback, ISBN 978-0-199-58585-4, £14.99, published october 2010 Truly a labour of love by a lover and scholar of the English language, and an absorbing read for anyone who loves words. It would make a great gift. David Crystal has gone through the King James Bible, 1611 publication, with a fine toothcomb searching for phrases that have become part of the English language. Not just a list of these phrases but a phrase by phrase examination of their source, whether they came from other translations of the Bible originally, or perhaps had been in circulation long before King James’ time. A fascinating book that will long outlast the first reading to become a book to dip into whenever a phrase catches our attention in general use. ‘How are the mighty fallen’, ‘Wheels within wheels’ and so many more, you will be surprised how many we all know and yet we give no thought to their origin. Review by Mary Bartholomew (05/10/10) |
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| Paperback Price: £8.99 Publisher: Oxford University Press (OUP) Published: 18 August 2011 ISBN: 978-0-199-69518-8 View this book on its own page >> |
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Bible: The Story of the King James Version 1611 - 2011by Gordon Campbell Hardback, ISBN 978-0-199-55759-2, £16.99, published october 2010 A very detailed recounting of the making of the King James Bible by a Professor of Renaissance Studies at the University of Leicester. It would fit comfortably in our academic section, but that might deter others who like me, do not consider such books for them. Not so, Gordon Campbell has written in a very readable way that kept me interested throughout. It is a fascinating story, and amazing that we know so many details of how the project was set up originally and who was involved at every stage. At the back of the book is a list of ‘The Companies’ who worked on the translations and later revisers, giving a short biography of each when known. I had no idea how very many people were involved, and was amazed to learn of the wide knowledge of so many people at that time. There is a long list of suggested further reading, so if you get ‘hooked’ on this subject, you could be reading for a long time! Review by Mary Bartholomew (01/11/10) |
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| Paperback Price: £9.99 Publisher: Oxford University Press (OUP) Published: 11 August 2011 ISBN: 978-0-199-55759-2 View this book on its own page >> |
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KJV Transetto edition - green |
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ISBN: 978-0-521-24899-0 Price: £15.99 |
Published: 03 March 2011 |
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The People’s Bible- The Remarkable History of the King James Versionby Derek Wilson |
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ISBN: 978-0-745-95559-9 Price: £9.99 |
Published: 21 October 2011 |
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The Gospels- Authorised King James Versionby Edited with an Introduction by and Notes by W. R. Owens |
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ISBN: 978-0-199-54117-1 Price: £8.99 |
Published: 10 March 2011 |
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Mark’s Gospel- New International VersionRecorded by Peter Wickham |
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ISBN: 978-1-907-06201-8 Price: £12.99 |
Published: September 2009 |
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The Psalms – The Grail Translation- Inclusive Language Version |
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ISBN: 978-0-007-32932-8 Price: £11.99 |
Published: 01 May 2009 |
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A Shetland Bible with Accompanying Free CDby Charles Greig with illustrations by Smirk (Stephen Gordon) |
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ISBN: 978-0-715-20915-8 Price: £12.99 |
Published: October 2009 |
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CEV - Contemporary English Version - Poverty and Justice Bible |
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ISBN: 978-0-564-09453-0 Price: £20.00 |
Published: 2008 |
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How to Choose a Translation- A Guide to Understanding and Using Bible Versionsby Gordon D.Fee and Mark L.Strauss |
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ISBN: 978-0-310-27876-4 Price: £7.99 |
Published: 2008 |
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Matthew’s Gospel- From The New Testament in ScotsTranslated by William Laughton Lorimer and read by Tom Fleming |
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ISBN: 978-1-905-01018-9 Price: £19.99 |
Published: Summer 2008 |
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A Glasgow BibleAdapted and told by Jamie Stuart |
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ISBN: 978-0-715-20845-8 Price: £9.99 |
Published: March 2008 |
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Word of promise: New Testament Audio CDsoriginal music by Stefano Mainetti, narrated by Michael York, dramatised with various voices. |
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ISBN: 978-0-718-02424-6 Price: £22.99 |
Published: October 2007 |
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The Big Story- What Actually Happens in the Bibleby Nick Page |
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ISBN: 978-1-850-78726-6 Price: £7.99 |
Published: 2007 |
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The Manga Bible: Extremeby Siku |
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ISBN: 978-0-340-91046-7 Price: £14.99 |
Published: July 2007 |
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The Manga Bible- NT Extremeby Siku/TNIV |
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ISBN: 978-0-340-91043-6 Price: £9.99 |
Published: 15 February 2007 |
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Browse the archive:-
All books reviewed in this section, indexed by title:-
A B C E G H K L M N P R S T W Y 1