what is the most literal, word for word translation of the Holy Bible?

Answer 1

For an analysis of the various translations of the bible see:
http://faith.propadeutic.com/questions.html

For accurate translations of the bible at the literal level use the NASB or ESV translations.

Answer 2

Of the popular versions, the NASB is supposed to be the most literal.

Of course, "literal" is relative, since a direct word for word translation would be incompressible. Greek & Hebrew grammar, as well as their figures of speech, are different than ours.

This guide might help:
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The King James Version (KJV) — Translated in 1611 by 47 scholars using the Byzantine family of manuscripts, Textus Receptus. This remains as a good version of the Bible. It has been the most reliable translation for over three centuries, but its Elizabethan style Old English is difficult for modern readers, especially youth. This is still a good translation for those who can deal with the language.


The New American Standard Bible (NASB) — Translated in 1971 by 58 scholars of the Lockman Foundation, from Kittle’s Biblia Hebraica and Nestle’s Greek New Testament 23rd ed., which include the Alexandrian Family codices. Though academic in tone, it is said to be the most exact English translation available. A very good version.


The Living Bible (TLB) — A paraphrased rendition of the King James Version by Kenneth Taylor in 1971. This is not a genuine translation, but is a type of phrase-by-phrase commentary that was originally intended to help the author’s own children understand the scriptures. It is useful for inspiration and commentary, but for serious Bible study it should only be used in conjunction with a legitimate translation.


The New International Version (NIV) — Over 100 translators completed this work in 1978 which was composed from Kittle’s, Nestle’s and United Bible Society’s texts, which include the Alexandrian Family codices. This is considered an “open” style translation. It is a good, easy to read version.


The New King James Version (NKJV) — 130 translators, commissioned by Thomas Nelson Publishers, produced this version from the Byzantine family (Textus Receptus) in 1982. This is a revision of the King James version, updated to modern English with minor translation corrections and retention of traditional phraseology. This is a very good version.

Answer 3

Probably the New American Standard Bible, but it's so word-for-word it's almost unreadable. I'd go with the Holman Christian Standard Bible as a more readable literal translation if that's what you're looking for.

But, IMO, "literal" translations are a little overrated. You can capture the sense of the scriptures better with a little less literalness. The New Jerusalem Bible is hands down the best English translation out there, my opinion.

Answer 4

I'm sure you're going to get quite a variety of responses, but from what I can tell, Young's Literal Translation is very accurate.

I'm not a formal Bible scholar, but I've read about some of the common translational problems that occur in other literal texts. Young seems to have avoided those errors in his version.

I'm sure that there are plenty of people here who know a lot more about this subject than I do, and I'm looking forward to seeing what they have to say. If there's a better literal translation than Young's, I'd definitely like to know about it.

Answer 5

There are a lot of good bibles. I like the Jerusalem Bible. Some like the Douay-Reims.

Please remember that the Catholic bible has more books so you may also want to read those books even if you choose a King James version.

Answer 6

It's notably all "allegory" in both "covenants": Galatians 4.
http://www.godshew.org/Allegory.htm

Biblical literalism is same dead end as Human secularism.
More excellent: neither narrowmindead nor broadmindead.
http://www.godshew.org/Best.htm

As for allegoric Bible Study, the Authorized KJV is best.
http://www.godshew.org/Bibles.htm

Answer 7

Many people think it is KJV, but I have many translations and they all tell the same thing. I like NIV study Bible the best. : )

Answer 8

King James
Also the NASB I think.

Answer 9

The NASB, no contest. Unless you are talking about an interlinear.