August 27, 2025

A Comprehensive Examination of Why the Top 10 Bible Translations Are Popular – Part 1

16 minutes

Thom and Jess Rainer introduce a four-part series on the top 10 English Bible translations in America. In this episode, they offer a broad overview of how these translations emerged, the philosophies behind them, and how cultural, theological, and practical factors affect their popularity.

History of English Bible translation in America

Translation philosophies: formal, dynamic, and optimal equivalence

The influence of denominations, publishers, and tradition

The growing role of digital access and searchability

Resources:

Chaney & Associates

The Church Advisory Podcast

Upward Running

A Comprehensive Examination of Why the Top 10 Bible Translations Are Popular – Part 2: NIV, KJV, NLT

A Comprehensive Examination of Why the Top 10 Bible Translations Are Popular – Part 3: ESV, CSB, NJKV

A Comprehensive Examination of Why the Top 10 Bible Translations Are Popular – Part 4: NASB, NRSV, RSV, LSB

The Hope Initiative

Church Answers Membership

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