GNB Good News Bible

ESV English Standard Version

The English Standard Version (ESV) Bible incorporates recent advances in scholarship and modern language while retaining many traditional, conservative theological terms. It attempts to render each Hebrew or Greek word with one equivalent English word, making it an excellent tool for detailed Bible study.

It was produced by evangelical scholars looking to produce a modern, readable, literal and accurate translation, yet one that stands in the tradition of the King James Version of 1611 (also know as the Authorised Version). It is a new edition of the Bible, first printed in 2001 by Crossway Bibles and revised recently in 2011. It is also a revision of the 1971 edition of the Revised Standard Version (RSV).

The ESV comes in various editions including a Study Bible, and is often used in diglots with other languages. It has also been anglicised for the British market. In 2011 the ESV was selected by the Catholic Church for its lectionary in English speaking countries.

Sample verse

But if anyone has the world's goods and sees his brother in need, yet closes his heart against him, how does God's love abide in him? (1 John 3:17)

GNB Good News Bible

The Good News Bible (GNB) has become established as one of the UK's most popular Bible because it uses plain, everyday language to give readers of all ages the clearest understanding of the Bible. With an emphasis on the meaning of the text it is particularly popular with schools, Sunday Schools, young people, and people with English as a second language. It is a favourite all over the English speaking world, and among all ages, making it perfect for all-age services.

Parts of the New Testament were used in the Billy Graham crusades, as well as other evangelistic campaigns, thanks to the GNB's emphasis on meaning which makes it a favourite for those involved with evangelism.

Through the plain language, the Bible's message is made easily accessible to everyone, and according to recent research it is the preferred translation of those who do not read the Bible. Most editions include the iconic line drawings by Swiss artist Annie Vallotton.

The New Testament was first published as ‘Good News for Modern Man’ by the American Bible Society in 1966, and then the whole Bible was printed as Today's English Version (TEV) in 1976. In the USA it is now called the Good News Translation (GNT).

The GNB comes in many editions published by Bible Society and HarperCollins, including most recently a Sports Edition in the year of the 2012 Olympics. It was anglicised for the British market by the British and Foreign Bible Society.

Sample verse

Rich people who see a brother or sister in need, yet close their hearts against them, cannot claim that they love God. (1 John 3.17)