Has from two to eight translations side by side. Usually includes color drawings, maps, and simplified stories. Often has answers to frequently asked questions. Includes protocol outlines and recommended verses for hospital visits, weddings, funerals, and other events. The four gospels are harmonized into one, for example, and the writings of the prophets are placed in the proper historical place in the books of history. Entire Bible in one continuous story with narration to cover gaps and make everything flow. Divided into 365 readings for each day of the year, usually with each having a portion of the Old Testament, New Testament, Psalms, and Proverbs. There are versions of these Bibles aimed at men, women, sports players, recovering addicts, new believers, converted Jews, small group members, and many others. Has meditations and thoughts about issues of concern to people at a particular stage in life. Usually has a cyclopedic index (like an encyclopedia with a reference to the verse where the word or thought is used), a concordance (like a dictionary of common words with examples of their usage and verse references for each example), and maps. (Some also have a cyclopedic index and/or a concordance-see Reference Bible.) They may also have extensive cross references, a narrative commentary, and maps. Such Bibles usually have extensive footnotes and explanatory notes next to the columns of text. Here are just a few of the many different kinds of Bibles. Most translations are available in several different types of Bible. Examples: The Living Bible (TLB), The Message. Translates the ideas from the original text but without being constrained by the original words or language. Examples: New International Version (NIV), Revised English Bible (REB). Attempts to keep a constant historical distance with regard to history and facts, but updates the writing style and grammar.
The chart a little way down can also be downloaded as a printable GIF file just right click your mouse on it.
Some of the text material on this web page is available as a downloadable PDF file so you can print it. One section has examples of the same passage as it appears in several different translations. Also looks at the development of our modern English Bibles from the ancient manuscripts. This page compares different Bible translation types (word for word, thought for thought, paraphrase), translations (NIV, King James, NASB, NRSV, Living Bible, The Promise, The Message, Amplified Bible, etc.) and Bible types (Study Bible, Parallel Bible, Reference Bible, Chronological Bible, etc.).
Bible Versions and Types - Word for Word (Literal), Thought for Thought, and Paraphrase