Translation Finder

Which Bible Translation Should I Read?

Seven quick questions about how you like to read — and we'll match you with the public-domain translation that fits you best, with a sample so you can see the difference.

Short answer: most new readers do best with the World English Bible (modern, natural English), while readers who love classic language choose the King James Version. For word-for-word study, Young's Literal Translation stays closest to the original Greek and Hebrew. The quiz below weighs what matters to you.

See the Difference — John 3:16 in All Six

King James Version (KJV, 1769)
“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”
Read John 3 in the KJV
World English Bible (WEB, 2000)
“For God so loved the world, that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish, but have eternal life.”
Read John 3 in the WEB
American Standard Version (ASV, 1901)
“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth on him should not perish, but have eternal life.”
Read John 3 in the ASV
Young's Literal Translation (YLT, 1898)
“for God did so love the world, that His Son—the only begotten—He gave, that every one who is believing in him may not perish, but may have life age-during.”
Read John 3 in the YLT
Webster's Bible (WBT, 1833)
“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only-begotten Son, that whoever believeth in him, should not perish, but have everlasting life.”
Read John 3 in the WBT
Darby Translation (DBY, 1890)
“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only-begotten Son, that whosoever believes on him may not perish, but have life eternal.”
Read John 3 in the DBY

How the Six Translations Differ

All six translations on FreeOnlineBible.com are public domain — free to read, copy, and share. They differ in when they were translated and how they balance readability against word-for-word precision. The King James Version (1611, revised 1769) shaped the English language itself. The Webster's Bible (1833) is Noah Webster's gentle American revision of the KJV. Young's Literal Translation (1862) and the Darby Translation (1890) aim for scholarly precision. The American Standard Version (1901) became the scholars' standard. And the World English Bible (2000) brings the ASV into natural modern English.