literal translation

For literal study the NASB.
For a "literal" translation that
is rather readable and has a good
oral style the ESV is quite good.

Clay

 

I think the ESV is the best. Literal yet more lucid then the NASB. You really can't go wrong though with the NASB, ESV, NKJV, KJV, ect, they are all good translations produced by Godly men.

 

I prefer the NKJV, but the NASB appears to be more literal than the NKJV at points. I would also rank the ESV highly. These are the three best modern translations in my opinion.

 

I'd chose the NASB or NKJV.

I'd lean towards the NKJV that has the textual variants listed in the margin for the NU (Nestle/UBS GNT) and M (Majority Greek Text). I personally find that helpful. If you find what you consider a "significant" variant you can study it out and do more research on it.

-kman

 

NKJV is from the TR

NASB and ESV are from the CT

 

I'd also add the ASV. It just might
be the most literal translation. It
is in print and is also available on
the Internet.

The lastest versions, except for the
NKJV, are based on the ct. The
NKJV is based on the TR with a
look towards the M and CT. I
like the textual material in the
NKJV.

Clay

 

any Interlinear Bible is best.