A word-for-word translation of the Bible

Simple enough
for anyone.
Deep enough
for everyone.

The Biblical Standard Version — translated directly from the original Hebrew and Greek, with no agenda, no paraphrase, and nothing added.

Literal Word for word from Hebrew & Greek
Clear Readable by anyone
Faithful No agenda. No bias. Ever.

Translation Philosophy

Every word is a choice.
Here is ours.

Most translations make compromises — for readability, for tradition, for doctrine. The Biblical Standard Version makes only one commitment: say what the text actually says.

Word for Word

We stay as close to the original Hebrew and Greek as English allows. Key terms are translated consistently — we never change a word's rendering just because tradition prefers something else. When a word is disputed, we translate it and note the dispute. We do not choose sides for you.

"Do not add to his words, or he will rebuke you and prove you a liar." — Proverbs 30:6

Readable by Anyone

The original authors wrote in the common language of their day — not elevated literary Greek or formal religious Hebrew. We aim for the same. If a 7th grader cannot follow it, we rework it until they can. Clarity is not a compromise — it is faithfulness to the original intent.

"Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path." — Psalm 119:105

No Agenda

No denomination funded this translation. No theological tradition shaped its word choices. Disputed passages are included and noted — never quietly removed or quietly elevated. We do not interpret. We do not paraphrase. We do not improve on Scripture. We translate it and step aside.

"All Scripture is God-breathed." — 2 Timothy 3:16

Get the BSV Bible

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All volumes available in paperback and hardcover. Printed and fulfilled through Amazon KDP — delivered to your door.

New Testament

The BSV New Testament

Matthew through Revelation — complete and unabridged

Old Testament — Volume 1

Genesis through Deuteronomy

The Law — the foundation of all Scripture

Old Testament — Volume 2

Joshua through Esther

The History — God's faithfulness through Israel's story

Old Testament — Volume 3

Job through Song of Solomon

The Wisdom — poetry and truth for the human soul

Old Testament — Volume 4

Isaiah through Malachi

The Prophets — voices calling God's people back to faithfulness

Free Access

The Word should be
available to everyone.

The Biblical Standard Version is available to read completely free — no account, no paywall. The printed volumes fund the ministry. The Word itself is free.

PDF Download

The complete Biblical Standard Version as a PDF — download and read anywhere, on any device.

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The BSV Bible App

Full translation with highlighting, notes, bookmarks, search, and multiple reading modes.

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e-Sword Module

Use the BSV in e-Sword on Windows or Mac. Includes .bblx and .bbli module files plus install instructions.

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The BSV Bible App

A Bible study tool built for serious readers

Available on the App Store for iPhone and iPad, and installable on Android and desktop as a progressive web app.

Full BSV translation — complete and searchable
Highlight, underline, circle, or box any verse in 15 colors
Add and review personal notes on any verse
Create custom chain references for deeper study
Search the entire Bible by keyword
Continuous scroll or verse-by-verse reading modes
Bookmark favorite verses for quick access
Mobile-friendly progressive web app — works offline
iPhone & iPad
  1. Tap the App Store badge in the Free Access section above
  2. Tap "Get" to download the BSV Bible app
  3. Open the app from your home screen
Android
  1. Tap the Google Play badge below
  2. Tap "Install" on the app listing
  3. Open the BSV Bible app from your home screen
Desktop (Chrome / Edge)
  1. Open the app link in Chrome or Edge
  2. Click the Install icon in the address bar
  3. Follow the prompt to install
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AI-Powered Q&A

Ask the Translator

Have a question about a translation choice, a specific word, or why the BSV renders something differently? Ask below — powered by Claude AI, guided by the translator's own principles.

Hello! I am here to help you understand the Biblical Standard Version. Ask me about specific word choices, translation philosophy, how certain passages are rendered, or anything else about the BSV. What would you like to know?

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We want to know.

This translation is a living work. If you find an error, have a question, or want to suggest an improvement — please tell us. Every submission goes directly to the translator.