Translations · 1989
NRSV — New Revised Standard Version
The translation of the academy — chosen by universities, lectionaries and ecumenical bodies on both sides of the Atlantic.
Updated 18 May 2026 · By the Bibles.co.uk editorial team
The short answer
- Philosophy
- Formal
- Reading level
- Grade 11
- First published
- 1989
- Publisher
- National Council of Churches
Where it sits on the spectrum
Below, every major English translation plotted against NRSV (highlighted in burgundy). Translation philosophy runs left-to-right; reading level top-to-bottom.
How it reads
Reading level is one of the cleanest indicators of how easy a translation is to follow cold. The NRSV sits at grade 11.
Strengths
- Standard text in universities and seminaries
- Catholic Edition includes the Deuterocanon
- Gender-accurate language where the original is inclusive
Watch-outs
- Less fluid for devotional reading than NIV/NLT
- 2021 NRSVue updates some renderings
See it in action
Three well-known verses in the NRSV. Compare against another translation using the tool below.
NRSV New Revised Standard Version | For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life. |
NRSV New Revised Standard Version | The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want. |
NRSV New Revised Standard Version | We know that all things work together for good for those who love God, who are called according to his purpose. |
Who uses the {t.abbr}
Academic theologians, Catholic readers, Mainline Protestant denominations including the Church of England.
Translation Comparator
Same verse, two translations
John 3:16
"For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life."
- Style
- Formal
- Level
- Grade 11
- Year
- 1989
John 3:16
"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."
- Style
- Formal
- Level
- Grade 12
- Year
- 1611
Not sure yet?
Answer three questions. We'll recommend your Bible.
Like the NRSV? The Finder will narrow down editions, bindings and study tools that match.
Start the Bible FinderFrequently asked
- Is the NRSV a good Bible translation?
- The New Revised Standard Version (NRSV) is the most widely used English Bible translation in academic biblical studies, with a Catholic edition that includes the Deuterocanonical books and broad ecumenical acceptance. Strengths include: Standard text in universities and seminaries; Catholic Edition includes the Deuterocanon; Gender-accurate language where the original is inclusive.
- What reading level is the NRSV?
- The NRSV reads at roughly US grade 11, using a formal translation philosophy.
- Who uses the NRSV?
- Academic theologians, Catholic readers, Mainline Protestant denominations including the Church of England.
Keep reading
KJV — King James Version
The 1611 translation that shaped English literature and church liturgy for four centuries.
NASB — New American Standard Bible
The most literal mainstream English translation — sometimes wooden, always transparent to the Greek and Hebrew.
All translations
Compare every major English Bible side by side.