Let’s look at the two types of translations: word-for-word (Formal Equivalence) and thought-for-thought (Dynamic Equivalence).
A word-for-word Bible translation is a Bible that aims to adhere as closely as possible to the wording and grammatical structure of the original text. Whenever possible, a word-for-word translation tries to translate each word, phrase, and concept in the original text with an exactly matching word, phrase, and concept in the target language. Some consider a word-for-word translation harder to understand, particularly when it comes to figures of speech that are not used in modern culture.
You should consider this type of bible if you:
1) Want a Bible experience that is closer to the vocabulary and phrasing that its original audiences read and heard;
2) Love majestic language and phrasing
3) Have access to a good study Bible, dictionary, or other tool to help you when you run across unfamiliar terms.
Examples of this translation include King James Version (KJV), New King James Version (NKJV, New American Standard Bible (NASB), and English Standard Version (ESV).