Compare John 1:1 in Four Translations

In the beginning the Word already existed. The Word was with God, and the Word was God.
GOD’S WORD Translation (GW)
Meaning-for-Meaning (Closest Natural Equivalence)

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Word-for-Word (Formal Equivalence)

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In the beginning there was the Word. The Word was with God, and the Word was God.
New Century Version (NCV)
Thought-for-Thought (Functional Equivalence)

The Word was first, the Word present to God, God present to the Word.
The Message (MSG)
Paraphrase (Retelling)

Visit our Bible Translation Guide for more information about the major differences between the clear, natural English of God’s Word and other translations.