Here is a list of the major Spanish Bible translations, their English equivalents, and links to free online bilingual or parallel reading options. You can find bi-lingual bibles for sale on Amazon or other book stores.
Reina-Valera 1960 (RVR60)
English equivalent: King James Version (KJV) The most popular and most widely used Bible version in Spanish-speaking countries, widely considered the Spanish equivalent of the King James Version. If you are doing ministry in Latin America, this is the version most people will be familiar with.
Note: In the mission field I have heard missionaries say they don’t like this version because it’s older and hard to understand (same complaint as using the KJV in English). They recommend the NVI or NTV instead. I use the NTV/NLT bi-lingual bible myself.
- Read RVR60 on Bible Gateway
- Read RVR60 + KJV side by side on Bible Gateway
- WordProject — Free Spanish/English Parallel Bible (RVR60 + KJV)
Nueva Versión Internacional (NVI)
English equivalent: New International Version (NIV) The Spanish equivalent of the New International Version, popular and easy to understand — possibly the second most widely used version in Spanish-speaking countries. A good choice for new believers or Spanish language learners.
Nueva Traducción Viviente (NTV)
English equivalent: New Living Translation (NLT) The Spanish equivalent of the New Living Translation — another suitable translation for new believers and Spanish language learners. Uses natural, everyday language.
La Biblia de las Américas (LBLA)
English equivalent: New American Standard Bible (NASB) A highly literal, word-for-word translation aimed at accuracy. Considered the equivalent of the NASB and uses Latin American Spanish rather than Spain Spanish.
Nueva Biblia de las Américas (NBLA)
English equivalent: New American Standard Bible (NASB) — updated An updated revision of the LBLA, published by The Lockman Foundation, maintaining the same commitment to accuracy with more contemporary language.
Dios Habla Hoy (DHH)
English equivalent: Good News Translation (GNT) / Today’s English Version A dynamic equivalence translation written in plain, accessible Spanish. Often used by Spanish-speaking Catholics in Latin America and accepted by many Christians across denominations.
Traducción en Lenguaje Actual (TLA)
English equivalent: Contemporary English Version (CEV) The most simplified and accessible Spanish translation, written at a basic reading level. Designed for readers with little or no church background.
Reina-Valera Contemporánea (RVC)
English equivalent: New King James Version (NKJV) A modern revision of the classic Reina-Valera that updates the language while preserving the traditional feel and textual base of the original.
La Palabra — Versión Hispanoamericana (BLPH)
English equivalent: The Message (MSG) — paraphrase style A thought-for-thought paraphrase written specifically for Latin American readers, prioritizing natural, modern expression over formal equivalence.
Free Online Bilingual Tools
These tools let you read any Spanish and English translation side by side for free:
Bible Gateway — Parallel View The most flexible option. Use the version selector to place any Spanish translation next to any English translation on the same page.
WordProject — Spanish/English Parallel Bible A free online parallel Bible with Spanish and English side by side, available to read in your browser or download.
Bible Study Tools — Parallel Bible Allows you to study verses using more than one translation at a time, helping you see how different translators have interpreted the original language. Includes NVI and other Spanish versions.
YouVersion Bible App Free app with a large selection of Spanish translations including NVI, NTV, LBLA, NBLA, DHH, and others — many with audio.