Text formatting issues include punctuation, capitalization, arrangement (one verse per line versus paragraphs) and print styles, such as the use of italics for smoothing out English sentences.

The capitalization of a pronoun referring to Jesus has some difficulties. This is not part of the original Hebrew which does not have any capitalization anywhere. The NASB, MLB (Modern Language Bible) and NKJV do use capitalization of these pronouns. While it is intended to refer to deity, sometimes the person in a particular passage does not intend to consider Christ to be God. To capitalize a pronoun used by such a person is to reflect the opinion of the translator instead.

Quotation marks were first added to the American Standard Version of 1901. For a translator to include these, he must make an interpretive decision about where the quote begins and ends. Sometimes it is unclear whether part of the section may be the writer's commentary rather than a complete quote (e.g. Gal. 2:14-21).

What do the italic letters in some translations mean? The italic lettering indicates words which do not translate a specific Hebrew or Greek word. They are implied by the sense of the original, but not explicitly expressed. They are used to complete an English sentence properly. The Geneva Bible (1560), the KJV (1611), the ASV (1901) and NASB (1971) use this convention. The RSV (1881-85) and NKJV (1982) do not use this format.

The KJV initiated the custom of beginning each new verse on its own line. This is useful in finding the beginning of a particular verse in contrast to a paragraph style. Poetry is usually indicated by indentation with each poetic line on its own line.

What about a single translator versus a committee? One translator has the advantage of consistency from one passage to another. He will make the same kinds of decisions throughout regarding wording. A group of translators does not have this consistency of vocabulary; however, a group will have less inclination to maintain personal prejudices, pet doctrines and individual peculiarities.