Find the Best Version of the Bible for You With This Simple Guide

Katherine Fedor 7 minutes

Part 5

The Bible is one incredible book! It’s a message of love and reconciliation from God to you. Did you know that there are over 70 versions of the Bible—just in English? We’ll have to explore the reasons for that another day, but in the meantime, if you want to start reading the Bible and aren’t sure which version to read, you’re in the right spot.

Before we get started finding the best version of the Bible for you, it’s worth remembering that no matter which version you choose, God’s Word is alive and powerful. Exploring the Scriptures in any way is a real game changer—it’ll make your life better as you let the message sink deep into your soul.

Indeed, the word of God is living and effective, sharper than any two-edged sword, penetrating even between soul and spirit, joints and marrow, and able to discern reflections and thoughts of the heart. Hebrews 4:12 NABRE

So why is it important to take time to find the best version of the Bible for you? When we connect with a specific version of Scripture, it becomes easier for us to truly engage with the message of the Bible. The more we take each word to heart, the better we’ll grasp God’s love for us, and the more He’ll transform us—from the inside out. Let’s get started!

A Simple Guide to the Best Version of the Bible for You

All the versions of the Bible are useful in different contexts. Some aim at word-for-word translation to stay as close to the original structure as possible. Others use a thought-for-thought process with a little more interpretation to convey the meaning clearly to a modern audience. Still others take a paraphrase approach to end up with a very smooth, contemporary read.

Some versions are geared for different reading levels, and there can be a varying amount of commentary in footnotes. All the options are helpful—it just depends what you’re looking for at any given time.

Let’s find the best version of the Bible for you for today. Here’s a simple guide. Take a look at the headings below to see which situation best describes you!

I’m Looking for a Clear, Modern Bible Version

If you want a version using today’s language for a smooth read, two great options are the New International Version (NIV) and the New Living Translation (NLT).

The NIV translates from the original languages of Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek using a balance between thought-for-thought and word-for-word approaches to clearly communicate the meaning. It’s widely used.

The NLT is a paraphrase for even more accessibility and clarity in simple, everyday language.

I’m Looking for a Word-for-Word Bible Version

If you want to stay closer to the literal phrasing of the text as it was originally written, while keeping to modern language, try out the English Standard Version (ESV), Christian Standard Bible (CSB), or New American Standard Bible (NASB). Word-for-word translations try as much as possible to keep the original structure of the text. You might need to do a little digging with commentaries to discover what some of the phrasing is really getting at, since the ancient world had different literary conventions and contexts than we do now. But research into God’s Word is a delicious treasure hunt!

I’m Looking for a Bible Version With Helpful Footnotes for Context

The New English Translation (NET) is filled with detailed footnotes that give all kinds of historical, cultural, and literary context to flesh out what you’re reading. Give it a try and see what you think! There are so many notes that you might not be able to read through all 60,000 of them, but when you want to study any particular passage in depth, it can be incredibly useful. The notes give helpful perspectives on the context of the Scriptures.

I’m Looking for a Classic Bible Version

If you enjoy reading the Scriptures in poetic language from the earlier days of English translation, explore the King James Version (KJV). Hundreds of words and phrases in modern English stem from this historic translation! If you want a more modern version that still retains the classic beauty of the KJV, try out the New King James Version (NKJV).

I’m Looking for a Devotional Paraphrase of the Bible

For a vibrant, contemporary experience and a particularly engaging perspective, try The Message (MSG). It’s a devotional paraphrase that brings us deeper into each scene with conversational language and cadence. This version was written to help more people connect with, enjoy, and understand the Bible.

I’m Looking for a Fresh, New Version of the Bible

If you’d like to try something new for a fresh dive into the Scriptures, check out the recently translated Berean Standard Bible (BSB). Each word links back to the original languages in which the Bible was written—to connect us with the original root meanings, but still in an easy-to-read format. This newer translation was inspired by a verse from the Book of Acts:

Now the Bereans were more noble-minded … for they received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if these teachings were true. Acts 17:11 BSB

For another great option combining simplicity and accuracy, check out the Contemporary English Version (CEV).

I’m Looking for an Audio Bible—Something I Can Listen To!

If you like listening to the Scriptures aloud, you have a ton of options. There are currently over 20 English versions available with audio in the Bible App, plus 1,700 more in other languages. You can choose from any of the versions already mentioned in this article, and more. You can also easily switch between versions anytime in the Bible App, so feel free to try several—they’re all available in your earbuds anytime.

I’m Looking for a Easy-to-Read Bible

If you need a Bible for someone learning to read in English, check out the New International Reader’s Version (NIrV). It uses shorter sentences and simple language, so it’s easier to grasp quickly. It’s great for kids or beginning readers. The NLT is another great option. If you have a younger child, get them set up with the fun, interactive Bible App for Kids! Have fun with the children in your life around truths from God’s Word.

Okay, I’ve Decided on a Bible Version. Where Can I Get It?

Once you pick a version to try out, you can typically get a paper copy wherever you buy books—in a local bookstore or online. Or you can look in a Christian bookstore if there’s one near you. A local church might be another good place to ask for a copy. But if you want to start reading right away, you can find all these versions of the Bible—and more—for free anytime at www.bible.com or in the Bible App from YouVersion.

By the way, if you or a friend are looking for a Bible in another language, you can also get immediate access to free digital Bibles in over 2,000 languages in the Bible App! Whether you want to share God’s Word in Spanish, French, German, Chinese, or Swahili, there’s an easy way—with no ads, and at no cost to you.

Keep in mind that the best version of the Bible for you might change over time. Or you might benefit from comparing multiple versions side by side as you study a passage. You’re growing as a Jesus follower and encountering new challenges in life, so a different version of the Bible might speak to you more strongly in a new season than one that was just right for previous years.

No matter what translation, language, or version of the Bible you choose, just go ahead and open up God’s Word. It will change your life.

Dive In to God’s Word

Again, no matter what translation, language, or version of the Bible you choose, just go ahead and open up God’s Word. It will change your life. As you listen to God’s love expressed to you, He’ll bring healing to your heart and soul over time and give you new purpose in life. Embrace it: God loves you!

And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in them. 1 John 4:16 NIV

Lead me by your truth and teach me, for you are the God who saves me. All day long I put my hope in you. Psalm 25:5 NLT

… I have loved you with an everlasting love; therefore I have continued my faithfulness to you. Jeremiah 31:3 ESV

And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God. Romans 12:2 NKJV

... I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly. John 10:10 KJV

… the holy writings, which are able to give you wisdom for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. Every scripture is inspired by God and useful for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the person dedicated to God may be capable and equipped for every good work. 2 Timothy 3:15-17 NET

“Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.” Matthew 11:28-30 MSG