If you’re new to reading the bible or you know someone that is interested in pouring into the word of God, then the version of the bible you read is an important place to start! Whether you’re wondering for yourself what the best bible version for beginners is or you have someone in your family just starting to get into reading the bible, I’m thrilled to share several options for the best bible to read and understand.
If you’ve asked, “What is the easiest version of the bible to understand?” Or, “What kind of bible should a beginner get?” You’ve come to the right place.
The good news: reading the bible doesn’t have to feel daunting, scary, or always difficult. Many times, the bible version you have makes a world of difference and we’re going to dive into the best bible version for beginners today!
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Best Bible Version For Beginners
What is the best bible version for beginners? I have three to recommend! Each of these versions is the best bible to understand in my opinion and included the New Living Translation (NLT), The New International Version (NIV), and The New International Readers Version (NIrV).
Each version presents thought-for-thought translation and helps to provide in-depth study as well as personal development making each the best bible for beginners to understand!
New Living Translation Version – This translation is accomplished by translating entire thoughts into modern English rather than word for word. The result is an easy-to-understand bible with our everyday language.
New International Version – This translation was formed through many bible scholars seeking ways to best capture the original language and context into modern English and continues to be updated. The NIV is the most-read version of the English bible.
New International Readers Version – This is based on the NIV but offers an even easier version of the NIV to read and understand.
I was introduced to this version when my children received an Adventure Bible For Early Readers with this translation. It boasted at getting kids (ages 6-10) excited about getting into God’s Word and I can attest that this is true. Yes, there are also NIrV bibles for adults, too!
A proper translation makes a world of difference!
What is the easiest version of the bible to understand?
So what version of the bible is easiest to read?
When it comes to the best Bible version for beginners, the New Living Translation (NLT) is one of the easiest translations of the bible to understand and read. I use this version often on the blog as well as when reading the bible out loud to our kids.
The original language of the bible was written in Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek. The Bible versions we have today have been translated into various forms and translations so that we can better understand God’s Word.
With that being said, some translations and versions are easier to read than others! A lot of times people approach reading the bible with a version that is from the King James Version or a version that is quite difficult from our everyday language.
So, in frustration and difficulty reading from these types of versions, readers give up from pursuing the word of God. This is why it is so important to have an easy-to-understand bible translation to read in normal, modern English.
As you grow in reading your bible more and more, you’ll be interested in comparing translations. Bible Gateway and Bible Hub are great free resources to compare different translations. For instance, take the verse Matthew 9:36 and see all the different translations that are offered through Bible Hub. Compare NLT, NIV, and ESV to get started.
Best Bible Version For Beginners: Adult
If you’re an adult looking for the best bible version for beginners, I highly recommend the Life Application Study Bible NLT Version. This is the best bible to read and understand!
Don’t let the words “Study Bible” deter you. A study bible offers a ton of additional information and resources to help better explain what you’re reading and I highly recommend one!
Oftentimes, a study bible will include the following:
- Book Introductions for each book of the bible
- Timelines
- Maps and Charts to help explain the context
- Personality Profiles to offer focused information on particular individuals
- Verses to cross-reference verses
- Text Notes, Comparisons, & Explantations
- And SO much more
As you can see, there are additional resources that are available in study bibles to help better explain and improve your bible reading experience. They can greatly help and offer explanations to you as you read.
I still use mine on a daily basis and love the extra information!
Easy To Read Bible for Adults
Along with the Life Application Study Bible NLT, the NIV version is also another easy-to-read bible for adults and youth as well.
The Life Application Study Bible truly makes the best study Bible. I have been a fan of their study bible for as long as I can remember. This Life Application Study Bible NIV is also another fabulous and easy-to-read bible for adults and the first bible I got as an adult!
Best Bible Version For Beginners: Children
Our children are ages 9 and 12 and we have been through several different bibles from the time they were babies until now. When it comes to children and the best bible version for beginners, I have a couple of recommendations.
Currently, my son uses the Adventure Bible NIrV and my daughter has used the NIV Ultimate Bible for Girls and both thoroughly enjoy it. For us, these have been the best bible version for kids their age.
Update: I should also add, my son recently discovered that Adventures in Odyssey has a bible for children now as well and it takes the cake for him! Check out the awesome Adventures in Odyssey bible!
All investments in any bible bring eternal value!
Best Bible Version For Beginners Matter
When you’re shopping for the best bible version for beginners, remember, keep looking until you find a version that is easy to understand and makes sense to you!
Once you’ve selected your new bible, you’ll find the following posts helpful to grow in your faith!
How to Start Reading the Bible Daily
Quiet Time with God: 5 Minutes and My Bible, Now What?
10 Amazing Benefits of Reading the Bible
Getting To Know God Changes Everything
A grand adventure reading God’s Word awaits you! Find the best bible version for you and dive in. Know that God’s Word is living and active and truly, this is just the beginning!
