What is the Best Bible For Beginners or for those who are new believers?
You are possibly just starting on your spiritual journey, have become a new Christian, or simply haven’t read the Bible very much. Or, you simply may be looking for a new Bible to read that might be easier to comprehend for a better understanding of the Bible.
With quite a few great Bibles available today, it can be difficult to say exactly what might be the best translation for someone. However, we are confident that we can help you make an informed decision about a Bible for new believers or a version that might serve well as a beginner’s Bible.
With an abundance of Bible translations that are available today, no person or group can or has the authority to tell you the best Bible version for beginners. There are so many variables when choosing a Bible version.
Are you a brand new believer or a Christian who is now beginning to commit themselves to more Bible reading and study?
As a result of the readability and accuracy of this translation, The Bible that I recommend as the best Bible for beginners is the New Living Translation.
That is my opinion. But, the real answer to “What is the best Bible for beginners” could be any number of choices. For example, I recently saw a video by a trusted Bible translation expert. The Bible that he recommended as his #1 as the best Bible for beginners happens to be my #4 choice in the top 4 choices below. However, as a minister, I would be happy if you chose the #4 Bible on our list,
After the beginning Bible reader has a fairly good knowledge of basic Christian principles and can navigate quite comfortably in the Bible, then there are other choices. However, I am highly convinced that simplicity and understanding should be at the top of the list for a beginning Bible reader.
We are seeking the best Bible for beginners for those who might be new Christians, young in the faith, and need Bible translations that are easier to understand. We want you to read and understand God’s word and immerse yourself in Biblical teachings as much as you can.
However, as you begin to learn and grow in your faith and Bible Study, you might want to consider something like a New American Standard Bible that is more academic in nature.
For either of these Bibles, various selections and price points depend on your budget, the type of cover, etc.
Each of the others that we will recommend would serve well as a new believer’s Bible. We will look at complete Bibles that include both the Old Testament and the New Testament. We have learned over the years that will allow us to recommend the best Bible for beginners that might be the right Bible for you and your situation.
Although there are all sorts of choices, we would not recommend a particular Bible that is not accurate as you begin your Bible reading. I feel very confident in recommending any of the Bibles on this page.
First, we will give you our quick picks. Then on down further in this article we will give you more details about each of these, and offer some additional suggestions that you like to consider.
QUICK PICKS
Here is our quick list if you’re in a hurry, but we will go into these in more detail later in this article. Our QUICK-PICK list for the best bible for beginners:
1. New Living Translation (NLT)
OUR #1 RECOMMENDATION AS BEST BIBLE FOR BEGINNERS AND NEW BELIEVERS
This is a popular Bible translation for the great ease of reading. Translated into modern English it is a great choice for those who are new to Bible reading.
2. New International Version (NIV)
The NIV has been a dependable, go-to choice for many Bible readers in the past few decades. Many churches use the New International Version as one of their primary Bible translations.
3. New American Standard Bible
Favored for academic study and a mix of modern English and a touch of tradition as well. (One of our personal favorites). The NASB is known for its formal and literal approach to translation. While having less of a conversational tone compared to other modern translations, it remains one of our favorites for tone and accuracy.
4. Christian Standard Bible
A contemporary and highly regarded Bible translation known for its commitment to maintaining biblical accuracy while offering modern accessibility and clarity.
Types of Bible Translations
We will go more deeply into our top 4 and provide some other recommendations later in this post. But first, I think we need to take just a bit of time and look at the main types of Bible translations. Basically, Bible translations fall into these categories:
Formal Equivalence (Literal or Word-for-Word)
This method of Bible translation attempts to stay as close to the exact words and grammatical structure of the original languages. Formal Equivalence aims for a high degree of accuracy but it can be more challenging to read for a beginner. For examples of this type of Bible, you can look at the English Standard Version (ESV) and the New American Standard Bible (NASB) as examples of formal equivalence.
Dynamic Equivalence (Thought-for-Thought)
(Thought-for-Thought): This type of translation prioritizes the aspect of conveying the original overall meaning rather than finding an exact English equivalent for each word of the original text. Examples of this method would include the New International Version (NIV) and the New Living Translation (NLT).
Optimal Equivalence
This is a somewhat balanced approach where the translators try to maintain a middle ground between formal and dynamic equivalence. The goal is to combine the accuracy of a word-for-word translation with the readability of a thought-for-thought translation. The Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB) and the Christian Standard Bible (CSB) are examples.
Paraphrase
A Bible paraphrase takes more liberty in rephrasing the original text into a modern language and phrasing that is easier to understand. However, they can be more subject to the personal interpretation of the translators and can move further away from the wording of the original languages. Paraphrases can be very good for devotional reading, but not necessarily recommended for in-depth Bible study other than a resource. Examples include The Message (MSG) and The Living Bible (TLB).
Check out our Bible Buyer’s Guide Page Featuring all of Our Bible Review Articles!
Our Recommended Top 4 Bible Versions For Beginners or New Christians
Here is the list of the top 4 Bible versions or translations that we recommend for beginners or new believers. In addition, scroll down below will then go into more detail on those, plus make additional recommendations on specific Bibles that you might want to consider as well.
1- Best Bible for Beginners – New Living Translation
✔️ Easiest Version to Read
The New Living Translation could very well be the best Bible for beginners because it is so easy to read. It is written in language appropriate for a 6th-grade reading. I began to use it after a good friend and former Senior Pastor of mine used the NLT very often. It is one that is familiar to me and I can recommend it. I find its writing to flow very well and the phrasing is easy to understand.
The New Living Translation (NLT) was created to give another choice of a solid Bible version that helps make the Bible more readable for people in our modern society. It’s based on the popular English Standard Version, but it has been updated with contemporary language and phrasing.
The NLT is perfect for people who want an easy-to-read Bible version that doesn’t sacrifice accuracy. We think this is perhaps the easiest version of the Bible to read in modern English.
Every Bible translation aims to accurately express the original Hebrew and Greek texts’ meanings to the present-day reader.
The translators’ goal was to produce a narrative that would have the same impact on modern readers as the original text had on ancient readers. the NLT is a thought-for-thought translation rather than a word-for-word translation. It makes a very good Bible for new believers and we especially like it in the Life Application Study Bible (NLT).
In the New Living Translation, this is achieved by translating complete thoughts (rather than simply words) into natural, everyday English. As a result of this, the translation is readable and understandable while still accurately conveying the meaning of the original text.
Also, in the NLT category you have the New Believer’s Bible NLT (Hardcover): First Steps for New Christians. This New Living Translation version features notes and commentary for new believers. It is edited by Greg Laurie, who was featured in the recent film “Jesus Revolution.”
This translation was created by 90 Bible scholars – people with a deep understanding of what certain words mean in context- and reviewed by 50 Christian leaders from around the world before publication, making it an accurate translation that you can trust.
The NLT is a thought-for-thought translation rather than a word-for-word translation. Many people love the way the text flows while keeping with the original meaning. Here is a great NLT Bible version for all-around spiritual health and study. If you need one that is smaller for on-the-go and has fewer additional study notes and help, there are some smaller NLT Bible versions here.
We highly recommend the Life Application Study Bible in the NLT Bible version. It has become a great standard for home study use and it is one of our favorites.
2- Best Bibles for Beginners – New International Version
The New International Version (NIV) is a popular bible version/bible translation that is easy to read and understand. It’s perfect for people who are just starting on their faith journey, as it provides an easy-to-follow translation of the scriptures.
The NIV as a bible version has become the choice of millions of people. Whether you buy the NIV in a study Bible version with additional notes and commentary or you just buy a regular NIV Bible, you will be getting a good translation of God’s word. Click below to find some great NIV Bible choices.
The translators took great care to make sure that the wording in the NIV Bible version was easy to read, while still staying true to the original text. This makes it a great choice for those who want to get a good overview of what the Bible has to say.
The publisher of the NIV Bible version is Zondervan in the United States. As for the UK, the publisher is Hodder and Stoughton. There was a revision of the NIV Bible version in 1984 with a 2011 update as well. The NIV has become one of the world’s most popular English translations of the bible.
Another reason why the NIV Bible version is a great choice for beginners is that it’s widely available. You can find it in most bookstores and online, and there are also many different editions available. So, you can choose the one that best suits your needs.
3- Best Bible for Beginners – New American Standard Bible (NASB)
The New American Standard Bible (NASB) is a great bible version for beginners because it is easy to read and understand. The language is simple and straightforward, making it a good choice for those who are new to reading the Bible.
Overall, the NASB is a well-rounded Bible that is perfect for those who are just starting. Check it out today and see for yourself how easy it can be to read and understand the Bible! I have used the NASB many. many years.
The New American Standard Bible (NASB) was translated by a committee of scholars from different denominations in 1971. It is considered a very accurate translation and is still in use today.
The New American Standard Bible was updated in 1995 and is called the Updated NASB. It includes minor revisions and updates to the text, as well as a new concordance.
The language of this Bible was updated so that it would be more accessible to modern readers. Additionally, there were a few mistranslations that had been corrected in the updated version.
One of the biggest changes in the updated version was that it used more literal translations instead of relying on modern language. The NASB is a word-for-word translation, so it stays true to the original languages as much as possible.
Therefore, words from older English versions were taken out and replaced with their closest equivalents in the modern language. This makes the NASB more accessible for those who are not as familiar with biblical terms. Here is a version of the NASB that we recommend.
The updated version also took into account changes in English grammar over the past few decades. For example, pronouns were no longer capitalized and verb tenses were adjusted to reflect contemporary speech patterns. These small changes make the NASB more readable and understandable for modern audiences. Here is a page with quite a few other fine NASB Bibles
4- Best Bible For Beginners – Christian Standard Bible
The Christian Standard Bible (CSB) is a contemporary and highly regarded English translation of the Bible that seeks to strike a balance between readability and accuracy. It was first introduced in 2017 and has since gained recognition and acceptance among quite a range of readers.
The CSB translation is characterized by its commitment to faithfully conveying the original meaning of the biblical texts while also using clear and modern language, making it accessible to a broad audience.
The CSB’s readability, combined with its commitment to accuracy, makes it a valuable resource for both personal devotional reading and scholarly study. It is often praised for its clarity and ease of understanding, making it an excellent choice for individuals seeking a modern English Bible translation that maintains a deep connection to the biblical text’s original meaning.
Whether used in church settings, for academic study, or for personal reflection, the CSB Bible is a notable translation that continues to impact and inspire readers worldwide.
Bible Versions That We Do Not Recommend
- The New World Translation – This is a translation used by the Jehovah’s Witnesses. This group. know for their door-to-door canvassing, holds views that are outside of orthodox Christianity in terms of the deity of Christ, salvation, the Trinity, and the Holy Spirit. This is a Bible that you should ABSOLUTELY avoid.
- The Passion Translation – There are numerous problems with the Passion translation. Some conservatives will say that it is not a translation, but a “reworded or rewritten Bible” (Got Questions.org). It is criticized for its lack of scholarly translation. It is primarily translated by only one person, Brian Simmons, and it is thought that he translates things according to his biases.
- The Mirror Bible – This paraphrase what was written by Bible teacher, Francois du Toi. He is a Universalist. He believes that the gospel is not about sinners needing to put faith in Christ to be saved, but that we have all been saved and the gospel simply announces that fact. This is not orthodox Christianity and a false revision of God’s word.
A word about Paraphrases
Some writers would put the two Bible paraphrases we will mention into the list of “do not use.” Specifically, we are talking about The Message (MSG) and The Living Bible (TLB).
While I would encourage you not to use a paraphrased version like these for your main Bible study or primary Bible reading, they can be helpful and useful in a devotional context sometimes. for instance, the author of The Message, Eugene Peterson, wrote it in very contemporary English language but inserts his own interpretation quite a bit. The Living Bible, which has been around for decades is similar in that respect.
So, if you choose to have a copy of The Message, The Living Bible, or other paraphrases, we would not recommend that you use them for your primary Bible.
A Few Thoughts About Choosing a Bible in General
Bible Apps
I would encourage you to get a good, solid paper copy of the Bible, and to choose one of the easiest Bibles to read like the NlT, NIV, or others. However, if you have a smartphone, tablet, or computer and have access to the internet one of the first things you can do is to download a Bible app.
Although, I would get your print Bible or Bibles to keep close by, while you are on the go a Bible app can be a great resource for you to use.
However, I use a Bible app quite a bit on my phone. It’s great to have a good digital copy of God’s word with you at all times. I use The BibleGateway app, and the YouVersion App.
Translation vs. Version?
This is not something that you should necessarily dwell on much when looking at these Bibles but here are some facts you should know. The Bible was originally written in languages like Hebrew, Greek, and Aramaic. A “translation” is when someone takes those original words and puts them into another language, like English or Spanish. The goal is to keep the meaning the same, even though the words are different.
However, a “version” is more like a specific take on one of those translations. For example, the King James Version (KJV) is a translation from 1611, but there are different versions of it with a few updates and changes.
Sometimes a Bible can be both a translation and a version. Like the New International Version (NIV) – it’s a translation into English, but it’s also its own unique version with specific choices in how it’s written.
People often use the words “translation” and “version” interchangeably, and that’s usually fine. But if you want to get technical, “translation” is about changing from one language to another, and “version” is about a particular edition or style of that translation. Simple as that!
Reading the Bible As a Beginner
Of course, you don’t have to tackle it all at once. If you’re reading the Bible for the first time, some teachers will recommend that the Gospel of John is a great place to begin. However, in your personal bible study, you may have a Bible reading plan that you are following. Wherever you begin, pray and ask the Holy Spirit to speak to you through God’s word. You want the reading of God’s word to have a tremendous impact on your daily life.
Some beginning bible readers will start in the Old Testament, which is certainly an incredibly exciting part of the Bible. We would suggest that if you do begin in the Old Testament, it might be good to have a Study Bible because of some of the difficult passages – and sometime down the road you may want to read the Bible in chronological order.
The NIV Jesus Bible from Zondervan and Passion Publishing is another quick pick that you might want to choose.
However, in the remainder of this article, we will include some other fine choices for the best Bibles for those who are new to Bible reading or coming back to reading God’s word. In this blog post, we will discuss the top 4 best Bibles for beginners.
We will suggest various versions and some specific Bibles that we recommend. Most of the translations on this page are suitable for children through adults. However, if you are looking specifically for children’s Bibles, here are our top choices for Best Bible For Kids.
Although we have kept our top 4 translations, we have added several Bible versions of those translations since this post was first published. As long as you stay with accurate Bible translations, the best Bible to purchase for yourself or others can come down to individual preferences of features and styles.
Remember, the best Bible for beginners or new believers may vary depending on your personality, age, or education level. So, it’s not a “one kind fits all” proposition.
God’s Word
“All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work.”
2 Timothy 3:16-17
The passage above encourages us about the purpose of God’s word. To read and study about the One True God is not simply about reading the Old or New Testament to simply attain knowledge, but to encourage, prepare, and equip new believers in their life in Jesus Christ and also those who have been involved in scripture reading and Christian living for many years.
Pick One and Get Started!
Yes, we are glad that there are many choices in Bible versions today. There are Bibles for men, and Bibles for women. However, don’t get caught in the weeds in selecting one.
Pick a good Bible version and begin to read and feed yourself spiritually. Reading scripture, meditating on it, and praying will provide you with so much help in your life as you develop your spiritual walk.
Don’t look at any of these Bibles as some kind of huge Christian to-do list. That’s just not the case. Many have called it a love letter from God. Yes, it can be that, but it is so much more. It can encourage you, the direction in life, help with decision-making, and above all, help you learn and grow an intimate relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ. What are the best Bibles for beginners? Let’s look at some of the best Bibles to buy for beginners.
Other Top Choices We Can Recommend
Another choice in Best Bible For Beginners: The Jesus Bible
Also, The Jesus Bible is a Bible version by Zondervan and Passion Publishing is a very fine choice for those who are beginning to read God’s word. It also comes in the popular English Standard Version, and the commentary draws your focus to the central story of Jesus Christ through all of the 66 books of scripture.
The Jesus Bible is a modern, unique, and popular Bible version for today’s culture and has a remarkable number of cover choices from a minimalistic look to several very artistic designs and modern colors. You can take a look at the Amazon Jesus Bible store by clicking below.
Additional Choice for Best Bible For Beginners: English Standard Version
Although we didn’t put this translation at the top of our list, we would be remiss to not mention it as it has become a favorite of a lot of scholars.
The ESV translation seeks to capture the exact wording that is found in the original scriptural texts along with capturing the personal writing styles of each author.
We would also want to mention the popular ESV Study Bible which is an example of one of the fine word-for-word translations available. It will help you navigate through the books of the Bible and give you study notes that will help you understand and apply the word of God to your life.
Best Bible For Beginners – Contemporary English Version
The Contemporary English Version (CEV) is a bible that is written at a 5th-grade reading level, making it simple for novices to comprehend. The CEV is an excellent choice for those who want a simplified Bible with yet solid accuracy. It’s a full text of the Bible based on the original wording with the intent of being read at a lower reading level.
The CEV is a straightforward translation. It was produced by the American Bible Society in 2000. The creation of the CEV began as a consequence of research conducted by Barclay Newman in 1985 on spoken language patterns in novels, periodicals, newspapers, and television programming. These investigations concentrated on how people read and hear English. As a result, the CEV takes into account modern English sentence structure and vocabulary.
If you are needing a CEV Bible, here are several choices.
What About the King James Version (KJV)?
Well, there are certainly a lot of great things to be said about the King James Version of the Bible. It was the standard for so long and still remains very popular. You’re not going to hear me bash the KJV even though I prefer to use a more modern English translation. I don’t put it on the list as the best Bible for beginners, but it’s not because of disrespect for the KJV. I am thankful for it.
When I was ordained into the ministry I was given a Life Application Study Bible in the King James Version. At the time it was the best study Bible that I had and it was very helpful. I was familiar with the KJV but the Life Application Study Bible was a great place to start for a first study Bible,
Although we don’t agree with those in the “King James Only” movement, who believe that the KJV is the one translation we should use, we still believe that the KJV and the NKJV are reliable Bibles.
However, on the other hand, you have so many others who are just as convinced that some newer translations have made improvements over the King James Bible.
If you like the old English that is used in the King James Bible with all of the “thees, thous, and wherefores” please use it if you like. It’s certainly a strong bible.
However, once again we say thank you to God that He not only allowed the KJV but now has given the opportunity for many modern translations that are quite a bit easier to understand in modern-day English verbiage. If you enjoy the KJV, there are many of those by clicking below.
Bottom Line In Choosing a Bible Translation?
The bottom line is simply to get a Bible – a more modern Bible if you need one and start reading. There are many good translations available and we encourage you to pick one and don’t be afraid that you are going to be led astray by a bunch of faulty interpretations.
I won’t argue that some translations are better than others, but the top translations give a clear message of the Gospel of Jesus Christ which is our primary foundation and the primary story of God’s plan.
So choose a version and go for it. Some might even want to get a parallel Bible at some point that will allow you to read from several translations at once for comparison. I enjoy doing that. You can make the decision later about what version will be your primary Bible version yourself.
Other Specific Bibles That We Can Recommend
Bibles For Women
The NIV Women’s Study Bible by Thomas Nelson is a good Bible for our ladies. It is designed to speak to ladies and in addition to the NIV scriptural text, it gives insights from over 80 women from a wide variety of life and culture. This bible has been very popular and has sold over 2 million copies since its release.
The NLT THRIVE Devotional Bible for Women
This is a good choice for a New Living Translation Bible. It is for any woman who desires to have a deeper knowledge of God and have a more intimate relationship with their Savior. It also contains devotional readings, each of which has the main scripture, a letter of love from God, a treasure of truth, and it also contains reflections from author, Sheri Rose, and a special prayer. Choosing a devotional Bible can encourage you and help you understand God’s word.
Bibles For Men
Every Man’s Bible: New Living Translation, Deluxe Explorer Edition
Men face quite a few challenges and this Bible is especially for them. This NLT version has all sorts of devotional features that will help men in their bible study and speak to the topics that are prevalent with males. Commentary for this Bible is written by a very good Christian author, Steven Arterburn.
Best Beginners Bible for Teenagers
It’s very important that a teenager has a Bible that is very readable and as easy to understand as possible. We know that the teenage years are a very formative time for a person. So, you would want to have the best Bible versions for teenagers.
NIV, Bible for Teen Guys
Teenage boys travel a unique road and this NIV version has a lot of help directly for that age group.
NIV, Bible for Teen Girls
We know that teenage girls deal with issues that many will not understand. However, this NIV Bible for Teen Girls is packed with extras including daily readings for girls 13-18.
There are plenty of other Bibles to choose from. Our biggest suggestion and prayer for you is that you will pick one and read it, study it, and come to know the God of the Bible and understand God’s word and the love of Jesus Christ.
You can find some additional alternatives for Bibles for teenagers here.
Red Letter Bibles
Some Bible verses will print all of the verses that were spoken by Jesus in red. Some Christians look at those verses as more important than other verses in the Bible. Since all scripture is inspired by God, we consider all of the words of scripture as 100% truth. There is even a group called the Red Letter Christians that puts an extremely great emphasis on the red letters in the Bible.
However, certainly, the words of Jesus are extremely important. He was God in the flesh and many people want red-letter Bibles. However, the writings of Moses, Paul, and the other writers of the Bible were inspired by God and equally true,
More than just a book, it is a library of precious books that we believe God inspired and protected down through the ages.
Finally, there are other Bibles such as the New Believers Bible NLT put together by the popular Christian leader, Greg Laurie. Plus, the Christian Basics Bible is also another that you might just want to check out as you begin to read, study, and come to an understanding of basic Christian beliefs.
We pray that you will choose the version that is best for you. When you become a reader and student of God’s word, God can change you forever!
If you’re in the young adult range, you might want to take a look at our post – “Best Study Bibles For Young Adults.”
Bible Paraphrases vs Literal Translations
Sometimes a beginning Bible reader will inquire about Bible paraphrases such as The Message Bible by Eugene Peterson.
A paraphrased Bible is not a literal translation of the text. A paraphrased Bible tries to state the text of scriptures in a more contemporary and very easy-to-understand language. It’s actually different from a literal translation because it attempts to give a general meaning and/or interpretation of the text instead of simply interpreting an exact rendering of the scripture.
The writer or editor of a paraphrase may insert their own interpretation for a verse or expand on it more than the original text does.
We don’t discourage people from devotional reading from time to time or have a paraphrased edition such as The Message as a secondary resource. However, we would encourage you to have a more literal translation of the Bible as your primary reading and study Bible.
For More Choices in Bibles Click Here.
Also, check out our other Bible resources pages and our article on the “Reliability of the Bible.” Although the price points can be a bit higher, if you can get an actual study bible, it can be very helpful in studying the Bible and some can have extra maps and charts.
Bottom Line
We understand that this was a lot of information to digest. We firmly believe that the Bible is the most important book (or set of books, actually) that has ever existed. It contains the key to peace, love, joy, and life eternal. Any one of the Bible versions listed on this page would be a good choice. However, that is a choice that you should make.
We hope this article has been helpful to you. See some of our other Bible articles below.
When you are on the internet and need to have a free, but valuable resource, another great way to read many translations of the Bible is through the Bible Gateway found at https://biblegateway.com.
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