Which Bible Translation Should I Read?

Bible translations. This can start a fight in some Christian circles. And my belief is if you can’t read the original texts and scrolls, it’s all interpretation and trust that someone got it right. So we’re not going to fight here about which translation is “right” and should be used because I don’t believe you should use any translation exclusively. Every translation has pros and cons, and if you’re relying on translations, reading different ones will help you understand better what God was saying.  

So, we’re going to talk about which translations are best for which situations.

When we look at translations, there is a scale from literal to paraphrase. On the literal side, we have translations like ESV and KJV. On the paraphrase side, we have The Message. In the middle, we have translations like NIV and NLT. (If you need an abbreviation guide, see below.)

So what should you read? Below are several different situations and the translations I recommend based on where you’re at or what you’re trying to accomplish.

If you’re just starting in your faith

If you find the whole story of the Bible confusing, I recommend you read The Jesus Storybook Bible. A storybook Bible is as paraphrased as it gets. However, this one, especially, will help give you a framework for the Big Story of Jesus that runs through the whole Bible. It will also take you through the major stories in the Bible so you have a reference of names, places, and events. Plus, it’s beautifully illustrated and a great family read.

If you’re just starting your journey of reading the Bible, 

I would recommend the NLT as an everyday kind of Bible. This is going to be the common phrasing and language of today but still try to keep to the ideas and concepts that were originally in the Bible.  

If you want to start studying the Bible more

I like HCSB and NASB, but ESV and KJV/NKJV would work too. Some of it has to do with what kind of study support you would want in your Bible. But these translations are going to try to stick closer to literal translations, which means you may need help understanding why, when, and who was saying what they were saying.  

Sometimes, when I’m studying, I’ll have three different translations I’m bouncing between. If you want to get extra into learning about the Bible and what it says, there are concordances and reference books out there to help you understand what they meant historically in the original Greek and Hebrew. I don’t get quite that nerdy anymore with my study time. Still, occasionally, I’ll pull out some of my support materials. 

If you’ve been reading the Bible for a long time, 

I like pulling out The Message version. It’s so different it makes you slow down and pay more attention to what you’re reading. I also like reading The Message if there is imagery or situation that needs to be clarified to my modern American brain. The Message gives me a better framework to understand the original scripture.

Picking Your Regular Reader

At the end of the day, the best Bible is the Bible you’ll read. So whether it’s paper or electronic, King James or Message, reading and studying the Bible should be something you look forward to and allow you to spend more time with God. 

So, what’s your favorite translation?

If you want recommendations on specific Bibles, here are 5 of my Favorite Bibles.

Stay Weird,

Abbreviations

ESV: English Standard Version

NIV: New International Version

NLT: New Living Translation

KJV/NKJV: King James Version and New King James Version

NASB: New American Standard Bible

HCSB: Holman Christian Standard Bible