If you are just starting to explore the Bible, you might be wondering which Bible version is the easiest to read and understand. With dozens of translations out there, it’s a common question among new believers. So what is the best Bible translation for beginners?

There is no right or wrong answer here and I would suggest you take a look and decide for yourself.

The New Living Translation (NLT) – Best Bible for New Believers

Here’s why the NLT stands out as the easiest to read Bible that’s perfect for new Christians.

Modern, Everyday English

The NLT is written in plain, contemporary English so it feels a bit more like reading a normal book rather than an old historical text. It was specifically translated so that anyone can understand God’s message, not just scholars. This means you won’t struggle so much with old words. The language is clear, warm, and easy to understand.

Thought-for-Thought Clarity

The translators of the NLT used a “thought-for-thought” approach (called dynamic equivalence). Instead of translating each word very literally, they focused on conveying the meaning of each verse in simple terms. This makes the NLT extremely readable and conversational in tone, which is great for grasping the Bible’s stories and teachings on your first read. Difficult phrases are often rephrased in a way that newcomers can immediately get the point.

Accurate and Trustworthy

The NLT is considered faithful to the original meaning of Scripture. It was produced by a team of 90 evangelical scholars to ensure it stays true to the ancient Hebrew and Greek texts. The NLT is exceptionally easy to rea and is still considered one of the best translations of the original texts, striking a great balance between simplicity and accuracy. The NLT communicates the Bible’s truth accurately while using phrases that make sense to us today.

Perfect for Beginners

Because of its clear language and reliable translation, many pastors and ministries specifically recommend the NLT for new believers. Its reading level is around 6th grade, meaning most teens and adults will find it a breeze to read.

Other Easy-to-Read Bible Versions to Consider

The New Living Translation is not the only good option. Different people have different preferences, so here are a few other beginner-friendly Bible translations worth mentioning.

New International Version (NIV)

The NIV is another hugely popular translation that many beginners love. It balances readability with accuracy, using a mix of modern language and a fairly literal translation style. The NIV is written at about a 7th/8th grade reading level so slightly above the NLT making it approachable for most adults. It’s known for its clear, straightforward text. In fact the NIV is the best-selling Bible translation worldwide so you’ll find it widely used in many churches and study materials. Many new Christians start with the NIV and do just fine.

Christian Standard Bible (CSB)

The CSB is a newer translation (a revision of the older HCSB) that aims for an optimal blend of accuracy and readability. Its reading level is similar to the NIV and it uses everyday English while staying quite faithful to the original wording. Many evangelical churches have started using the CSB because it’s clear yet a touch more literal than the NLT. It could be a good middle ground option if you want something easy to read now but also suitable for deeper study as you grow.

English Standard Version (ESV)

The ESV is a highly respected translation known for being more “word-for-word” literal. It’s a beautiful and accurate Bible, but keep in mind it’s written at about a 10th grade reading level. That means the sentences are a bit more complex and the vocabulary more traditional (though not as old-fashioned like the King James). Some new believers do start with the ESV especially if they value a very precise translation.

Good News Translation (GNT)

The Good News Translation was created specifically to be super easy to read. It uses very simple language and short sentences, aiming at about a 4th to 6th grade reading level. The GNT (also known as Today’s English Version) is great if English isn’t your first language, or if you just want the simplest possible English Bible. It’s often used for children, youth, or anyone who struggles with reading. For example, where other Bibles say “blessed are the poor in spirit,” the Good News Translation might say “happy are those who know they need God”. Same meaning but phrased in everyday words.

Bible reading is a journey. As you grow in faith, you might explore other translations or even do your own Bible translations comparison to see nuances but there’s no rush on that. For now, focus on building the habit of reading God’s Word with a Bible that speaks your language. The Holy Spirit will guide you and illuminate the words as you seek understanding.