Easiest revised version of the Bible to interpret?

[BC]

Not trying to start a religious debate, so please stay on subject, but I wanted to get a revised version of the Bible for someone that is having trouble reading the King James version. I know there are many out there and I have a Living Bible myself, but just wanted input on any others that you all might prefer. Thanks for you help!

 

[The Mystery Machine]

Get a children's Bible.

 

[Keli]

For casual reading I like the New King James Version myself. But honestly, having a couple different translations is helpful in a deeper study of the bible.

 

[Buckalew11]

NKJ is good.
I use the NIV and I like it. To really sit down and study, I, too like a few versions and even some "helps" (or you can use ones on line). And a good study also helps be a guide. Beth Moore is always really good and guides you to dig deeper into the Word.

DD also likes the NASB (New American Standard).

Enjoy!

 

[Joyful3Heart]

The New Living Version (NLV) is what I would buy for an adult beginner. The New International Version (NIV) is ok too. I have heard debate about which is a "truer" version, but what it comes down to is the language of the KJV or even the NKJV can be very unfamiliar and the two listed above use more modern vocabulary and sentence structure, making passages even easier to understand. Also, if it is a gift for a new reader, I love to give the Life Application Study Bible in either version.

 

[marcyinPA]

I really like The Message. It is a paraphrase, but it makes it easier for me to understand. Sometimes I read from my regular Bible and then turn to The Message to reinforce what I read.

ETA: I also have a Life Application Bible that I use when I'm preparing for my small group Bible study that I co-lead for 6th grade girls. I really like having the additional background that it offers!

 

[Chelley00]

I really like The Message. It is a paraphrase, but it makes it easier for me to understand. Sometimes I read from my regular Bible and then turn to The Message to reinforce what I read.

I was also going to suggest The Message. It's written almost like a modern day language, so it's super easy to understand.

 

[autumnpalm]

I would also suggest The Message if you want something that is very easy to read. If you are looking for a more literal, word for word translation that follows the original Greek and Hebrew more closely, I would highly recommend the ESV or the NRSV.

 

[palmtreegirl]

When I first became a Christian I started with an NLT, it was very easy to read and understand. But if the person is already in a KJV, the NKJV or an NIV could work well too.

I own copies of the KJV, NIV and NLT and now I use the NIV the most. I do not own The Message and never will, I don't like it.

 

[browneyes106]

I have a cousin who taught a Bible as Literature class at a community college a few years back and he said the New King James version is easy to interpret and analyze deeply.

 

[NHdisneylover]

I used the Oxford Annotated version for some university classes and really liked it. It is in more modern language but still has all of the detail (maybe more than you want as some books that were left out of the King James version are included).

 

[Rora]

Absolutely the Message. It's wonderful.

 

[superme80]

I have a New American Standard and I like it. MY mom has a New Revised Version that she likes. the NIV is good too. I would only go with the Message as long as they were ok with it being a paraphrase and not the true Bible.

 

[zachnsamsmommy]

I love The Message. That is what I read to my 9 yr old when we do verses, or he reads himself.

 

[tonilea]

I like the NIV.

 

[Judy from Boise]

The Message is great for reading......for study or memorization the NKJ or NAS is better. The other fun thing to read is the chronological bible.

 

[Wishing on a star]

I am not the biggest expert.
And it has to be said that what one finds better/easier to read and understand might be completely different from someone else.

But, I just wanted to say that, according to what I was told by somebody who's opinions I would tend to value and trust (very spiritual person who was actually a pastor - or whatever that church calls their leader)... If I am not mistaken, he feels the NASB is the most true and accurate translation from the original texts/scrolls into English.

 

[sunnyday123]

I would think a childrens bible, but I mainly wanted to add that at antique store today I found a bible from the 1800's and it was really cool looking.

 

[Golf4food]

The New English Translation is an accepted academic translation and is readable (no thine, thou, etc.)

NIV, NASB, NLT, etc. are all very readable to the non-hardcore type.

I would steer clear of the literal translations, though they are a hoot to pick up from time to time.

I for one never read KJ, in spite of the fact that so many people out there seem to swear that the KJ is the ONLY true version and the one that Jesus himself read in church... ;-)

 

[maroo]

I am not the biggest expert.
And it has to be said that what one finds better/easier to read and understand might be completely different from someone else.

But, I just wanted to say that, according to what I was told by somebody who's opinions I would tend to value and trust (very spiritual person who was actually a pastor - or whatever that church calls their leader)... If I am not mistaken, he feels the NASB is the most true and accurate translation from the original texts/scrolls into English.

Not an expert here either, but the leadership of our church has said that the NASB is the most accurate translation.

But I say go with what is easy for you to understand. I love reading the Children's Bible every now and then.