Most Christians know that God calls us to read His Word. But, there are many translations, so what’s the best Bible version?
All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.
2 Timothy 3:16-17 New International Version (NIV)
Versions of the Bible
You may have grown up reading a bible and are still using the version that was sanctioned by your church. That’s awesome! Keep up the good work!
I didn’t grow up reading the Bible, per se, but I was familiar with it through the readings I heard in church every week. I also knew the Catholic version of my church differed from the Protestant versions.
What are the Different Bible Versions?
So, what are the options for bible versions? What’s the best bible to read and understand? The following link to BibleStudyTools.com is a great resource if you want to compare the different bible translations in detail.
What are the most popular Bible Versions?
According to Wikipedia, the New Revised Standard Version is the version most commonly preferred by biblical scholars. In the United States, 55% of survey respondents who read the Bible reported using the King James Version in 2014, followed by 19% for the New International Version, with other versions used by fewer than 10%. The full article is HERE.
Need a list of Catholic versions? That’s HERE.
What’s the Best Bible Version for YOU?
A wise religious advisor told me that one of the most common questions she’s asked is, “What is the best version of the Bible?”
Her answer:
The best version of the Bible is the one you actually read.
How brilliant and simple!
Make Your Own Bible Comparison
A free online resource I love is BibleGateway.com. It has a simple, searchable biblical database and allows you to easily select among many bible versions.
Pick one of your favorite bible verses and visit Bible Gateway. Plug your verse in the search field, then select a biblical version. Read the verse from that version. Then select another version and read the resulting verse. Repeat. (Don’t have a favorite verse? Try using John 3:16 or Romans 8:28)
This simple method will show you several options quickly. Which version speaks loudest to your heart?
That’s your version. 🙂
Does it really matter?
Yes!
As an example, I’ve tried reading an old family bible that’s been collecting dust on our bookshelves for decades. Instead of feeling a connection, I felt frustrated. The older language doesn’t work for me. I’m too distracted by the “thee”s, “thou art”s, and “cometh”s. My simple mind needs simple (current) language or else I lose focus.
My New International Version (NIV) Study Bible was a gift and became the first version that my husband and I actually sit and read together (a link to it is at the end of this post). But when I recently picked up my teenage New American Bible (NAB – Catholic) that I retrieved from my parents’ house, my brain said, Ahhhhh. The large print and basic language instantly won me over.
So, what version will win you over? Do the comparison at BibleGateway and find out. If you purchase a Bible, consider the size of the book and the print size.
Does the Size of my Bible matter?
Smaller print size creates a more compact version for easier transport but can strain your eyes, becoming a potential reason to stop reading. Larger print means a larger physical size that potentially doesn’t fit on your bookshelf or in your handbag.
These points may seem silly, but they can make the difference between whether the Word will become part of your daily life or a paperweight that eventually gets buried in your pile of discarded books.
So, what’s the best version of the Bible?
Yes, the one that you’ll READ.
If you’re not reading the Word today, it’s time to find the right one for you.
Ready? GO!
Are you stuck? Are you looking for a new Bible?
The ‘study bible’ I mentioned earlier provides some explanation, context, and background information for particular chapters and verses. My husband and I use this LIFE APPLICATION STUDY BIBLE. The personal size is nice because it’s compact, but the print size is pretty tiny – a little too tiny for my aging eyes. There are larger sizes available, too. Browse the current list of Amazon best-selling Bibles to see consumer reviews and descriptions.
What’s your favorite Bible version and why? How often do you read the Bible? Tell me in the comments.
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