Step 2: Find a Bible Version that Speaks to You

Have you found yourself desperately trying to read the Bible and not understanding a word of it? Just as if you were reading in Chinese? This struggle is real.

Many common Bible versions are hard to read and understand. Some of them were translated hundreds of years ago. Languages are part of the human experience, and they mutate as fast as the cultures that use them.

For this reason, it is fundamental to find a version that best works for you. You can discover the version that allows you to better understand and enjoy the language. Let me give you some examples that you can explore:

• The Contemporary English Version (CEV) – This version presents a fresh translation that uses everyday words and phrases so that the Bible can be understandable by everyone. Good for those new to English.
• New International Readers Version (NIrV) – Translated following a similar philosophy as the New International Version (NIV), but written in a simpler form of English, the NIrV seeks to make the Bible more accessible for children and people who have difficulty reading English, such as non-native English speakers.
• The New Century Version (NCV) – The English vocabulary choice in this version is based upon The Living Word Vocabulary by Dr. Edgar Dale and Dr. Joseph O’Rourke (Worldbook-Childcraft International, 1981), which is the standard used by the editors of The World Book Encyclopedia to determine appropriate vocabulary. The NCV uses contemporary references for measurements and geographical locations when it is feasible.
• The New Living Translation (NLT) ­– The goal of any Bible translation is to convey the meaning of the ancient Hebrew and Greek texts as accurately as possible to the modern reader. This is accomplished by translating entire thoughts (rather than just words) into natural, everyday English. The end result is a translation that is easy to read and understand, and that accurately communicates the meaning of the original text.

All of these Bible versions are true to the Bible text. They just use simpler language. In the YouVersion Bible App, you can go to “Read” and find the different Bible versions at the top on the right, next to the Bible book and chapter. Read some verses in each version. See what speaks to you and discover the Bible versions that will lead you to understand the powerful Word of God. His Word is alive and powerful!