How to Choose the Best Bible Version for Your Daily Reading
One of the most common questions Christians ask is, “Which Bible translation should I use?” With so many options—NIV, NLT, ESV, CSB, NKJV, The Message, and more—it can feel overwhelming to know where to start. But choosing a Bible version isn’t about picking the “right” one; it’s about finding a trustworthy, accurate translation you will actually read consistently.
At Discover Church, we teach that Scripture is our standard, and choosing a translation that fits your reading level, learning style, and stage of spiritual growth can help you understand God’s Word with clarity and confidence.
Understanding why different translations exist and how they differ can guide you toward the one that best supports your spiritual growth.
Why Are There So Many Bible Translations?
Before choosing a translation, it’s helpful to understand why they exist.
The original Scriptures were written in Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek. Because of that, translations fall along a spectrum:
1. Word-for-Word (Formal Equivalence)
These translations stay as close as possible to the original language structure and vocabulary.
Best for: deep study, accuracy, learning original wording.
2. Thought-for-Thought (Dynamic Equivalence)
These translations prioritize readability. They translate the meaning of phrases rather than each word.
Best for: daily reading, new believers, devotionals.
3. Paraphrase
These versions restate ideas using modern phrasing for maximum clarity and emotional impact.
Best for: supplemental reading, big-picture understanding.
a few of our favorite translations:
When you understand where each version lands on this scale, you can choose the one that fits you best.
1️⃣ NLT — New Living Translation
Readability Level: 6th grade
Translation Style: Thought-for-thought
Best For: new believers, devotional reading, kids transitioning into regular Bibles
Official Site: https://www.tyndale.com/nlt
The NLT is one of the most readable translations available today. It focuses on clarity and modern language while remaining faithful to the meaning of the original text. The NLT is great for those who want to understand Scripture quickly without feeling overwhelmed by complex sentence structure or old-fashioned vocabulary.
Many people who struggle to stay consistent with Bible reading find that the NLT keeps them engaged without sacrificing accuracy. It’s a strong choice for beginning your Bible-in-a-year journey or reading with your kids.
2️⃣ NIV — New International Version
Readability Level: 7th–8th grade
Translation Style: Balanced dynamic equivalence (thought-for-thought + word-for-word)
Best For: daily reading, church services, Bible studies
Official Site: https://www.thenivbible.com/
The NIV is currently the most widely used modern translation. It aims for a balance between readability and accuracy. Because of its clarity and accessibility, many churches—including Discover Church—use the NIV in teaching, small groups, and weekend services.
If you want one translation that works for both study and daily reading, the NIV is an excellent choice.
Kids NIV (NIV Adventure or NIrV)
Readability Level: 3rd grade
Translation Style: Simplified NIV
Best For: children, early readers, family reading
Official Site: https://www.zondervan.com/p/kids/
The NIrV (New International Reader’s Version) is a simplified NIV with shorter sentences and easier vocabulary. It keeps the accuracy and strength of the NIV but presents it in language kids can understand.
This is ideal for:
children beginning personal Bible reading
family devotion time
new believers who prefer simple English
It’s one of the best ways to build confidence in young readers while keeping Scripture understandable and engaging.
3️⃣ CSB — Christian Standard Bible
Readability Level: 7th grade
Translation Style: “Optimal equivalence” (a balance between literal and modern clarity)
Best For: everyday study, teachers, those who want accuracy without stiffness
Official Site: https://csbible.com/
The CSB aims for a sweet spot between readability and accuracy. Many pastors love it because it stays close to the original languages while still sounding natural in modern English.
If you want something a little more literal than NIV but easier to read than ESV, the CSB is a great fit.
4️⃣ ESV — English Standard Version
Readability Level: 10th grade
Translation Style: Word-for-word
Best For: deep study, theology, mature believers
Official Site: https://www.esv.org/
The ESV is known for its accuracy and poetic quality. It closely reflects the structure of the original Hebrew and Greek, which makes it ideal for study and teaching.
However, because it leans toward formal language and more complex sentence structure, it can feel harder to read for newer believers or casual devotion time. If you enjoy digging deeper into the meaning of Scripture, the ESV is a strong option.
5️⃣ NKJV Spirit-Filled Life Bible — New King James Version
Readability Level: 8th–9th grade
Translation Style: Word-for-word
Best For: believers who want strong accuracy and Spirit-led study notes
Official Site: https://www.thomasnelsonbibles.com/p/spirit-filled-life-bible-nkjv/
The NKJV Spirit-Filled Life Bible retains the accuracy and classical beauty of the New King James Version while adding robust, Holy Spirit–focused study tools. Edited by Pastor Jack Hayford, this edition includes Kingdom Dynamics articles, Word Wealth definitions from the original Greek and Hebrew, Spirit-led commentary, and detailed charts and maps. It is designed not only for understanding Scripture but for applying it through the power and presence of the Holy Spirit.
Readers who appreciate theological depth, charismatic perspectives, and devotional insights enjoy this edition because it blends solid scholarship with a heart for Spirit-empowered discipleship. If you want a translation that stays close to the original text while offering practical guidance for spiritual growth, the NKJV Spirit-Filled Life is a powerful and trusted option.
6️⃣ The Message — Eugene Peterson
Readability Level: Modern conversational English
Translation Style: Paraphrase
Best For: supplemental reading, fresh perspective, emotional engagement
Official Site: https://messagebible.com/
The Message is not a translation—it’s a paraphrase. Eugene Peterson restated Scripture in warm, conversational language to help readers feel the emotion and tone of the text.
It should not be your main study Bible.
But it is extremely helpful for:
devotional reading
understanding Scripture’s overall heart
seeing familiar passages in a fresh way
Think of it as a supplement alongside a more literal translation.
Where Each Bible Falls on the Translation Scale
Word-for-Word (Most Literal): ESV — NKJV
Balanced Accuracy + Readability: NIV — CSB
Thought-for-Thought (Most Readable): NLT — NIrV
Paraphrase (Most Modern): The Message
How to Choose the Right Translation
Ask yourself:
Do I want something easy to read? (Choose NLT, NIV - these are the versions we use the most in our Discover Church Sunday morning services)
Do I want something highly accurate for study? (ESV, NKJV, CSB)
Am I reading to understand the big picture? (NLT, The Message)
Am I reading with kids? (NIrV)
The best Bible version is the one you will read consistently and understand clearly.
Reflection Questions
Which translation fits my reading level today?
Do I prefer modern, conversational language or traditional phrasing?
What is my goal—study, devotion, or both?
Should I choose one translation or read multiple!
Further Resources
Chart - Bible Translation Spectrum
Bible Gateway - https://www.biblegateway.com/versions/
Download the YouVersion Bible App - YouVersion
Article - “How to Choose the Right Bible Version for You” - BibleGateway.com
