Sometimes, you don't even really think about a familiar text when reading it. You may read on autopilot, and that can also reduce the quality of your time with Scriptures.
If you're looking for a way to break out of a boring Bible study habit or look at verses in a different way, consider changing which version of the Bible you're reading. There are many options available, and you might consider starting with one of the choices below.
This version of the Bible was first published in 1978 as a project of the International Bible Society. There have been a few updates to the version through the years, and the translation is handled by a cross-denominational team. The NIV balances accuracy in translation with accessibility for modern readers.
The NIV is one of the most common Bibles and is easy to find in various formats. You can also readily find study materials to go along with this version.
The translation for this version of the Bible was conducted using a method called dynamic equivalence. That means it's a thought-by-thought translation of the original manuscripts rather than a word-for-word translation.
In contrast to the NIV, the ESV Bible is a formal equivalence translation. That means the emphasis was on a literal word-for-word translation of the original texts, making this a good version for those who are interested in utmost accuracy.
The ESV dates back to 2001. Like the NIV, it strives to make Scripture accessible to modern readers. The ESV is also a popular choice for a variety of Bible studies, and you should be able to find plenty of materials to go along with this version.
The NLT is a dynamic equivalence version of the Bible that's championed by many for its user-friendly text and easy readability. It was first published by Tyndale House in 1996.
This can be a great version to use if you want to talk about Bible stories with younger family members, as the translation chooses words that make Scripture easier to understand for those who don't have a Biblical worldview or an understanding of historical context.
This version of the Bible was first published by the American Bible Society in 1995. The CEV attempts to present Scripture in a more modern manner while also adhering to the truths of the text.
This version is known for simplicity and can be a helpful option if you want to read parts of the Biblical narrative as a story. The CEV can be a good way to help demystify some of the content of the Old Testament, and it's another appropriate option if you want to read the Bible with teenagers or kids.
This Bible is marketed as an option for children, but it's a good version for adults of any age who want a simpler look at the concepts behind the Scriptures. This is one of the older Bible versions on this list, as it was first published in 1980. One of the benefits of physical ICB versions is that they often include colorful maps, charts and illustrations that can help bring the Scriptures to life.
The Message version was created by a pastor named Eugene H. Peterson in 1993. It's a paraphrased version of the Bible, which means it takes the concept and meaning of the original passages and puts them into conversational language. Many people enjoy reading this version of the Bible when studying Bible stories, but some do consider it a bit verbose.
All the versions listed above, and many others, are easily found in Christian and general bookstores and via online retailers such as Amazon or ChristianBook.com. You can also find many of these versions of the Bible at your local library.
For those who are trying to downsize into a smaller space or who enjoy the convenient, vibrant lifestyle of an assisted living community, having many physical versions of the Bible in your home may not be ideal. But you can access dozens of versions through websites and apps like Bible Gateway.
