Is the Bible You're Using the Best Version of the Bible?
Have you ever stood in a bookstore or scrolled through your Bible app and felt overwhelmed by the sheer number of Bible versions available? From the King James Version (KJV) to The Passion Translation (TPT), from the New Living Translation (NLT) to The Message (MSG), it’s easy to wonder: Which one is the best? But here’s the truth—the best version of the Bible is the one you’ll actually pick up, read, understand, and apply.
One Size Doesn’t Fit All
Everyone’s spiritual journey is unique. What speaks to one person may not connect with another—and that’s okay. Finding the “right” Bible version isn’t about choosing the most scholarly or the most traditional. It’s about finding the one that draws you closer to God.
So how do you know if the version you’re using is the best one for you? Start by asking these four simple questions:
Will I Pick It Up?
If a Bible feels intimidating, confusing, or dull, chances are you won’t reach for it regularly. That’s why it’s so important to choose a version that feels approachable. Whether it’s a beautiful print edition or a digital Bible, like the one in the YouVersion Bible app, make sure it’s something you’re drawn to open often.
Will I Read It?
Some Bible versions flow more naturally for modern readers. For example, the New Living Translation (NLT) is easy to read and great for daily devotions. The Christian Standard Bible (CSB) strikes a nice balance between readability and faithfulness to the original text. I personally return often to the King James Version (KJV) and New King James Version (NKJV) for their historical richness—but when I want something more conversational, I reach for the NLT or CSB.
Will I Understand It?
Understanding is everything. If the language goes over your head, it won’t sink into your heart. That’s where versions like the Amplified Bible (AMP) are helpful—it expands the text to clarify meanings without losing the original message. And when I need to connect emotionally or creatively with a passage, I often go to The Message (MSG) or The Passion Translation (TPT), which offer paraphrased, heart-driven expressions of the text.
Will I Apply It?
Reading the Bible is one thing—living it is another. Choose a version that helps you take Scripture into your daily life. Whether that’s through clear teaching, easy-to-follow devotionals, or direct language, find the version that helps truth become transformation. The YouVersion app is a huge help here, offering thousands of plans and reading guides across multiple translations that make applying the Word much more practical.
Why It’s Helpful to Use More Than One Version
No one translation captures every nuance of the original Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek texts. That’s why reading from multiple versions can deepen your understanding. For example, word-for-word translations like the KJV, NKJV, and AMP can help you dig deeper into the structure and specific meanings of Scripture, while thought-for-thought versions like the NLT, MSG, and TPT bring out the heart and flow of the message in ways that sometimes feel more personal.
I regularly use a mix of all these:
KJV & NKJV for reverence and tradition
NLT & CSB for clarity and comprehension
AMP for expanded insight
MSG & TPT for emotional connection and devotional impact
The YouVersion Bible app makes it incredibly easy to switch between translations, compare verses, or even listen to them read aloud—perfect for anyone looking to deepen their engagement with Scripture.
Final Thoughts
So… is the Bible you're using the best version?
Only you can truly answer that—but here’s a quick test: Will you pick it up? Will you read it? Will you understand it? Will you apply it?
If you can say yes, then you're holding the right Bible for you. If not, don’t be afraid to explore something new. Try another translation. Let different versions work together to give you a richer view of God’s Word.
Because at the end of the day, the best Bible is the one that helps you grow in your faith, hear God’s voice clearly, and live out His truth every single day.