Confused by The Message? We compare it to the NIV to explain the difference between a "Translation" and a "Paraphrase"—and why you shouldn't use The Message for deep study.
Estimated read time: 5 minutes
Quick Verdict: What is the difference?
When exploring ways to read the Bible, you'll quickly encounter two very popular but very different options: the trusted New International Version (NIV) and the contemporary Message (MSG). While you'll find both in Christian bookshops, they are not the same thing. One is a formal translation, and the other is a paraphrase.
So, what's the difference? Are you looking for a reliable, balanced Bible for study, church, and daily reading? Or are you seeking a fresh, dynamic reading experience that brings the biblical stories to life in today's language?
This guide will clearly compare the NIV and The Message, helping you understand their unique purposes so you can use them effectively in your faith journey.
The main difference is that the NIV is a formal "thought-for-thought" Bible translation created by a scholarly committee for study and church use, while The Message is a paraphrase written by a single author, Eugene Peterson, to convey the spirit of the text in highly contemporary language for devotional reading.
The best way to understand the difference between a translation (NIV) and a paraphrase (The Message) is to see them side-by-side.
Notice how the NIV focuses on preserving the literal structure of the original Hebrew, while The Message focuses on capturing the feeling and emotion of the passage in modern language.
NIV
"The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing."
"He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters,"
"He refreshes my soul."
"He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake."
The Message
"God, my shepherd! I don’t need a thing."
"You have bedded me down in lush meadows, you find me quiet pools to drink from."
"True to your word, you let me catch my breath."
"You send me in the right direction."
NIV
"Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name,"
"your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven."
The Message
"Our Father in heaven, Reveal who you are."
"Set the world right; Do what’s best— as above, so below."
The New International Version (NIV) is a formal translation of the Bible. It was created by a large committee of scholars from various denominations who worked for years to find the best way to balance faithfulness to the original Greek and Hebrew manuscripts with a clear, natural reading experience. It has become the world's most popular modern English translation precisely because of this reliable balance, making it an excellent choice for almost any purpose, from deep study to public reading in church.
You should choose an NIV Bible if:
Our Top Recommendations for an NIV Bible:
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The Message (MSG) is a paraphrase, not a direct translation. Its author, Eugene Peterson, was a pastor who wanted his congregation to hear the vibrant, living voice of Scripture in the same way its first readers did. He sought to re-phrase the biblical text in the kind of vivid, everyday language we use today. It's a brilliant tool for devotional reading, helping to break open familiar passages in a new way and reveal the overarching story of the Bible.
You should choose The Message if:
Our Top Recommendations for The Message:
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The best way to think about this choice is to see them as different tools for different jobs.
Many people find that using both—studying a passage in the NIV and then reading it in The Message—gives them the richest possible understanding.
Ready to explore? Our Bible Finder tool can help you find the perfect Bible with a personal recommendation.
Still not sure which Bible is right for you? You can learn more in our free eBook, 'How to Choose Your Bible'.
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