NIV vs. The Message: A Guide to Translation vs. Paraphrase

Estimated read time: 5 minutes

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.

NIV vs. The Message: See the Difference (Side-by-Side)

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.

Example 1: Psalm 23 (The Shepherd's Psalm)

Example 2: The Lord's Prayer (Matthew 6:9-10)

What does this tell us?

• The NIV is "Vertical" language—it sounds reverent, structured, and timeless. It is best for memorisation and study.
• The Message is "Horizontal" language—it sounds like a conversation between friends. It is best for a fresh perspective and devotional reading.

The NIV: The World's Most Popular Modern Translation

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:

• You are looking for your main, all-purpose Bible for study, devotion, and church.
• You want a trustworthy, scholarly translation in modern English.
• You plan on memorising Scripture.

Our Top Recommendations for an NIV Bible:

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The Message: The Bible in Contemporary Language

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:

• You find other translations dry or difficult to get through.
• You want a fresh perspective on passages you've read many times before.
• You are looking for a highly readable, engaging version for your personal devotional time.

Our Top Recommendations for The Message:

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Making Your Choice: A Study Tool vs. a Reading Companion

The best way to think about this choice is to see them as different tools for different jobs.

• The NIV is your primary tool for study. It's the reliable text you use for deep understanding, teaching, and memorisation.
• The Message is a wonderful reading companion. It's the version you read alongside your NIV to gain a fresh perspective, see the big picture, and connect with the heart of the story.

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'.