Trustpilot
If your goal is to find a Bible that is warm, engaging, and speaks in clear, modern language, you have likely come across two outstanding options: the New Living Translation (NLT) and The Message (MSG). Both are celebrated for their readability and have helped millions of people connect with Scripture in a fresh way.
But while they share a goal of accessibility, they are fundamentally different. One is a formal translation created by a team of scholars, while the other is a dynamic paraphrase written by a single pastor.
So, which one is the right choice for you? This guide will compare the NLT and The Message, helping you understand their unique strengths and how to use them to enrich your faith.
The main difference is that the NLT is a formal "thought-for-thought" Bible translation created by a scholarly committee for daily reading and study, while The Message is a paraphrase by Eugene Peterson that uses highly contemporary language to convey the text's spirit for a fresh, devotional experience.
At a Glance: Key Differences
The NLT: A Trustworthy and Readable Translation
The New Living Translation (NLT) is a formal translation of the Bible created by a large team of theologians. Their goal was to create a version that was both faithful to the original Hebrew and Greek texts and exceptionally easy to read and understand. The NLT uses a "thought-for-thought" approach, translating the original ideas and concepts into warm, natural English. This makes it a fantastic choice for a primary Bible, perfect for daily reading, personal study, and for anyone who wants to understand the heart of God's Word with clarity.
You should choose an NLT Bible if:
- You are looking for your main, all-purpose Bible.
- You want a text that is very easy to read but is still a formal translation.
- You are a new Christian or are buying a Bible for a young person.
Our Top Recommendation for an NLT Bible:
NLT Life Application Study Bible
A consistent bestseller, this Bible pairs the readable NLT text with practical notes that help you apply God's Word directly to your life. Shop Now
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 Bible in the same lively, everyday language they spoke. He re-phrased the original texts into vivid, contemporary English to help readers capture the "spirit" of the passages and hear the Bible's story in a fresh way. It is a brilliant tool for devotional reading, helping to break open familiar verses and providing a new perspective on the overarching narrative of Scripture.
You should choose The Message if:
- You already have a primary study Bible and are looking for a fresh reading companion.
- You sometimes find traditional Bible language to be a barrier.
- You want to read large portions of the Bible like a story to understand its flow.
Our Top Recommendation for The Message:
The Message: The Bible in Contemporary Language
Experience the Bible's story in a fresh, new way. This edition presents Eugene Peterson's complete paraphrase in a clear, single-column format that's perfect for immersive reading. Shop Now
Making Your Choice: A Primary Bible vs. a Reading Companion
The best way to approach this choice is to see them as different tools for different, but complementary, jobs.
- The NLT is an excellent choice for your primary Bible. It's the trustworthy text you can use for both reading and studying. Choose the NLT
- The Message is a wonderful reading companion. It's the version you read alongside your main Bible to gain new insights and connect with the heart of the story.
Many people find that studying a passage in the NLT and then reading it in The Message gives them a rich, multi-layered 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 complete, free 97-page ebook, 'How to Choose Your Bible'.
