The Best Bibles for Beginners

Deciding to read the Bible is an exciting step, but it’s often followed by a daunting question: where do I even start? The moment you begin to look, you're met with a sea of different translations, styles, and editions. It's easy to feel overwhelmed and even a little intimidated.

If that’s how you’re feeling, you're in the right place.

Choosing your first Bible doesn't have to be complicated. The most important thing is to find a version that feels welcoming, clear, and easy to understand.

A Bible that invites you in.

This guide is here to walk you through that process step-by-step, helping you find the perfect first Bible so you can begin your reading journey with confidence and joy.

To choose your first Bible, start with an easy-to-read "thought-for-thought" translation like the NLT or NIV, then consider a Study Bible like the NLT Life Application Study Bible for its helpful and practical notes that explain the text as you read.

First, Which Bible Translation is Easiest to Understand?

The single biggest hurdle for a new reader is often the translation.

The Bible was originally written in ancient languages, and how translators bring it into English makes a huge difference. For a beginner, the best choice is a "thought-for-thought" translation. These versions focus on making the original meaning clear in natural, modern English.

The two best and most popular choices for beginners are:

• The NLT (New Living Translation): Widely considered the easiest to read, its warm and natural language is perfect for daily reading. Find an NLT Bible here
• The NIV (New International Version): The world's most popular modern translation, it balances readability with accuracy, making it a trusted all-round favourite. Find and NIV Bible here

Next, What Type of Bible Do You Need?

Once you've settled on a readable translation, you should consider the type of Bible that will best serve you. This will determine its helpful features and how you can interact with the text.

• A Text Bible contains just the biblical text. It's a simple and clean option for reading.
• A Journaling Bible has wide, lined margins, giving you space to write down questions and reflections.
• A Study Bible includes the biblical text plus a wealth of helpful notes at the bottom of the page, written by scholars to explain confusing verses, historical context, and key ideas.

For a beginner, a good Study Bible is the single most helpful tool you can have. It's like having a friendly, knowledgeable guide sitting with you, ready to answer your questions as they arise.

Our Top Recommendation for a Beginner

Combining the easiest translation with the most helpful notes, the NLT Life Application Study Bible is our number one recommendation for a beginner. It's an all-in-one resource designed to help you not just read the Bible, but understand it and apply it to your own life.

The Perfect Starting Point:

NLT Life Application Study Bible, Third Edition

"Thoroughly enjoying using this study Bible. It makes conreferencing and life application easier, and I love understanding the context of each book. I'd recommend." ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

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For those who prefer a trusted alternative, a simple and beautiful NIV Bible is also a fantastic choice.

NIV Compact Bible, Charcoal, Imitation Leather

"The Bible is small and compact, it actually fits in your pocket which is great. The writing isn’t unreadable or too small which I was worried about but was pleasantly surprised. The leather cover is incredible and feels nice in your hands" ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

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You've Chosen Your Bible. Now What?

Getting your first Bible is exciting! Here are three simple tips to get you started on the right foot:

• Start in the Right Place. Don't begin with Genesis 1:1! A much better place to start is the Gospel of John. It's a book all about the life of Jesus and is a perfect introduction to the heart of the Christian story.
• Don't Worry If You Don't Understand Everything. Nobody does at first. Just read for the main ideas. The goal isn't to become an expert overnight, but simply to get to know God better.
• Read a Little, Often. It's much better to read for 10 minutes every day than for two hours once a month. Consistency is the key to building a new habit.

Starting to read the Bible is an adventure. By choosing a welcoming translation and giving yourself grace, you are setting yourself up for a lifetime of discovery.

Still not sure?

Our Bible Finder tool can give you a recommendation in just a few clicks.