What is the Best Bible for New Believers? A Friendly Guide

The Editor

Congratulations on taking this incredible step in your faith journey! Or perhaps you're looking for the perfect Bible to gift someone dear who has just become a Christian. It’s an exciting time, filled with new discoveries.

One of the most precious gifts on this journey is the Bible. It's God's living Word, after all.

But let's be honest, with so many different Bibles out there, choosing one, especially your first, can feel a bit like navigating a maze. You want something you can understand, connect with, and that helps you grow. That's where this friendly guide from Eden comes in!

We're here to help you find a Bible that will become a cherished companion.

Why Your Choice of Bible Matters (Especially at the Start)

While all Scripture is inspired by God and valuable (2 Timothy 3:16), the way it's presented can make a huge difference, particularly when you're new to reading it. The goal is to find a Bible that opens up God's Word to you, making it clear and inviting, rather than causing confusion or frustration. A good first Bible will encourage you to dive in and discover the incredible truths within its pages.

Key #1: Easy-to-Understand Translations – Making Sense of It All

Bible translations aim to bring the original Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek texts into modern language. Some translations focus on being very literal (word-for-word), while others prioritise conveying the original meaning in a clear, natural way (thought-for-thought). For new believers, a thought-for-thought translation is often the most helpful starting point.

Here are our top recommendations:

NLT (New Living Translation): This is often a favourite for new believers, and for good reason! The NLT reads like a good story, using clear, contemporary English that flows beautifully. It’s excellent for understanding the overarching narrative and heart of Scripture. Explore NLT Bibles at Eden.
NIV (New International Version): One of the most popular translations worldwide, the NIV strikes a great balance between readability and accuracy. It's easy to understand yet remains faithful to the original texts. Many churches use the NIV, making it great for following along. Discover NIV Bibles at Eden.
GNT (Good News Bible) or CEV (Contemporary English Version): These translations use even simpler vocabulary and sentence structures, making them extremely accessible, especially if English isn't your first language or you prefer very straightforward text.

While translations like the King James Version (KJV) are beautiful and historically significant, their older English can sometimes be challenging for new readers. You can always explore those later in your journey!

The best Bible for new believers often features an easy-to-understand translation like the New Living Translation (NLT) or New International Version (NIV), which use clear, modern English for better comprehension.

Key #2: Helpful Features – Your Built-in Bible Guides

Beyond the translation, certain features can make a world of difference for a new believer:

Book Introductions: These handy summaries at the beginning of each Bible book can tell you who wrote it, when, its main themes, and its overall message. Super helpful for context!
Helpful Notes or Brief Commentary: Some Bibles include notes at the bottom of the page that explain tricky verses, cultural background, or important terms. Look for notes that are clear and concise, not overly academic.
Reading Plans: Many Bibles designed for new believers include reading plans that suggest where to start or guide you through key passages over a set period.
Simple Concordance: This is like an index for your Bible, helping you find verses by looking up key words.
Maps: Visualising where biblical events took place can bring the stories to life.
"New Believer's Bibles" or "First Bibles": Keep an eye out for editions specifically titled this way, as they often package many of these helpful features together. Check out Bibles for New Believers.

Bibles for New Believers

Where Should a New Believer Start Reading in the Bible?

The Bible is a big book! You don't have to start at page one and read straight through (though you can!). Here are some great starting points:

The Gospel of John: A beautiful book focusing on Jesus' life, love, and who He is.
The Gospel of Mark: Action-packed and one of the shorter Gospels, giving a great overview of Jesus' ministry.
Genesis: Discover the foundational stories of creation, humanity, and God's promises.
Psalms: A collection of poems and prayers that express a wide range of human emotions, helping you connect with God.
Proverbs: Short, wise sayings for daily living.
Shorter New Testament Letters: Books like Philippians or 1 John are encouraging and full of practical teachings for new Christians.

Tips for Making Bible Reading a Joyful Habit

Pray Before You Read: Ask God to open your heart and mind to understand His Word.
Start Small: Even 10-15 minutes of focused reading each day can make a big impact.
Be Consistent: Try to find a regular time and place where you can read without distractions.
Don't Get Discouraged: It’s okay if you don’t understand everything at first. Growth is a journey!
Ask Questions: Chat with your pastor, a Christian mentor, or friends from church about what you're reading.
Consider a Devotional: A daily devotional written for new believers can provide structure and insights alongside your Bible reading. Explore Devotionals at Eden.

Finding Your Perfect First Bible at Eden

We know choosing that first Bible is special, and we're thrilled to be part of your journey! At Eden.co.uk, we have a wonderful selection curated with new believers in mind.

Ready to dive into God's Word? Explore our handpicked selection of Bibles for New Believers.
Our New Living Translation (NLT) Bibles and New International Version (NIV) Bibles are fantastic starting points.
Use our Bible Finder tool! You can filter by translation, features, and even select "Easy Reading" to narrow down your options.

The Bible is a timeless gift, a love letter from God, and an incredible guide for life. Choosing your first Bible is an exciting step in getting to know Him better. Don't feel pressured to find the "one perfect" Bible – find one that feels inviting and helps you connect.

May your journey into Scripture be filled with wonder, discovery, and a growing love for God!