What Bible Should I Read? A Guide to Bible Versions (With Some History Too!)
Have you ever wondered why there are so many different Bibles out there? Why are they called things like NIV, KJV, or ESV? And what’s the difference between a Catholic Bible and a Protestant one?
Let’s go on a little Bible adventure—from ancient times to today—and see which versions are out there, where they came from, and which ones are great for kids, families, and anyone who wants to know more about God and Jesus.
Where Did the Bible Come From? (The Very Beginning)
Long before the Bible was in English, it was written in Hebrew, Greek, and Aramaic—languages most people don’t speak anymore! Here’s how it all started:
1. The Septuagint (LXX) – 200s BCE
• Language: Greek
• What it is: The first translation of the Old Testament (Hebrew Bible) into Greek.
• Used by: Early Christians—including Jesus and the Apostles!
• Still important in Catholic and Orthodox churches today.
2. The Latin Vulgate – Around 400 CE
• Language: Latin
• Who made it: A man named St. Jerome, who translated the Bible so people in the Roman Empire could read it.
• Used by Catholics for over 1,000 years.
• This version led to the first official Catholic English Bible!
The First English Bibles (Before Today’s Versions)
3. Wycliffe Bible – 1380s
• From: Latin Vulgate
• Good for: History fans!
• Not approved by the Church at the time, but it helped people see the Bible in English for the first time.
4. Douay-Rheims Bible – 1582–1609
• From: Latin Vulgate
• Approved by the Catholic Church
• First full Catholic Bible in English. Still read today by some Catholics!
5. King James Version (KJV) – 1611
• From: Hebrew & Greek
• Approved by the Church of England (Protestant)
• Famous for its poetic style—“The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want…”
Bibles You Can Read Today (Modern Versions)
Now let’s look at some easy-to-read Bibles that kids, teens, and families love today—whether you’re Catholic or Protestant!
New International Version (NIV)
• Easy and popular
• Great for Protestants (Catholics may enjoy it too!)
• Clear and friendly
New American Bible (NAB or NABRE)
• Catholic Bible
• Used in Mass in the U.S.
• Mix of easy and formal
English Standard Version (ESV)
• Protestant Bible, but there’s a Catholic Edition (ESV-CE)
• Great for study and memorizing verses
Good News Translation (GNT)
• Super easy for kids and beginners
• Used by both Catholics and Protestants
• Great choice for early readers
The Message (MSG)
• Paraphrased Bible (not word-for-word)
• Sounds like someone explaining it in your own words
• Good for devotionals—not study
Which One Should I Use?
It’s like choosing the right shoes: pick the one that fits you best!