Which Bible Version is Easier for Kids to Understand?

Purchasing a child his or her first copy of the Bible should be exciting. However, with the plethora of options out there (over 60 translations!) doing so can feel overwhelming.

You may be wondering:

• Which version is the best Bible translation for kids?
• Will my child understand the translation I choose?
• What if the translation is too difficult and I discourage my child from reading Scripture?

The first thing to do is pause, take a deep breath, and learn a little more about Bible translations.

Contents:

• Choose the Best Bible Translation According to Reading Level
• The Best Translation for Elementary Kids
• The Best Translation for Middle School Kids
• Kids in Preschool and Kindergarten Need More Than Easy Translations
• Help for the Struggling Reader

Choose the Best Bible Translation by Reading Level

The Best Bible Translation for Elementary Kids

For children ages eight through ten, the easiest translations for them to read are dynamic equivalence Bible translations. This method of Bible translation translates the thoughts in the original text into thoughts in English. These translations tend to be easier to read because the focus is not on capturing the original wording, but on communicating the thoughts.

The New Living Translation (NLT) is a clear example of this method of translation. Other translations such as the New International Version (NIV) and the Christian Standard Bible (CSB) incorporate some of this translation philosophy.

The Best Bible Translation for Middle Schoolers

Once children are over the age of ten, or are reading at a sixth grade level or above, most sound English translations are suitable. They can continue using a dynamic equivalence translation or transition to a formal equivalence translation. Formal equivalence translations focus more on word-for-word translation from the original languages. The English Standard Version (ESV), New American Standard Bible (NASB), and New King James Version (NKJV) use this translation philosophy.

Kids in Preschool Need More Than Easier Translations

When children are under the age of eight, the International Children's Bible (ICB) is a great option for a Bible translation that uses words and phrasing that are easy enough for even four-year-olds to grasp. However, you may be wondering, “Shouldn’t kids under eight use storybook or illustrated Bibles?”

The Best Storybook and Illustration Bibles

Storybooks and illustrated Bibles can be helpful in introducing little ones to portions of the biblical narrative. However, they are no replacement for God’s Word. Even from the ages of three and four we want to immerse our children in Scripture, not mere retellings of Scripture. Storybook and illustrated Bibles can be a fun supplement for little ones, but they should never replace reading to our kids straight from God’s Word.

Help for the Struggling Reader

If you have a child who struggles with reading, either from a learning disability or a dislike of reading, reading the Bible can be a challenge. However, with modern technology, immersing a struggling reader in Scripture is easy.

Audio Bibles

Audio Bibles, whether on a phone app, MP3, or CD, are a great option for struggling readers. Simply turn the audio Bible to the chapter your child is reading and have him follow along in a printed Bible. This will help your child understand what he is reading and will help improve his reading fluency along the way.


Choosing the best Bible translation for our children need not be stressful. With a little bit of research and intentionality, we can choose a sound translation that will align with our child’s current reading level.