Resources- Reading/Studying the Bible 🌟

Encouraging you to read & study the Bible

First: Open in new browser if you came here from social media link by phone or device, as the page will close and disappear after you click the first link. In order to look at this page, you need to switch it to open in your browser.

Updated: April 1, 2025

Did you know: The Bible is the best selling book of all time.  


Psalms 119:105
"Your word is a lamp to my feet And a light to my path."


In this article:

*Bible recommendations

*Bible Reading Plans 

*Journaling & Qs

*Memorizing Scripture

* Frequently Asked Questions 

*Helps for studying Scripture

*Resources for deeper study

*Study Recaps

*Why various Versons exist

*A Look at different Bible Versions

*Helpful Literacy test

* Dyslexia & Autism helps & Bibles

* Bonus info @ the bottom 😊


Fun fact: when Scripture speaks of God's Law it speaks of the Scriptures as a whole. 

Psalm 119:97
How I love Your Law! It is my meditation all the day

Psalm 119:34
Give me understanding, so that I may comply with Your Law And keep it with all my heart

Psalm 40:8
I delight to do Your will, my God; Your Law is within my heart

Psalm 119:18
Open my eyes, that I may behold Wonderful things from Your Law

Psalm 1:1-3
Blessed is the man who ...his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night



SCRIPTIRE STUDYING RESOURCES: 

How to read & study it?

Pick up the Bible, open it

1. Start in John or Genesis and just read it. 

   * bonus tip to get the most out of it. ✨️

2. Start with a reading plan of your choice 

3. Start as a beginner here. 🙂

It takes only about 85 hours to read thru it...and I'd like to encourage you to do so. You can read it in a year, 6 months, 40 or 30 days. It breaks down to about 10 to 45 minutes a day, which is only 5 short chapters a day. Easy! 


Why we need the Bible 

How Bible Study will help you Grow your Faith

Go to the Scriptures to know God more and more, to grow your relationship with Him. 


Psalm 119:59 I pondered the direction of my life, and I turned to follow your statutes.



STUDY HELPS :

Getting Started...
Suggested where to Start. For beginners reading Scripture here is a good reading order to Start at, in your daily quiet time in the Word. It's fine to read through the Bible a couple times before studying it. 

Reading and Studying the Bible are two different things:

Bible reading is NOT the same as Bible study. 

Dr. Michael Heiser offers what he calls "Heiser's Laws for Bible Study." Here are 7 "laws" that I've found helpful. 

1. There is no substitute for close attention to the biblical text.

2. You should be observing the biblical text in the original languages. If you cannot, never trust one translation in a passage. Use several and then learn skills for understanding why they disagree.

3. Patterns in the text are more important than word studies.

4. The New Testament’s use of the Old Testament is the key to understanding how prophecy works.

5. The Bible must be interpreted in context, and that context isn’t your own or that of your theological tradition; it is the context that produced it (ancient Near East / Mediterranean).

6. The Bible is a divine human book; treat it as such.

7. If it’s weird, it’s important (i.e., it’s there for a reason; it is not random).


Resources When Studying Scripture....
Utilize the cross references. 
These are the little verses in the footnotes. You find them listed in the verse, labeled as a,b,c etc, and go to either the inner column or bottom of the page to point you to "some" other references in Scripture that are related. There is a book of all [major] cross references in Scripture, which you can use for a longer in depth look, in your daily reading. A digital app or ebook version would be good to have for quick easy usage, [easy hyperlinks]. 
>Note: A robust topical resource of cross references is in the MacArthur study Bible (NASB/LSB), (if you buy the kindle ebook version you dont need to buy other books or lug them around).

Book & Topical Helps pt2
As you are studying a book or topic in Scripture, in addition to the above, or in connection to difficulties, this resource will help fill in some gaps, as an additional resource, so make sure to hop over there to pair it along with the these resources as you study Scripture.

Handling Difficulties
As you are reading along as you read Scripture and run into a Difficulty simply look up that verse and questions here, or here if not addressed there. 

As you are reading and are desiring to study a passage-portion deeper then use the following resources:

Studybible.org app. ⭐️ This is where you can look up (within a book you are reading) the verse, passage or topic and do a more deeper look into the context, the history, grasping the language and culture, connecting other portions of Scripture to it, and profound understanding beyond the surface level, as well as getting answers to things that need clarifying. 

Best to pair it with your Bible reading. It has an audio feature too. It is good to read and study using a physical Bible, and simply use this tool to look up verses as you go. 

This robust free app has 95,000 cross references and 45,000 footnotes. Along with study messages verse by verse. Includes helpful articles, related blog posts, and FAQ, and has one additional (fee) add on offer for helpful Commentary notes but all else is given freely. 

Access the free helps & more by clicking the little letters in the verse to open that section, then click Resources button. The cross references are hyperlinks so you can read each one, utilize the above tools, and get back to reading your physical Bible. 

The app and majority of its contents are free and cover over 3,600 sermons and research from over 55 years of pulpit teaching ministry. Are available in audio, video and transcript form between the app and searchable at gty.org. They have been many years globally on the radio (prior to the internet), youtube, and are also live streamed today, and saved in the archive vault with free access for all of us. Just as useful, relevant & valuable today. 

Bible Intros, Recaps & FAQ

This is a really good and helpful resource.

* Review overview of each book of the Bible. 

* Get helpful info to understand the book.

* FAQ asked from the book that will help your study of it

This is a great way to get a solid general grasp on each book of the Bible. 


Utilizing Sermon Lesson Studies 😀

You can read a Book in Scripture and then go thru a sermon series of the book for deeper insights and understanding. The below is the best one out there. 

Study through that book by going through a full series on that book, Here. It will really educate. 

You can also choose to read, read and reread a book or portion of Scripture (whether 5x in a row or 15x in a row) AS you are pairing it with a sermon on that section. 

For example, in the am before breakfast, when you have your daily reading time, read your 10-20 minutes, then listen to a sermon on that passage from the above series. If that portion of Scripture has 2 or 3 or 6 sermons... listen to each one as you go about your day. Say 1 on way to work, one at lunch, one on drive home. Reread that portion in the Bible (thats being taught on) again after dinner, then listen to part 4 and maybe part 5. In the am repeat reading that portion of Scripture and finish the last 2 or 3 sermons in that series, for that portion of verses. 

It would look like this:
A. Read in advance to grasp the Book before adding Sermon study. 

Read the Bible book 5x in a row, then begin the sermon study paired with daily reading. 

Read the portion of Scripture associated with the sermon study (say John 1: 1-6) in the am. At lunch reread the passage. When you get home and carved out specific time for time with God in the Word, at that time, listen to the sermon. Think on it after it's over, as you go about your night or get ready for bed. 

If your free time or prioritized time with God gives you more time to study you can study more. 

If it is a multi part Sermon on that same verse portion then add this:

Reread again that same portion in the Bible (thats being taught on) after dinner, then listen to part 4 and maybe part 5. In the am repeat reading that portion of Scripture and finish the last 2 or 3 sermons in that series, for that portion of verses. Then move on if time allows that day or is allotted for that day. 


B. Read and study at same time. 
-Read in am, write questions, consult Bible summary intros faq book by book, consult gty or studyBible app for related sermon lessons, go through the ones where youre reading, take notes. 
-meditate on those truths during the day, at lunch and after work. 


C. Simpler option

Can only squeeze in an hour and a half per day? Then... 1. Read the portion of Scripture associated with the sermon study (say John 1: 1-6) in the am. At lunch reread the passage. When you get home and carved out specific time for time with God in the Word, at that time, listen to the sermon. Think on it after it's over, as you go about your night or get ready for bed. 

In AM, reread John 1:1-6, then read today's passage for the next sermon. Say it's John 1:7-10. Then repeat prev day schedule. Do this until you finish all the sermons in each Bible series. 

Notes:
Many sermons are dedicated to one or two parts and are not 6 parts long. So just move through studying Scripture in that way. 

You might even want to keep a journal and write out the key points, verses, history, culture, bible language notes, how it relates to worship, sin, idolatry, the violation of any moral standard of the 10 commandments [which reflects God's holiness], the application for a believers daily walk, reminders of suffering or the cost for following Christ. Whatever you gleaned from this series, write it daily, (at night), and reflect on it. Decide if there are verses to memorize and add them to your mv list. 

I had such a fantastic experience going through the gty John series and the Mark series, you wont regret pairing this with your time in the Word. It will open Scripture to you like never before. So even if you add it and go the slower route... it will help enormously. 


After completing the above or in suppliment to it, you can further add these:

Use a physical Study Bible. 
As you read through Scripture a solid study Bible will teach you about Scripture, as you go along. You can get one in the below Study Bible section further below. 

Addl Study Bible tools

Ways to get the most out of reading the Bible 

Bible word Search. 

You can search Scripture for a word, either as a study or curiosity 😊. It will pull up a clickable infographic chart showing where the word appears and what parts of the Bible, and how many times it appears in the Bible. And lists every verse. It is pretty fun. 


Bible Commentaries

These here  here and here are good. *These are purchased separately or accessed online. 

This one is avail in free Audio version online

These help you dive into the Bivle more like a study Bible and they go verse by verse. 


==============================

Helps for Studying Scripture:

Interlinear Bible with the Greek & Hebrew
*lets you look at Scripture in English based on the original words. 

The Importance of reading, studying and knowing God, (and warnings). 

Understanding Biblical Interpretation

Ran into a Difficulty while reading Scripture? 

Another large resource is StudyBible.org app.
Click on a verse you want to know more about or a passage and the resources button, to get a variety of FAQ, articles and audio/video content to teach or explain the topic. 

Cool comparisons Gen & Rev


*Other questions? These can help and Bible answers playlist. Also search here. These are places that can help you. 



Self Study on various topics 😊


🌟FREQUENT QUESTIONS: 

How to plan and prepare for your daily reading so you do it daily and on schedule without fail. When should I read the Bible, what sort of plan or schedule should I begin? 

What about Memorizing Scripture ? 

Are there any songs to help memorize Scripture? Yes.

Trouble understanding a passage? Search up the verse(s) here. 



What are basic beliefs of biblical Christianity? 


Also, Utilizing tools for study like Logos.com 



Misc:

Help I fall asleep Reading the Bible 

Dangers of Biblical illiteracy (195)

Can we use Ai for a little bit of study help


🌟Reading plans🌟:

Master page of Reading plans and includes fun reading plans. 

Look through it all then pick one and go. 😊

Highly recommend this one to Start with. 


Reading through Scripture suggestion. 

Pick a reading plan, go thru it, pick a diff one go thru it, and repeat cycle till youve gone thru all of them. 😀


Once those are done you could do a study like this, which is a forever study....

Inductive Bible plan (draw lines & symbols), & Dr Horners Reading plan link. 

* Do this plan last! (It's the 100 year plan 😂)


JOURNALING

Considering Journaling thru the Bible?... go here *

*This is another way to grow and learn as you read thru Scripture.

*Can start small or limited in what you write.  Then the next read through Scripture, review your previous notes, then go deeper in what you write and think and questions. And repeat a few times as you read through Scripture. Then you'll have a solid habit that even helps you as you take notes Sunday from your Pastors sermons so that you can dig into Scripture during the week and confirm if he was accurate to Scripture, had errors or whatever. And trust what Scripture says over man. 

You can also consider (after using regular spiral notebooks) after going thru Scripture that way -3x, move on to a special 5 set spiral bound Bible/Journal that has a dedicated facing page for journaling. 


Bible Marking & Highlighting Tips? 

It'sanctification good to think about how to mark up your Bible, but take time to consider how. As example this one 

...there's too many different topics under one color, maybe it's best to use induction method - (symbol marks in margins) instead. And highlight important verses to memorize, as well as the study notes if using a solid study Bible. 

Regardless, I would highly recommend not marking up expensive Bibles, but only the cheap ones or cloud versions, so after 8 to 10 years, you can figure out the best combination and then take all your notes and marks, and transfer it to your good Bible and your cloud Bible like the NASB95 or LSB 21 at BibleGateway.com. The cloud ver let's you edit, but the physical Bible you can't. If you mess up or change your mind... its already messed up. 

There is a section on inductive marking here.


Resources and tips: 

Avoid Biblical illiteracy 

How to enjoy reading the Bible

Easy way is to read the entire Bible, is to take it one or few chapters at a time, from cover to cover or by book. Don't time it, just read what you want daily. Or use a daily plan. Pick one from below, complete it and pick another one. Never bored daily reading with fun plans. 

Did you know? Since 1950s we have audio Bibles that can be heard while reading along with the Bible, helping make it a better experience both to enjoy, retain. A help also for those who do not read well, or who enjoy dramatize audio along with reading. The first one recorded was created to help the Blind have free access to the Bible.✨️

Today apps help read the Bible text for us as well, to enhance our time in the Word.

👉 Buy a printed Bible for personal reading time. It is very beneficial. 

Digital Bibles 

Study Bible (App) *w loads of connected resources to verses 😀, and lots of helps. Highly recommend.

lsbible.org  LSB 2021 🌟 & avail at biblegateway.com

LSB   Year in the Bible audio on youtube 

 NASB 95🌟 Bible 

NASB95 Readers ver 

ESV (basically "easy to read meets nasb")

NLT (simple thought by thought version) 


Others: 

Geneva - the Bible Christians brought to America

Fun reading - Reformers old English versions online 😀

Parallel feature. You can read 2 to 5 versions at a time to compare them at the same time.

Interlinear Bible feature. You can review the exact words from Hebrew or Greek that translate into English, as you read along. Both languages. 

LSB with Interlinear (Logos)

Comparing Original tool LSB with NT (free)


Bibles:

Click image to enlarge
Short explanation of different versions 
A visual image(s) of diff versions compared 
*Example of why to avoid bad translations 

Physical Bibles Recommended

Bibles for kids and young teens here (soon)

Low cost physical Bible (cheap) 


LSB Legacy Standard Bible 2021  

 ⭐Learn more here  here  here  here  here & here, and on special note here & here & here

>> LSB study Bible  is here! ✨️

>> LSB (Gen, Ps, Pv, NT) Book giftable

>> Large print LSB 21

>> LSB Legacy Standard Bible 2021 

>>LSB compact edition w varied covers

>> LSB portable Paragraph Reference

FYI: A paragraph reference Bible can also be called a reader's version. 

Reader's versions may utilize simpler language or a specific translation focus, while paragraph reference Bibles can include various translations but maintain similar formatting principles.

Annotations and References: Some reader's versions might contain additional notes, while paragraph Bibles primarily focus on the text layout.

Both formats cater to those seeking a more engaging and meaningful reading experience.


NASB 1995 normal print size 

NASB 1995 floral cover 

NASB Large font

NASB giant font 

NASB  Wide margin for journaling/notes


NASB 95 Readers vers:

NASB 1995 Single-Column Reference Bible (Zondervan, Comfort Print, Wide Margin / Leathersoft) [most users preferred]⭐️

NASB 1995 Thinline / Compact-size / portable Bible (search results for NASB 1995 single column show these)

NASB 1995 Side-Column Reference Bible (Lockman Foundation, Genuine Leather)

NASB 1995 Large Print Compact Bible (portable, easier read)

NASB 1995 Wide Margin / Single Column (Zondervan) — good for reading + notes


ESV  (Some changes in 2025 ver were not good or needed, and a couple are important, so they shouldn't have changed them; discussed below). 2011 ver is the better ver. 

KJV *for reading along with dramatized audio 

Issues on KJV, & why avoid KJVOnlyists p1 p2


Study Bibles Recommended

LSB study Bible

Study Bible (app) *loads of free stuff      inside [free]

NKJV Study Bible 

*NASB If you want a good inexpensive but robust study Bible this is currently $23

NASB Study Bible print 95? (Get '95 ver only)

NASB Study Bible ebook 95?

NASB Study Bible hardcover 95?

✨️One Million Bibles celebration 


NASB Inductive Study Bible 95?

NKJV Evidence Study Bible 


MacArthur study Bible is available in many languages including Spanish, German, French, Italian, Chinese, Korean, Arabic, and Portuguese, Russian, Romanian, and soon to be in Burmese, Ukranian, Zulu (Africa), Indonesian, Vietnamese, Croatian, Swahili, Hebrew, Swahili, Tagalong (Philippines) Armenian, Finnish, Japanese & Polish. Contact gty.org by phone if you need a specific one to minister to someine in that language, or bless a new believer whose fluent main language is one of those. They can help you track one down, or the order link, or notify you when it will be available. 


If youre feeling adventurous you can read old old early versions of the Bible here 😀. Its definitely a fun option, esp if you've read the Bible through at least 5 times. You'll quickly see the letters differences from today's English, but once you notice the pattern you'll zip thru reading. Its a cool convo piece too and can be an icebreaker to help you start Gospel convos (if they see you reading it, or ask what youve bern reading lately). 


Audio Bibles (free) 

* match to version your reading 

Studybible.org app already has audio feature in it. 😊

LSB Legacy Standard Bible (2021 ver) YT

NASB Dramatized (1995 ver)

Dramatized KJV (old English) very cool version 

Youtube dramatized version kvj (same as above)

Youtube plain reading kjv 

*Do not use the two above unless you have a ad free youtube cuz there's excessive commercial ads on each video and such interruptions shouldn't be happening in Bible audios. The company that now owns Scourby is just trying to profit off of yt ads. Or they'd put it there and free. Of all things, the Bible shouldn't have ads attached.

Note kjv has different names for people you are familiar with, such as Elijah is called Elias, and Jeremiah and others names were called something else in old english, so just be aware of that. 

Newish King James audio of John (R.C v)

Newish King James audio of Matthew

Newish King James audio of Romans (R.C v)


NLT (easy to read version) 

You can buy other audio versions, or listen thru app store downloads for fee elsewhere. But these above are good ones. 


BibleGateway app has all those versions (above) available in it, and you can use the parallel feature. 


Please note:  audio Bible is an enjoyable benefit as you read along, but it is Not in replacement for reverently reading the Word in print. Audio is a helpful assistant. Many cannot read well, or have other issues where audio is helpful. Best way for personal study time is to open the printed Scriptures, a physical Bible and you can listen as you skim/read the words if you are one of the folks who have difficulty reading or have sight issues. 

For those who read well, opening the Bible and adding the Dramatized Bible version to your reading, is a great way to retain information in Scripture, and fun.

So, you can read in printed physical Bible, and listen along by audio at the same time. Just ensure the audio version matches your print version. 


For fun old time Bibles, see end of page. 😁


Tips for Legacy Standard Bible '21 usage

Looking for a way to listen to the Legacy Standard Bible while driving? While currently there is a YouTube version but it’s not easy to use while driving. If you buy the LSB digital version on Amazon for use with the kindle app you can play it on an iPhone. Then use the Alexa app play feature and it will read it out loud. I think this is a great option until the options to listen to it expand.

If studybible.org app gets LSB there's a audio option in there, and that would be useful in personal reading time and in the car too. 

You can also open a Bible online like lsb.org or Biblegateway, set a start and finish reading and then copy that weblink into audify, using audio dude #13 and play that audio free. 


🛑 Bookmark Save this page.... so you can return and utilize the reading plan resources 😊😊🌟🌟

 

About Printed Bibles

Print Bible Sizes: Bibles come in regular 7 point font, or 10 pt font. There's larger print and giant print to help those who need eye vision assistance. Physical sizes vary based on that but also if it's pocket, compact or regular sized. The large print tend to be heavy. * Digital versions have zoom options.


Print Bible types: there are differences in types of printed Bibles. 2 columns, single columns, cross reference versions list NT verses in the margins of the OT and OT verses in the NT margins. Wide margins give you space to write notes (but imo you can just buy notebook to journal your thoughts, Questions and even sermon notes...and then, in future write in what notes you want to write in the Bible margins). Study Bibles provide insight into what's being said in the Section you're reading. * You can also write/store your written notes (tagged to a verse) at Biblegateway.com. I only know of the feature in the desktop version, but if one exists in the app version it might eat away at your phone storage [you would need to look at that]. 



More good helps ...

Bibles of caution? See end of page...

Know anyone with reading illiteracy? Kids/teens? See below...

Jump to end section, if literacy isnt a need for you. 


No commission recieved for any referenced links. They are simply compiled for your benefit.  



Literacy 

Do you know someone who is illiterate? Statistics say 75% of certian communities in CA are, and in High School, cannot read at High School level. 

Please share this with their grandparents, relatives, parents, and help the kids and teens get to current grade reading level quickly. 

Did you know in America's past (and is still used today), that the Bible has been used to teach people how to read? We have great benefit in the modern era with free access to Bible in print and audio Bible. 

Here's the suggested plan:

*Get a low level reading Bible. Use it to read through the Bible 2x along with the audio Bible. Use a dictionary/dictionary.com to look up words you don't know the definition too. Think about & re read that word and definition 3x. Then continue Bible reading. Spend 1 hour a day, at home after school, following this plan. If you are a teen who works... spend 30 minutes a day. If you hear a word spoken and you need to hear the Word clearly again (to say out loud) to learn it, then do so. 👍

After you read through the Bible 2x. Switch to a higher reading level Bible, and related audio Bible & repeat. 🌟

Read through for the 5th time, and underline the words you still don't know well [peoples names don't count]. 

Once you read through 5x you might have most words learned, and have better ability to read School books better and understand bigger words in class that you didnt know before. And you will know to write down a word or underline a word in your school book, and look it up every day afterwards at home. 

Here are the Bibles, reading levels and audio Bibles.

I would like to say that if you can find a low cost Bible in print, or ask a local church if they will buy you a specific one, if is better to have it in print than to read it digitally online. So you can mark in it, and have focused time reading physical books. 

Find out from school what your current reading level is 

Version/yr  - reading level 

LSB '21 -  grade 11/12 grade (age 16+)

NASB '95 — 11 grade (age 16+)

ESV —  10 grade (age 15+)

HCSB — 7-8 grade (age 12+)

NKJV — 7 grade (age 12+)

NLT — 6 grade (age 11+)


Less than 6th grade level?:

1.  Start with a good Children's Bible. 👍

Here. Here. Here. (Go through each one 2x).

*few audio goes with this, but stident can mark words unknown then review with parent/relative using dictionary. Check lower costs for these books and find audio that matches here (ask a family or pastor to help with the cost if you need $ help). 

2.  Start with the NLT anyway 🤷‍♀️😊

3. Both 1 then 2.


Take this test to determine your reading and comprehension level. It means your current reading grade level ability. (It shows the gap of where you need to "catch up to your classmates, asap). 

Level 1 Elementary, Grade 4-6  (30%=6th grade)

Level 2 Junior High, Grade 7-8

Level 3 High School, Grade 9-12  (70%=11th grade)

Level 4 Above High School level

Level 5 College level 

Test

If you are taking this test, you will fall between level 1 and 3. But you can put in a bit of effort and catch up pretty quickly. 

In last 20 yrs, there's been 60 and 80 year olds who never knew how to read at all, and they learned. 😀You can do it !  I am cheering you on! 🎉💪👏👏. 

Benefits of catching up and being able to read and comprehend at 12th grade level, means you will have 75% more options for good jobs after school, gives you the ability to be on equal level with students going to college, or help you run your own business. 

Getting started today matters. Go order the Bible you need and open the audio Bible corresponding to your version. So they are both the same version. 


If starting with NLT at a lower reading level, your 1st read through the Bible can be helpful if done out of order. Consider this fun version reading plan 😀.



⭐About Versions & cautions: 

ESV is basically a mix of NASB and Easy readability of NIV-like. It was meant as a higher quality version for low reader skills. But is a good version as you see on the chart for reliability.

Otherwise I just recommend the 95 NASB or the '21 LSB. They are much better versions. 👍

LSB Legacy Standard Bible note. The reason LSB translation was created, was because the nasb 2020 came out and it was called "a step backwards" from the prev version. Fortunately, LSB 2021 ver made really great translation decisions and worked hard to ensure it was best possible literal to orig language, and many pastors are now also using it. Those who read it truly say its the best. 

Note: LSB print ver

You can shop to buy it here or here for now. Amazon will have better options after 2022 here 

*maybe (?) set a calendar alarm to check back  so you can get one of these more affordable ones. 

Until then you can access dig ver. 

You can also enjoy the facebook group, the posts answer great questions, and check out the LSB panel videos on youtube. 

LSB also has translators notes. 



Caution on versions. 

All the 4 in the red zone of the chart, and the NIV should be 100% avoided. NIV became a corrupt version after 1984 ('84).  Most NIV you will find today are purposely altered for modern politics and have strayed away from the actual original languages meanings of words. Very dangerous! Words have meanings and altering the Bible distorts the Word of God. Stay far from any NIV Bible. Here's an in depth review on it, even a basic skim shows the modern NIV should be avoided. I dont care what fluffy or neat Bible study they put into that version. Avoid it. 👉 Those studies could easily be published separate of the Bible text. But the publishers dont, cuz big heavy Bibles bring in more $$😒🤨😑.

Stay away from NIV 🙏🙏

Fortunately the NLT overtook the NIV in 2008 as the most popular version for those with 8th grade reading levels (likely as gifts for 7th, 8th and 9th graders, and those sort of illiterate or for learning English, and those who dislike reading).  If you happen to find a NIV 1984 at a thrift shop, yardsale, estate sale, family heirloom, or used book online, then it's fine. But I would just avoid that version at all costs. They also pulled every digital 84 version off the internet, just before covid era, to force people into the newer altered Bible versions. Publishers always leave old versions avail, but they even forced anyone who was given rights to have it digitally, to delete them. They wiped it completely from internet, and thsts super assisting.  Just say no to anything NIV. 

Also theres a couple newer "versions" to be wary of: the Message & Living Bible were written by an individual person and not a translation team. It was based on their perception and would be best to stay away from. Most stay away from the NRSV as the translation team included many who were not committed to the authority of the biblical text. Passion is a nonsense version too. Note, the NIV has been altering gender in their Bibles for a while now, so it is best to avoid it. And theres a Queer version that was published, and an upsidedown version, both which should be avoided as it also alters gender & homosexual verses. God condemns those who alter His Word. 

So, it is best to stick with only the trustworthy versions in the green area of the above chart. The NLT is fine for easy reading and for clarifying something a bit hard to understand in other versions. But a good commentary or studies from sermons will help (use the linked studybible app) in those areas. And in general are good to pair with your daily reading for referencing. 

Note on ESV. They made changes from 2016 version in 2025 ver and you need to be aware of them. 

I did review all the changes and noted there are no gender alterations (like niv has been doing over time, to cater to liberal culture).  I did dislike the changes for Deut 32:17 as it makes no sense and seems to imply a wrong point. 2Chron 9:7 I'm sure had a reason to say wives, showing its more than just about the men. Lam 3:14 If its context is about God being wrongly thought of by other peoples of other nations, their edit is wrong. And John 1:18 is a touchy one, but Rev 13:8- needs an edit in the Bible by you if you buy any ESV versions after 2016 edition. Their wording is wrong. It was saying long long before the world was created, not just prior to... which their edit sounds like it's saying. It was already in God's mind before he even began creating Heaven too. It wasn't after Heaven and then just prior to creating Earth. So this has to be really understood, but kids, teens and adults who get an ESV in the future will not get or grasp that fully, properly if they just read it as it's written. Hopefully a good commentary will clarify for them, or theyll look at other versions when reading Scripture to see this, but such clarity should be in the verse, or footnotes already, yet most won't go that far to see what it means. Many simply read the Bible as is and don't question anything. 

My Recommendation is to have and study LSB 21 or NASB 95. Most churches will use NASB95, but not NASB2020 as it has bad translation decisions made and a new edition was totally unecessary. Avoid any NASB2020 version. Many churches are starting to use LSB21 which is similar but better ver than NASB95. If a church you check out (to join) uses LSB21, it's a good one, they care about biblical accuracy. 


Many Evangelical churches use ESV, and it's because many are not very literate or understand bigger words, there's been a dumbing down of and lack of reading skills in younger Millennial, Gen Z & Alpha generations so there's compensation happening to help everyone comprehend at a middle ground. 


As YOU read and study, use NASB95 or LSB95 at home, and just use ESV on your phone at Church. If there's any particular notes you want to save in your Bible, just save it to Biblegateway.com cloud versions on the website directly, and you can access those notes anywhere on the go, even at church, should you want to reference it in discussions in Bible study or home fellowship Bible studies. It also keeps your good Bible from being lost should you mistakenly leave it behind, or stolen. 


Literacy Notes:

If you are in that lower reading range [6th. 7th, 8th and 9th grade, sort of illiterate, learning English, or have a hard time reading], I would recommend the versions noted earlier above for "grade appropriate" based on your literacy test.  😊😊👍😊😊

Nothing wrong with that at all. 

-------------------------------------------------------------

Reading Disability helps:

If you have Dyslexia or autism, there is a Bible that can help, but if you have a regular Bible you can skim reading the pages while listening to the audio, so def use that option. 🥰

Autism as a condition that is often seen as related to dyslexia, so perhaps these ideas can help if you are autistic. 

There have been attempts in recent years to produce dyslexia-friendly Bibles. In 2015, The Bible Society produced dyslexia-friendly versions of the gospel of Mark and the Psalms which had thicker paper, larger print, a clear font and one column of text rather than two (Neffinger, 2015).1

In 2025 A new dyslexic font called Grace typeface was created at Cambridge University and these full print Bibles were published: 

Grace Bible for kids - CSB version 


Dyslexia Bible - ESV version 

○ Great for teens and adults. 

Hard cover option

Leather like option

☆The benefit of ESV is there is a audiobible for it. Biblegateway.com and their app has it. 


👉This has good features: large header print, color shields for your eyes, Book & Chapter at bottom of page, 11 pt font larger, and/but in order to print and make this book available (to very few people with this condition) for cost savings... it's on thin paper, so use a journal instead for notes and keep that Bible clean of writing or highlighting. If they one day come out with thicker paper, get it. If not, use this and apps where you can change font size that will work for you. *During unboxing, highly recommend you carefully open every page (by page) in the Bible, to ensure no pages are stuck together, so you can have hastle free use. 😊

*BTW, this version is also good for those who had eye surgery or have some eye problems, so do share that by word if mouth, at church. 


This other version has individual books of the Bible avail for dyslexic individuals. It is in a diff version than standard Bibles.  I do not see audio Bible for it to pair with it. It will also be pricey. 

Also in the commentary link section there's info about Logos software (used to read lots of Christian books and bible materials, and search across everything in your library there). Well, I found out you can access the LSB using OpenDyslexia font in Logos Bible Software too. If you use iOS devices or MacBook Pro you have to install the font on the Mac to work. So you would benefit by having Logos software since that software system has many benefits.

More ways to learn:

1. Pair an audio-Bible with your daily reading. There is a section (above) with recommendations. 

2  You can learn a bit about the Bible also from some Bible movies, but be very cautious, as many are not made by Christians, and include cult material & take many liberties which distorts Scripture. Example: avoid The Chosen tv show [& their related content], and the new movies about Mary both are not biblical, and decieve. 

✨️Bonus help: There is book called "the gift of dyslexia" that that was recommended. There is a mental exercise that could lessen or "turn off" the letter mixing effects of the dyslexia. It definitely seems to help many; and kids!. If you get logos.com software installed on your computer and devices, besides the Bible, you might want to buy that there and read it in that system. 

If you already know of a way to turn your devices or computer systems settings to default font ("always on") dyslexia font then that is great. I havent heard of that yet, but if it is out there praise God 👏.


Tips for at Church,  for the Dyslexic

At Church, You might want to: 

*Listen to Sermon and not read along, or

- utilize the OpenDyslexic font in a bible app, & download it to your computer and devices, so if you do want to read along, or in the version the pastor or teacher uses this could help. 


*Notify your Sunday School class (in class at the start) of your Dyslexia and give a brief explination on how it affects you when reading & learning. Explain it may be hard for you to follow along "reading" in the lesson material, but you are listening. And if the class takes turns reading or shares verses from the Bible, explain that you will do it in xyz version, others may use a diff version. Let them know you wont be offended if the teacher follows up your reading with reading his version, but that at least you are participating & grasping what you are reading aloud and are part of the class. 

Or use a dyslexia font app version at church and then you avoid all the above, maybe. At least you could read out loud in class if needed. 

Research and info on dyslexia and Bible reading here 1


Non Dyslexic leader: If you lead Sunday School, or are a pastor looking thru this material, ideas provided by dyslexic people I have talked with online have noted these tips & helps:

The dyslexic brains way of processing causes frustration and then cognitive fatigue. *Visual aids like PowerPoint or video help (they create bridges for the gaps) and so does...

*caffeine/sugar (speeds the brain up). A cup of coffee/caffeine during a Bible study is a good place to start. So please do not discourage a dyslexic or adhd/add person if they bring coffee in [ knowing most churches limit coffee to the fellowship hall or courtyard outside]. An exception can be made. 

But encourage them to download the dyslexia font and try to find a bible app that offers dyslexic font for easy reading. 


Encourage them to read on class at their turn, to build up their confidence and help them feel included. Do note that to the class and some may have reading difficulties, eye problems, or dyslexia but that we will love and cheer on everyone regardless, even if some have illiteracy challenges. Do this every week someone you are aware of has that problem. 


Dyslexic Resources

How can I convert text to dyslexic friendly reading, or to screenshot?
https://readkid.org  converter is good.

Where can I go to convert and view a webpage into dyslexic text?

To convert and view a webpage in a dyslexia-friendly format, you can use several tools and resources designed to enhance readability. Here are a few options:

• Dyslexia-Friendly Browser Extensions:

• Dyslexia Reader: This extension can modify the text on webpages to make it more readable for individuals with dyslexia.

• BeeLine Reader: This tool uses color gradients to guide the eyes along lines of text, which can help with reading.

• Online Tools:

• Rewordify: This website simplifies complex texts and can help make reading easier.

• Ginger Software: This tool offers a dyslexia-friendly font and can help with grammar and spelling.

• Dyslexia-Friendly Fonts:

• You can change the font of a webpage to a dyslexia-friendly font like OpenDyslexic or Dyslexie. Some browser extensions allow you to do this easily.

• Accessibility Features:

• Many modern browsers have built-in accessibility features that allow you to adjust text size, spacing, and background color to improve readability.

• Text-to-Speech Tools:

• Tools like Natural Reader or Read Aloud can read the text on a webpage aloud, which can be helpful for those with dyslexia.

================================

Did someone refer you to this page? 😀

If you are not sure if you are saved or dont really know or understand what the Gospel is 


More Reasons to read the Bible, & statistics 



Amazing info about God's Word; The Bible 
95,000 cross references!



Bonus 


Enjoy!!






Reminder:
John 6:57c "He that eateth me, even he shall live by me." Jesus is the Word. The Scriptures, the Word of God. You are what you eat. 


---------------------------------------------------------

Footnotes:
*Please note some of these reading plan "lists" were found at websites that have wonky or false theology. Theyre the only place I could find the lists so far. Do not click around other areas of those sites. Just copy or save the pdf of the list and come back to this page 👍✅

*Note. Avoid YouVersion app it is owned by or run by Catholicism or Catholics. Christians need to avoid them. Use StudyBible.org app  instead


==============================

Bonus
Enjoy BIBLES-ONLINE.NET where you will find a online digital ancient Bible library. 😀  You can flip through any of more than 20 antique Bibles and New Testaments of the 1300’s through the 1800’s, and view every page in high resolution, free of charge, and with no need to sign up for anything or provide any information. 

God bless!



<<< return to prev page

If someone shared this page with you, make sure to check this out What to understand about the Gospel 

Return to Resources for Believers home page 

Comments