Readability levels aside, Bible versions that have been translated by evangelical scholars using dynamic/function equivalence principles are easier to read and understand than those versions using form equivalence principles. Dynamic/function (thought-for-thought) equivalence, on the other hand, produces in the target language the closest equivalent of the message expressed by the original language, both in meaning and in style. Dynamic / function - equivalence versions try to convey the same idea and have the same impact on modern readers as the original message had on its own audience. Many paraphrases also try for the same ideas; however, they are less accurate than translations. That's because authors don't translate from the original texts-they restate the message from an English translation, and use different and often more contemporary wording. For example, the Living Bible was a paraphrase that was based on the New American Standard Bible. Most of the older Bible versions are more difficult to read and understand not just because their readability is high (as measured especially by long sentences and more difficult words), but because they have been translated using form equivalence principles. Examples are the King James Version, New King James Version, New Revised Standard Version, and New American Standard Bible. These more literal translations are harder to comprehend because readers today live in a very different culture and society and often don't have a clear understanding of what the original message meant to those living in Biblical times. Also, form-equivalence translations often do not adjust the grammar, syntax, or idioms of the source language text enough to make the meaning understandable.

One of the easiest versions is the New International Reader's Version (NIrV), a simplification of the New International Version, the most popular Bible translation. It is trustworthy, accurate, and easy to read and understand. The NIrV for adults is excellent for those adults who want an easy-to-read Bible, readers who are learning English as a second language, and people who are not familiar with the Bible. The version for adults has several excellent helps: an explanation of the ABC's of Salvation at the beginning; suggestions for five different ways to read the Bible; an explanation at the beginning of each book on why the book was written, what the book is about, and major topics in the book with accompanying Scripture references; suggested verses to remember throughout the Bible; an explanation of life in New Testament times; a dictionary of the most important biblical terms; and an explanation of the important people in the Bible. An illustrated version for children has several helps too.

The version GOD'S WORD^® (translated by God's Word to the Nations Bible Society, P.O. Box 30699, Cleveland, OH 44130-0699, and published © 1995 by World Publishing in Grand Rapids, MI) has an average reading level of 4th - 5th grade. It is outstanding for both its accuracy and its readability, and it has been used very successfully in basic reading and ESL ministries. It is described as "Today's Bible translation that says what it means" and "the Bible translation that brings the full, accurate meaning of the original Bible writers to you in natural English -- expressed the way you hear it and use it in your everyday life." The translation, done by full-time Bible scholars working with full-time English editorial reviewers at all stages, attempts to make the English function in the same way that the original language functioned for the original readers. But readability is as much a concern as faithful translation --expressing meaning in natural American English by using clear and concise sentences, a natural variety in word arrangement, and common English punctuation, capitalization, grammar, and word choice. Readability is also enhanced by layout that helps readers recognize the thought pattern of the text (e.g., using a single-column format; using frequent paragraphing to break up different thoughts or to indicate when a different speaker's words are quoted; putting parallel thoughts in parallel lines of poetry; and using special formatting for lists, genealogies, and long prayers). Theological terms that would have little meaning for non-theologically-trained readers have been avoided. The publishers hope that this Bible will be used "by those who are well-versed in Scripture as well as first-time Bible readers, Christians as well as non-Christians, adults as well as children." The translation theory, called "closest natural equivalence," goes beyond many dynamic/function-equivalent translations in its accuracy. For example, it does not avoid abstract concepts or oversimplify difficult ideas in order to be understood by all audiences (e.g., children) at the same level. For much excellent material on issues in Bible translation, including readability, you may want to view the God's Word to the Nations web site at www.godsword.org.

The New Century Version of the Bible is also an outstanding translation. It is easy to become confused about this version. This version began as the International Children's Bible. That version was later revised into the Everyday Bible. So then there were two different versions, both written at about a third-grade level, one for use with children and one for use with adults. Later the Everyday Bible was revised into a harder, fifth-grade-level version, which became the standard NCV. Eventually the Everyday Bible went out of print. Word, Inc., publishes both the International Children's Bible and the standard NCV.

Tyndale House's New Living translation, written at a 6th grade reading level, is largely a replacement for its very popular Living Bible. The Living Bible will still be produced, but the Simplified Living Bible (© 1990, written at a 3rd-5th grade reading level, marketed as The Bible for Children and The Bible for Students), will not be. The NLT is a translation rather than a paraphrase.

Another outstandingly readable version is The Message (© 1993, by Eugene H. Peterson, published by NavPress, P.O. Box 35001, Colorado Springs, CO 80935; 719-548-9222 or 800-366-7788), an exciting paraphrase that "is a contemporary rendering of the Bible from the original languages, crafted to present its tone, rhythm, events, and ideas in everyday speech." The entire Bible is not available, but the New Testament (including Psalms and Proverbs) is, as well as other editions of Psalms, Proverbs, Job, and The Old Testament Wisdom Books. Peterson's provocative and accurate paraphrase allows readers to experience the same directness and power that struck the original readers many centuries ago.

Readers may notice that some of the easiest translations (such as the New Century Version, Easy-to-Read Version, Contemporary English Version, and GOD'S WORD^®), as well as the newer contemporary translations and paraphrases, have become more gender-sensitive. Those versions do not refer to God or Jesus as "She" or do away with the fatherhood of God. But where the original translations meant to include females as well as males, terms like man, mankind, or brothers have been replaced by words like people, humans, and friends. The New International Reader's Version that was published first (© 1987) was very gender-sensitive. Unfortunately, the controversy that developed when scholars began revising the New International Version for gender sensitivity not only brought an end to that project but also resulted in a revision of the original New International Reader's Version. The current edition (© 1995) "has been revised so that the gender language more closely matches that of the New International Version."

Adult learners who are trying to read the Scriptures on their own may find it easier if they can "read along" or follow along with audiotapes or compact disks with voice that accompany their particular version, especially if that version is harder to read. Several companies sell audiotapes and/or voice CDs of Scripture versions.

Adult new readers are also encouraged to read the Scriptures when they are exposed to relevant and exciting questions that help them relate the Bible to their lives. Many Bibles are published which are geared for particular audiences (e.g., teenagers, mothers, prisoners, adults in recovery groups, people interested in prophecy, etc.) These Bibles feature a particular translation or paraphrase but add material like explanations or study questions to appeal to the audience. Many of these Bibles can be very motivating for adults with certain interests.