The latest wave of updates to the “General Handbook: Serving in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints” includes an adjustment to a portion about editions and translations of the Holy Bible.
The handbook notes that “generally, members should use a preferred or Church-published edition of the Bible in Church classes and meetings.” In English, that is the King James Version.
The adjusted handbook section also points to examples of English Bible translations that members can consider as they seek to better understand the teachings of the Hebrew Bible and the New Testament.
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Elder Dale G. Renlund of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, who chairs the Church’s Scriptures Committee, says the KJV is “beautiful and powerful,” but for some it can be difficult to understand.
“We can confidently gain insights from multiple translations [of the Bible], in part because ‘we also believe the Book of Mormon to be the word of God.’ Latter-day scripture, including the teachings of living prophets, is a good standard for evaluating any doctrinal discrepancies that might come up in different Bible translations.” —Elder Renlund
“The Lord said that He speaks to men and women ‘after the manner of their language, that they might come to understanding’ (Doctrine and Covenants 1:24),” the Apostle says. “Clearly, God’s children are more inclined to accept and follow His teachings when they can understand them.”
This is why the Church has shared examples of translations that achieve both readability and doctrinal clarity. The list comprises (but is not limited to) the following translations:
Ages 14 and Above
- English Standard Version (ESV)
- New Revised Standard Version (NRSV)
Ages 11–13
- New International Version (NIV)
- New Living Translation (NLT)
- New King James Version (NKJV)
Ages 8 and Above
- New International Reader’s Version (NIrV)
Using multiple translations of the Bible is not new for the Church. The handbook explains that the Church “identifies editions of the Bible that align well with the Lord’s doctrine in the Book of Mormon and modern revelation (see Articles of Faith 1:8). A preferred edition of the Bible is then chosen for many languages spoken by Church members.”
The Church publishes its own edition of the Bible in some languages. For example, in addition to the KJV in English, the faith publishes the Reina-Valera 2009 in Spanish and the Almeida 2015 in Portuguese.
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“There’s a misconception that modern translations of the Bible are less than faithful to the ancient sources — that in modernizing the language, translators have compromised or dumbed down the doctrine,” says Elder Jörg Klebingat of the Seventy, a member of the Scriptures Committee. “In many cases, that simply isn’t true. Modern translators often have access to manuscripts that were not available to early translators. And most modern translations were produced by faithful scholars and linguists who are utterly convinced that the Bible is the word of God. The simplified language they use supports — rather than compromises — understanding of the doctrine of Jesus Christ.”
The handbook encourages Church members to “use a preferred or Church-published edition of the Bible in Church classes and meetings. This helps maintain clarity in discussions and consistent understanding of doctrine. Other Bible translations may also be used.”
“We can all benefit from translations made by our Christian brothers and sisters to enhance our study and faith as disciples of Christ,” says Sister Tamara W. Runia. “Our hope is that everyone will feel welcome and respected, no matter the translation they connect with and choose to use. What matters most is how the scriptures speak to our spirits and draw us closer to God as we read every day.”
Many Latter-day Saints have already found power in this practice. Alysia Burdge of Washington state has ADHD, which makes reading comprehension — especially of the Bible — difficult for her.
During high school, her grandmother gifted her a Bible in a modern translation that was easier to understand. That simple offering transformed her ability to grasp the meaning of the sacred text.
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“Now I feel like I can really understand the word of God,” Alysia says, “and it helps me feel the Spirit more deeply. Sometimes I compare different Bible translations. It helps me notice deeper meanings and strengthen my testimony because I understand what the verses are saying.”
Marc De La Peña Barredo, an institute teacher in the Philippines, says he has found similar usefulness in exploring different Bible translations. Including them in his study has boosted his confidence as a teacher.
“Comparing Bible translations has significantly enriched the way I prepare and deliver my lessons,” he says. “It has empowered me to teach with greater clarity and purpose, helping my students draw closer to the Savior through the scriptures.”
Seth Stewart,* a parent of three neurodivergent children in Utah, says reading a more accessible Bible translation has transformed their family’s scripture study.
“For individuals with autism, ADHD, dyslexia, or other learning differences,” he says, “simpler translations can make the difference between feeling shut out of God’s word and truly connecting with it.”
For those worried about using a new Bible translation, Elder Renlund says to rely on the robust resource that is modern revelation.
“As Latter-day Saints,” the Apostle teaches, “we can confidently gain insights from multiple translations, in part because ‘we also believe the Book of Mormon to be the word of God’ (Articles of Faith 1:8). Latter-day scripture, including the teachings of living prophets, is a good standard for evaluating any doctrinal discrepancies that might come up in different Bible translations.”
*Name changed to protect privacy
