If you grew up in the Church like I did, you probably assumed that the King James Version was the Bible for Latter-day Saints. It’s the one printed in our quads, quoted in our lessons, and referenced in almost every manual. But as I’ve studied more and tried to help my kids and friends understand the scriptures, I’ve discovered something important:
Yes, it is absolutely okay for Latter-day Saints to use other versions of the Bible.
And sometimes it can make your scripture study even better.
The question, “Can Latter-day Saints use other Bible translations?” comes up often, especially among new converts, young adults, and parents trying to help their kids understand the scriptures. Let’s look at what the Church actually says, why modern Bible translations can be helpful, and which versions might be best for your family.
What the Church Says About Bible Translations
According to the current church handbook, “Other Bible translations may…be used. Some individuals may benefit from translations that are doctrinally clear and also easier to understand.”
And in the Church’s Holy Bible page, it says, “The Bible can be difficult to understand. It would be appropriate to use a simpler Bible translation for youth and children or any who would benefit.”
Many Latter-day Saint scholars, and even church leaders, have used modern translations like the NIV, ESV, or NLT to clarify difficult verses or highlight meaningful insights. So if you’ve ever wondered whether it’s okay to read a different Bible translation, the answer is a confident and doctrinally safe: yes.
This clears up a big misconception: using another version of the Bible is not disapproved or discouraged.
Many Latter-day Saint scholars, church leaders, and even general authorities have used modern translations like the NIV, ESV, or NLT to clarify difficult verses or highlight meaningful insights and have even quoted them in general conference. So if you’ve ever wondered whether it’s okay to read a different Bible translation, the answer is a confident and doctrinally safe: yes.
Why Other Bible Translations Can Strengthen Scripture Study
Here’s why using another Bible translation can be genuinely helpful for Latter-day Saints:
1. Modern translations are easier to understand.
The KJV is beautiful, but its 400-year-old language can make scripture harder to grasp—especially for kids, teens, new members, and anyone who didn’t grow up with Elizabethan English.
2. Other translations help new converts feel more comfortable.
Most Christians today do not use the KJV. When we study with friends or share Gospel messages online, a more familiar translation can make the scriptures feel accessible.
3. They offer deeper insight into the original text.
Modern translations are based on updated manuscripts and modern scholarship, which can help clarify verses that feel complicated or confusing in the KJV.
Recommended Bible Translations for Latter-day Saints
If you’re ready to supplement your scripture study with something modern, here are some recommended Bible translations based on age, reading level, and purpose. These aren’t “official” in a doctrinal sense, but they’re incredibly useful tools.
For Kids & Younger Teens
New International Readers Version (NIrV)
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Easiest for beginners
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Clear, modern language
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Perfect for helping kids understand scripture stories
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Great for family scripture study summaries
For Older Teens & Young Adults
New International Version (NIV)
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Smooth, everyday English
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Great for personal study and comparing meanings
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Widely used among other Christians
For Adults Wanting Accuracy + Readability
English Standard Version (ESV)
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Very accurate to the original text
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Still easy to read
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Helpful for Come, Follow Me and study journals
For Deep Study and Scripture Research
New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition (NRSVUE)
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Commonly used in biblical scholarship
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Great for understanding multiple viewpoints
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Excellent for serious study sessions
For Big-Picture Insights (Not for Doctrinal Study)
The Message (MSG) – paraphrase
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Reads like a devotional thought
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Great for fresh insights
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Not a primary study Bible
My Perspective as a Latter-day Saint Mom and Teacher
I still love the King James Version. It connects me to Restoration scripture and anchors me to the teachings I grew up with. But as a mom trying to raise teenagers who actually understand what they read, and as someone who teaches gospel principles online every day, I’ve learned that multiple translations can bring the Spirit into our study in powerful ways.
Sometimes a different wording helps my kids finally “get it.”
Sometimes a modern translation helps a friend feel included.
Sometimes a scholarly translation unlocks a whole new layer of meaning for me.
If a translation helps you or your family draw closer to Christ, feel the Spirit, and deepen your testimony, then it might just be a resource worth using.
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6 Responses
Thank you so much for this post. My daughter has wanted an NIV version, but I felt nervous about it…..mostly because I don’t know what other versions are like. I’ve been praying what to do and your name kept coming to mind. I looked at your blog and, low and behold, you wrote this post just a few days prior. It was the answer to my prayer I needed. Thank you!
I love using the Bible Hub app where you can compare translations. It’s a free download in the App Store.
Thank you so much! I remember a social media post of Elder Holland’s in which he talked about the multiple versions of the scriptures he uses in his study; it was the first time I considered using anything other than the KJV. Thank you for your breakdown of the different versions, it helps to figure out which family members would benefit.
Good to know. I use the NLT and have finally enjoyed reading the Bible and I’m 55 yrs old
Thank you for sharing this as I have always wondered if it was ok. Looking forward to studying the Old Testament this upcoming year.
I shared your email with my son, who said last year, his seminary teacher used another bible translation and had the class download an app for it. He suggested I check it out and do it too.
My husband feels anything other than the KJV is someone else’s interpretation and wrong to use. I shared with him what the church handbook says about it, but that didn’t change his perspective. I feel it is ok to use as a study companion.