The New Living Translation is the best choice for those seeking a Bible that is

Accurate: faithful to the original-language texts and designed for in-depth study

Understandable: clear and accessible for all readers to engage with meaningfully

Audibly Enjoyable: beautifully crafted for reading aloud, teaching, preaching, and memorizing

The NLT Translators—over 100 of the world’s leading biblical scholars—are committed to ensuring that the NLT remains the most accurate and clear translation available. Whether read privately, in a classroom, from the pulpit, or in a group Bible study, God is using the NLT to transform lives. Experience God’s Word in a way that speaks to your heart, enriches your understanding, and transforms your life with the New Living Translation.

ACCURATE

Accuracy is at the heart of the New Living Translation (NLT). A team of over 100 leading biblical scholars worked directly from the earliest and most reliable Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek texts to create a translation that is faithful to the ancient manuscripts and their intended meaning.

The NLT scholars employ a meaning-for-meaning translation philosophy. They understand that the most accurate translation must be faithful to the words of the ancient manuscripts and their intended meaning. When a word in the original-language text can be rendered with a single word in English without losing clarity, they use it. However, when a literal translation might obscure the intended meaning, the NLT scholars use the exact words necessary to convey the most accurate meaning of the original message with precision. This meticulous process ensures that readers receive a translation that is both accurate and clear, allowing them to engage deeply with the Scriptures.

UNDERSTANDABLE

The NLT is designed to be accessible to readers of all ages and stages of life. Its clarity allows everyone—from new believers to seasoned scholars—to understand the Bible deeply and engage with it meaningfully.

The NLT scholars began their work with extensive proficiency in understanding the original-language texts in their ancient contexts. Then they expertly translated the meaning into expressions that are clear to readers of English in the twenty-first century. The NLT translation philosophy helps readers access the texts’ original meaning in words they can truly understand.

This translation philosophy means the New Living Translation is well suited for sermon preparation, preaching, teaching, Bible study, family devotions, group discussions, and everyday reading for people of all ages and stages of life.

AUDIBLY ENJOYABLE

Scripture was originally received by listening, and the NLT scholar team intentionally honors this tradition by ensuring every book flows beautifully and naturally when read aloud. Whether it’s Scripture podcasts, audio Bibles, or public reading in church, the NLT is crafted to sound natural, engaging, and impactful when spoken.

During the translation process, the NLT is read aloud, with an eye toward cadence and flow, to ensure that the text sounds natural and engaging.

This focus on auditory appeal makes the NLT ideal for public reading, memorization, and preaching. When read aloud, the NLT supports Scripture comprehension in a unique way, resonating deeply with listeners and bringing God’s Word to life.

Experience the New Living Translation