As we prepare to study the Old Testament with Come, Follow Me, many women are asking an honest question: Why does the Bible feel so hard to understand sometimes? If you have ever struggled to read the Old Testament, teach it to your children, or explain it to youth, you are not alone. The language, culture, and symbolism can feel overwhelming, even for adults who love the scriptures.
Recently, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints shared helpful guidance that brings reassurance and flexibility to Bible study at home and at church. While the King James Version of the Bible remains the official English translation used in Church curriculum, members are encouraged to use other Bible translations as study helps to increase understanding and engagement, especially when teaching children and youth.
Camille N. Johnson explained it this way:
“If we want individuals to develop a habit of reading the scriptures, if we want mothers and fathers to read the scriptures with their children, it is helpful for them to have the option of using a Bible translation that teaches doctrine in a way they can understand.”
This simple reminder shifts the focus from doing scripture study perfectly to actually understanding God’s word.
The King James Version is beautiful, doctrinally rich, and deeply connected to Latter-day Saint scripture study. At the same time, its older English can make comprehension difficult, particularly in the Old Testament. Using a modern Bible translation alongside the KJV can help bring clarity without replacing the doctrinal foundation the KJV provides.
Reading the same passage in more than one Bible translation can help:
For many families, understanding leads to consistency. Consistency leads to connection.
Below are several Bible translations that work well as study helps for Come, Follow Me and Old Testament study. These translations are widely used and align well with doctrinal teaching when paired with the KJV.
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READING LEVEL:
3rd Grade
EASE OF UNDERSTANDING: Very Easy
LANGUAGE STRUCTURE: Very simple, short sentences
BEST FOR:
Young children, early readers, struggling readers
WHY IT HELPS:
Written specifically for clarity and confidence
The New International Reader’s Version (NIrV) is written at an approximate 3rd grade reading level, making it one of the easiest Bible translations to understand. It was created specifically for children, early readers, and anyone who benefits from very clear, simple language.
Verses in the NIrV are shorter and broken into smaller phrases, which helps readers follow the story without feeling overwhelmed. This makes it especially helpful when teaching the Old Testament to Primary-aged children, youth who struggle with reading, or families studying together.
The NIrV works well as a first read to understand the story before returning to the King James Version or another translation for deeper study. For many children, it can turn scripture reading from confusing into confidence-building.
Check out the “NIrV Adventure Bible for Early Readers” HERE.
I love that this bible is hardcover and is printed in full color. A wonderful choice for kids (and adults who are looking for an easy way to read and study the bible).
READING LEVEL:
6th Grade
EASE OF UNDERSTANDING: Very Easy
LANGUAGE STRUCTURE:
Modern, conversational
BEST FOR:
Children, youth, beginners, first reads
WHY IT HELPS:
Focuses on meaning and clear understanding
The New Living Translation uses clear, modern language and focuses on meaning rather than word-for-word phrasing. It is one of the easiest Bible translations to read and understand.
This translation is especially helpful for children, youth, and adults who want to quickly understand what a passage is teaching before studying it more deeply.
Best for: beginners, family scripture study, and personal devotional reading
This is the New Living Translation Bible (NLT) I have HERE. It’s pink and large print and is so helpful in understanding difficult passages in the Bible.
READING LEVEL:
7th-8th Grade
EASE OF UNDERSTANDING: Easy
LANGUAGE STRUCTURE: Modern and smooth
BEST FOR:
Family study, group discussion, teaching
WHY IT HELPS:
Balances readability with doctrinal accuracy
The New International Version offers a balance between readability and accuracy. It is one of the most popular Bible translations worldwide and works well for group study and teaching. (This is one I have seen Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf quote in General Conference many times.)
The NIV keeps doctrinal language while using modern sentence structure that feels approachable.
Best for: family study, teaching settings, and discussion
I love a good journaling bible with margins and HERE is a teal New International Version journaling bible.
READING LEVEL:
3th-9th Grade
EASE OF UNDERSTANDING: Moderate
LANGUAGE STRUCTURE: Traditional, updated
BEST FOR:
Transitioning from KJV
WHY IT HELPS:
Familiar structure with clearer wording
The New King James Version preserves the familiar structure and tone of the KJV while updating outdated words and phrases. It often feels like a comfortable bridge for those who love the King James Version but want clearer language.
Best for: those transitioning from the KJV
This is the New King James Version bible I have my eye on (and it’s purple)! You can find it HERE.
READING LEVEL:
8th-10th Grade
EASE OF UNDERSTANDING: Moderate
LANGUAGE STRUCTURE: Clear, more literal
BEST FOR:
Deeper personal study, adult learners
WHY IT HELPS:
Preserves original meaning with clearer language
The English Standard Version is more literal than the NIV while remaining readable. It stays closer to the original language and is often used for deeper scripture study.
This translation is helpful for adults who want clarity while maintaining doctrinal precision.
Best for: in-depth study and adult learners
I love my English Standard Version Study Bible and you can find the exact one I have HERE. I love all the additional commentary and study helps from bible scholars.
READING LEVEL:
12th Grade
EASE OF UNDERSTANDING: Most Challenging
LANGUAGE STRUCTURE: Archaic, poetic
BEST FOR:
Doctrinal depth, cross-referencing
WHY IT HELPS:
Foundational for Church study and latter-day scripture
The King James Version remains foundational for Latter-day Saint scripture study. It connects directly with the Book of Mormon, Doctrine and Covenants, and Church study tools.
Many families find the KJV most helpful when used alongside another translation for added understanding.
Best for: doctrinal depth and cross-referencing
I will always love my King James Version Bible, since that is the one I have read the most (the Old Testament only two times through). I love having cross-references to the Book of Mormon, Doctrine and Covenants, and Pearl of Great Price right in my footnotes.
Here is a great journaling version of the King James Bible you can find HERE.
The recent updates from the Church are not about changing doctrine or abandoning the King James Version. They are about helping individuals and families understand the scriptures more fully.
Using more than one Bible translation is not a shortcut. It is a support. It allows scripture study to feel more accessible, more meaningful, and more sustainable, especially during Old Testament study.
As you prepare for Come, Follow Me, consider asking yourself one simple question:
What would help me and my family understand God’s word more clearly?
Sometimes the answer is as simple as opening a second Bible and giving yourself permission to learn in a way that meets you where you are.
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