Bibles

The following Bible translations are suitable for Lutheran family Bible study and devotions. Two Bibles have study Bibles written using their texts, and these contain significant informative commentary.

The Christian Standard Bible® (CSB®) (Holman Bible Publishers, 2020). This Bible is a very readable translation and has good faithfulness to the original text. (Note: The editors’ comments may occasionally have a Baptist shading.) Available: NPH, Amazon/(pr&eb) & B&N/(eb).

The Holy Bible, English Standard Version® (ESV®) (Crossway, 2001). This Bible attempts to retain the phrasing of the original text and is closer to the KJV than most translations. This can make it better for study, but less smooth for reading. Available: CPH, NPH, Amazon/(pr&eb) & B&N/(eb).

The Lutheran Study Bible® (CPH, 2009) uses the ESV as its biblical text. Available: CPH, NPH, Amazon/(pr&eb) & B&N.

The Holy Bible, Evangelical Heritage Version® (EHV®) (Wartburg Project, 2017). This Bible is a very readable translation produced by confessional Lutheran scholars and pastors. It has good faithfulness to the original text. Available: NPH, Amazon/(eb) & B&N/(pr&eb).

An EHV Study Bible® (Wartburg Project, 2021) uses the EHV as its biblical text. Available: NPH.

The Holy Bible, New International Version® (NIV®) (Biblica, 2011). This Bible reads smoothly, but it is a looser translation of the original text that some pastors think was too strongly influenced by current cultural and political considerations. Available: NPH, Amazon/(pr&eb) & B&N/(eb).

The King James Version of the Bible (KJV) was first published at the beginning of the 17th century. It is still used, but it can be challenging to read due to its archaic language. Available: Amazon/(pr&eb) & B&N/(pr&eb).

The New King James Version® (NKJV) (HarperCollins, 1982), is an effort to update the KJV to be more readable, but to retain its unique style. Available: Amazon/(pr&eb) & B&N/(pr&eb).