English Language Learners

When learning English, studying the Bible can be a great place to improve your vocabulary.

Bible Translation Choices

Beginner and intermediate English Language Learners (ELLs) should consider using an English translation of the Bible with simple vocabulary. My recommendation is the Good News Translation (GNT), which uses 4th-6th grade vocabulary and easy to understand grammar.

More advanced students should consider switching to the New International Version (NIV), which uses 7th grade vocabulary and has a nice balance between a word-for-word and a thought-for-thought translation.

Even more advanced students could consider the English Standard Version (ESV), which uses 8th-10th grade vocabulary and prioritizes word-for-word translation.

If you would like to compare the GNT with the NIV or another translation, use a parallel Bible like YouVersion. You can also use the parallel Bible feature to compare an English translation to a translation written in your home language.

Bible Studies for English Language Learners (ELLs)

I am currently working on an ELL Bible study for the Gospel of Luke! This study uses the Good News Translation (GNT) and is intended for advanced beginning and intermediate students who may or may not be Christians.