English Language Learners

When learning English, studying the Bible can be a great way 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 and grammar.

A very easy translation is the Easy-to-Read Version (ERV), which uses 3rd grade vocabulary and easy to understand grammar. Many of the Bible studies on this website use this version.

Another very easy translation is the New International Reader’s Version (NIrV), which uses 3rd grade vocabulary and easy to understand grammar.

One other easy translation choice is the Good News Translation (GNT), which uses 4th-6th grade vocabulary and easy to understand grammar. The Gospel of Luke resources on this website use this version.

More advanced students should consider switching to the New Living Translation (NLT), which uses 6th grade vocabulary and thought-for-thought translation.

If students prefer a translation that has a nice balance between a word-for-word and a thought-for-thought translation, they should consider switching to the New International Version (NIV), which uses 7th-8th grade vocabulary.

Even more advanced students could consider the English Standard Version (ESV), which uses 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 just finished anELL Bible study for the Gospel of Luke, with a total of 104 lessons! This study currently uses the Good News Translation (GNT). The Easy-to-Read Version (ERV) is being added as another choice. These studies are intended for advanced beginner and intermediate students who may or may not be Christians.

All lessons on this website are protected by copyright, but you can use them for free in small groups or Bible classes. You may share a link to this page, but please do not copy these pages and put them on other websites.