"The best Bible is the one you’ll open."
I believe that the best Bible for you is one that you’ll consistently open, understand, and enjoy reading. Nowadays, hundreds of different options are available online or in a hard copy. Because of this, I believe everyone can find something suited to them and their season of life. It also means starting the search can feel a bit overwhelming.
I’ve attempted to narrow it down for you. Below are a few Bibles I’ve researched, from first story Bibles for young children all the way to study Bibles for teens and adults. For each one, you’ll see who it’s for and why I’d recommend it.
Bibles for Babies and Preschoolers
Who it’s for: Babies and preschoolers hearing their first Bible stories. Ages 0–3.
Why it’s recommended: Simple language preschoolers can follow, and bold, bright colors that children enjoy. It covers 14 main Bible stories from both the Old and New Testaments and includes a few questions to discuss with each story.
Who it’s for: Preschoolers ready to see how the stories connect. Ages 2–7.
Why it’s recommended: It shows the Bible as one big story with Jesus at the center, told simply enough for preschoolers to understand and remember. There’s also an MP3 audio option that lets kids listen along as they read. You can also purchase The Big Picture Family Devotional and The Big Picture Bible Crafts to accompany these stories as you read along with your family.
Bibles for Kids and Teens 
Who it’s for: Kids moving up from a story Bible to their first full Bible. Ages 8-12.
Why it’s recommended: It’s the complete ESV text, with extra content on nearly every other page. “Seeing Jesus” sections show how a passage points to Christ, and “Following Jesus” sections help teens apply it to their own lives. It also includes a dictionary, timelines, and maps as added resources to help students grow as they read.
Who it’s for: Students reading the Bible on their own for the first time. Ages 13 and up.
Why it’s recommended: The NIV is a thought-for-thought translation, so it reads naturally, and the large print and short book overviews make it a friendly first study Bible. It also gives practical help on friends, family, school, and the hard stuff teens face.
Who it’s for: Students who’ve tried reading the Bible and gotten lost, or who want to know what it means for their everyday life. Ages 14-18.
Why it’s recommended: The New Living Translation is a thought-for-thought translation that reads like everyday conversation, and about 1,000 application notes connect each passage to real decisions students are making.
Who it’s for: Students who want to see how the whole Bible fits together. Ages 12-17.
Why it’s recommended: The CSB is a thought-for-thought translation that reads smoothly without losing depth. Its “Redemption Thread” shows how every story from Genesis to Revelation points to Jesus, and 146 teen devotions help students apply what they read.
Study Bibles for Older Teens and Adults
Who it’s for: Older students or young adults who are ready to dig a little deeper. Ages 12 and up.
Why it’s recommended: More than 12,000 study notes, plus maps and character profiles, give students room to grow for years. The ESV is a word-for-word translation, which makes it great for deep study, even if it reads a little less smoothly.
Who it’s for: Students or young adults ready to graduate from a teen Bible to a full study Bible in a translation that reads naturally. Ages 14 and up.
Why it’s recommended: The NIV translation is very readable, and it pairs that with over 21,000 study notes, 125+ articles, and introductions and outlines for all 66 books. Notes were revised by a team of scholars who’ve worked on the NIV translation.
Who it’s for: Anyone ready for a full adult study Bible. Ages 14 and up.
Why it’s recommended: It’s the full study Bible the ESV Student Study Bible was adapted from, built by 95 Bible scholars and teachers. With 20,000 study notes, 80,000 cross-references, 200+ charts, 50+ articles, and 240 full-color maps and illustrations, it’s a Bible you can continue using throughout life.
Who it’s for: Students or adults who want to understand the world the Bible was written in. Ages 15 and up.
Why it’s recommended: It helps readers see Scripture the way its first readers would have. Notes by Old Testament scholar John Walton and New Testament scholar Craig Keener explain the history and culture behind the text, with over 300 articles and 375 full-color photos and illustrations.
Everyday Reading Bibles
Who it’s for: Young women who want to build a daily habit of reading Scripture. Women of all ages.
Why it’s recommended: It’s built for daily reading, has 189 devotionals, reading plans for every book of the Bible, and a one-year plan. Wide margins leave room for journaling. This Bible invites women and young ladies to experience God daily and aids in finding deeper understanding.
Who it’s for: Anyone who wants a simple, easy-to-carry Bible for reading every day. Ages 18 and up.
Why it’s recommended: It’s great for daily reading. There are no study notes to wade through, just the complete NIV in large print. I use this personally to read daily and add in supplemental reading from a study Bible of another translation.
A Final Word
The best Bible is the one you’ll open. Start with the one that fits your season, give it a few weeks, and don’t be afraid to switch if it isn’t clicking. And don’t read it alone. Bring it to church, to a group, or to the kitchen table.
Jordan Walker is the Student Pastor at Venture Church. He and his wife serve and worship at the Lincoln Road Campus in Hattiesburg, Mississippi.
Next Steps: Open a Bible in Community in South Mississippi
Once you pick your Bible, open it up with other people. Here’s where to take it:
KXP: On Sunday mornings, kids will hear Bible stories in a way that’s built for them.
MVMNT: Students dig into Scripture with friends and leaders on Sunday nights at 5:30 p.m. Learn About MVMNT
The Gathering: Our college ministry meets Tuesday nights at 6:30 p.m.
House Church: Want to read and talk through Scripture in a smaller setting? A House Church is a good place to ask questions and grow alongside neighbors.
Not sure where to start? Plan a visit to a campus.
Related Reading
Wondering which translation is right for you? Read Why Are Bible Translations Different?
Want to get more out of the Bible once you have one? Read How to Read the Bible for Yourself (Without Feeling Overwhelmed)
Wondering what it means to belong to a church? Read Why Join a Church? A (Humble) Case for Church Membership