Can anyone recommend a modern day interpretation of the Bible?

[BonnieBumble]

That's it really. I want to read The Bible but would struggle with the language so need a modern interpretation.

Thanks.

You could get a children's bible. Or for the new testement there is 'good news for modern man'

Best one out there (imho) is The Message by Eugene Patterson - assorted editions here. Really good to read and very powerful to read in 'normal' English making it all very accessible. Enjoy!

New International Version

I love the Message, but its not a proper translation, just an interpretation. Great to read though :)

Other than that, I'd recommend the NRSV.

I would say don't start to read the bible from the beginning and work your way through to the end, whichever version you read, you'll struggle if you try to read it all through like that. I usually recommend people to start with the gospels and acts.

Bonnie do you have a favourite verse/passage? If so, look it up on BibleGateway. There are loadsof different versions on there, so look at the passage in different versions until you find one that clicks with you.

I'd go for the TNIV - it's an easy to read but very accurate translation with more inclusive language. NRSV good too and I do like The Message but as Mary said it is more of a paraphrase - retains all the important things though.

We use the NIV at church but I often go to the NLT if I want to read larger chunks as it seems to flow better. I have The Message new testament and it is also very readable. I second COCKadoodledoos suggestion - you can even see different versions side by side on BibleGateway.

Thanks everyone

The Living Bible is pretty good for modern language and meaning, a little bit 'american' in some terminology but very accessible.