The latest wave of updates to the “General Handbook: Serving in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints” includes an adjustment to a portion about editions and translations of the Holy Bible.
The handbook notes that “generally, members should use a preferred or Church-published edition of the Bible in Church classes and meetings.” In English, that is the King James Version.
The adjusted handbook section also points to examples of English Bible translations that members can consider as they seek to better understand the teachings of the Hebrew Bible and the New Testament.
Elder Dale G. Renlund of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, who chairs the Church’s Scriptures Committee, says the KJV is “beautiful and powerful,” but for some it can be difficult to understand.
“The Lord said that He speaks to men and women ‘after the manner of their language, that they might come to understanding’ (Doctrine and Covenants 1:24),” the Apostle says. “Clearly, God’s children are more inclined to accept and follow His teachings when they can understand them.”
This is why the Church has shared examples of translations that achieve both readability and doctrinal clarity. The list comprises (but is not limited to) the following translations:
Ages 14 and Above
- English Standard Version (ESV)
- New Revised Standard Version (NRSV)
Ages 11–13
- New International Version (NIV)
- New Living Translation (NLT)
- New King James Version (NKJV)
Ages 8 and Above
- New International Reader’s Version (NIrV)
Visit Church Newsroom to read the full announcement.
More articles for you:
▶ 25 years of ‘Savior of the World’: Actress shares miracles that brought her to the show
▶ 4 words Sister Oaks would use to describe the prophet
▶ The special significance of ‘swaddling clothes’ in the Nativity
