Which Bible do you use to read to adults?

Ask what the listener likes

Don't make a choice based solely on age or background. Someone may recognize a classical translation, while another may be turned off by unfamiliar words. Also ask how much time there is. Reading aloud is not a test: the listener does not have to reproduce the content afterwards to benefit from it.

Prepare the piece briefly

Read the passage yourself beforehand. Find out who is speaking and where a sentence ends. If necessary, provide one brief introduction, without fully explaining the story. Read quietly and allow silence. Stop at a logical point; an entire chapter is not required if a short passage is more appropriate.

Align book and goal

For reading the complete Bible together, choose a translation. A retelling can work well for a short story session, but explain that you are reading an adapted text. You can later read the corresponding passage in a complete Bible alongside it. This makes the purpose of each format clear.

Issues to view

Choose based on your own reading purpose and, if in doubt, first look at the interior. These editions match the options above:

• Bijbel in Gewone Taal
• Hoopvolle verhalen voor jou · Philadelphia Bijbel
• Willibrordvertaling huisbijbel

Frequently asked questions

Is a children's Bible necessary if you have difficulty reading?

Not automatically. There are also accessible publications that suit adult readers.

Do I have to explain difficult words straight away?

Only when it helps. Too many interruptions can actually make listening more difficult.