THE SHORT ANSWER
Red Letter usually means that words of Jesus are printed in red letters. It is a formatting feature of a specific edition, not a separate translation. Check the reference against the correct ISBN and view the contrast in an interior example.
A color attribute is separate from the translation name
NIV, NLT, ESV and NKJV are names of translations. Red Letter describes how text can be formatted in an implementation. Not every edition of the same translation has the same text color. A cover photo or red band says nothing about that.
Why a reader might appreciate this
A color difference can help you quickly notice statements. At the same time, you want to continue reading the surrounding storyline: who is speaking, to whom and at what time? Red words do not form an independent story that makes all other sentences redundant. Keep an entire passage together.
Pay attention to contrast and light
Look at a page by the light in which you expect to read. A color that looks bright on a screen may appear different when printed. Font size, paper and ink color all contribute to your experience. Red Letter is therefore not a synonym for easy to read or large print.
Request proof of the specific performance
Publisher Thomas Nelson explicitly mentions the feature in certain NKJV editions. Don't deduce it from all the NKJV books in our overview. Use the overview of English Bibles for the translation and execution choice and then check the publisher's specifications for the exact ISBN.
Frequently asked questions
Is Red Letter another Bible translation?
No, it is a formatting feature within a specific release.
Are red letters always easier to read?
That depends on contrast, light and your preference. View a real text page.
Topics: Bible choice, What does Red Letter mean in an English Bible
Sources and accountability
For information about translations and editions, we consulted these sources on October 20, 2026:
An addition or correction? Let us know.