Bible League International's Easy-To-Read Version (ERV) Bible translations are written in everyday language, making God's Word accessible at a basic reading level. This is important for new readers and those unfamiliar with the Bible. The most common responses are: "I can understand the Word of God!" and "It's as if the words are alive."

Without clarity and understanding the Bible remains a closed book. And there are too many who can't find a readable Bible and learn the Gospel of salvation. Today about 200 million, in almost 1,800 languages, still don't have a Bible in their native language. And many more have limited access to translations of the Bible that are too difficult to understand.

Easy-to-Read™ (ERV) Bible Translations

Today we have complete Easy-to-Read (ERV) Bible translations in 20 languages and another 14 translations are in progress. Demand for translations is growing, and we are eager to continue making God's Word available worldwide.

Our staff of biblical scholars and translators use a rigorous process to carefully and faithfully translate God's Word in the unique language and culture of the readers. For each translation, translators team up with local native-speakers and church leaders. Translators learn, hear and see the unique ways of speaking and understanding. After beginning the translation books of the Bible, such as the Gospel of John, are field tested and the translation is revised with the feedback received. Through this process the Bible is translated in a way that is faithful to God's Word and understandable.

Easy-to-Read Translations at work

Imagine the joy of hearing and understanding God's Word for the first time. When translators and church leaders field tested the Gospel of John from the Easy-to-Read Swahili Bible in Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda, they saw faces turn from concerned to smiling. One reader smiled and joyfully exclaimed, "I can understand the Word of God!" This translation continues today, and it is obviously worth the effort.

And in Japan, where most do not have a readable Bible, the Easy-to-Read translation work is making a significant impression. Reading samples of the new translation leads to responses like, "It's as if the words are alive!" and "It's like I am present in the story. It's actually fun to read."