An easy-to-read Bible for adults
The Clear Bible Translation puts every verse of the Bible into clear, modern English. It reads at about a 7th-grade level. It is not a children’s Bible: it keeps every verse, in order, and the Bible’s key words.
See the difference
The same verses, side by side: the King James Version, then the Clear Bible Translation.
King James Version
The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.
Clear Bible Translation
The LORD is my shepherd; I have everything I need.
King James Version
Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.
Clear Bible Translation
Do not be anxious about anything; but in everything, by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God.
King James Version
If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.
Clear Bible Translation
If any of you needs wisdom, ask God for it. He gives generously to everyone without finding fault, and it will be given to you.
King James Version
Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.
Clear Bible Translation
Place all your worries on him, because he cares for you.
King James Version
Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.
Clear Bible Translation
Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not rely on your own understanding.
King James Version
But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.
Clear Bible Translation
But those who wait on the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint.
King James Version
Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
Clear Bible Translation
Come to me, all of you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
King James Version
What time I am afraid, I will trust in thee.
Clear Bible Translation
Whenever I am afraid, I will trust in you.
What makes it easy to read
Everyday words
Old words like “thee,” “thou” and “careth” become “you” and “cares.”
About a 7th-grade reading level
Measured across all 31,102 verses of the Bible.
Plain, clear sentences
Written to be understood the first time you read it. Clear and respectful, never casual.
Numbers at a glance
Numbers are written as numerals, like “the 6th month” instead of “the sixth month.”
What stays the same
Every verse, in order
It follows the King James Version verse by verse, so the verse numbers match.
The Bible’s key words
Words like grace, covenant, righteousness, salvation, atonement, sin, soul, spirit and glory stay as they are, and so do the names of God.
Nothing added, nothing taken away
It is checked in stages to make sure nothing is added to or taken away from what each verse says.
Who it is for
Anyone who has opened the King James Version and lost the meaning in the old words. People who are new to the Bible, people coming back to it, and anyone who wants to read it aloud with their family. Read it on its own, or switch between it and four other translations any time: the King James Version, the American King James Version, the Berean Standard Bible and the World English Bible.
Questions
What reading level is the Clear Bible Translation?
It reads at about a 7th-grade level. That was measured with a standard reading-level test (Flesch-Kincaid) across all 31,102 verses.
Is it a children’s Bible?
No. It is written for adults. It keeps every verse, in order, and the Bible’s key words like grace and covenant. It simply uses plain, modern words instead of old ones.
Does it change what the Bible says?
It is made from the King James Version, one verse at a time, and checked in stages so that nothing is added to or taken away from a verse’s meaning. You can switch to the King James Version at any time to compare.
Is it free?
Yes. You can read the whole Clear Bible Translation online for free, with no account. You can also read the King James Version, the American King James Version, the Berean Standard Bible and the World English Bible.
Can I listen to it?
Yes. With a free account you can listen to any chapter read aloud in 13 different voices.