This is one of the latest 'easy to read, easy to listen to' translation. Using very clear and plain language, it is an ideal text both for beginners and for those who like plain but good English. This is a very useful text for introducing Bible study.

Isaiah 9:2-3
Those who walked in the dark
have seen a bright light.
And it shines upon everyone
who lives in the land
of darkest shadows.
Our Lord, you have made your
nation stronger.
Because of you, its people
are glad and celebrate
like workers at harvest time
or like soldiers dividing up
what they have taken.

Psalm 23
The Good Shepherd
You, Lord, are my shepherd.
I will never be in need.
You let me rest in fields
of green grass.
You lead me to streams
of peaceful water,
and you refresh my life.
You are true to your name,
and you lead me
along the right paths.

1 John 4:7-8
My dear friends, we must love each other.
Love comes from God, and when we love
each other, it shows that we have been given
new life. We are now God's children, and we
know him. God is love, and anyone who
doesn't love others has never known him.

The Contemporary English Version is available in editions published by
Bible Societies
Harper Collins

This is an easy to read, ecumenical translation written in everyday modern English. The translation is suitable for devotional reading, study and liturgical use. The second edition (1994) uses inclusive language.

Isaiah 9:2-3
The people who walked in darkness
have seen a great light.
They lived in a land of shadows,
but now light is shining on them.
You have given them great joy, Lord;
you have made them happy.
They rejoice in what you have done,
as people rejoice when they harvest
their corn
or when they divide captured wealth.


Psalm 23
The Lord our Shepherd
The Lord is my shepherd;
I have everything I need.
He lets me rest in fields of green grass
and leads me to quiet pools of fresh
water.
He gives me new strength.
He guides me in the right paths,
as he has promised.



1 John 4:7-8
Dear friends, let us love one another,
because love comes from God.
Whoever loves is a child of God and
knows God. Whoever does not love
does not know God, for God is love.

The Good News Bible is available in editions published by
Bible Societies
Harper Collins