First Full-Text Bibles

The ESV translation was published in 2001 and is an “essentially literal” contemporary English translation. The ESV website states, “the ESV Bible emphasizes ‘word-for-word’ accuracy, literary excellence, and depth of meaning.” This translation is written at an 8th-10th grade reading level. So, while that may be above your child’s reading level, they will still likely be able to understand much of the text because of the excellent readability of this translation. Vocabulary will probably be their biggest hurdle, but if you are reading along with them or being intentional about talking through their reading (which I would recommend regardless of the translation) this could be an excellent choice for a first Bible translation.

This translation is endorsed by John Piper, R.C. Sproul, Joni Eareckson Tada, Albert Mohler Jr., Kevin DeYoung, and more.

Scripture Examples:

“In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth.” -Genesis 1:1

“Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be long in the land that the LORD your God is giving you.” -Exodus 20:12

“The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.” -Psalm 23:1

“And Jesus said to them, ‘Follow me, and I will make you become fishers of men.'” -Mark 1:17

“…for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,” -Romans 3:23

“I do not permit a woman to teach or to exercise authority over a man; rather, she is to remain quiet.” -1 Timothy 2:12

The ESV Big Picture Bible has illustrations sprinkled throughout the text that are either taken directly from the Big Picture Story Bible or are new to this bible. Some of the illustrations are quite small, some a bit larger, and a few take a full two-page spread. There is absolutely nothing but scripture text and illustrations (with titles). There are no cross-references or commentary, but the occasional footnote. At the very end of the bible, there is a short five-page breakdown of the sections of scripture.

If you are looking for a first full-text bible with no commentary, this is an excellent choice. The illustrations are aimed at younger children, but this could work for a personal bible until age 10 or so.

The ESV Children’s Bible has no commentary or cross-references, but it does have a few select footnotes. There are many large, realistic illustrations scattered throughout the text. I appreciate that the illustrations correspond to the scripture on the same page, no searching for pictures is needed. In the back of the bible, there is a Dictionary, a small section titled “God’s Word for Me When…” covering topics like When I Feel Guilty, When I Fell All Alone, When My Friends Aren’t Being Real Friends, and more. There is also a list of illustrations, a weights and measurements chart, and a few select maps.

This Bible is available in a couple of different covers including hardback, leather-like, and a cloth-bound keepsake edition. The cloth-bound and leather-like have a ribbon bookmark. If you are looking for a first Bible with illustrations, this would be my choice.

Hard Cover

Keepsake Edition (Hardcover Cloth Bound)

Leather-Like

The ESV Holy Bible for Kids has no commentary or cross-references, but it does have a few select footnotes. There are several full-page illustrations scattered throughout the text. These illustrations are very realistic in nature. While they generally fall close to their corresponding text, they are often in another book entirely. In the back of the bible, there are a few resources like a weights and measurements chart, a concordance, and a few maps. This could be a great option if you desire realistic illustrations without commentary.

The ESV Kid’s Bible Thinline has no commentary, cross-references, or footnotes. This is the most grown-up-looking Bible, with no illustrations at all. There are some maps and informational pages throughout (like Overview of the Major Prophets), and a dictionary, a reading plan, and more maps at the back. This Bible is available in a couple of different covers that are all leather-like with a ribbon bookmark.

Blue/Lion

Green/Bird

Pink/Vine

The NASB translation was published in 1971 by the Lockman Foundation. The Lockman Foundation’s website states, “…the New American Standard Bible has been widely embraced as a literal and accurate English translation because it consistently uses the formal equivalence translation philosophy.” The NASB is written at an 11th-grade reading level and while it is a very accurate translation, the flow of the text can sometimes feel unnatural. Your 6-12-year-old will likely need a bit more assistance piecing together the vocabulary and syntax. If this is your preferred translation, this is one of the few children’s editions and could be a good choice for your child. The NASB has endorsements from John MacArthur, Albert Mohler Jr., Bruce A. Ware, R. C. Sproul, and many more.

Scripture Examples:

“In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth.” -Genesis 1:1

“Honor your father and your mother, so that your days may be prolonged on the land which the Lord your God gives you.” -Exodus 20:12

“The LORD is my shepherd, I will not be in need.” -Psalm 23:1

“And Jesus said to them, “Follow Me, and I will have you become fishers of people.'” -Mark 1:17

“…for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,” -Romans 3:23

“But I do not allow a woman to teach or to exercise authority over a man, but to remain quiet.” -1 Timothy 2:12

The NASB Holy Bible Children’s Edition has no commentary or cross-references, but does contain some footnotes. There are full-page illustrations scattered throughout the text, often with several pictures bundled together. Because of this, the illustrations are close to the stories they depict, but not always on the corresponding pages-or even in the same book. The illustrations are very realistic in nature. There is a “Bible Study Help” section in the back of the bible with a topical index, scripture references for Jesus’ parables, miracles, important events, titles, and Old Testament prophecies fulfilled in Christ, introductions to the Books of the Bible, memory verses, God’s plan of salvation, and maps.