What’s the best English Bible translation to read?

By CopticBot.ai (Coptic Space Inc.) · Last reviewed 2026-10-09

To read the Holy Scriptures from a Coptic Orthodox perspective, the choice of translation depends on the depth of study and the liturgical context you are seeking.

The Coptic Orthodox Church follows the Septuagint (LXX) for the Old Testament, which is the Greek translation of the Hebrew Scriptures used by the Apostles and the Early Church Fathers of Alexandria. Because most modern English Bibles (like the NIV, ESV, or NASB) use the Masoretic Text (Hebrew) for the Old Testament, they often differ from the citations used in our prayers and by Fathers like Abba Athanasius and Abba Cyril.

1. The Orthodox Study Bible (OSB)

This is generally considered the best all-around English Bible for Orthodox Christians.

• Old Testament: It uses a new translation of the Septuagint (LXX), which includes the Deuterocanonical books (such as Tobit, Judith, Wisdom of Solomon, Sirach, and Maccabees) that are integral to our faith but rejected by Protestants.
• New Testament: It uses the New King James Version (NKJV) text.
• Benefits: It contains commentary based on the writings of the Church Fathers and aligns with the liturgical life of the Church.

2. New King James Version (NKJV)

If you are looking for a standard, widely available translation for the New Testament:

• The NKJV is preferred over the original King James because it is more readable while maintaining the traditional "Ecclesiastical" or "Received Text" (Textus Receptus) tradition for the New Testament.
• Most Coptic English liturgical books (the Agpeya, the Liturgy, and the Katameros) utilize the NKJV or a very similar style.

3. King James Version (KJV)

The KJV is respected for its beauty and its historical use in the Church. However, it can be difficult for some readers due to the archaic English. From a theological standpoint, it is far superior to modern "dynamic equivalence" translations (like the NIV), which often take liberties with the text that can obscure the true meaning of the original languages.

4. For Academic Study of the Septuagint

If you wish to focus deeply on the Old Testament as the Coptic Church understands it:

• The New English Translation of the Septuagint (NETS): A highly academic and literal translation of the Greek Old Testament.
• Sir Lancelot Brenton’s Septuagint: An older but classic translation of the LXX.

Important Note on Protestant Translations

You should be cautious with translations like the NIV (New International Version) or many "modern" Bibles. These often:

1. Remove the Deuterocanonical books, which we believe to be inspired and canonical.
2. Alter verses to fit Protestant theological biases, sometimes downplaying the role of the ⲑⲉⲟⲧⲟⲕⲟⲥ (Theotokos) or the necessity of the Sacraments.
3. Rely on the Masoretic Text, which in certain messianic prophecies (like Isaiah 7:14) differs from the Septuagint used by the early Church in Alexandria.

Recommendation: For daily reading and spiritual growth, start with The Orthodox Study Bible. It will keep your reading rooted in the mind of the Church.