Translations · Dynamic · 1976
GNB — Good News Bible
A warm, accessible translation that renders the Bible in everyday English without losing meaning.
Updated 18 May 2026 · By the Bibles.co.uk editorial team
The short answer
- Style
- Dynamic
- Philosophy
- Dynamic
- Reading level
- Grade 5
- First published
- 1976
We're still adding GNB Bibles to the shop.
Browse all Bibles →Where it sits on the spectrum
Below, every major English translation plotted against GNB (highlighted in burgundy). Translation philosophy runs left-to-right; reading level top-to-bottom.
How it reads
Reading level is one of the cleanest indicators of how easy a translation is to follow cold. The GNB sits at grade 5.
Strengths
- Very easy to read — ideal for children and new readers
- Available at low cost worldwide
- Line drawings and open layout invite browsing
Watch-outs
- Not suitable for detailed word study
- Some theological nuances are simplified
See it in action
Three well-known verses in the GNB. Compare against another translation using the tool below.
GNB Good News Bible | For God loved the world so much that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not die but have eternal life. |
GNB Good News Bible | The Lord is my shepherd; I have everything I need. |
GNB Good News Bible | We know that in all things God works for good with those who love him, those whom he has called according to his purpose. |
Who uses the GNB?
Schools, youth groups, overseas missions and anyone who finds other translations too dense.
If the GNB sounds right for you → Browse all GNB Bibles
Translation Comparator
Same verse, two translations
John 3:16
“For God loved the world so much that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not die but have eternal life.”
- Style
- Dynamic
- Level
- Grade 5
- Year
- 1976
John 3:16
“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”
- Style
- Formal
- Level
- Grade 12
- Year
- 1611
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Start the Bible FinderFrequently asked
- Is the GNB a good Bible translation?
- The Good News Bible (GNB, 1976) is a dynamic-equivalence translation designed for readers with limited English or those new to the Bible; it prioritises clarity and warmth. Strengths include: Very easy to read — ideal for children and new readers; Available at low cost worldwide; Line drawings and open layout invite browsing.
- What reading level is the GNB?
- The GNB reads at roughly US grade 5, using a dynamic translation philosophy.
- Who uses the GNB?
- Schools, youth groups, overseas missions and anyone who finds other translations too dense.
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Keep reading
KJV — King James Version
The 1611 translation that shaped English literature and church liturgy for four centuries.
NKJV — New King James Version
A modern update of the King James that preserves its majesty while replacing archaic vocabulary.
All translations
Compare every major English Bible side by side.