Translations · Balanced · 1978
NIV — New International Version
The bestselling modern English Bible — accurate, readable, and the default pew Bible across much of the UK.
Updated 18 May 2026 · By the Bibles.co.uk editorial team
The short answer
- Style
- Balanced
- Philosophy
- Balanced
- Reading level
- Grade 7
- First published
- 1978
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Browse all Bibles →Where it sits on the spectrum
Below, every major English translation plotted against NIV (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 NIV sits at grade 7.
Strengths
- Clear contemporary English at a 7th-grade reading level
- Huge edition ecosystem — study, journaling, kids, audio
- Default in many UK churches and schools
Watch-outs
- 2011 update introduced gender-accurate language some prefer to avoid
- Mid-spectrum — not maximally literal nor maximally free
See it in action
Three well-known verses in the NIV. Compare against another translation using the tool below.
NIV New International Version | For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. |
NIV New International Version | The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing. |
NIV New International Version | And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. |
Who uses the NIV?
Anglican, Methodist, Baptist and many independent UK churches; the most common gift Bible.
If the NIV sounds right for you → Browse all NIV Bibles
Translation Comparator
Same verse, two translations
John 3:16
“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”
- Style
- Balanced
- Level
- Grade 7
- Year
- 1978
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 NIV a good Bible translation?
- The New International Version (NIV) is the bestselling modern English Bible translation, a balanced (mediating) translation widely used for personal reading, preaching and pew use across evangelical and mainline churches. Strengths include: Clear contemporary English at a 7th-grade reading level; Huge edition ecosystem — study, journaling, kids, audio; Default in many UK churches and schools.
- What reading level is the NIV?
- The NIV reads at roughly US grade 7, using a balanced translation philosophy.
- Who uses the NIV?
- Anglican, Methodist, Baptist and many independent UK churches; the most common gift Bible.
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Explore a related translation
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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.