The General Handbook: Serving in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints was updated to include adjustments regarding editions and translations of the Holy Bible. The handbook stated that members should generally use a preferred or Church-published edition of the Bible during Church classes and meetings.
In English, the King James Version serves as the preferred edition. However, the updated section provides examples of other English translations that members may consider to improve their understanding of the New Testament and the Hebrew Bible.
Elder Dale G. Renlund of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, who chairs the Church’s Scriptures Committee, noted that while the King James Version is beautiful and powerful, it can be difficult for some to understand. He stated that God's children are more inclined to follow teachings when they can understand them.
The Church provided a list of English translations for different age groups. For those ages 14 and above, the list includes the English Standard Version (ESV) and the New Revised Standard Version (NRSV). For ages 11 to 13, the list includes the New International Version (NIV), the New Living Translation (NLT), and the New King James Version (NKJV). For ages 8 and above, the New International Reader’s Version (NIrV) is listed.
Elder Jörg Klebingat of the Seventy, also a member of the Scriptures Committee, addressed misconceptions that modern translations might compromise doctrine. He stated that modern translators often utilize manuscripts that were unavailable to early translators and that simplified language can support rather than compromise the understanding of the doctrine of Jesus Christ.
The Church identifies Bible editions that align with the doctrine found in the Book of Mormon and modern revelation. While the King James Version is used in English, the Church publishes its own editions in other languages, such as the Reina-Valera 2009 in Spanish and the Almeida 2015 in Portuguese.
Sister Tamara W. Runia stated that the Church hopes everyone feels welcome and respected regardless of the translation they choose to use. She noted that the goal is for the scriptures to speak to spirits and draw people closer to God.
The handbook encourages the use of preferred or Church-published editions in meetings to maintain clarity and consistent understanding of doctrine, though other translations may also be used. Elder Renlund suggested that members can confidently gain insights from multiple translations because the Book of Mormon and the teachings of living prophets serve as standards for evaluating doctrinal discrepancies.
