What is the EasyEnglish Bible?

The EasyEnglish Bible is a simplified translation of the Bible created to help people with limited English skills understand the message of Scripture. It was developed by MissionAssist, a UK-based Christian organization that supports global mission work. The project began in the late 1990s with the goal of producing Bible texts that could be easily read and understood by people learning English as a second language, those with learning difficulties, or anyone who finds traditional Bible translations too complex. The EasyEnglish Bible is available online for free and has been used in literacy programs, English Second Language (ESL) ministries, and missionary outreach around the world.

EasyEnglish Bible – Translation Method
The translation method used for the EasyEnglish Bible is meaning-based, also known as dynamic or functional equivalence. Rather than translating word-for-word from the original Hebrew and Greek, the translators aim to convey the meaning of the text in simple, clear English. The vocabulary is limited to either 1,200 or 2,800 words, depending on the version, and the grammar is intentionally simplified. Idioms, metaphors, and culturally specific expressions are either avoided or explained to ensure clarity. The goal is not to provide a study Bible for deep theological analysis but to make the core truths of Scripture accessible to as many people as possible.

EasyEnglish Bible – Pros and Cons
One of the main strengths of the EasyEnglish Bible is its accessibility. It allows people who might otherwise struggle with traditional translations to read and understand God’s Word. It is especially useful in cross-cultural missions, ESL classes, and for children or adults with limited literacy. However, the simplicity of the language can also be a limitation. Because it avoids complex theological terms and detailed phrasing, some of the richness and nuance of the original text may be lost. For this reason, the EasyEnglish Bible is best used as a stepping stone to deeper study with more literal translations like the ESV or NASB.

EasyEnglish Bible – Sample verses
John 1:1, 14 – “Before the world began, the Word was there. The Word was with God, and the Word was God himself....The Word became a man and he lived among us. We saw how great he was. He was the only Son of the Father. He was full of grace and truth.”

John 3:16 – “God loved the people in the world so much that he gave his one and only Son on their behalf. As a result, everyone who believes in him will not die. Instead, they will live with God always.”

John 8:58 – “Jesus said, ‘I tell you this: I am the one who has always been alive, even before Abraham was born.’”

Ephesians 2:8–9 – “God saved you because he is so kind. You believed in Christ, and God saved you because you believed. You did not save yourselves; it was a gift from God. You cannot be proud of anything, because you did not do anything to save yourselves.”

Titus 2:13 – “We are waiting for something that we are hoping for. We are waiting for our great God and Saviour Jesus Christ to come. Then everyone will see how great he is.”