The Message (MSG) and The Living Bible (TLB) are both paraphrases, meaning they restate Scripture in everyday English rather than translating word by word from the original languages. The Message reads like a vivid, contemporary conversation, often punchy and colloquial, while The Living Bible is gentler, more conventional in phrasing, and closer to a plain family devotional. If you want a fresh, energetic voice that makes familiar passages feel newly spoken, MSG tends to suit you. If you want an older, steady paraphrase that is easy for children or new readers to follow, TLB may fit better. Neither is meant for detailed word study.
Background
The Living Bible was produced by Kenneth Taylor, who wanted his own children to understand the Bible at the dinner table. It was first published in sections in the 1960s and appeared as a complete volume in 1971, with Tyndale House as its publisher. It became a widely owned household Bible in the United States and beyond, and later editions were revised in several stages.
The Message is the work of Eugene Peterson, a pastor and professor who spent years rendering the Bible in the speech patterns he heard in his own congregations. The New Testament and Psalms appeared first, and the full Bible was completed later. Its publisher is NavPress. Peterson described his goal as a reading experience that feels like hearing the text for the first time, which explains much of its informal tone.
Translation Method
Both versions belong to the paraphrase category, so neither should be read as a close rendering of the original Hebrew and Greek wording. Paraphrases give the translator wide freedom to reshape sentences, swap idioms, and explain implied meaning. That freedom makes them enjoyable and quick to read, but it also means a single phrase in either version may reflect the translator’s interpretation more than the exact structure of the source text.
The Message pushes this freedom further than The Living Bible does. Peterson often expands a short phrase into a full, lively sentence and chooses modern metaphors where older paraphrases would stay closer to standard expressions. TLB keeps more of the familiar shape of traditional English Bible sentences while simplifying vocabulary. For study, memorization, or a detailed sermon, a more literal translation alongside either paraphrase is a useful habit.
Reading Level and Style
TLB is written at a noticeably simple reading level, which is why it has been used with younger readers and in homes where a single calm voice reads aloud. Its sentences are short, its vocabulary is common, and its tone stays steady from book to book. Readers who find older English difficult often find it approachable within a few pages.
MSG has a more distinctive personality. Its rhythm is quick, its images are concrete and sometimes surprising, and it frequently uses contractions, slang, and direct address. Some readers find this refreshing, since it can make a familiar parable sound like a story told at a kitchen table. Others find it distracting when the casual phrasing seems to crowd out the sense of reverence they expect from Scripture. Both reactions are reasonable.
A Verse to Compare
Psalm 23:1-3
1 The LORD is my shepherd: I shall lack nothing. 2 He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. 3 He restores my soul. He guides me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.
(WEB)
This familiar psalm shows the difference in approach clearly. TLB keeps the image of the shepherd and the green pastures in plain, measured English, staying close to the familiar cadence most readers already know. MSG rephrases the same images in a more intimate, conversational voice, speaking as though the shepherd is someone you talk with daily. Both render the central idea of God’s care, but MSG moves the emotional register toward personal companionship, while TLB stays more settled and reassuring.
Who Should Use It
Choose The Living Bible if you are reading with children, teaching a new believer, or want a straightforward paraphrase that keeps traditional sentence shapes. Its simplicity is its strength, but it can smooth over some nuances that more careful translations preserve, so pairing it with a literal version helps. It is a gentle, dependable companion for daily reading.
Choose The Message if you find familiar passages have grown dull and want them to feel freshly spoken. It excels at making narrative and wisdom literature vivid. Its limits are that its wording reflects one translator’s voice and its informal style can feel too casual for some worship settings. Many readers use it for devotional encounter and turn to a more literal translation for doctrine and close study.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Message a complete Bible translation?
Yes, The Message covers the full Old and New Testaments, though it is a paraphrase rather than a formal translation. Its purpose is readability and fresh expression. Many readers use it alongside a more literal version for careful study.
Is The Living Bible the same as a modern translation?
No, The Living Bible is a paraphrase that dates from the 1960s and 1970s. It is written in simple English but is not a modern word-for-word translation. It is best valued for clarity and devotional ease.
Which one should a new believer start with?
Many new believers start with a readable paraphrase, and TLB is often recommended for its simple vocabulary and steady tone. MSG can also work well for those who enjoy a conversational style. Adding a more literal version later helps deepen understanding.
