The Message (MSG) and The Living Bible (TLB) are both paraphrases, meaning they restate the sense of Scripture in everyday English rather than translating word for word from the original languages. The Message is a more recent, idiomatic, conversational rendering by Eugene Peterson, while The Living Bible is an older, simpler paraphrase that gave many readers their first accessible Bible. Readers who want a vivid, contemporary voice that reads almost like a letter or a story often prefer The Message, while readers who want a plain, gentle, child-friendly text sometimes prefer The Living Bible.
Background
The Living Bible was produced by Kenneth Taylor, who began it as a paraphrase for his own children and later saw it published as a complete Bible in the early 1970s. It was widely read in evangelical homes and churches, and it remains in print in various editions, though it is generally treated as a reading aid rather than a primary study Bible.
The Message was developed by Eugene Peterson, a pastor and author, who worked on it over many years and published it as a complete Bible in 2002. Peterson described his goal as rendering the biblical text in the idiom of contemporary speech, and the work has since been used widely for devotional reading, sermons and personal study, often alongside a more literal translation.
Translation Method
Both works are paraphrases, which means they prioritize readability and the flow of thought over matching the grammar and vocabulary of the original languages. Because of this, you will find that a single sentence in Hebrew or Greek may be expanded into several English sentences, and idioms are often replaced with modern equivalents. This choice makes the text feel immediate, but it also means you are reading an interpreter’s voice as much as the ancient writer’s.
The Living Bible tends to stay closer to traditional sentence structure and to explain difficult ideas in plain, familiar words. The Message takes more liberty, favoring colloquial rhythm, dialogue-like phrasing and contemporary imagery. Neither should be used as the sole basis for detailed word study, but each can open up a passage for a reader who finds more formal wording hard to enter.
Reading Level and Style
The Living Bible is written at a notably simple level and is often recommended for younger readers and for adults new to Scripture. Its sentences are short, its vocabulary is common, and its tone is warm and direct. Some readers find that this simplicity sometimes flattens the texture of the original.
The Message reads with a more distinctive, energetic voice that many adults find striking. Its sentences vary in length and its word choices can be surprising, which helps some readers notice details they had passed over. Others find the informal tone distracting in passages that call for solemnity, so it is worth reading a few chapters before deciding how it fits your temperament.
A Verse to Compare
Psalm 23:1
The LORD is my shepherd: I shall lack nothing.
(WEB)
This familiar opening of the shepherd psalm shows how each paraphrase handles a short, well-known sentence. The Living Bible keeps the statement direct and easy to memorize, while The Message tends to turn the idea into a more conversational sentence that emphasizes the personal relationship between the speaker and the shepherd. Reading the same line in both helps you see how each paraphrase chooses between clarity of wording and vividness of tone.
Who Should Use It
Choose The Living Bible if you want a plain, gentle, easy-to-follow text for a child, a new reader or someone returning to Scripture after a long break. It works well as a first read-through of a book or as a bedtime reading. Its limits are that its simplicity can hide nuance, so it is wise to check important passages in a more literal translation.
Choose The Message if you want a fresh, conversational voice that makes familiar passages feel newly spoken. It suits devotional reading, group discussion and readers who find formal language stiff. Its limits are that its liberties can shift meaning in places, so it is best used as a companion to a more literal Bible when you are studying closely.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Message a translation or a paraphrase?
The Message is a paraphrase, meaning it restates the sense of Scripture in contemporary English rather than rendering each original word. It is valued for readability and vividness. Many readers pair it with a more literal Bible for deeper study.
Is The Living Bible still appropriate for adults?
Many adults use The Living Bible for devotional reading and as an introduction to Scripture. Its simple style is a strength for newcomers and a limitation for close study. It is a good supplement to a more formal translation.
Which paraphrase should I read first?
If you prefer a simple, gentle style, begin with The Living Bible. If you want a more vivid, modern voice, begin with The Message. In either case, compare key passages with a more literal version when you want to study carefully.
