GITNUX MARKETDATA REPORT 2024

Statistics About The Most Popular Bible Versions

Highlights: Most Popular Bible Versions Statistics

  • The King James Version of the Bible was the most read version in the United States in 2020, with about 31% of respondents using it.
  • In 2020, it was reported that approximately 14% of the respondents used the New International Version of the Bible.
  • The English Standard Version (ESV) is popular among evangelicals, with approximately 9% usage reported in 2020.
  • Around 6% of U.S. adults used the New King James Version in 2020.
  • Only 1% of U.S. adults reportedly used the Amplified Bible in 2020.
  • In 2019, the New Living Translation Bible had a market share of about 13% in the U.S.
  • The second most popular Bible version in the United Kingdom in 2020 was the New International Version, used by around 14% of respondents.
  • Around 51% of respondents in the UK in 2020 stated that they were not sure which version of the Bible they read.
  • The New American Standard Bible is used by around 2% of readers in the U.S.
  • Popular Bible translations like the New Revised Standard Version (NRSV) constitute only around 2% of the market share in the U.S.
  • The NIV and NASB are the most popular among pastors, with 33% and 26.4% respectively.
  • A small percentage of readers, about 1%, use the Bible in Basic English version.
  • The King James Version Bible is the most commonly used translation in churches in the United States.
  • The Holman Christian Standard Bible is relatively less popular, with less than 1% of Bible readers using it in 2020.
  • In the U.K, regardless of religious affiliation, 23% of respondents preferred the King James Version in 2020.
  • Good News Translation also had a share of 1% in the U.S. Bible readership in 2020.
  • The New International Reader's Version and The Message each also had a share of only 1% in the U.S. in 2020.

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The Bible is the most widely read and revered religious text in the world, with billions of copies distributed and countless lives influenced by its words. However, with so many translations available, it can be overwhelming to choose which version to read and study. That’s where statistics come in. By analyzing data on the popularity of different Bible versions, we can gain insights into the preferences and trends among readers. In this blog post, we will dive into the most popular Bible versions statistics, exploring which translations have captured the hearts and minds of readers around the globe. So, whether you’re curious about which Bible version reigns supreme or simply seeking guidance on selecting your next study edition, read on to discover the intriguing world of Bible version statistics.

The Latest Most Popular Bible Versions Statistics Explained

The King James Version of the Bible was the most read version in the United States in 2020, with about 31% of respondents using it.

According to a statistical survey conducted in the United States in 2020, the King James Version of the Bible emerged as the most widely read version among respondents. Approximately 31% of the participants reported using the King James Version as their preferred Bible translation. This statistic suggests that a significant portion of the population in the United States embraced this particular version for their religious study and reading purposes during the specified time period.

In 2020, it was reported that approximately 14% of the respondents used the New International Version of the Bible.

This statistic indicates that in the year 2020, of all the individuals who were surveyed, around 14% of them stated that they used the New International Version (NIV) of the Bible. The NIV is a popular English translation of the Bible and is widely used by a significant portion of the respondent population. This information provides insight into the prevalence and popularity of the NIV among individuals surveyed in 2020.

The English Standard Version (ESV) is popular among evangelicals, with approximately 9% usage reported in 2020.

The statistic indicates that the English Standard Version (ESV) is widely used among evangelicals. Approximately 9% of evangelicals reported using the ESV in 2020. This suggests that the ESV holds a significant presence and influence within the evangelical community. The statistic does not provide information about the usage of other Bible translations among evangelicals or whether the ESV is the most popular translation within this group. However, it does highlight the ESV’s relevance and popularity within the specific religious context of evangelical Christianity.

Around 6% of U.S. adults used the New King James Version in 2020.

The statistic ‘Around 6% of U.S. adults used the New King James Version in 2020’ indicates that approximately 6% of adults in the United States preferred to use the New King James Version of the Bible as their religious scripture in the year 2020. This suggests that a relatively small proportion of the adult population selected this particular version compared to other translations available. The statistic provides insight into the religious preferences and practices of U.S. adults during that specific time period.

Only 1% of U.S. adults reportedly used the Amplified Bible in 2020.

The statistic states that in 2020, only 1% of adults in the United States reported using the Amplified Bible. This suggests that the Amplified Bible, a specific version of the Bible that aims to enhance understanding and clarity by including additional words and explanations within the text, was not widely utilized by the general adult population. The low percentage indicates that the majority of adults in the U.S. did not prefer or choose to read this particular version of the Bible and instead likely favored other translations or versions.

In 2019, the New Living Translation Bible had a market share of about 13% in the U.S.

The statistic “In 2019, the New Living Translation Bible had a market share of about 13% in the U.S.” implies that out of all the different Bible translations available in the United States in the year 2019, the New Living Translation Bible accounted for approximately 13% of the total sales or usage. This suggests that it was a relatively popular choice among consumers or readers compared to other Bible versions during that period.

The second most popular Bible version in the United Kingdom in 2020 was the New International Version, used by around 14% of respondents.

This statistic indicates that among the respondents in the United Kingdom in 2020, the New International Version (NIV) was the second most popular Bible version. Approximately 14% of the respondents reported using the NIV. This suggests that the NIV had significant usage and acceptance among Bible readers in the United Kingdom, although it was not the most widely used version.

Around 51% of respondents in the UK in 2020 stated that they were not sure which version of the Bible they read.

In 2020, a survey conducted in the United Kingdom found that approximately 51% of the respondents indicated that they were uncertain about which version of the Bible they actually read. This statistic suggests that a significant portion of individuals in the UK lacked clarity regarding the specific edition or translation of the Bible they use for religious or spiritual purposes. The high level of uncertainty suggests a potential lack of awareness or familiarity with the various versions available, potentially highlighting the need for education or guidance in this area.

The New American Standard Bible is used by around 2% of readers in the U.S.

The statistic suggests that out of all the readers in the United States, approximately 2% of them utilize the New American Standard Bible as their preferred religious text. This implies that the majority of readers in the country are more likely to use other versions or translations of the Bible.

Popular Bible translations like the New Revised Standard Version (NRSV) constitute only around 2% of the market share in the U.S.

This statistic suggests that out of all the available Bible translations in the U.S, popular ones like the New Revised Standard Version (NRSV) make up only a small portion, approximately 2%, of the total market share. This implies that there is a wide variety of Bible translations that individuals in the U.S prefer, with the NRSV being less popular compared to other options.

The NIV and NASB are the most popular among pastors, with 33% and 26.4% respectively.

The given statistic states that out of all pastors, 33% prefer the New International Version (NIV) translation of the Bible, while 26.4% prefer the New American Standard Bible (NASB) translation. This suggests that these two translations are the most popular choices among pastors. It is worth noting that the percentages do not add up to 100%, indicating that there are other translations preferred by the remaining pastors.

A small percentage of readers, about 1%, use the Bible in Basic English version.

The statistic mentioned states that only a small proportion of readers, specifically around 1%, prefer to use the Bible in Basic English version. This implies that the majority of readers, roughly 99%, opt for other versions or translations of the Bible. The statistic suggests that the Bible in Basic English version has limited popularity or readership compared to other available versions.

The King James Version Bible is the most commonly used translation in churches in the United States.

The statement is a claim that the King James Version Bible is the translation most often utilized in churches across the United States. This statistic suggests that out of all the available Bible translations, the King James Version is preferred by a significant majority of congregations in the country. It implies that pastors and church leaders choose to read from and refer to this specific translation during worship services, Bible studies, and other religious activities. This statistic can be valuable in understanding the religious landscape in the United States and the continued influence of the King James Version on the country’s Christian community.

The Holman Christian Standard Bible is relatively less popular, with less than 1% of Bible readers using it in 2020.

The statistic indicates that the popularity of the Holman Christian Standard Bible among Bible readers in 2020 is relatively low. Less than 1% of individuals who read the Bible in that year used this particular translation. This suggests that the majority of Bible readers preferred other versions or translations of the Bible over the Holman Christian Standard Bible. The percentage being below 1% indicates that it is a minority choice among the diverse range of Bible translations available to readers.

In the U.K, regardless of religious affiliation, 23% of respondents preferred the King James Version in 2020.

The statistic states that in the United Kingdom in the year 2020, 23% of survey respondents expressed a preference for the King James Version of the Bible, irrespective of their religious affiliation. This suggests that there is a significant portion of the population in the U.K who have a preference for this specific translation of the Bible, regardless of whether they identify themselves as religious or not. It highlights the enduring popularity and influence of the King James Version in the country.

Good News Translation also had a share of 1% in the U.S. Bible readership in 2020.

The statistic “Good News Translation also had a share of 1% in the U.S. Bible readership in 2020” indicates that the Good News Translation version of the Bible was read by approximately 1% of Bible readers in the United States in the year 2020. This suggests that while the Good News Translation is not as widely read as other versions, it still has a noticeable presence among Bible readers in the country. It provides insight into the popularity and usage of different translations within the U.S. market.

The New International Reader’s Version and The Message each also had a share of only 1% in the U.S. in 2020.

This statistic indicates that in 2020, both The New International Reader’s Version and The Message, which are specific versions or translations of religious texts, had a relatively small market share in the United States. Each of these versions accounted for only 1% of the total market for religious texts in the country. This suggests that while these versions of religious texts are available and used by a small segment of the population, they do not have a significant presence or popularity compared to other versions or translations.

Conclusion

In this blog post, we have explored the fascinating world of Bible translations and their popularity. Through the analysis of statistical data, we have discovered that different Bible versions have unique characteristics and appeal to different groups of readers.

The King James Version (KJV), with its rich and poetic language, remains a favorite among traditionalists and those seeking a sense of historical connection. It continues to be widely sold and revered globally, showcasing its enduring popularity.

However, the New International Version (NIV) has emerged as a strong contender and competitor in recent years. Its modern language and readability have attracted a wide range of readers, particularly younger generations seeking accessibility and clarity in their biblical study.

Other versions like the English Standard Version (ESV) and the New Living Translation (NLT) have also gained significant popularity, with their unique features and approaches to translation appealing to specific audiences.

Ultimately, the choice of which Bible version to read and study comes down to personal preference, theological beliefs, and the intended purpose of reading. It is heartening to see that people from all walks of life are engaging with and finding meaning in the Scriptures, regardless of the version they choose.

As we conclude our exploration of Bible version statistics, it is clear that the Word of God transcends any particular translation. The Bible remains a powerful and timeless text, capable of inspiring and guiding individuals on their spiritual journeys, regardless of the version they choose to read.

So, whether you find solace in the beauty of the King James Version or resonate with the modern language of the NIV, the important thing is to engage with the Scriptures and allow them to shape and transform your life.

Happy reading and may you find deep meaning and connection in your study of the Bible, no matter which version you choose.

References

0. – https://www.factsandtrends.net

1. – https://www.www.statista.com

How we write our statistic reports:

We have not conducted any studies ourselves. Our article provides a summary of all the statistics and studies available at the time of writing. We are solely presenting a summary, not expressing our own opinion. We have collected all statistics within our internal database. In some cases, we use Artificial Intelligence for formulating the statistics. The articles are updated regularly.

See our Editorial Process.

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