Who Is This For?
Best For:
New believers, general reading, digital distribution, those wanting clear contemporary English.
Not Ideal For:
Detailed word study, traditional worship settings, or those preferring literal translation.
Strengths & Limitations
✓ Strengths of the FBV
- Clear modern English
- Freely available without restrictions
- Easy to understand
- Good for new believers
- Suitable for digital projects
✗ Limitations to Consider
- Less well-known than established translations
- Limited scholarly review
- Dynamic approach less literal
- Fewer supporting resources
- May be too informal for some
Overview
The Free Bible Version is a modern English translation designed to be clear, accurate, and completely free from copyright restrictions. Led by Dr. Jonathan Gallagher, the project aims to make Scripture accessible both linguistically and legally.
Want to read the FBV Bible online? Use our Bible search tool to find any verse, or start reading from Genesis.
Notable Features of the FBV
- Completely free of copyright restrictions
- Clear contemporary English
- Dynamic equivalence approach
- Designed for accessibility
- Suitable for digital distribution
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Free Bible Version?
The Free Bible Version is a modern English translation designed to be clear, accurate, and completely free from copyright restrictions. Led by Dr. Jonathan Gallagher, the project aims to make Scripture accessible both linguistically and legally.
How can I read the FBV Bible online?
You can read and search the Free Bible Version online for free at Acts1 Family. Use our Bible search tool to find any verse, chapter, or keyword in the FBV translation.
When was the FBV Bible published?
The Free Bible Version was first published in 2018. It is classified as a Dynamic Equivalence translation with a 7th Grade reading level.
Who should use the FBV Bible?
New believers, general reading, digital distribution, those wanting clear contemporary English.
How does the FBV compare to other Bible translations?
The Free Bible Version (FBV) is a Dynamic Equivalence translation. Compare it with other versions like the KJV, ASV, or NIV using our Bible comparison tools to find the best translation for your needs.
Read the FBV Online
Search any verse, compare with other translations, or start reading from Genesis.
Start ReadingHistory
Complete History of the FBV Translation
Dr. Jonathan Gallagher led the Free Bible Version project to create a modern English Bible that would be truly free - free in terms of accessibility, clarity, and legal restrictions. The translation uses dynamic equivalence to communicate meaning in natural contemporary English.
The FBV is designed to be read and understood by ordinary people without specialized Bible knowledge, avoiding technical theological language where possible.
Translators
Meet the 1 Key Translators and Contributors
Jonathan Gallagher
Project leader
Bible translator and scholar who led the Free Bible Version project.
Textual Basis
Manuscript Sources and Translation Methodology
Based on standard critical texts for both Testaments.
Reception
Scholarly Praise
"The Free Bible Version aims to clearly communicate the original meaning in modern language that is easy to understand, made freely available without copyright restrictions."
— Free Bible Version, About the FBV (2024) [source]
Scholarly Concerns
As a relatively new translation by a single translator (Jonathan Gallagher), it lacks the extensive peer review process of committee translations.
— Bible Translation Reviews, FBV Assessment (2024) [source]
Revision History
View 1 Major Revisions and Updates
- 2018 Initial publication.
Compare Translations
See how the FBV compares to other English Bible translations.
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