My wife showed me a screenshot of a Times article and could hardly believe the news happening here in the UK, it’s enough to make my heart leap with joy! Generation Z, those young folks born between the late 1990s and early 2010s, are buying Bibles like never before. The recent article in The Times, Bible sales in the UK shot up by 87% between 2019 and 2024, going from £2.69 million to £5.02 million in just five years. Publishers, have used data from Nielsen Book Data, say this surge is thanks to Gen Z’s growing hunger for spirituality. It is hard to imagine. With TikTok trends and endless scrolling, these young folk, who are aged 13 to 28 now, are reaching for the Word of God, both in print and on their mobile phones. For many decades from a youngster myself, I was someone who is spent years pouring over Scripture, I am thrilled to see this revival unfolding right before our eyes.

Who Are These Gen Z Kids, Anyway?

Let us talk about Gen Z for a minute. They are the ones who have never known a world without smartphones or Wi-Fi. They grew up with Instagram, Snapchat, and all the rest, but they’ve also faced some tough stuff, think economic uncertainty, a global pandemic, and climate change worries. Here in the UK, where fewer people go to church than ever, you might think faith would be the last thing on their minds. But this is where you would be wrong. These young people, now in their late teens and twenties, are on a quest for something real. They are tired of shallow answers and quick fixes. They want purpose, hope, and a sense of belonging, and they are finding it in the Bible.

The Times piece points to, what they call “increasing spirituality” among Gen Z, and I can see why. It not about blindly following some tradition but it’s about searching for truth. I have talked to young people who say they are drawn to the Bible because it speaks to their deepest questions, who am I? Why am I here? Is there more to life than what I see online? As someone who’s found answers to those same questions in Scripture, I cannot help but cheer them on. I believe that the Word of God cuts through the noise of the world for these youngsters, and it’s piercing through that for this generation.

Why Physical Bibles? There’s Something Special About Holding One

Now, here is the part that really surprised me: a lot of these Gen Zers are buying physical Bibles. I mean, we are talking about a generation that does everything on their phones. The stats say £5.02 million in sales comes from printed copies, according to Nielsen data. I find it intriguing would they choose a paper Bible over a digital mobile one?

I think it is because there is something about holding a Bible in your hands, holding the actual Words of God. It is not just a book; it is a connection to something eternal. I remember the first time I got my own Bible, which I got as a gift, running my fingers over the pages, underlining verses and writing down what spoke to me in my Woolworths pad. There is a weight to it, a realness that a screen cannot replicate. For Gen Z, who spend so much time in the digital mobile world, a physical Bible might feel like a strong holding anchor, that God’s promises are solid, even when everything else feels shaky.

Plus, these kids love things that they can touch. They are buying and are the ones bringing back vinyl records and Polaroid cameras, after all! Bible are all in assorted designs, sizes, and textures now, maybe one with a leather cover or a colourful design, they can be something they treasure, something they might even show off on Instagram. I have seen posts on social media where young people share their Bible collections, and it is not just for looks. It is about meaning. The Good News Bible: The Youth Edition has doubled in sales since 2021, and I get why, its simple language and youth-friendly style make it perfect for someone just starting out.

Sometimes, a physical Bible marks a special moment too. Maybe like me it was a gift from a grandparent, or something they buy when they are ready to take their faith seriously. I’ve heard stories of Gen Zers reading their new Bible alongside an old family copy, feeling connected to their roots while exploring their own journey. It is beautiful to think about, isn’t it?

Which Bible Versions Are They Choosing?

So, what kind of Bibles are they picking up? From what I have seen, Gen Z wants translations that are easy to read but still feel trustworthy. I have always loved and used the King James Version for its beauty, but I will admit its old language can be tough. That is why I often turn to the New King James Version (NKJV), and it turns out Gen Z likes it too. In 2024, the NKJV had a 17% share among general readers in the UK, and 31% among those who study the Bible seriously. It keeps the poetic feel of the KJV but swaps out words like “thee” and “thou” for something more modern. That is why it is a hit with this generation; they want something that feels classic but doesn’t make them feel like they are reading William Shakespeare.

Another big one, a Bible I used at Bible college is the English Standard Version (ESV), which has a 35% share among general readers and 37% among serious students. It is straightforward but still accurate, great for memorisation, which makes it great for young people who are new to the Bible but do not want to feel like they are reading a watered-down version. The New International Version (NIV) is also popular, with a 14% share, especially editions like The Jesus Bible, NIV Edition that are made with younger readers in mind.

For those who want something even simpler, the New Living Translation (NLT) is catching on, with a 10% share. It reads like a conversation, which Gen Z appreciates, they like things that feel real and relatable. And then there is the Good News Bible: The Youth Edition, designed just for them, with language that is easy to follow.

The KJV, while still loved by some (12% share among general readers), is not as popular with Gen Z because of its older language. But I bet some of them still pick it up for its history, maybe as a second copy to go with a more readable one.

Apps Are Part of the Picture Too

Of course, Gen Z is not just sticking to physical Bibles, they are also using digital tools to bring the Word into their daily lives. I love how technology can make Scripture so accessible, don’t you? It means they can read a verse on the bus or listen to a chapter while they are out for a walk.

The big name here is YouVersion Bible App. It has got over 500 million downloads worldwide as of 2023, and it’s huge in the UK too. YouVersion has all the translations Gen Z likes ~ NKJV, ESV, NIV, NLT, and it’s packed with features they love, like daily reading plans, audio versions, and the ability to share verses on social media or your churches WhatsApp group as my daughter-in-law does. I imagine a teenager finding a verse that hits home, posting it on their story, and starting a conversation with a friend about what it means. Plus, it is free, which is perfect for a generation that is often watching their budget.

Bible Gateway is another one they are using a lot. It lets you compare different translations side by side, which is great for someone who is curious about how a verse might read in the NKJV versus the ESV. We use the verse of the day on our website, which looks great on a mobile.

Now, there is one more app I want to mention, because I think it could really spark some interest: Blue Letter Bible. It is not as well-known in the UK as YouVersion or Bible Gateway, but I have been using it myself, and it is incredible for anyone who wants to go deeper.

Blue Letter Bible has over 15 versions, including the NKJV and KJV, but what makes it special is the study tools. Where you can look up the Hebrew and Greek behind a verse, read and listen to commentaries, and even use interlinear tools to see the original languages. I love how it lets me explore the roots of a passage; it is like uncovering hidden gems! It also has a feature called ScriptureMark where you can highlight and take notes, which I think Gen Z would enjoy since they love personalizing things. The app has over 1 million downloads on Android, with about 20,000 downloads a month as of late 2024, though it’s more popular in the US than here in the UK. I have read that folk on Reddit have mentioned how it remembers where you last left off and you can see two translations at once, which is so handy during a sermon or study session. If you’re someone who is curious about the Bible’s deeper layers, Blue Letter Bible might be your new favourite tool.

And it’s not just apps, Gen Z is also tuning into podcasts to explore their faith. Shows like Red Pen Logic with Tim Barnett, The Melissa Dougherty Podcast, and Whaddo You Meme?? by Jon McCray,  Wesley Huff and many more are gaining a grip among young listeners. These podcasts tackle apologetics, cultural issues, and theology in a relatable and engaging way, often blending humour with deep insights. With 47% of Gen Z listening to podcasts monthly, these shows are a great fit for a generation that is hungry to understand and defend their beliefs, whether they are reading the Bible on Blue Letter Bible or listening to a podcast on their commute.

A Generation Ready to Shine

So, what is the big picture here? Gen Z in the UK is in the middle of a spiritual awakening, and the Bible is right at the center of it. They are buying up physical copies and are drawn to the realness of a printed book. They are picking translations like the NKJV, ESV, and NIV that make the Word clear and understandable. And they are using apps like YouVersion, Bible Gateway, and Blue Letter Bible to keep Scripture close to their fingertips, whether they are at home or on the go.

I can’t tell you how excited I am to see this. Gen Z isn’t just buying Bibles, they’re searching for the truth inside them. Thay are asking hard questions, facing their doubts, and finding hope in God’s promises. Whether they are underlining a verse in their NKJV, listening to the ESV on their phone, or digging into the Greek with Blue Letter Bible, they are meeting the same true God who’s been speaking to His people for centuries. This is not just a just a passing fad, it’s a revival.

And I cannot wait to see how these young people, with the Word in their hands and hearts, will bring light to a world that needs it so much.