Are you wondering what Study Bible to use? These tips will help you choose a good Study Bible that will help you dig into God’s Word with confidence.
Once you start studying God’s word for yourself, having a good Study Bible can come in handy.
Through the years, I’ve used various Study Bibles, but I’ve learned that all Study Bibles aren’t created equal.There are a lot of really good ones out there, but then there are some that claim to be Study Bibles but are really just Inspirational Bibles.
How Do I Choose a Good Study Bible?
When deciding what kind of Bible to use for studying, I’ve found a few simple questions can usually help siphon the bad from the good pretty quickly.
1. Is it a translation or a paraphrase?
All Bibles in the English language are considered translations. The original text was written in Hebrew, Greek, and Aramaic.
When choosing a Study Bible, you want to consider if the translation you are choosing is a literal translation, thought for thought translation, or paraphrase.
The following are how various translations break down. There are more translations available, but this will give you an idea of some of the most popular translations available.
Literal Translations:
- King James Version (KJV)
- New King James Version (NKJV)
- English Standard Version (ESV)
- New American Standard Bible (NASB)
Thought for Thought Translations:
- New International Version (NIV)
- New Living Translation (NLT)
Paraphrases:
- The Message (MSG)
When choosing a Study Bible, I recommend going with a literal translation. Thought for thought translations are good for general reading, but when it comes to serious study, a literal translation will make for better study.
Related: What’s the Difference Between Bible Reading and Bible Study?
Paraphrases of the scriptures shouldn’t be considered the Word of God. I look at them as more of a “commentary” of the Bible, and not to be mistaken for a literal interpretation of the scripture.
Paraphrases should be used with extreme caution.
2. What study tools does it have available?
When choosing a good Study Bible, you want the Bible to have some key features that will make your study time more fruitful.
Features of a Good Study Bible include:
- Concordance
- References
- Introductions
- Maps
- Timelines/Charts
- Commentary (optional, but recommended)
Of course, there could be other tools available to you within the Study Bible, but this will get you looking at the Study Bible a little more critically.
3. Does it seek to help me understand the original meaning of the text?
When choosing a Study Bible, it’s important to understand if the commentary within the study notes will help you interpret the original meaning of the text or if it is a regurgitation of another person’s study or interpretation.
The truth is that a good Study Bible doesn’t need to have additional commentary of the text. It is helpful when you get snagged up, or you’re just getting started reading and studying the Bible for yourself. But sometimes having the commentary of the text available so easily tempts you to jump right to someone else’s interpretation of the scripture instead of allowing the Holy Spirit to help you divide the scriptures for yourself.
A good Study Bible will give you the tools you need to come to your own conclusions. It won’t tell you how the text should be applied in your life. Application is for the Holy Spirit to work in you.
A good Study Bible will help you understand the original meaning of the text so that you can rightly interpret for your own life.
These three simple questions will help you determine if the Study Bible you’re considering will enhance your understanding of God’s Word.
My Favorite Study Bibles
There are a lot of really great Study Bibles on the market, but I wanted to share with you my two absolute favorites.
If you’re still confused about which Study Bible to choose for your own study time, then consider starting with one of these two.
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ESV Study Bible
I’ve been using the ESV Study Bible for nearly ten years.
What I love about it:
- In depth Introductions for each book of the Bible (including author, title, date, location, themes, literary features, basic outline, and more!)
- Good list of scholars who contributed to the Study Bible (93 in all)
- Offers various perspectives on portions of scripture that tend toward controversy instead of taking a definitive stance
- Full color maps, charts, and illustrations
- Additional Articles and Resources on Biblical Doctrine, Biblical Ethics, tips on reading the Bible, the History of Salvation, and more!
What I don’t love about it:
- Jesus’ words aren’t in red
- No room for my own note taking within the Bible (a little wider margin would have been helpful)
Overall, this is hands down an incredible Study Bible that makes for an invaluable resource for any student of the Bible.
The New Inductive Study Bible
The New Inductive Study Bible is a new Study Bible for me. I’ve been using it for about a year now, and I absolutely love it.
What I love about it:
- Based around the Inductive Study Method
- Includes teaching on how to use the Inductive Study Method approach to scripture
- Filled with full color maps, timelines, and illustrations of key structures in the Old Testament
- Provides general instructions for each book of the Bible (including instructions on what to look for in each chapter, questions to ask as you go, and things to think about)
- Leaves room for you to write in the margins
- Includes additional study helps in the back of the Bible including Bible study plans
What I don’t love about it:
- Jesus’ words aren’t in red
- Doesn’t answer easily the key elements of each book (who wrote it, when was it written, etc.)
Overall, I use these two Study Bibles together most of the time. What one lacks the other makes up for.
If I had to choose just one to start with, I would go with the New Inductive Study Bible first. Then as soon as I was able to afford it, I would add the ESV Study Bible to my stack.
Choosing the right Study Bible can be a little overwhelming at first, but I hope that these simple questions and recommendations will help get you started.
What about you? Do you have a Study Bible that you love? Tell us about it in the comments!
Related Posts:
- Bible Review: NIV The Woman’s Study Bible from Thomas Nelson
- Where to Start Studying Your Bible
- What’s the Difference Between Bible Reading and Bible Study?
- Bible Reading Plans: Yearly, Topical, and Bible Reading Plans for Kids
This post contains affiliate links. You can see my full disclosure policy here.
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As someone deeply immersed in the study of the Bible, my extensive experience has allowed me to explore various translations, engage with different Study Bibles, and discern their merits and shortcomings. Over the years, I've delved into the nuances of literal and thought-for-thought translations, navigated through the plethora of study tools available, and critically examined the role of commentary in understanding the scriptures.
When it comes to choosing a Study Bible, the first crucial consideration is the translation. I've come to understand the significance of opting for a literal translation, such as the King James Version (KJV), New King James Version (NKJV), English Standard Version (ESV), or New American Standard Bible (NASB), especially for serious study. While thought-for-thought translations like the New International Version (NIV) or New Living Translation (NLT) have their place in general reading, a literal translation lays a solid foundation for in-depth study.
Additionally, I've found it imperative to evaluate the study tools incorporated into a Study Bible. Features like a concordance, references, introductions, maps, timelines/charts, and optional commentary significantly enhance the study experience. These tools not only facilitate a deeper understanding of the text but also provide valuable context and historical insights.
Furthermore, I emphasize the importance of a Study Bible guiding readers to comprehend the original meaning of the text. While commentary can be a valuable aid, it should not overshadow the reader's ability to interpret the scripture independently. A good Study Bible empowers individuals to reach their conclusions, fostering a personal connection with the text rather than relying solely on external interpretations.
Drawing from my wealth of knowledge, I'd like to recommend two Study Bibles that have greatly enriched my own study journey:
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ESV Study Bible:
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Pros:
- In-depth introductions for each book of the Bible.
- Contributions from a diverse group of 93 scholars.
- Various perspectives on controversial portions of scripture.
- Rich visual elements, including full-color maps, charts, and illustrations.
- Additional articles and resources on biblical doctrine and ethics.
-
Cons:
- Lack of red-lettering for Jesus' words.
- Limited space for personal note-taking within the Bible.
-
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The New Inductive Study Bible:
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Pros:
- Based on the Inductive Study Method.
- Comprehensive teaching on how to apply the inductive study approach.
- Full-color maps, timelines, and illustrations.
- Leaves room for personal notes in the margins.
- Additional study helps in the back, including Bible study plans.
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Cons:
- Absence of red-lettering for Jesus' words.
- Limited information on key elements of each book (author, date, etc.).
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In my experience, using both the ESV Study Bible and The New Inductive Study Bible in tandem has been particularly beneficial. Each complements the other's strengths and compensates for its weaknesses. If I were to recommend a starting point, it would be The New Inductive Study Bible, with the addition of the ESV Study Bible when feasible.
Navigating the plethora of Study Bibles available can be overwhelming, but by considering these fundamental questions and recommendations, individuals can embark on a fruitful and enriching journey of studying God's Word.
