Most Protestant study Bibles include a page (or more) of introductory information at the beginning of each of the 66 books of the Bible. But another key differentiator is how much room is left for your own Bible study often involves note-taking and reflection-and it helps to have plenty of space in the margins (or even dedicated pages and worksheets) for you to fill in with your own observations. Whitespace and MarginsĪ lot of helpful insights get crammed into study Bibles. Depending on the study Bible, these could include photographs of real-world archeological sites, artists’ concepts of lost artifacts, historical timelines, and family trees-the latter of which come in handy when you’re trying to figure out which of the many Herods is causing trouble at any point in the New Testament. Most study Bibles include visual aids to help you see more of what’s going on. Media: Charts, Tables, Timelines, Illustrations, and Maps For example, the NIV Cultural Backgrounds Study Bible includes an article on ziggurats, an ancient type of building, right next to the biblical story of the Tower of Babel. Whereas study notes are laser-focused on a specific word or phrase, articles usually expand upon topical themes, or provide additional insight in keeping with the study Bible’s purpose. Articles cover a subject far more in-depth, and can be several hundred words long. For example, many regular Bibles include a footnote next to the word “Behemoth” in Job 40:15 that simply says, “or hippopotamus.” But the NIV Biblical Theology Study Bible’s study note on the verse provides four different scholarly interpretations of the mysterious creature God is describing to Job in this passage-as well as how these various theories relate back to the central aim of this particular text: God’s wisdom far eclipses Job’s wisdom. These range from explanatory sentences to more involved paragraphs exploring the subject matter. Study notes are similar to footnotes, but they bring more scholarly insight to the text. In addition to the features of a regular Bible, most study Bibles boast several (or all) of the following features: Study Notes They often top it all off with a few maps in the back-which make it easier to follow along with the travels of Moses, David, Jesus, and Paul.Ī study Bible does all this and more. A regular Bible will often set the words of Christ in red, include a thematic index of Bible verses, and provide simple reading plans. Most regular Bibles also include some very basic study helps, such as cross references (the little superscript letters in the text that point to similar Scriptures) and footnotes (the superscript numbers that provide clarification about a verse or phrase). A table of contents, division and chapter headings, page numbers, and the like are par for the course in most Bibles. A given study Bible may be decked out with many, many features (like the NIV Biblical Theology Study Bible, or it might only have a select few-it depends on what that particular resource is for.Įvery modern Bible includes the Old and New Testaments, plus a few basic features we expect most books to have. That’s because a study Bible not only includes the text of Scripture, but also a host of additional content that a regular Bible doesn’t have. Study Bibles come in sizes from big to enormous, but almost all of them are noticeably thicker, wider, and heavier than a regular Bible. If you’ve ever been impressed by the sheer size of someone’s Bible, odds are good that you were looking at a study Bible. How to choose a study Bible for someone elseĦ. 5 key factors to consider when choosing a study Bibleĥ. Here’s all the ground we’re going to cover:Ĥ. By answering a few questions, you can zero in on just a few options and choose the study Bible that’s best for you. In fact, my notes in that study Bible were the early framework for all of OverviewBible, my Bible literacy website and YouTube channel.įortunately, you don’t have to sift through all the study Bibles out there. My first study Bible remains one of the most thoughtful gifts I’ve ever received, and it’s one of my most cherished possessions. The right study Bible at the right time can change your life-or the life of whomever you give it to. You have many, many options-and it’s important that you choose one that’s right for you. It’s your launch point into deeper study, and it’s a friendly reminder of how far you’ve come.Ĭhoosing a study Bible is no simple task. It’s where you’ll record and preserve the spiritual lessons you learn. You’ll use a study Bible to uncover truths about God. For many Christians, this book is not only the tool where every Bible study session starts and ends, but it’s a key resource for prayer, reflection, teaching, and spiritual growth. A study Bible is the centerpiece of serious Bible study.
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