In 1985, the era of the modern study Bible was born. This movement has continued to pick up speed in the decades since, with hundreds of Bibles using a variety of themes, looks and study helps being published.
This is a review of eleven of the Bibles that have come out in the last few years, ranging from traditional to innovative, from small to large, from created for children to adults.
The Readable Bible (Iron Stream Media, 2022; The Readable Bible): Not technically a study Bible, this Bible is a new translation. Having a novel-like look and cascading text, the version uses modern language translated directly from the original Hebrew, Aramaic and Greek.
It includes charts, maps and tables and a small glossary but no concordance. There are no expository notes. Instead, it has alternate meanings for some of the phrases used in the text. There is little room for notes, but with its grayscale text, it lends itself well to highlighters.
Grace and Truth Study Bible (Zondervan, 2022; New International Version, New American Standard Bible): R. Albert Mohler, president of the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, headed up the editorial team for this in-depth study Bible.
Beyond the generously sized concordance in the back, a cross-reference index in the middle column and thorough study notes at the bottom of each page, a key feature is decorative columns outlining the introductions of each book, which help when finding a certain Scripture.
The Jesus Bible (Zondervan, 2019; NIV, English Standard Version): This Bible has a goal of highlighting Jesus throughout the entire Bible. Each book introduction ties one of Jesus’ characteristics to verses within the book.
This version has single-column, easy-to-read text with wide margins for notes. Though it doesn’t include charts, graphs or maps, it does have a small dictionary and concordance and minimal notes clarifying certain verses.
Life Application Study Bible (Zondervan, 2019; NIV, New Living Translation): The number one best-selling Bible of this generation, this third edition version has been updated with more current information. It includes overviews, full-color maps, charts, graphs and study helps at the bottom of the single-column text.
There is a cross-reference system in the inner margins and a small amount of space for notes in the outer margins. It also has an exhaustive index, a dictionary and concordance and a chart for daily Bible reading for a year.
Rainbow Study Bible (Holman Bible Publishers, 2017; Christian Standard Bible, King James Version, NIV): Every verse is color-coded for twelve themes — salvation, God, family, love, history, prophecy, evil, sin, commandments, discipleship, outreach and faith.
There are minimal expository notes and cross-reference information throughout as well as a guide to daily Bible reading. Because of its multi-colored pages, personal highlighting isn’t possible, but there is some room to take notes.
Cultural Backgrounds Study Bible (Zondervan, 2016; New King James Version, NIV, New Revised Standard Version): This one dives deeply into the context behind Scripture. It has a two-column layout with a cross-reference index in the middle. Extensive notes, often longer than the Scripture included, are on each page.
Book introductions may include political, literary and historical backgrounds and information about the author, genre and situation. There is a short glossary of New Testament terms, a concordance and photos, maps, charts, and graphs scattered throughout — all in full color.
Beautiful Word Coloring Bible (Zondervan, 2018; NIV): Like The Readable Bible, this Bible isn’t a study Bible and has no notes, charts, maps or graphs. Its primary purpose is for journaling — with a twist. There are wide, lined margins or line drawings of a key Scripture from that section on all of the pages. There are also full-page verses to color.
This Bible is easy to read, with a one-column style, and is easy to write and color in, with paper thicker than many traditional Bibles.
Time to Revive Gospel-Tabbed Bible (Life Bible Study, 2017; NASB): This unique Bible doesn’t have any study helps or notes but it has one unique feature. There are eleven numbered tabs.
Opening to each tab brings the reader to a verse in the plan of salvation. The final tab opens to a couple of pages describing first steps as a new Christian. It’s a small, relatively plain paperback that is easy to carry when evangelizing and affordable enough to give away to those who become saved through it.
CSB Student Study Bible (Holman Bible Publishers, 2021; CSB): This student Bible has the same characteristics of the exhaustive study Bibles listed earlier, with commentary, charts, full-color maps, a cross-reference system and a small concordance.
However, it adds more information to learn about the Christian faith as well as suggesting 99 verses to memorize. Though it’s titled for students, it would also be a good choice for a new Christian.
Apologetics Study Bible for Students (Holman Bible Publishers, 2017; CSB): Also a good pick for either students or new believers, this Bible explores more than 130 questions that students typically ask about the faith, with leading apologist Sean McDowell’s answers included.
Though there’s no dictionary or concordance, there are full-color maps.
Explorer Bible for Kids (Holman Bible Publishers, 2022; CSB): A fun, colorful Bible, the Explorer Bible helps explain the who, what, when, where and why for each book while also showing how the whole Bible points to Jesus.
In addition to the full-color layout with lots of photos, there are QR codes scattered throughout that lead to online videos and activities to further explain the passage.
