The Study Bible

A study Bible is the foundation of any Bible reference library. It is the complete Bible with notes and other helpful materials added. These aids include maps, introductions to each book of the Bible, and cross-references to other Scriptures.

 How to Choose
You must decide—if you haven't already done so—which Bible translation (Bible version) you'll use for Bible study.

Consider at least three things when you make this decision: the accuracy of the translation, its readability, and the number and quality of the reference books that are available specifically for use with that translation.

Of all modern versions, the NIV has by far the most reference books to support it.

Some study Bibles are available in only one Bible version. An example is the NIV Study Bible.  Others, such as the Life Application Study Bible, are available in several translations.

Study Bibles can have different emphases and purposes. For example, the Life Application Study Bible focuses more on answering practical questions, whereas the NIV Study Bible focuses on understanding the text.

Look up a few passages in both and compare the notes. You'll see very quickly how—and how much!—they differ. You may even want to consider buying both, since the two complement each other. Buying one in a different Bible translation will give you the added benefit of having two translations to work with. 

Note that not all Bibles with added materials are study Bibles. Devotional Bibles contain a number of devotions in addition to the text of the Bible, but are designed for daily reading rather than for study of the text.

Because you'll use your study Bible more than the other books in your reference library, it's worth taking time to compare the various ones that are available. Pick a few sample sections (perhaps short books such as Jonah, 1 John, or 2 Peter) and compare the notes on them. Then look at the other materials provided. Some Bibles may use different names for the features listed below.



 Ask Yourself
Do the notes that explain the text (usually at the bottom of the page) address the kinds of things I want to know?

How clear, detailed, and helpful are the introductions and outlines to each book of the Bible?

How many cross-references to other Scriptures are there? Are they easy to read?

How extensive is the dictionary? Are the definitions clear and helpful?

What kind of things are in the index? Are the topics in the topical Scripture index helpful for today's reader?

How long is the concordance? Does it list words I would want to look up?

How many maps are there? What quality are they? Is the index to them easy to use? Does it have charts? Do they contain relevant information? Does it have illustrations? Are they helpful, or are they simply “filler”?

Does it have a harmony of the gospels (a single, chronological summary of the four gospels)?

Do I prefer a “red-letter edition” (with the words of Jesus in red)? 


The following is a detail of a study Bible?