This Christmas, my church purchased ESV study Bibles for Sunday School teachers. The thinking was to give them an all-in-one resource to help them work out sticky passages and better grasp the meaning of the Bible.
But there is a downside to these type of Bibles, even if they are very well done. I’ve often found myself checking the notes before I struggle to understand the text on its own merits. That is why I normally recommend plain text Bibles with minimal notes.
What do you think? Which Bible would you recommend and to what types of readers?
{ 14 comments… read them below or add one }
To our church members, I’ve recommended them bring an NIV w/out notes to church and to use as their main Bible and to have an ESV Study Bible at home for reference and study. Study Bibles are just so huge to carry around.
I suggest everyone to have both. If a person could only have one then I would have to tell them to get a Study Bible. Most people don’t, can’t, or won’t but a commentary so I would try everything I can to get some type of notes into their hands!
Study Bible’s do not go deep into a text, they merely give you the background, cultural, and textual basics in order to better understand what you are reading. Every person, especially leaders, need to have a study Bible.
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I follow the AV 1611 still, and use the Schofield Study Bible and The
Macarthur Study Bible for its notes.
If money is not an issue I would recommend someone acquire text versions (with cross references possibly) of several translations. Perhaps the ESV (or NASB), the (T)NIV (or REB), and the NLT. After that I would recommend a study Bible. Beyond that, I would recommend a good commentary to use for studying whatever book of the Bible their pastor is preaching through.
If money is an issue I would recommend first acquiring a text version with cross references of the (T)NIV or NLT. Actually, if money were an issue I would probably buy them a Bible.
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I looked at an ESV Study Bible the other day with a thought of purchasing one since I already have a plain text ESV Bible. I personally am not sure I see all the hub-bub about this study bible. I know it is supposedly sold out everywhere because of how good it is but not where I was at. I really like the Amplified Version so much more.
As far as my Bible for church, I don’t carry any one particular version. I have NIV, KJV, NKJV, ESV, Amplified, NASB, and a Geneva Bible at my house. We like to compare the translations of all but I probably do typically carry the amplified or esv the most. I like having to go home and studying things deeper. I think a plain text is much more better for churches. Hopefully, those who do study deeper will be able to encourage others to go home and study deeper as well. Frankly, I think anyone who only uses their pew Bible is probably not gonna be more likely to go and try and study deeper because that Bible happen to be a study Bible as opposed to a plain text one. You know what I mean?
When I buy a gift Bible I do try and purchase a good study Bible but many times the Bible itself will depend on the age of the person, gender, and how long they’ve been a Christian. My children grew up with KJV so understand it and don’t have problems with it. However, a person with literacy issues might. My sons like to give their friends Bibles that are just for boys that have fun facts and stuff in the sidebar. Those “Boys” Bibles have been a big hit with their friends and kept them interested in learning more. Sometimes you just have to look at the situation. Most times, I think
Have a blessed day!
Sallie
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“I looked at an ESV Study Bible the other day with a thought of purchasing one since I already have a plain text ESV Bible. I personally am not sure I see all the hub-bub about this study bible.”
Sallie,
Are you sure that you are a believer? haha… yes, I’m kidding. I think the ESV Study Bible has more resources than any other Bible. The articles in the Bible are extremely helpful for seekers, new believers, and those in the academic world. Most importantly I think the Study notes are amazing. I was sold on the ESV study Bible when I opened it to Hebrews and learned more in 10 minutes reading the Study Notesthan I have listening to exhaustive sermons.
Matt
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Tony: You bring up an interesting thought. If I am reading you correctly, your concern is that study Bibles bring with them already written up interpretations that may or may not be correct, thus taking away the reader wrestling with the passages, studying, to see what the interpretation of the scriptures are. I agree.
I think study Bibles can take away the study.
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I have my daily reading Bible- no marking/underlining/few notes/no cross references. Currently ESV this is the one I bring to church.
Second, I have my study REFERENCE Bibles- many different versions.
I love the Word and especially studying God’s word inductively. Then helping others discovery God’s word so they will know if what is being taught is “rightly dividing the word of truth”.
One other note: The ESV study Bible online version (free when you buy the printed edition) is really useful. Especially to have all the cross references pop up when you mouse over them.
I use the online ESV as much as the leather-bound!
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I bought it for all my chapel preachers and all the school’s Bible teachers for one reason: The theological/Biblical ignorance level is dangerous. At least I can now quickly point to a resource for not saying inane and dangerous things from the pulpit.
Maybe I looked at the wrong one
LOL… or, maybe I just am so old school I don’t like having all the info in one spot… I like having to go to multiple sources and looking and cross checking..
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I would use a plain text bible, then a good bible handbook and dictionary to reference when you have questions of commentary or background. The problem with every study bible I have ever seen, with the possible exception of the (T)NIV study bible, is that commentary is inserted too often and people who use these resources often go right to the notes versus the scripture to discern God’s word.
I know my two cents is a little late, but I think it was a great idea for the church to furnish such a great gift for the teachers. I would agree with iMonk concerning the Biblical ignorance of many of the laity.
I use the ESV and have since it came on the market, I also, use the NKJV – MacArthur Study Bible.
If I were a teacher in your church I would rejoice at that wonderful gift and use it tender loving care.