Periodically, someone asks me, “What is the best Bible?”, particularly, if someone is new to Bible reading.  Usually, what he or she is actually asking is which translation is best.  Translation is only one of multiple considerations though to keep in mind as you purchase a Bible.  Here are some other features that make for an extremely functional devotional/study Bible.  I’ll deal with translation in a separate post.

1.  A decent size font--Get a Bible with print that it is easy on the eyes, unless your highest priority is portability.   There are numerous Bibles that will fit in your back pocket. Those are great for certain purposes like witnessing or travel, but I wouldn’t recommend one as your regular study Bible.  Get a Bible that is visually comfortable to read and large enough print to allow easy underlining and highlighting.

2. A wide margin–I love making notes in the margins.  I mark memory verses, create section headings, make personal notes about meaning, sermon or bible study observations, keywords or concepts, arrows connecting related passages, etc. in the margins.

3. Pages thick enough to write on–Gift Bibles often times have extremely thin “onion” skin paper.  This doesn’t work well for notetaking and highlighting.  Get a page thick enough that a standard ball point pen won’t bleed through it.   Highlighting tip:  Use colored pencils instead of highlighters.  You have many more color options and they will not bleed through.

4.  Hardcover or softcover?–My only observation on this is that my experience has been that hardcover Bibles tend to pull away from the binding far more quickly than softcover.  Otherwise, cover is a rather subjective choice.

5.  Tabs–When you are beginning you want a Bible that is as accessible and readable as possible.  Tabs make it really easy for you to find things when you start out, but if you study consistently you will find they rapidly become unnecessary.  If you find a Bible that you really like without tabs you can always buy tab sets and add them.

6. Headings–Many Bibles have headings inserted into the text to identify different passages, for example they might have the words “Parable of the Prodigal Son” as a heading above that story.  These are helpful additions by the editor.  They did not come as part of the text.  In my personal study Bible I do not have headings.  I create my own after studying; however, I love having a Bible with headings for skimming and finding passages rapidly.  This is really helpful when you are starting out or browsing.

7.  Cross references–Bibles that note related passages or in the case of the gospels parallel stories help you understand the unity of the witness of scripture.  These references can also help you more fully understand how a theme or concept in a Bible gets replicate numerous times throughout scripture.

8.  Study Supplements and Maps–One of my all time favorite study Bibles that I used for many years was a Thompson Chain Reference Bible loaded with all kinds of great charts, outlines, and articles in the back.  Browsing those sections stoked my fire for deeper study.

9.  Book overviews–Some Bibles offer introductory material before each book.  This is another fabulous aid to the beginner.  Even now after reading and studying daily for over twenty years, I frequently read these introductory materials to prime my brain to look for key themes or put me in touch with the purpose of the book before delving in to it.

10.  Embedded commentary–Many Bibles now offer reflection questions or articles embedded in the text; particularly, devotional Bibles aimed at a specific audience such as a men’s or women’s devotional Bible.  These devotional thoughts and comments will often prompt you to new insight or application.

In closing, the bottom line is to find a Bible that you will read and that will pull you into greater study.  Don’t get tripped up on finding the perfect Bible.  None of the features above are absolutes.  Pick which ever ones will help you read and read daily.  Blessings to you as you pursue a deeper understanding of God’s Word.

I must have given her that Bible over twenty years ago. I had completely forgotten about it. Several weeks ago another person, roughly from that same time period, told me they still had the Bible I had given them. It was their first Bible. I do remember it distinctly. It prompted me to recall several other Bibles I remembered giving away. I don’t want you to think I was just willy-nilly handing out Bibles all over the place, but God tugged at me around certain people and I responded. The gifts where all unique and usually very intentional. Several of them had extreme personal value. I gave my study Bible to one young man when I moved, filled with many notes and memories. I gave another young man the Bible I received when I was confirmed.

I had no idea of the long term value of those gifts in the moment. I just really loved those kids and wanted them to get into God’s Word. I felt a tug or calling specifically around them.

Now some 20 years later I am realizing how significant a gift like that can be. It’s inspired me to take a look around me and consider who needs a Bible. I am going to put some prayer around that and if I feel led to I will be Bible shopping later this week. I will only do this though if I feel compelled around someone specific. I think part of the power of those earlier gifts is that it wasn’t some kind of program. I wasn’t looking for a notch on my discipling belt. I didn’t have any agenda other than a heart-felt expression of love. This needs to not be contrived, but genuine care and love.

I would encourage you to prayefully consider to whom could you give a Bible. Give one of your own that is meaningful to you or splurge and go out and get a really nice beginning study Bible.  You don’t have to go crazy though.  One of my most used and treasured Bible’s was a paper back, good news version, New Testament handed to me by a stranger on campus as I rushed to class.  I still have it somewhere.  At one point it was the only Bible I had left because I had given all my others away.  It looks like trash, but I still keep it for some reason.  I think it is a reminder to me of one of the most faith transformative periods of my life.  That is the amazing thing about giving a Bible…It keeps speaking, teaching, comforting, convicting, consoling, uplifting and a host of other “ings” long after you may be out of the picture.

Go bless someone with a Bible as soon as you get a chance.  You just have no idea what it may lead to.  Peace from the Practical Disciple.