What Type of Bible Do I Choose?
Bibles not only come in different translations but also different feature types as well. Options are pretty endless when it comes to Bible types. The different types can help you in better understanding God's Word, and take your connection with Christ to a whole new level. I will go over a few of my favorites that have great features to help in understanding and growing. The Bible doesn't have to be boring or confusing, you just have to find the right one that fits your specific needs.
In helping choose a Bible type, I would first narrow down to the translation you prefer. If you need help in picking a translation, check out my previous blog post here.
Study Bibles
I have to start with my favorite. This is my "can't leave home without it" Bible. Study Bibles typically have the verses laid out at the top of the page and then break down verses at the bottom for better comprehension and understanding. Study Bibles usually include different resources like maps, notes, book intros, timelines, cross reference of verses, backgrounds of people, and so much more!
If you are having a hard time understanding what a verse means, you don't have to look much further. The breakdown of verses on each page will explain and clarify meanings and context for you. Study Bibles include so many useful resources right in the one place you need them. They make studying and understanding God's Word so much easier.
Life-Application Study Bibles
Going one step further, the Life Application Study Bible takes verses and breaks them down into better understanding plus application for your everyday life. The break down of verses goes beyond just better understanding to "how can I use this to change my heart and shape the way I live."
Devotional Bibles
Similar to Life-Application Study Bibles, devotional Bibles help break down scripture to form a connection with God. Devotional Bibles come in all different need formats geared towards a specific topic.
Popular devotional Bibles include:
Daily Devotional Bibles for Men or Women
Recovery and Addiction Devotional Bibles
Couples's Devotional Bibles
Girls, Boys, or Teens Devotional Bibles
Family Devotional Bibles
Journaling Bibles
Journaling or note-taking Bibles are great for those who like to go beyond hiliting your favorite verses to writing down your thoughts or take-away's right in your Bible. Journaling Bibles leave room in the margin or somewhere on the page to record your thoughts. You will never forget your reflections when they are all recorded in one place!
Chronological Bibles
One point of confusion for people and the Bible can be it's order. The books in the Bible are not in chronological order. If you are ever wondering the order Biblical events took place in history, this one is for you. In chronological Bibles, books of the Bible are intertwined in the order events took place. I especially love the Chronological Bible to read the Gospels and compare each disciple's account back to back. No flipping or searching to compare Mathew's account of a story to John's. Sometimes seeing the actual order events took place brings much more clarity and understanding. After all the Bible is history! If you are looking to read the entire Bible in a year. This is a great option. You are able to read the Bible in order as it took place in history in just 15 minutes a day. The reading is mapped out for you each day.
Parallel Bibles
I love to compare verses in different translations. Parallel Bibles do just that! Depending on which one you choose, they have two or more translations laid out next to each other in columns. Parallel Bibles are great for studying and ease of use for easy comparison. No need to search for each version to compare or toggle back and forth. Can't decide on a translation type, try a parallel Bible.
We are so fortunate today to have so many Bible choices! Sometimes I wish I could rap them all into one Bible, because I like certain features of each. Some other features that may be important to check out is print size. Bibles do come in large print which can be a little easier on the eyes. Also, red letter versions have the words spoken by Jesus in just that-red letters. This is one of my favorite features to look for. There is just something about seeing the red letters on the page and knowing those actual words came out of Jesus's mouth.
With so many options, finding the right Bible can be a tough decision. There are certainly more options than listed here. These are just a few options that can be of great help in a deeper understanding of the scripture you are reading. I'm sure we can all think back to high school English class and reading an old book and thinking"huh???" Hopefully with the right Bible a light bulb will be lit and you will leave your Bible reading time saying "oh, now it makes sense!"
*I have included affiliate links to Christianbook.com. Affiliate links take you directly to a website and if a purchase is made, I receive a small commission at no cost to you. I use affiliate links for your convenience to access the product I am referencing, the small commission is just a bonus:)