In our previous blog post, we discussed the origin and purpose of Bible translations. We also broke down each translation method and how it should be used when reading and studying the bible. Now, we’re going to explore the many different types of Bibles and how you can choose the best one for you.
Just as in part one of this Bible study series, we’ve teamed up with the Senior Pastor of Mount Calvary Missionary Baptist Church in Tucson, AZ, Marvin Hugley Sr., to learn more about this great book we’re called to know and love. Let’s dive into part two!
Types of Bibles
Let’s say you would like to buy a Bible, but don’t know where to begin. So, you hop onto a Barnes and Noble website, type “Bible” into the search bar, and wait to see your options.
Before you know it, the page is filled with all types of colorful, unique Bibles—each with a title that includes more than just “Bible.” And as you begin to scroll, your eye catches the small text in the top left-hand corner of the page: 1- 20 of 27946 results.
You read that correctly; Barnes and Noble alone offers 27, 946 different Bibles for you to choose from. I don’t know about you, but my head would be spinning.
Similar to how we learned about the various Bible translations and their uses, we will be better equipped to select a Bible once we understand the purpose of each bible type. Below is a list of six categories that most Bibles will fall into:
Traditional Bibles
A traditional Bible is what you would normally see in a church pew (or even in some hotel rooms). These Bibles only include the scriptures, nothing else has been added. You can find an example of a traditional Bible here.
Traditional Bibles are helpful to have for basic scripture reading and reference. The YouVersion Bible App is a mobile version of a traditional Bible, which also allows you to read the Bible in different versions and languages.
Study Bibles
Study Bibles are extremely popular. These types of Bibles include scriptures and helpful additions, such as notes, commentary, and articles. Study Bibles come in various translations and can also be based on a topic.
Just like Bible translations, study bibles can be written by one author or a committee. For example, the MacArthur Study Bible was written by Pastor John MacArthur whereas the ESV Study Bible was written by a committee. We must use caution when using a study Bible authored by one author because all the additions included in that Bible come from the author’s own thoughts.
Pastor Hugley believes it is beneficial to have a study Bible so that you can have a lot of resources in one place. He recommends the ESV Study Bible (most popular), NKJV Study Bible, and the NIV Biblical Theology Study Bible.
Parallel Version Bibles
Parallel Version Bibles put two or more Bible translations side by side. This helps you easily compare one Bible translation with another when studying. For example, if you had a Parallel Version Bible that included the New International Version (NIV) and King James Version (KJV), reading James 5:16 in that type of Bible would clearly show you the different ways both translations word this scripture.
Using this type of Bible will help you dive deeper into studying the Bible as you compare scripture translations and meanings.
Reference Bibles
Reference Bibles are almost like the traditional, common Bibles, except they include footnotes to help you reference other scriptures while reading. Hence the name of this type of Bible because they refer you to other scriptures.
Having a reference Bible is helpful because you will be able to connect Biblical events and themes as you cross-reference scripture. This will also increase your understanding of the Word by reading supporting and clarifying scriptures.
Amplified Bible
It’s easy to confuse this next Bible type with a Bible translation. Amplified Bibles amplify (increase, boost) words. They can also include different meanings of words in scriptures. However, Pastor Hugley cautions us to be careful when using this type of Bible because multiple meanings don’t always apply to the context of the current scripture. Remember, the task of Bible interpretation is to try to discern the intention of the original author rather than choose a meaning that we like best.
According to Pastor Hugley, this type of Bible is helpful when the meaning of a word is not clear. The Amplified Bible will offer you multiple meanings to help with clarity. Yet, context must determine which meaning is accurate for the text.
Specialty Bibles
Specialty Bibles are Bibles with a specific purpose. Their content has been narrowed down to target a specific audience. There are tons of specialty Bibles; however, some common ones include:
- men’s study Bibles
- women’s study Bibles
- Bibles for children & teens
- keyword study Bibles
- one-year bible
- topical Bibles (recovery, grief, relationships, prayer, daily life, etc.)
- chronological Bible
Specialty Bibles are very helpful when you desire to focus on one topic. Using these types of Bibles can help you grow in your knowledge of God and His Word concerning a specific topic or area.
There are so many different Bible types available, and it’s beneficial for serious “students” of God’s Word to have multiple types when studying. To help you further grow in this area, stay tuned for part 3 of this series where we will offer helpful resources and tools to make the most out of your study time.