What to look for when choosing a Bible

What to look for in a Bible

Choosing a Bible for someone? Maybe one for yourself? Here are a few hints of what to look for in a Bible.

The simple answer: readability.

The best Bible is the one you’ll want to read. The one that is easy to read. From translation (I’ll explain) to font size, to purpose of reading, we’ll look at key elements to consider when choosing a Bible.

Choosing a Bible translation or version

Translation or Version – The Bible was originally written in Hebrew, Greek, and a little Aramaic. It was eventually translated into English. Some translations are more literal, preserving original word order, and known as word for word translations. Others are translated into a more modern vernacular that some people find easier to read, and are described as thought for thought. Names of Bibles may include the word translation or version.

Examples of word for word are: New American Standard Bible (NASB), New King James Version (NKJV), English Standard Version (ESV)

New International Version (NIV) is between word for word and thought for thought.

Example of thought for thought: New Living Translation (NLT)

The Message is a paraphrase of the Bible.

How to compare translations

I find it helpful to compare translations or versions by choosing one passage in the Bible and looking at it in a few different translations. John 3:16 is a great verse to use for this comparison.

Psalm 23 works too, though many of us grew up hearing the King James Version with the Thees and Thous, so a comfort level with that translation may be based on familiarity of the cadence. Look at the passage with fresh eyes, seeking to understand what the text is saying. Comparing translations, which one do you most readily understand? Which words settle into your soul? That might be the translation that speaks to you.

The translations I use

On a personal note, I like ESV for Bible study, NIV and NLT for personal study, and the Message when I am truly lost in a passage. When I read the book of Leviticus I used a parallel Bible, which had NIV and the Message in side by side columns. I read the passages in NIV until I got stuck, then I looked across the column to see the wording in the Message.

Whichever translation you choose, pick the one you’ll be comfortable reading. After all, we’re choosing a Bible to read.

Choosing a font size

Font size – The Bible consists of a lot of words. It is the Word of God. All those words take up a lot of space. In order for the Bible not to be too big and cumbersome (though some are) often times the font size is really small. Unless you plan on using a magnifying glass each time you open it, you’ll want one with a font you can easily read.

Bible fonts are generally smaller than we think. Small is actually tiny, 8pt. Large is normal, 10pt.

When looking at a Bible, open it up and look inside. Ask yourself can I read the font? If you can’t read it comfortably, most likely you won’t read it.

Choosing a Bible size based on where you’ll use it

Book size – Location location location. Where will you be using your Bible? At home sitting in your favorite chair or at the table? Hardcovers lay flat on a table well. Taking it with you somewhere? A softcover, smaller, more compact or thin Bible might be your preference.

Choosing a Bible based on how you’ll use it

Features – How will you use your Bible? Read scripture passages? Study more deeply? As a part of a devotional or quiet time? In a group study? Bibles may include features like study notes, scripture cross references, notes for personal application, devotional articles, or additional background information. If you have an idea how you’ll use your Bible, you can look for corresponding features.

If all of these ideas are new to you, don’t worry, you’ve come to the right place. Find your Bible. I’ll help you find your way around it.