How to Choose a Bible

The Bible is the inspired, inerrant, and infallible Word of God. We should be reading it EVERY DAY.

If you struggle with reading Scripture or are unsure what Bible to choose, this post is for you.

Whether you’re shopping for your first Bible, replacing a well-loved one, or selecting a gift, there are many questions to ask yourself before choosing a Bible. After sharing my favorite study Bible and daily Bible reading with you, I received a few questions and comments about where to begin when choosing a Bible. Today I hope to guide you and give you a little encouragement in the selection process. Here are four questions to ask yourself when choosing a Bible:

how to choose a bible

HOW WILL YOU USE THIS BIBLE?

Are you a new Christian? Are you looking for study notes and commentary? Will you be reading or listening to the Word?

When it comes to Bibles there are many options to choose from. They come in a variety of formats and sizes with additional features to help you dive deeper. I will elaborate on a few common descriptions so you can think about what may be right for you.

Study Bibles are filled with commentary and insights to help you exposit more information. They can include maps, timelines, pictures, and concordances to provide profiles on biblical times. Such features give extra recommendations for further study and cross-references to related verses. These extras are excellent tools for “studying” God’s Word.

Reference Bibles most often include the Scriptural text with cross-references. Thinner and lightweight, reference Bibles are excellent options to carry with you on the go and to church.

Children’s Bibles are designed for children under 12. (If a child is over 12 they are considered a “student” and might benefit for a Bible from that age group.) When selecting a Bible for a child, you are looking for age-specific features to meet the spiritual needs of the one reading that also encourages positive reading habits.

Audio Bibles are wonderful options to experience God’s Word through another medium. Perfect for the visually impaired or someone who wants to hear Scripture on the go, they can be listened to or downloaded to any mobile device.

Gift/Outreach Bibles are designed for special occasions or ministries. They are often given for rewards or promotions in church, high school graduation, or for mission outreach. These are often generic Scriptures designed to be purchased in bulk but contain little extra refence material.

WHAT TRANSLATION DO YOU PREFER?

Translations are simply…translations. Try not to think about it too much. Choose the translation that’s easiest for you or the recipient to read. I could write an entire blog series on Scripture translations, but I encourage you not to be legalistic. Each translation inludes a word by word or thought by thought philosophy. They are designed to fit many learning styles and intellects. The following are the most common recommendations today:

CSB – Christian Standard Bible

ESV – English Standard Version

NASB – New American Standard (my personal preference for study)

NKJV – New King James Version

NIV – New International Version (my preference for church services)

NLT – New Living Translation

MSG – The Message (an understandable translation for someone new to Christianity)

No translation is right or wrong – the important thing is that you can read it and undestand what you’re reading!

WHAT IS YOUR GOAL?

This may sound like an odd question at first, but I do want you to think about it for a moment. Knowing your goal will play a role in the selection process.

Do you want a Bible that is easy to read to help you begin a daily reading plan?
Do you want to encorporate creativity while you read such as journaling or drawing?
Do you want a copy that is easy to take along with you?
Do you want to take the next step in deeper understanding of the Scriptures?

Answering these questions will help you decide which version and type of Bibles mentioned above is the best to achieve your goals.

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