NIV Study Bible

I own well over 100 Bibles in just about every major (and many minor!) English translation, as well as Greek and Hebrew texts. Yet out of my vast collection of Bibles, this little NIV Study Bible has become the workhorse of my study and reading, often being referenced or being read before going off to any other source.

I've owned a NIV Study Bible ever since Zondervan offered the very first one, back in 1985 if I remember correctly. Since that first edition, Zondervan has set a standard with study Bibles that no other publisher has been able to match, at least not to my satisfaction.

This particular edition has many resources and helps, so much so that one will find it more than useful for 80 to 90% of your typical needs. The following show more features make this Bible a real standout:

1. Easy to read, but very literate New International translation (NIV) that is a very worthy successor to the King James translation. It is far more 'accurate' a translation than many critics would lead you to believe, relying on the best practices of current Biblical scholarship and translation strategies.

2. Book introductions that are very scholarly, rather than populist.

3. Outlines of each book.

4. Tremendous footnotes, sometimes easily exceeding the written text itself, especially in the New Testament.

5. Extensive chain-reference system.

6. Extensive index of subjects, and a surprisingly good concordance in the back.

7. Color maps.

While this Bible could be classified generally as Protestant/conservative/evangelical; mirroring the scholars who worked on it, there is nothing the least bit sectarian in its structure or notes that would disqualify it from being used by any Protestant denomination. Only the most dogmatic literalists or "King James only" adherents would find it less than appealing.

For those who like the Apocrypha, the NIV translation does NOT take it into account. You might be better off with one of the fine New Revised Standard translations (NRSV) that include it. But be careful, as not all editions of the NRSV have it...check the Bible carefully before buying it.

I recommend getting the NIV Study Bible in the very handy "personal size" if you can read small print. I also recommend getting it in a leather binding, rather than traditional hard or soft cover.

Overall, it is perhaps the best, most useful English Bible on the market right now. Highly recommended.

pseudo Thomas Merton show less

The Study Bible: NIV is a well-crafted, comprehensive guide that offers a deep understanding of the biblical text. Known for its clarity and accuracy, the New International Version (NIV) translation is one of the Bible's most widely read and trusted versions. This edition is particularly suitable for those who wish to study the scriptures in detail, as it is enriched with extensive footnotes, maps, and cross-references that provide historical context, theological insights, and practical applications.

Suitable for Studying:
Whether you are a student of theology or someone looking to deepen your faith, this study Bible is an excellent resource. The additional commentary and explanations help illuminate the passages' meaning, making complex show more concepts more accessible and understandable. show less

This is not my favorite study Bible.

I swear the book introductions and study guides were written as a direct rebuttal to New Oxford Annotated -- which would not seem to indicate objective scholarship. However, it's quite interesting for what it is -- an Evangelical, conservative study Bible. In comparison with other study Bibles, it's good for getting a sense of how different segments of the population spin verses, historical context, etc.

This is an amazing Bible that is so full of information! I found myself reading endlessly as it opened so much up through the wonderful study notes and color pictures. I love the color pictures and colored maps throughout! It helps to have deeper explanation and understanding of the area where these things are taking place and about the people.

One thing I found myself doing was reading through the biographical information that is in this Bible. Job is one of my favorite books of the Bible and it explains what the book of Job is about but then went into who Job was as a man. I thought this was so interesting and gave me a more rounder understanding of who he was and the times he lived in. There is a lot of information like this show more throughout.

I love the heavier paper that is in this Bible and the comfort print text. It makes it so much easier to read! Even the study notes, which are a bit smaller, are easier to read. The only con to this Bible is that it's quite heavy. I am using it on my desk where I study so it stays in one place, however, to carry it around would definitely be difficult for me.

If you want a Bible that has everything, this Bible is for you. It has the study notes that will guide you as you read plus much, much more! I absolutely love this Bible and I think you will, too! I give it 5 stars.

*This Bible was provided to me by BibleGateway. I received a copy of this Bible to review but I was not financially compensated in any way. The opinions expressed are my own and are based on my observations while reading this Bible. show less

This was my bible through most of my teen years an into my twenties. It is so heavily used that it is falling apart. Though I'm not too fond of the NIV, it does provide a balance between the strict interpretation of the NASB and the eloquence of the KJV. I would say this was the Bible that helped me love the book.

While I prefer the Revised Standard translation, this was my first study bible and remains a very good study guide. The cross-references within this bible are very good and the concordance is very thorough for one included in a bible.

This version is by far the best of the NIV study Bibles, especially its notes on OT prophets and narrative with dates of kings and other significant events.