A study Bible is a Bible that contains explanatory notes, commentary, maps, charts, and other reference materials designed to help readers better understand the text. Study Bibles go beyond just the biblical text to provide additional context and insights into the meaning and application of Scripture.
Some key features of study Bibles include:
Study Notes
Study Bibles contain thousands of notes and short articles placed throughout the biblical text to explain difficult words and passages. These notes tackle issues like historical context, cultural background, textual variants, theological interpretations, archaeological findings, and more. The notes vary in depth and detail depending on the translation and publisher, but are intended to illuminate the meaning of the original languages. Popular study Bible notes come from scholars like Charles Ryrie, John MacArthur, and N.T. Wright.
Introductory Articles
Most study Bibles include lengthy introductions before each book of the Bible. These essays give an overview of the book’s authorship, date, purpose, structure, themes, history, and relationship to other parts of the canon. For example, the ESV Study Bible has a nearly 5,000 word introduction to Romans summarizing its place in redemptive history and Paul’s theology. These academic articles help orient readers before digging into the text.
Theological Articles
In addition to book introductions, many study Bibles contain short articles scattered throughout explaining major Christian doctrines. These entries concisely summarize biblical teaching on topics like angels, baptism, heaven, hell, the image of God, the Trinity, and hundreds more. They offer a systematic theology drawn from the breadth of Scripture.
Charts, Maps, and Timelines
Visual study aids are a trademark of good study Bibles. Full-color maps help locate biblical places and events. Timelines chronologically sequence major figures and narratives. Charts and graphs compare Old Testament prophecies with New Testament fulfillments, the miracles of Jesus, journeys of the apostles, and more. These illustrations offer big-picture context that complements the verse-by-verse commentary.
Concordance
A concordance is another staple of study Bibles, listing where prominent words appear throughout the text. While not as robust as a complete Strong’s concordance, a basic concordance helps locate passages on a given topic. It serves as a topical index tied to keyword searches. Easily find all uses of “faith,” “love,” “sin,” etc.
Cross-References
Verse-by-verse cross-references point readers to related passages dealing with the same ideas. Study Bible cross-references connect the dots between concepts, themes, events, and theological teachings across all 66 books. They show how the Bible interprets itself.
Special Subject Articles
Some study Bibles include bonus articles about biblical word studies, historical backgrounds, archaeological finds, ancient near east contexts, interpretation principles, biblical theology overviews, and more. For example, the NIV Biblical Theology Study Bible has 20,000 words on tracing major themes through the entire Bible. The Apologetics Study Bible has articles defending the reliability of Scripture.
Study Bible Buying Tips
With all the study Bible options available, navigating choices can be overwhelming. Here are some tips for selecting a good one:
– Translation – Choose a translation you understand and enjoy reading. Study helps won’t benefit much if the base text is inaccessible.
– Theological Perspective – Study Bible notes represent specific theological viewpoints. Compare publishers and editors to find one compatible with your beliefs.
– Subject Matter – Some study Bibles focus on specific topics like apologetics, theology, biblical cultures, or personal application. Select subject matter fitting your interests.
– Scholarly vs. Devotional – Notes emphasizing historical accuracy and technical details differ from those stressing spiritual formation. Choose based on your main goals.
– Depth – Study Bibles range from lightly annotated to heavily saturated with helps. Evaluate the density of information you desire.
– Format – Print, digital, and online study Bibles each have pros and cons. Factor in usability preferences.
– Price – While generally more expensive than a base translation, good study Bibles are available at a range of price points to fit different budgets.
The optimal study Bible matches your theological perspective, study goals, and learning style. It contains a balance of scholarly and devotional material to both inform your mind and warm your heart. Just be sure to always put the inspired text first and view editorial helps as fallible human commentary compared to biblical authority. Let the Bible interpret itself as you prayerfully study and apply God’s Word to your life.
Top Study Bible Publishers
Several leading publishers are known for producing excellent study Bibles with helps from their respective scholarly and pastoral teams:
Crossway
Crossway’s selection of ESV study Bibles comes from an evangelical perspective. Well-known ones include:
– ESV Study Bible – edited by Wayne Grudem with over 20,000 verse-by-verse notes.
– ESV Systematic Theology Study Bible – adapted from Grudem’s Systematic Theology textbook.
– ESV Gospel Transformation Bible – notes emphasize Christ in all books of the Bible.
Thomas Nelson
Thomas Nelson publishes study Bibles in the King James Version and New King James Version translations. Their titles include:
– The New King James Study Bible – complete edition with over 15,000 study notes.
– The Jeremiah Study Bible – notes by prominent evangelical pastor David Jeremiah.
– The Woman’s Study Bible – articles and commentary focused on women.
Zondervan
Zondervan’s NIV Bibles feature study helps from respected evangelical sources:
– NIV Study Bible – edited by D.A Carson with over 20,000 study notes.
– NIV Biblical Theology Study Bible – follows major biblical themes by D.A. Carson.
– NIV Cultural Backgrounds Study Bible – notes emphasizing Jewish and ancient contexts.
Holman
Produced by LifeWay Christian Resources, Holman study Bibles use the Christian Standard Bible translation:
– CSB Study Bible – detailed notes by 100 biblical scholars.
– CSB Apologetics Study Bible – helps defending the reliability of Scripture.
– CSB Disciple’s Study Bible – notes focused on following Christ.
Oxford University Press
Oxford study Bibles utilize the English Standard Version and New Revised Standard Version:
– The Oxford Study Bible – extensive helps based on modern scholarship.
– The Jewish Study Bible – insights from Jewish scholars on the Hebrew Bible.
– The Catholic Study Bible – study notes adapted from the New American Bible.
Baker Publishing
Top selling study Bibles from Baker Books include:
– The MacArthur Study Bible – notes from respected pastor-theologian John MacArthur.
– The Ryrie Study Bible – insights from Dallas Theological Seminary professor Charles Ryrie.
– The Lutheran Study Bible – material informed by Lutheran theological perspectives.
Tyndale House
– Life Application Study Bible – notes emphasizing personal application of Scripture.
– The Jeremiah Study Bible – study helps written by pastor David Jeremiah.
– The NLT Study Bible – complete reference material for the New Living Translation.
Other Study Bible Options
Beyond these major evangelical publishers, study Bibles abound from a wide array of Christian perspectives:
– Reformed Study Bibles from Ligonier Ministries, Westminster Seminary, etc.
– Wesleyan/Arminian Study Bibles from Asbury Seminary, Abingdon Press, etc.
– Catholic Study Bibles from Ignatius Press, the Augustine Institute, etc.
– Eastern Orthodox Study Bibles from Ancient Faith Publishing, Conciliar Press, etc.
– Messianic Jewish Study Bibles from Jewish publishers like Vine of David.
– Seventh-day Adventist, Pentecostal, and other denominational Study Bibles.
The breadth of options makes it easy to find a study Bible in tune with your theological tradition and doctrinal convictions. While diversity in perspectives exists, they all share a common aim – to open up the meaning and apply the message of God’s Word.
Using a Study Bible Wisely
Study Bibles can be extremely valuable in gaining a deeper understanding of the Bible. However, they must be used carefully:
– Don’t equate study notes with inspired Scripture – Editorial comments reflect human opinions compared to the divine authority inherent in the biblical text itself.
– Be aware of theological bias – Notes will reflect the interpretative lens and doctrinal positions of the editors. Compare multiple perspectives.
– Go directly to Scripture first – Let the Bible speak fresh for itself before consulting explanatory notes. Don’t let helps predetermine your understanding.
– Use commentaries as secondary sources – After your own inductive study, consider the insights study Bible scholars provide.
– Evaluate all claims critically – Filter commentary through your own biblical perspective. Don’t blindly accept every assertion.
– Stay engaged with the text – Don’t get so focused on academic helps that you miss the spiritual impact of Scripture.
The abundance of historical, cultural, textual, theological, and applicational study assists should not overwhelm or replace the living voice of God’s Word but should enhance it. Study Bibles function as tour guides to the meaning of the Bible, but the Holy Spirit is the ultimate teacher illuminating Scripture.
Used appropriately, study Bibles open readers to discoveries they may have never seen on their own. Their wise counsel provides helpful illumination without replacing the authority and sufficiency of Scripture itself. They should be seen as a launching pad for further study rather than an end destination for definitive interpretation. Their mission is to deepen understanding and fuel a passion for the Bible that translates into greater love for the God of the Bible.