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How To Pick A Bible For Yourself – Viral Believer
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How To Pick A Bible For Yourself

Choosing a Bible can be an overwhelming task with so many translations and study tools available today. As an Evangelical or Charismatic Christian, you want to select a translation and edition that aligns with your beliefs and enables you to deeply understand God’s Word. Here are some key factors to consider when picking a Bible for yourself:

Introduction

The Bible is the inspired Word of God, containing everything we need for salvation and godly living (2 Timothy 3:16-17). As Christians, we need to be reading, studying, and applying Scripture to our lives regularly. But with dozens of English Bible translations and hundreds of study Bibles to choose from, how do you decide what’s right for you?

I’ve put together this comprehensive guide to walk you through the process of selecting a Bible. We’ll cover:

  • Key factors like translation philosophy and readability
  • Choosing between formal equivalence and meaning-based translations
  • Study Bible features to look for
  • Tips for selecting study notes and tools that fit your beliefs
  • Popular Bibles among Evangelical/Charismatic Christians
  • Buying quality leather or imitation leather Bibles

My goal is to equip you with the knowledge you need to pick a trustworthy translation and edition of God’s Word that will enrich your spiritual life for years to come. Let’s get started!

Key Takeaways:

  • Carefully examine a translation’s philosophy and approach to ensure it aligns with your perspectives
  • Meaning-based translations are easier to read but less literal; formal equivalence prioritizes word-for-word accuracy
  • Look for study Bibles with notes and articles that provide historical/cultural background and emphasize spiritual application
  • Evangelical favorites include ESV, NIV, NKJV, CSB; Charismatics often prefer NKJV and Passion Translation
  • Invest in a quality leather or imitation leather Bible that will withstand heavy use

Factors To Consider When Choosing a Bible Translation

The first step is to decide which Bible translation (or translations) you’ll read from most. While all major English Bible versions convey God’s truth, they differ in their translation philosophies and approaches. Let’s look at some key considerations:

Accuracy and Readability

You want a translation that faithfully communicates what the original Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek manuscripts say. But you also want something readable that you’ll comprehend easily and continue reading consistently.

Many of the most accurate word-for-word translations (like NASB) are not very readable, while the most readable Bibles (like The Message) take substantial liberties in interpreting the text. Finding the right balance is ideal.

Translation Philosophy

Some versions aim to translate word-for-word, conveying the exact words and phrasing in the original manuscripts as literally as possible in English. Others translate thought-for-thought, focused on capturing the meaning and making it easy to understand.

Good examples here are ESV (literal) and NLT (meaning-based). You’ll have to decide which approach you’re more comfortable with.

Translation Team

Look into who did the translating for a version you’re considering. Were they Bible scholars from a wide range of theological backgrounds, or skewed toward a particular denominational leaning? What original texts and manuscripts did they use? How did they handle translational differences?

Continuing Revisions

New archaeological discoveries provide more insight into biblical languages and culture. A translation should be periodically updated to reflect the latest scholarship. Be cautious about versions that haven’t been revised in many decades.

Formal Equivalence vs. Functional Equivalence

The two main competing philosophies in Bible translation are formal equivalence and functional/meaning-based equivalence:

Formal Equivalence

Formal equivalence translations adhere as strictly as possible to the original biblical languages. They follow the form and structure of the Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek, translating word-for-word and phrase-by-phrase to retain as much accuracy as possible.

Examples of formal equivalence English translations include NASB, ESV, KJV, RSV, and NKJV.

Pros: Very precise and accurate; great for close study and analysis. Consistent in translating the same words/phrases across all occurrences. Stays true to original grammatical structure.

Cons: Not very readable or natural-sounding in English. More difficult for casual reading and memorization.

Functional/Meaning-Based Equivalence

In contrast, meaning-based translations focus primarily on conveying the meaning and intent of the original texts in natural, idiomatic English. Instead of a word-for-word approach, they translate thought-by-thought while still carefully representing the overall message.

Examples of meaning-based versions include NIV, NLT, CSB, NET, and The Message.

Pros: Increased readability and comprehension. Sound more like contemporary English speech and writing. Clearer for devotional and applicational reading.

Cons: Meaning can be overly interpreted; less objective. May lose some original word connections and phrasing nuances. Requires thorough scrutiny.

As an Evangelical or Charismatic Christian, either a formal or meaning-based translation can work well. You’ll have to carefully examine specific versions to see which achieves the best balance and fits your preferences. Many readers like having both a literal and dynamic equivalence Bible for different purposes.

Features To Look For In a Study Bible

For deeper understanding, a study Bible contains extra content alongside the scriptural text. Let’s explore some helpful features to look for:

Study Notes

Notes on the bottom of each page explain difficult words and passages, provide historical and cultural background, offer alternate translations when applicable, illuminate the meaning and application, and cross-reference other relevant verses. The best notes don’t push a doctrinal agenda but allow you to interpret meaning.

Introductions

Book introductions provide helpful context on the author, setting, purpose, timeline, outline, themes, and overall message for each book of the Bible. This allows you to better understand the context surrounding each text.

Theological Articles

Many study Bibles contain articles that dive deep on key theological concepts and important Christian living topics like stewardship, worship, discipleship, evangelism, social issues, etc. These can supplement your scriptural insights.

Maps and Charts

Maps of biblical locations and lands, as well as charts outlining aspects like the Passion Week, tabernacle, lineages, etc. visually illustrate important information to enhance comprehension. Timelines also aid understanding of biblical sequence.

Concordance

A concordance is a reference index that allows you to look up where specific words are used throughout the Bible. This makes word studies easier. Some concordances also function as a dictionary/lexicon.

Choosing Study Notes Aligned With Your Perspective

Perhaps the most vital factor in picking a study Bible is whether the notes and articles match your theological leanings as an Evangelical/Charismatic believer. Let’s explore this key consideration:

Importance of Theological Alignment

The commentaries in a study Bible shape how you interpret and apply God’s Word. You want to make sure the notes present perspectives aligned with your core beliefs rather than contradicting or undermining them.

For example, notes defending infant baptism or baptismal regeneration would conflict with most Evangelical views. Messianic study Bibles may include notes presenting Old Testament passages as prophetically pointing to Jesus when the original context argues otherwise.

Similarly, Reformed study Bibles advocate for Calvinist soteriology which clashes with the Arminian leanings common among Evangelicals. You get the idea – theological biases matter greatly.

Evaluating a Study Bible’s Perspective

To assess if a study Bible’s notes will be reliable, examine some key passages related to your beliefs like spiritual gifts, healing, salvation, baptism, end times, etc. Are the notes grounded in scriptural context? Do they represent grammatical-historical interpretation without obvious agenda?

Also research the main contributors behind the study notes and articles. Do they represent your denominational stance? Be discerning about notes produced by those with conflicting theological biases.

Additional Discernment for Charismatics

If you’re a charismatic Christian, also check if the study notes take a cessationist (“sign gifts have ceased”) versus continuationist (Holy Spirit gifts continue today) position. Many mainstream Evangelical study Bibles hold a cessationist stance.

Be discerning about notes that explain away healing or miracles as just natural events or use figurative interpretations of Spirit passages due to cessationist leanings. Look for continuationist perspectives.

Seek Spirit-Led Wisdom

Choosing study notes that align with your biblical convictions will allow you to dig deeper without the distraction of clashing perspectives. Bathe the process in prayer and seek the Spirit’s wisdom to select tools that will enrich your understanding of God’s Word and expand your knowledge of biblical truth.

Popular Bible Translations and Study Editions

Now let’s survey some of the most popular Bible translations and study editions used among Evangelical and Charismatic Christians today:

Evangelical Favorites

  • ESV – A formal equivalence translation praised for its accuracy. The ESV Study Bible has strongly Evangelical notes from a Reformed perspective.
  • NIV – A meaning-based translation known for its combination of readability and fidelity. The NIV Zondervan Study Bible features Evangelical scholarship.
  • NKJV – A literal translation in the King James tradition without the archaic language. The NKJV Study Bible has notes from a conservative Evangelical viewpoint.
  • CSB – A optimal literal translation spoken of highly for its faithfulness and clarity. The CSB Study Bible was created by mainstream Evangelical scholars.

Popular Among Charismatics

  • NKJV – Many continuationist charismatics appreciate its accuracy while using modern language. The Spirit-Filled Life Bible features notes supporting gifts and acts of the Spirit today.
  • Passion Translation – A dynamic equivalence translation from a charismatic perspective. Footnotes defend modern-day manifestations of the Holy Spirit.

Trusted Study Bible Options

  • MacArthur Study Bible – Notes by respected pastor emphasize sound doctrine and divine authority of Scripture.
  • New Spirit-Filled Life Bible – Updated edition with notes affirming Spirit-empowered living for today.
  • Jeremiah Study Bible – Dr. David Jeremiah provides helpful teaching and application.
  • Life Application Study Bible – Excellent for highlighting personal application.

Buying Quality Leather and Imitation Leather Bibles

A high quality Bible will last with heavy use. Let’s look at leather and imitation leather options.

Genuine Leather

This is made from real hide. Look for full-grain leather, often from cowhide. It’s very durable and ages well, developing a patina. Top grain leather is also good quality.

Bonded leather is real leather fibers coated in latex but won’t last as long. Pigskin and water buffalo leather are sometimes used for their toughness. Calfskin is smooth and flexible. Goatskin is prized as a luxury leather.

Expect to pay $150+ for a good genuine leather Bible. Avoid cheap Bibles claiming to be leather but are really bonded leather.

Imitation Leather

Much more affordable Bibles use faux leather, usually made of polyurethane or vinyl. This mimics leather’s look and feel but isn’t as durable. However, quality imitation leather wears well for less cost. Look for Bioworks and Duo-Tone synthetic leathers.

Features To Look For

  • Sewn binding – Most durable method of attaching pages. Avoid glued bindings that can come loose.
  • Smyth-sewn – Pages sewn in signatures; very strong.
  • Paper quality – Thick (28 gsm), opaque paper prevents bleed-through.
  • Edge-lined – Colored art-gilt, red-under-gold, or gilded page edges last longer.
  • Cover stiffness – Hardcover leather lasts longer than flexible covers.
  • Ribbon markers – Useful for holding your place while reading.
  • Concordance – Handy for looking up words used in the Bible.
  • Single-column layout – More readable paragraph format.

Conclusion

Choosing a Bible is an exciting opportunity to deepen your connection with God’s Word! Take time to explore translations and find a trustworthy study Bible with notes and tools that will enrich your understanding. Seek the Holy Spirit’s guidance and find a translation and edition that helps you engage with Scripture in a life-changing way. God’s Word is living and active – the right Bible will assist you in comprehending its treasures. Let the message of the gospel dwell in you richly as you study the Scriptures faithfully using the Bible that’s right for you!

Pastor Duke Taber
Pastor Duke Taber

Pastor Duke Taber

All articles have been written or reviewed by Pastor Duke Taber.
Pastor Duke Taber is an alumnus of Life Pacific University and Multnomah Biblical Seminary.
He has been in pastoral ministry since 1988.
Today he is the owner and managing editor of 3 successful Christian websites that support missionaries around the world.
He is currently starting a brand new church in Mesquite NV called Mesquite Worship Center, a Non-Denominational Spirit Filled Christian church in Mesquite Nevada.