What is the best study-Bible? Why?

Question

I don't care what you believe or don't believe. i want to find a good translation for serious bible study - lots of references, historical data, footnotes, and anything else conducive to achedemic study of the bible.

Why do you think this particular version is good?

Thanks.

Answer 1

OK, here's my "what bible should I pick" answer, abbreviated for study bibles:

1st, I'll assume that you are not a member of a sect that demands using the King James Version (KJV) or any other particular version. (Unfortunately, most of these sects do not actually use the whole KJV.)

At this stage you want to decide what your bible should contain. Do you want a bible that contains 1) all scripture or 2) a selection of scripture? Besides editions that contain all scripture, there are editions that contain only new testament books, others containing only books from the Hebrew bible, and still others (the majority) which exclude several books in a somewhat cavalier fashion.

I will assume that you intend to read the entire bible, or at least wish to have the entire bible at your disposal. In this case, you must obtain a bible that includes the Apocrypha. There are some sects teaching that the apocrypha is not inspired scripture, and if you are a member of one of these sects then simply avoid reading these books. There is no other reason for avoiding the so-called apocrypha and every reason to get a bible which includes them. Here is a more in-depth discussion about this topic: http://www.jimpettis.com/bibles/dc.htm .

In my conclusion I will consider two cases:
1) You want a "complete" bible (Complete)
2) You don't care if the apocrypha is included or not (Open)

A note about the KJV: although excellent for its time, and including nearly the entire body of scripture, as well as marginal notes from the translators providing possible alternate translations (making it a passable study bible), the KJV uses 400-year-old English, 400-year-old scholarship (read: they didn't know as much as scholars today), and texts that lacked the last 400 years of archaeological discoveries. By no means was the KJV the first English version of the bible. It's main advantage today is that most people use some form of the KJV and it is often useful to use the same version as others in discussions of scripture.

Recommendations: you can look at a fairly thorough comparison of technical details of different versions here: http://www.jimpettis.com/bibles/chart.htm , but what follows are my recommendations.

Comparisons of "literalness" of translation can be found here: http://www.preceptaustin.org/tool_commentary.htm#obt and here: http://www.cs.indiana.edu/~port/teach/relg/bible.scale.html and here: http://www.zondervan.com/images/cms/Bibles/bible_transchrt_js.jpg . An important note: "literal" does *not* equate with "accurate". A translation that is more literal does *not* equate to a translation that is more accurate. Indeed, in *any* language translation, literal translation is likely to lead to significant failings in accuracy of translation.

Style: Literalness of Translation
....Purpose: Study
........Content: Complete
............RSV (Revised Standard Version), New Oxford Annotated Bible, Expanded Edition http://www.amazon.com/gp/redirect.html?ie=UTF8&location=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FAnnotated-Apocrypha-Standard-Expanded-Hardcover%2Fdp%2F0195283481%2F&tag=wwwjimpettico-20&linkCode=ur2&camp=1789&creative=9325 - one of the most literal translations with some of the most scholarly study notes, though somewhat archaic language. 2nd choice: NET (New English Translation) - literalness uncertain but copious translator's notes help the reader achieve this goal. Deutero-canonicals incomplete.

Style: Literalness of Translation
....Purpose: Study
........Content: Open
............NASB (New American Standard Bible), Scofield Study Bible - most literal modern translation, but study notes are for the most part independent of the translation. 2nd choice: RSV New Oxford Annotated Bible - not as literal as the NASB but more comprehensive and scholarly study notes, available without Apocrypha.

Style: Accuracy of Translation
....Purpose: Study
........Content: Complete
............NJB (New Jerusalem Bible), Regular Edition - copious study notes, word use demonstrates great concern for accuracy of translation, my favorite version. http://www.amazon.com/gp/redirect.html?ie=UTF8&location=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FNew-Jerusalem-Bible-Henry-Wansbrough%2Fdp%2F0385142641%3Fie%3DUTF8%26qid%3D1197743029%26sr%3D11-1&tag=wwwjimpettico-20&linkCode=ur2&camp=1789&creative=9325 2nd choice: NRSV (New Revised Standard Version), The New Oxford Annotated Bible with the Apocrypha, Augmented Third Edition http://www.amazon.com/gp/redirect.html?ie=UTF8&location=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FAnnotated-Apocrypha-Augmented-Revised-Standard%2Fdp%2F0195288815%3Fie%3DUTF8%26s%3Dbooks%26qid%3D1189044490%26sr%3D8-1&tag=wwwjimpettico-20&linkCode=ur2&camp=1789&creative=9325 - includes complete deutero-canonicals, excellent scholarly study notes on par with NJB, but translation suffers slightly from over-zealous use of "inclusive" language

Style: Accuracy of Translation
....Purpose: Study
........Content: Open
............Same as above. New Oxford Annotated available without the Apocrypha.

Recommendations for the true bible student (who doesn't know Greek or Hebrew):
1) Software including NASB, KJV, NRSV, NJB, RSV and NIV - I use Ellis (lacks NIV) but there is at least one other *affordable* (under $100) package providing this selection. Make certain a Strong's Concordance is also included. Currently I am considering "Bible Explorer 4 Premium ($110 + $50 for additional versions), "Logos Bible Study" ($195 + 40 for NJB, but includes the excellent Cambridge Paragraph KJV), and BibleWorks 7 ($349, includes all minimum requirement versions). Note that the RSV Expanded Edition seems to be unavailable in any software.

2) NJB Regular Edition - get it if you can, don't settle for the Standard Edition. (My review here: http://www.jimpettis.com/bibles/njb.htm )

3) NASB - make certain to get the latest version. Get it in print if your software doesn't have it. Most literal translation.

4) The New Oxford Annotated Bible with the Apocrypha, Augmented Third Edition - NRSV translation demonstrates over-zealous use of inclusive language but the study notes are invaluable, perhaps better and less biased than NJB.

5) Oxford Authorized King James Version with Apocrypha http://www.amazon.com/gp/redirect.html?ie=UTF8&location=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FBible-Authorized-James-Version-Apocrypha%2Fdp%2F0192835254%3Fie%3DUTF8%26qid%3D1190233697%26sr%3D11-1&tag=wwwjimpettico-20&linkCode=ur2&camp=1789&creative=9325 - the complete books of the 1611 King James Version with printers errors removed and spelling modernized. No marginal notes.

6) KJV New Cambridge Paragraph Bible with the Apocrypha http://www.amazon.com/gp/redirect.html?ie=UTF8&location=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FKJV-Cambridge-Paragraph-Bible-Apocrypha%2Fdp%2F0521843863%3Fie%3DUTF8%26s%3Dbooks%26qid%3D1189044700%26sr%3D1-1&tag=wwwjimpettico-20&linkCode=ur2&camp=1789&creative=9325 - the complete 1611 edition, *including* marginal notes, with modernized spelling. Probably more valuable than 5), but it's a tough call.

7) A good bible dictionary, such as HarperCollins Bible Dictionary. There are a few equally good alternatives.

Honorable mentions:

1) Tanakh, 1995 edition, by the Jewish Publication Society - scholarly translation of the Hebrew Bible by Jewish scholars, very highly regarded.

2) NWT (New World Translation), With References - a very literal bible with some excellent though incomplete study notes. Shows significant but infrequent Jehovah's Witness bias and is available only from the WatchTower Organization (Jehovah's Witnesses). Reading this with the awareness of the bias (which is mostly documented in the bible itself) can be quite worthwhile to a student of the bible.

I hope this helps.

Jim, http://www.jimpettis.com/wheel/

Answer 2

I use the King James Bible as my base. Along with that version, I use the following daily: George Ricker Berry's "The Interlinear Greek-English New Testament"; "The Literal Translation Version" by J.P. Green ; the on-line everything you could ever ask for in study aids at
http://www.blueletterbible.org/ . In addition, I often use Young's Literal Translation of the Bible. Sometimes I use the Amplified Version and even the NASB or the ASB for variance. Sometimes I read the Spanish version to see if I can squeeze out any further thought if the reference is very difficult. The commentaries I use are John Gill and Matthew Henry. It is a good idea to be well versed on the Received Text and the Critical Text. I mean well versed, if literalness and accuracy is critical to you. There is a lot of misinformation out there. A lot of bias with a capital B. Keep in mind though that in translating from one language to another, word for word is needing a little help from interpretation. For example, a sneaky deal done under the table cannot be translated word for word into Spanish. If you want the Spanish person to understand, you must have your sneaky deal happening under the water. That is why I don't prefer the paraphrased versions no matter what they are called, like dynamic equivalence, because how can I know that the interpretation of difficult Hebrew or Greek verses is truly accurate and not based on bias? So I want it as literal as I can get it, and then apply the appropriate interpretation myself. My only bias is getting it right no matter what it says. I definitely use Vines. The blueletter.org site takes the place of the concordance and actually uses Strong's numbers. Above all, it goes without saying that the Holy Spirit is the teacher. Let us not stumble over the jot and tittle and miss the point of God's word. His word is a living oracle, not the dry thing pharisees make of it.

Answer 3

I am a student as well. I use the New Oxford Annotated Bible which uses the NRSV. I also have several different versions to compare. Any Bible except the New World Translation is good. As for the KJV, it is good to read, but remember it is not the best. There have been many advances in translation since 1611 and even 1769 when the edition of the KJV we use today was released. If you need some ideas of what to look for, the book How To Read the Bible for All Its Worth can give assistance. The NIV, NASB, ESV, REB, NLT and NAB are all good translations with good study Bibles. The NIV Study Bible and the NASB Study Bible, both by published by Zondervan, are both respected and non sectarian in their notes. The ESV Study Bible is a veritable library. I would recommend any of the versions I named above as I have read them all and know them to be trustworthy. Learn Greek and Hebrew to see what the originals said and study. God bless.

Answer 4

If you are not versed in Greek, Latin, Aramaic, or Hebrew, I have found that the best Bible for study is the New Oxford Annotated Study Bible. It is the New Revised Standard Version of the Bible, plus notes about particular interpretations.

The thing that I particularly enjoy about it is that it does not try to promote a particular agenda. It simply provides a very thorough concordance with notes on how the verse can be translated. There are no "footnote sermons."

The New Oxford is truly an Academic Bible.

Answer 5

The Best Study Bible Available

Answer 6

Without hesitation, I can recommend any or all of these:

Thompson Chain Reference Bible, available in several translations. You would have to look at one for yourself to see how many references, study helps, and so forth. Dad had one and just about wore it out!

The Hebrew-Greek Key Study Bible (the one I'm using now) has a lot of references, footnotes, and so forth in the text. This Bible also has a Strong's concordance in the back, along with an in-depth study of selected Hebrew and Greek words. I like this one because it also gives some of the Greek tenses for verbs--i.e., "pim" for "continually do or keep on doing this or that".

Any of the Scofield Reference Bible series. The original, or as some call it, the "Old" Scofield, has been around for close to 100 years but it's still good.

The Pilgrim Study Bible. There's a new one called, obviously called the New Pilgrim Study Bible, that I gave to one of my church members. She loves it!

But as one of the others have posted, do check at one of the local Christian bookstores and see what is available. You can get a look at sizes, features, and so forth and take it home that same day, not having to wait for delivery!

Whichever version you purchase, thanks for wanting to explore the Word even deeper. I pray the Holy Spirit will guide you into the truth, and deeper truths, of God's Word and give you enjoyment in the process!

Answer 7

A Strong's concordance along with your Bible King James Version is the best way i think to study because it gives you the definitions of the Greek and the Hebrew ,the reason there are so many different beliefs is because people only study what the English defines.Many phrases and words mean totally different things when defined in the proper language.Examples when the Bible talks about Adams rib it wasn't talking about a rib bone it is defined as a curve in your DNA there is the Helix curve.When God said he hated Esau in the Hebrew hate means to love less.These are just a few examples of words and phrases ,which will make a ton of difference when you study.God bless you and yours.

Answer 8

I prefer the King James Study Bible, the Strong's Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible, and the Holman Bible Dictionary.

I often refer to the Amplified Bible because I read in the King James Version because I like the "thee" and "thou" wording.
The King James B ible is not BOUND by copyright laws and if you learn it, then you can use all that you want without asking permission from anyone.

Check out this site: www.av16ll.org/attack
A good commentary on the different Bible translations.

Answer 9

Go to your neighborhood book store and browse through the Bibles. There are Study versions that have what you are looking for. The best one is the one you will use.

Answer 10

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Answer 11

This Site Might Help You.

RE:
What is the best study-Bible? Why?
I don't care what you believe or don't believe. i want to find a good translation for serious bible study - lots of references, historical data, footnotes, and anything else conducive to achedemic study of the bible.

Why do you think this particular version is good?

Thanks.