Are you ready to start reading the Bible? Or, are you are seeking to add a new Bible? How do you select what kind of Bible to read? This Types of Bibles Guide will help you choose the right Bible to meet your needs.
The sheer number of Bible translations on the market can make it challenging to know which one to select. With so many options, it’s tough to know where to start.
The first is to figure out what kind of Bible you would like to read. There are many different versions, and each one has its strengths and merits.
For example, if you want an easy-to-read version, then the New Living Translation might be a good choice because it’s written in modern English with an easy-to-understand vocabulary. If you want something more accurate but harder to read, the King James Version might be a good choice because it uses older English that follows the original text more closely than other translations.
Second, you will need to decide if you want a more literal translation or one that is more readable and has a better flow, or maybe both types.
Today, there are many different versions of the Bible available. There are over 100 different English translations from Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek. These translations differ in translating words and phrases from these languages to English. They also include additional commentary or explanatory notes to help readers understand difficult passages or concepts.
Lastly, become familiar with distinct features and formats of Bible types.
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Features & Formats of Bible Types
Study Bibles
Study Bibles provide a deeper understanding of passages with a built-in commentary of study notes.
Annotated Bibles
Annotated Bibles cater to those that desire scholarly explanations, discussions of alternative interpretations, and informative essays. Some versions include the Apocrypha (a collection of books written in the four centuries between the Old Testament and the New Testament).
Chronological Bibles
Chronological Bibles divide up chapters and verses and place them in order of biblical history.
Parallel Bibles
Parallel Bibles provide side-by-side translations for quick comparison.
Archeological Bibles
Archeological Bibles pair the biblical text with study notes, photographs, maps, and diagrams of ancient biblical cultures.
Red Letter Bibles
A Red Letter Bible is a Bible where Christ’s words are highlighted in red font. It helps provide a clear focus on studying Christ’s words.
Interlinear Bibles
Interlinear Bibles are formatted for word studies. Use them as a tool to study the original languages of the Bible. Interlinear Bibles list the Hebrew and Greek meanings with the corresponding English word.
Niche/Special Edition Bibles
Niche or Special Edition Bibles are formatted for a specific audience in mind. Examples include Bibles with a slant towards Dad’s, Mom’s Teens, Children, NASCAR, Museum of the Bible.
Drawing/Coloring Bibles
Drawing and Coloring Bibles provide space to draw/write or text and images to color. These Bibles are great for those that desire a creative, relaxing way to read God’s Word.
Note Taking Bibles
Note Taking Bibles are designed with extra-wide margins that provide plenty of space for notetaking while reading or studying.
Large Print Bibles
Large Print Bibles are for those desiring a giant print for ease of reading. Large print Bibles can have a point size of 16 to 18. On a side note, these Bibles tend to be heavier for carrying.
Slim Design Bibles
Slim Design Bibles are designed to be compact, usually measuring an inch in thickness. These Bibles are great for tucking in a briefcase purse or a suitcase for travel.
Cross References, Maps and Concordances
Features, such as Cross-references and maps, provide a historical understanding of biblical geography. These features can be found in various Bible versions and are very helpful. At the same time, concordances give an alphabetical listing of biblical words and their Bible reference.
Understanding Bible Translations
There are two main philosophies in Bible translation; word for word or thought for thought translation. Most Bibles fall into one of these two categories. Let’s take a look at the differences.
Word For Word Translation
Word for word translation, known as formal equivalence, follows the historical-grammatical approach in which the biblical text is interpreted according to the plain meaning of the words, taking into account the actual events of the author and recipients.
- Literal Translation
- Interpreted Word for Word
- What God said by way of human authors
- Used by conservative Bible scholars
- Historical-Grammatical Interpretaion Method
- Versions include:
King James Version (KJV)
American Standard Version (ASV)
Revised Standard Version (RSV)
New American Standard Version (NASB)
English Standard Version (ESV)
Lexham English Bible (LEB)
Christan Standard Bible (CSB)
Thought For Thought Translation
Thought for thought known as functional equivalence, follows the historical-critical approach in which the biblical text is interpreted according to understanding the views of the original author and recipients. In short, what the author was writing about and why.
- Dynamic Equivalent Translation (reproduce original text using modern language and expression)
- Interpreted Thought for Thought
- What translators think God meant by the words
- Used by liberal Bible scholars
- Historical-Critical Interpretation Method
- Versions include:
Contemporary English Version (CEV)
New International Version (NIV)
Today’s English Version (TEV)
Good News Translation (GNT)
New Revised Standard Version (NRSV)
New Living Translation (NLT)
Call to Action
We have covered several types of Bible formats, tools, guides, and references they offer.
We have also looked at how Bible versions differ in interpretation methods.
Now, are you ready to find just that right Bible to enjoy and become engaged in reading, studying, and practicing God’s Word? Be sure to read my blog “How to Start Reading Your Bible”
FIND YOUR NEXT BIBLE HERE AT CHRISTANBOOK.COM
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