Ask These Six Questions Before You Buy Your Next Bible!
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 1 ธ.ค. 2022
- Study Bibles are expensive, but they can be a super useful and engaging way to work on understanding the Bible better. This video is meant to help you get the right one.
To learn more about Samaritan Ministries check out samaritanministries.org/tmbh
or click here: samaritanministries.org/?utm_...
On January 2 we're starting a new series on The Ten Minute Bible Hour Podcast where we go through the entire Bible, one book per day, until we're done. I'd be honored if you'd make that a part of your new year. Here's a link: www.thetmbh.com/gettmbhpodcast
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I _also_ find the Bible very interesting.
No way, Me too!
Duuh !
I'm not even Christian, I'm just interested in religious texts
The six questions:
1. Purpose: application emphasis or academic emphasis
2. Nudge: spells it out or nudges toward discovery
3. Targeting: general audiences or heavily targeted
4. Portability: big or nimble
5. Topicality: topical notes or broad use notes
6. Disclosed bias: personality/theology driven or neutral read
It must take a loooooong time to make these study Bible review videos, but I absolutely appreciate them. They are my favorite videos on your channel!
After nearly 5 full years of using it, I have to say that I greatly recommend the ESV Lutheran Study Bible (by Concordia Publishing House) practically regardless of your theological leaning.
I myself am a Catholic, but the Lutheran Study Bible has truly exceptional historical information, comprehensive educational notes (with quotes from prominent historical theologians to aid in your understanding), thorough cross-references, prayers and hymn texts for devotional use, and in-depth pages on full topics related to the nearby passages.
Any amount of Lutheran bias is easy to see past as the vast majority of the notes are by far purely exegetical.
The Lutheran Study Bible (as well as the separate book containing study notes for the Apocrypha/Deuterocanon) is by far my favorite study Bible out there! I recommend it 10/10!
As a protestant, who grew up Baptist/Christian and Missionary Alliance, was raised by a father who grew up catholic (and most of his side of the family was/is to this day very catholic) but moved to a protestant faith, worked for a Lutheran Seminary, and went to a Catholic college... we jokingly call Lutherans "baby Catholics" that like the structure of catholicism... just not the Pope. Legitimately though, my best friend in the entire world is catholic and between her and all of the young Catholics I met while studying in college, I'm so encouraged by this generation of Catholic believers. I grew up with a grandmother/father that lived by Vat 1 and maybe 2 ideals... where you go to church, follow what is said, but don't develope any sort of personal relationship. My dad, when he was younger, was never encouraged to open a Bible or ever think for himself. "Just listen to the priest" is what he was told. Plus, my grandmother upon meeting me mom (as a friend to my dad, not even dating) stated that she would, "never have any non catholic grandchildren." So unfortunately my early experience with catholicism was really hurtful. However, my eyes were really opened when I went to college and witnessed so many young Catholic believers being active in their faith and being willing to talk with me and discuss matters of faith, all while not dismissing my faith as unreal or unacceptable. Definitely taught me to keep an open mind about "religious sects" and not write others off so quickly.
My grandpa gave me a Lutheran ESV study when I was 12, I’m not 22 and it is still my go to when I do an in-depth study on a given book. I love the layout, it is very familiar, and it has a ton of references and explanations or verses that can be tougher to find context for.
Thank you, it's ironic that as a culture we are illiterate on the bible generally while having more data and compiled scholarship as accessable as it could possibly be, much more and easier to find than any generation before.
Thank you for the content.
ESV, NIV, NET, NASB, KJV, NKJV... I'll take any of those so long as there's a wiiiide margin for notes. I like the ESV because it retains a bit of the KJV feel in the language. I'm good with most translations as long as I know the theological leanings going in. I grew up mostly on the NLT, and I will say that reading the NLT I had some ideas implanted in my brain due to poor translation choices and interpolations which took many years to untangle. Hebrews 6:1 in the NLT for example has drastically different implications because they've interpreted "dead works" as "sin". Likewise the NLT often interpolates the words [from sin] whenever the word repentance is used. That led me to some rough years of guilt ridden confusion around how grace and justification play out in real life. My church still uses the NLT because of its accessibility for those with poor reading skills, but after voicing how it effected my own theology my pastor has since made an effort to point out the interpretive bent when relevant. Awareness of such things I think is enough to make most translations workable, but my own experience has made me cautious to assume all mainline translations can be read equally without picking up the translator's theology. I favor the more word for word translations for that reason when reading level allows.
I like the CSB for general purpose/audiences. Still word for word but much easier to understand than the NASB, reads more like how we speak today than the ESV, and does a good job of adding alternative interpretation/literal word meanings on commonly disputed word translations. I use it instead of the NET/NLT in conjunction with all of the other translations you mentioned.
@@Genesis-revelation70 Oh no, I bought earlier today the NLT Study Bible. Wish I had seen this sooner; it was a large investment for me.
@@user-hy8xi4pp9jdoesn’t matter though. Just read first. And as you go along with the reading, you can try other versions. I’ll still advise to have the KJV, NIV, NLT, ESV,RSV and if the budget exists, an amplified Bible too.
No one Bible can give you everything
The aim of Bible study is to compare and try to reason along the CONTEXT and paragraphs to get the thought patterns.
@@Omoba1 Thank you so much for your helpful reply. Fortunately, I do have the KJV (best for its poetic language and easiest to memorise); the NIV; the NLT (just bought the study bible); the ESV. I don't have either the RSV or the Amplified Bible. I am going to try to buy the latter, but as I live under straitened circumstances since my beloved husband died last year, it will have to wait. Thank you so much for bothering to reply. Kind Regards, Diane, England.
@@user-hy8xi4pp9j sorry for your loss. the Lord Jesus Himself comfort you and may He reveal Himself to you in more wonderful ways.
Very useful, Matt! I know the topic is specifically study Bibles, and I own a few myself, but my favorite Bible for devotional and study use is the ESV Reader's Bible. No commentary, no references, no versification, and no pericope headings. I find that the absence of these elements allows for me to focus on the text without 'nudging' in any direction. Keep up the great work!
I have been wanting to get a reader's Bible for the reasons you listed. I think a reader's Bible would help get the feel of the natural breaks in the text.
I just got a Lutheran Study Bible (ESV) from Concordia Publishing. Really good text notes and connections about where Lutheran doctrine comes from (the Bible).
"ya'll like trees...? Cool, we're just gonna put that on your Bible"
I like my Bible with all 73 books!
Thank you for taking time to do this!
Just when I thought you had shown all the Bibles, you pull out another one, lol! Very helpful guide, Matt! I'll be looking forward to this series.
You and I could have the nerdiest conversation ever! 😂 Love your videos! I absolutely appreciate how open minded you are in that you listen to all sides and thoughts on the Bible, all while being respectful even when you disagree. It’s refreshing!
I used to work as an internet picker for a Christian book warehouse, and wow do I recognize many of these. Great video man, I appreciate the hard work you put into it
Keep up the good job Matt. Look forward to seeing the next video on more bible reviews!
Thank you, Brother Matt 🌹🌹🌹🌹
I think Bibles like the Open Bible or the Thompson Chain Reference where they have an extensive reference and topical system could be considered a study Bible even though there’s not a ton of notes. It’s like they facilitate you getting around in your Bible and building context without telling you what to think.
I agree. My preferred Bible is the TCR 👍
Love all of your content. But I do have to say, this is a topic I really enjoy. Thank you for all the work that goes into making these videos.
I love your channel and reviews, Matt.
Thank you for taking the time to make this 😩!
OMG watching your channel I order the Study Illustrated Bible , its a treasure to have something so blessed at your library , thank keep your Bible showing video
Solid video! Love the shoutout to the Cultural Backgrounds Study Bible. One thing I will say when it comes to biased or more theologically motivated Bibles is I don't mind them, I just think they should clearly identify their tradition loudly at the beginning, that way people know what they are getting, otherwise it can seem deceptive to a standard reader. While I don't think it's their intention, it does seem that way to me when a study Bible has an obvious bent that isn't admitted up front.
Thank you so much for all your work on this topic… would love to see a video on some of the BEST commentaries…God Bless you ❤
This was a great episode! I’ve been a Bible reader for 50+ years. Actually there are another couple of categories. One is the readability of the text size. Older eyes need a clear type, sans serif, with some white space for notes. Another category you briefly touched on is the feel of the Bible in your hand. I actually prefer a hard binding.
Matt - Thank you so much for what you do. I have devoured much of your TH-cam content and have been steadily working my way through the back catalogue of TMBH podcast. My bible study has never been so focused, and you are an amazing teacher! Last year, I purchased the giant ESV Study Bible after watching your previous study bible video and I love it!!!! It was exactly what I needed at that point in time, and it has become my go-to bible.... BUT....as you point out, it is massive and not the easiest thing to carry around. I am wanting a 100% digital study bible. One that lives on my tablet/phone that I always have with me no matter where I am.....but that also has the same heavy nudge as my big and bulky ESV Study Bible. The ability to highlight and add my own notes would also be helpful, but not a deal killer. I know there is the Tindale bible you review in this video with the app driven notes, but I want a completely app-driven, heavy-nudge, study bible....no paper. Does such a thing exist? I have looked at several online and app driven bibles...but none I have found seem to have the level of study notes that I am seeking. Hoping you can help. Thank you in advance.
Great information as always
Genius video! Keep doing gods work brother!
Thrilled to see the Ancient Faith review.
Hi Matt! Interesting topic. Thanks!
I laughed out loud when you shared the firefighter and all the catered Bibles 🤣
Loved this video! Would you add comments on font size for your older followers! Bless you!🙏🥰❤️✝️
Another topic to potentially cover is bible software. I love me some Logos (though it can quickly get expensive). Best money I ever spent though, in my opinion.
Absolute FACTS. Love me some Logos.
I have a Filament Bible and it's a very helpful Bible that is easy to take with you. I love it.
Thank you as always Matt for your insight, dedication and devotion to the Lord and helping so many people big and small. This was very helpful! 🙌
I also always enjoy your comedy and sarcasm mixed in🤠
Nudge: "Neighbor, your grass is really green, and grows pretty fast doesn't it"
Spells it out: "Dude mow your yard"
WOW!!! I am really impressed with your sponsor, SAMARITAN MINISTRIES!!!
Very impressive . . . not necessarily a health & medical bills based need, perhaps sounds like it is related to Samaritans Purse with Franklin Graham helping disaster victims, floods, tornadoes, etc.
No questioning where you send your "joyful, heartfelt, giving" or whether it is being mis-directed, you get confirmation from those you were told has a need to be met!!! Sounds absolutely awesome !!!!!
Would like to hear your comparative take on the Word on Fire bible that Bishop Barron oversaw.
Just finished the Cultural Backgrounds Bible this year and I loved it. John Walton did a great job.
I'd love to hear your take on Chronological Bibles. I think the prophetic books might make more sense if I read them within the history, rather than the arbitrary order they're in now.
A really good one is The New American Bible (NABRE) or The Great Adventure Catholic Bible with the study guides.
Love your honesty and videos. Can you do a video on bible journaling (painting and coloring in the Bible)?
@kerimurphy4240 I would like that too.
I love the literary "Reader's Edition" Bible format, in particular the NLT "Immerse" series.
No chapters, verses, no section headings, no footnotes or cross references. It also re-arranges some of the books into a logical grouping, and bundled into 6 volumes.
While I would disagree or quibble with some of the translation choices, it gives an overall view of the Bible and is easy to read.
Can't wait for Matt to create an application that takes in all my preferences and spits out the study Bible that aligns the most to it. Cool. Preferably before Christmas.
Great video! Just purchased the Chronological Life Appl. KJV Bible. Love it! I do have quite a collection from Women’s to Archaeology to a Filament in Study Bibles as well as Devotional Bibles. Of course, I can’t even remember all the ones I have on Olive Tree and Logos.
I always enjoy your analysis.
A video idea: an analysis of publishers themselves and their bias/denominational bent.
NASB is my #1 choice for Version. Double column,words of Christ in red, Concordance, Book Introductions. Maps are helpful too.
Thank you Matt! I hope you have an NRSV option in the stack back there.
I absolutely love your videos, and eagerly await your study
Bible reviews. Maybe also Study Bible ranking? Study Bible tier list? Study Bible compass?
I think he is going to use those six facets he listed.
I totally had a copy of Revolve as a teen. It was so distracting because they made the quote sections so cute I was always fighting the urge to cut it up and mod podge it all over everything. the early 2000s haha
Love your description of "the nudge system". Great term. Your video is sure to be a great guide.
I tend to be on the look out for Bibles that don't exist. Right now it is:
1. ESV
2. Interleaved
3. Theology Study
4. Jesus' words in red
5. Real leather covered
@nitarose44 I was on Ebay earlier today looking for a Study Bible (wish I had seen this video first) and I saw several interleaved bibles, a couple of Theology Study Bibles, many red-letter and real leather bibles. Have you checked it out?
Thanks Matt, a useful review of the range of study Bibles. There are other criteria: how comprehensive are the concordance, lexicon, maps, timeline, etc. Also don't forget your global audience - it's English, Matt, but not as we know it.
I love all of the Bible review videos you’ve made. Very informative.
Would you please do one on kids bibles. I’m a momma of four kiddos under the age of 8 I would love a children’s+preteen Bible review.
Love your Elden Ring analogy considering I played Elden Ring and do Bible study as well.
Great video; looking forward to the next video. I'm going to have to pick up a filament Bible and give it a try.
Would love to see your take on the digital Bibles out there.
Also, have you done a review of the Passion Translation?
Your current review with your son was amazing. I have my eye on that blue Women’s Study Bible now.
Can't wait to see the next video
Thank you so much Matt, I love your channel!
Anyone know of any useful compilations of the Apocrypha with or without commentary and notes?
As someone who helps with student work at my church, getting one of those topical ones might be a good idea. I love that kinda stuff anyway, but it'll have a rotating group of people to share it with
The Word on Fire Bible published by Bishop Barren’s Word on Fire Ministries.
This was very helpful, thank you, and I have subscribed to your channel. I wish that I had come across this video and your next one sooner as earlier today I have just invested in a study bible. I am sort of dreading you either not mentioning it at all, or thinking it is not very good. I shall just have to wait and see. If I had seen the video sooner I think I would have bought the large ESV 'heavy nudge' bible you mentioned. Ah well.
😂😂 how many bibles do you have my man! but thanks for the great vid! I was struggling to find a bible but now i know exactly what i want. Great video and definitely leads me to be on my journey with Jesus
While it loses some of the tactile feel, many of the "less portable" study Bibles are also available in app form. For example, I have the ESV Study Bible as one of my defaults in the Olive Tree app on my phone.
Just the I the one that you just said a while back the ESV study Bible is just so impact it took me nearly 2 years to read the whole The ESV study Bible not gonna lie it's very informational some things that I do questionAnd the translation of the ESV is not one of my favorite translation but my favorite translation is the King James Bible apologetic study bible just because 1 it is short until it's not 2500 pages
I grew up as a NIV snob (thank you to the 90s biases and Bible Quizzing choice in version) but lately have been really loving the CSB translation. Just curious on your thoughts! Ultimately I really think you should try and find a Bible that you're able to understand and that some translations might be easier to understand for other 😊.
I've always wondered how things went with quizzers who crossed over from NIV84 to NIV2011.
How much do you think "sinful nature" in Romans vs "flesh"?
Interesting how they went gender neutral in some of the pronouns
I really appreciate the fact that you monogrammed that ESV “Matt W’s Ginormous Bible.”
I wish I could afford them all. But the Bible is already the gift that keeps on giving so I've never actually taken the plunge. Def next year I'll finally splash out on a study Bible or two. Thanks bro, appreciate your hard work. Two questions if I may:
Q1, Is there a study Bible which highlights the different theologies of Catholic/Protestant, in particular from a Protestant perspective? Or is that subject, tackled in a non-ecumenical way, poking the bear? Poking the bear seems out of fashion when you consider the Vatican's current ecumenical actions. I know some regard their current actions as less ecumenism and more like hierarchical subjugation.
Q2, What do you make of the "Green Commandments"? Tbh, they P me off.
You couldn’t have put this out a month ago? 😂 It took me a year to figure out a Bible and finally buy one (it’s been since our Alaska trip since I’ve read a big chunk-not my proudest admission). I chose the NKJV chronological study Bible. I love the historical info, but not so much the inability to place tabs.
I'm not a big fan of chronology layouts even though I read the Bible chronologically most years. I wrote into my regular Bible what to read next right into the passages. Like.... after Numbers 15, I wrote, "Chrono: Psalm 90". After Psalm 90, I wrote, "Chrono: Numbers 16". Hope that's helpful to you if you decide to switch Bibles.
😁 you gonna make me buy another Bible!
I want more than anything a Bible with the understandability of the Easy to Read Version (ERV) but with the accuracy of the highest suggested translations.
The ERV has become my go-to because it’s the only translation that my brain can parse.
I prefer the light nudge. Though not a study Bible, my main Bible is The Scriptures. Have you heard of this one? I enjoy it has the restored names
I hope you review the Recovery Bibles
Matt, Have you do done a “How to speak Christianese/Theology” to understand terms that aren’t in the Bible?
Every time I ask myself which study Bible to get my brain says.. “Yes”. Over 30 study bibles in with at least 10 more in line lol
Great and insightful video, I've learned a lot! I have only one complaint: some text is too small and difficult to read without watching the video in full screen.
Hey Matt, this video raises an interesting question that maybe you could do a video on one time. What is the difference between 'Reformed' and 'Calvinist', if there's a difference?
If you haven't covered it, i'm curious what you think of Bishop Robert Barron's "Word On Fire Bible" also the "Defending The Faith" study Bible from Apologetics Press.
At 2:00 “I feel like a car salesman!” Alright, what have ya’ got for Apologetics? My daily-use ESV can’t take much more super-glue & duct tape, so it’s time for a Bible for the next 7-years.
Frankly, Study Bibles distract me. Too much data. To dig deeper, I can pull out a few translations, a few commentaries, my phone….go from there. 😅
New follower of Christ here, and I must say you have really helped guide me towards Christ, thank you. I am curious what study bibke would you recommend for a new follower of Christ?
You were a kid when skyrim came out? I feel old now 🤣
Yeah the game he was talking about probably wasn't Skyrim, that marker must've just been a stand in
I think getting an interconfessional Bible would be great. Writers pre reformation analysed scriptures which aren't present in many protestant Bibles (except Anglican and Lutheran ones, sometimes).
This is easy. Get a thumb indexed NKJV to study read and use. Have a 2nd KJV for the classic heirloom feel. Get a nice expensive leather KJV so u can pass down. But that NKJV is yours to study and work with. Find a double column verse by verse style so u can highlight and separate verses for u to meditate on
The best study Bible is the one that gets read.
With that being said, more goes into a study Bible then just your run of the mill collection of 66 books. The one who is reading these study helps needs to understand they are helps. They are simply there to assist the reader in understanding. They are not a replacement for reading the actual text. They are supplements.
Just like taking vitamins is a supplement for one's health. They don't replace a well-balanced meal.
Beautifully put.
thank you@@alalunaa
Thanks for taking on this project. It's hard to find a good cross-examination (if you'll pardon the pun) of the various translations and goals for each kind of Bible.
I use an NRSV cultural backgrounds Bible. Since you mentioned in the video that it's good to supplement this kind of Bible, what do you recommend?
Digging that Simms hat
Thoughts on the CSB apologetics study Bible. So many good articles in every chapter about apologetics.
The best non Catholic Catholic Bible channel to fit my Anglican needs. The 1990s to the 2000s really added so many versions on the Bible; Chicken Soup for the Soul. It’s interesting how un literal we’ve become as a world with advances in technology; people don’t really read. KJV all the way wholly different linguistic structure; original or multilingual English. Bibles can be so beautifully complicated.
Is the Anglican Church you attend in communion with the Catholic Church? What version of the Bible is read at your church? Just curious
@@AD-in6qp Matt does a great job explaining the differences in his videos and visits to the Anglican and Episcopal churches. All in all there is only one church.
As another note on the portability axis, more and more Bibles, including most of these, are becoming available as apps or e-books. E-books aren't for everybody, but there's nothing quite as portable as literally tens of thousands of pages and dozens of comprehensive study Bibles on something the size of a checkbook.
I have:
A 1952 Thomas Nelson RSV Holy Bible With Helps: remarkable for its pronunciation key for proper names, which are written in a phonetic typeset.
A Thomas Nelson NKJV Apply the Word Study Bible. It's a nice, large readable text and has nice maps throughout the text when relevant.
A Thomas Nelson KJV Open Bible, highly recommendable for the scriptural cross-references and more importantly translators notes and alternate readings in the reference column. If the KJV vernacular intimidates you, this is the Bible to help wrestle with and understand the older English. (Theological notes throughout however have a strong bent I do not necessarily agree with, as a Confessional Lutheran).
Good video
Glad to know we share not only our faith, but also our pain that is caused by Elden Ring
I like the Skyrim reference.
After many years of study, the KJV Thompson Chain Reference Study Bible is still one of the best study Bibles for me.
The other Study Bible I would recommend is the KJV Hebrew-Greek Study Bible from Dr Spiros Zodhiates. Anyone keen on delving deeper into Scripture will benefit from these 2 Study Bibles.
I'd consider my study Bible collection to be complete if I have the ESV SB, NET Full Notes, Filament Bible, Oxford Annotated Bible, and the Ancient Faith SB on my shelves. Tempting to add the Cultural Backgrounds SB to the collection, but a topic this important is best addressed through The IVP Bible Background Commentary series
You look just like the guy from The 10 Minute Bible Hour. It's uncanny.
I get that a lot. Mostly at Bible parties.
Academic emphasis should include both the New Oxford Annotated Bible and the SBL Study Bible.
I was told that the best bible for studying theology and phylosofy is the Bible of Jerusalén. Because the translation is the most loyal to the original books. The lenguaje is difficult but yet it is consider the best for studing
My first bible, the one I fell in love with and keep coming back to is the NKJV 'Know the Word' Study Bible that was given to me as a gift. It was easy for me to understand and get the message even not having a regular church or christians in my life to help me. I have since then dipped my toes into other ones but I really still go back to the NKJV on a regular basis. In fact, I may need a new one soon because it's wearing down.
I really appreciate your rating system!
Do you have a book you recommend that explains the same type of Cultural information of Bible times that isn't the Culteral Study Bible? My ADHD has trouble with all the info happening in study bibles. 😢
I loved studying deep doctrine but I do urge all to be very trained and strong in their theology before they take on such heavy works.
Do you have any recommendations on where to start studying theology for an absolute beginner like me?
@@FaithBasedHome Millard J Erickson’s “Christian Theology” is a great place to start. It’s very accessible and does a good job of just laying out a bunch of different positions on various topics while briefly talking about the strengths, weaknesses, and implications of each position. I find it to be very fair to each position as well.
@@tylergraham7352 thank you very much for your time! God bless you and yours.
@@FaithBasedHome if its a more biblically wise elder mentor in your life to help guide you along that would be my first suggestion.
Ive heard many say stsrt with john . Their is a bettee order to read the bible that doesnt start on the first page.
But assuming your an educated adult who has been wrestling with God a your life is guess you have created some inner beliefs about your free will and how deterministic God is in your life.
You would want to learn godhead and Trinity to figure out how your going to interpret and build your theology throughout the Bible.
What book what denomination best fits you.
Appreciate the overview, Matt; I'm looking forward to your promised forthcoming in-depth review. I've got a smaller leather-like version of the ESV Concise Study Bible that is very portable. It is a good choice and works well, even without the more comprehensive notes found in bigger study bibles (such as the bicep-building full size ESV Study Bible or my own equally humongous NIV Study Bible (and, yeah, I heard what you said 😁). I also have in my stack of bibles a Filament NLT version and, with the Filament app, it is both portable and pretty cool. I won't spend another thousand words describing all the app's features - most of which seems to work without a data connection on my version - but it is impressively comprehensive to the point that I sometimes use it with my other study bibles for extra background and context.
Again of succession; gifting Bibles is so hard especially for someone like me. Clear definitive rules and ease of reading pertaining to a specific topic. Not all KJV’s fit the bill either. So particular and so personal.