How Do I Know Which Bible is for Me?

There are so many Bible choices out there-various authors, types and translations. So how do you know which will work best for you? Let me help you make that decision, based on some explanations and example texts from a few different translations.

First off, if you are looking for a Bible, there are many great places to go. Your local bookstore or Christian supply store will be good places to start, as well as a variety of on-line outlets. The key is to know what you are looking for your Bible to do and how "in-depth" you need it to be.

There are many different varieties in the type of Bible. Some of the many options include:

Traditional. Text only, not much else in the Bible. This is as simple as it gets.

Study Bible. Aka, Student Bible, these Bibles usually have footnotes and notes on the margins. They may also have commentary, maps or references to other areas in the Bible.

Reference Bible. Usually has a index, a concordance and maps. More detail than your standard study Bible.

Parallel Bible. Has multiple translations side by side to compare and contrast.

Chronological Bible. Bible in one continuous story. This Bible ignores the general structure of the traditional Bibles and makes them more of a story, concerned more with the flow and readability of it.

Life-Specific Bible. This Bible comes in a variety of specialty focuses, intended for a group of people in a certain interest/area in their lives. These might include Parents, Children, Singles, Sports Fans, Those with a recent loss, etc.