Which Version?

Types of Bibles
Which Version Of The Bible Should I Use For Study?

All I was looking for was a Bible. Not a top-secret nuclear document. But as I searched bookstore after bookstore for a new study Bible, everyone had an opinion on which one I should get. And unfortunately none of them agreed. Get the King James Version – it’s the most authentic, some said. Get the New International Version – it’s one of the most readable, others commented. Find a Bible with a good concordance, so you can dig deep into God’s Word, I was told.

The Bible isn’t a top-secret nuclear document – it’s much more powerful. But its power to change lives is only unleashed when you open God’s Word and begin to read it. So picking the right version isn’t near as important as picking up the Bible in the first place.

But finding a Bible that fits your spiritual needs and personality can be an important part of your Christian journey. If you know a few key principles, you can make the search for a new Bible a much more pleasant experience.

Whether you are searching for your own study Bible or looking to pick up one for a friend, you should find these principles helpful:

Some Tips to Keep in Mind Before Starting Your Bible Hunt

1. Any English version of the Bible is a translation from the original documents written in Greek, Hebrew and Aramaic. Certain Bibles might be more literal translations than others, but practically all of them are translations from the originals. In other words, don’t fall into the trap of picking a more traditional biblical translation because you believe it to be more “authentic.”

2. No one Bible has it all. Some study Bibles come with concordances, biblical dictionaries, colourful maps or important scripture application tools. Few come with all of them. Similarly, not all Bible translations fit every use. This doesn’t mean you have to buy hundreds of Bibles, but it does mean that you should be a careful buyer. Buy a Bible that is appropriate for the way you use it.

3. Any translation too cumbersome to read on a daily basis isn’t the right Bible for you. Find a version you feel comfortable using. The most important thing about picking a Bible is finding one you will read!