I don't have just one favorite. Let me show you why! |
There are so many Study Bibles to choose from, each offering unique features. You can get Study Bibles that have: - question-focused notes, providing answers to those questions
- insights from trusted pastors
- devotional content with relatable stories from real-life
- deep dives into the language, culture, or history of the Bible
- notes tied to a specific Bible translation
Honestly, I love digital study tools! When I use physical books, I'm hunched over for hours and my body hurts. I've completely adapted to using digital tools for study. |
I no longer limit myself to just one resource when I study the Bible. |
I love variety, having access to everything all at once and using all the resources on Bible Gateway Plus. Now, going back to the plethora of Study Bibles… Here's what Bible Gateway Plus offers: 30 Study Bibles for less than $5 per month and, they are there to support my Bible reading. When I was new to the Bible and Study Bibles, I couldn't grasp the organization. I asked myself and my coworkers (shout out to Britt!): - Why are the notes in this order?
- Why aren't these notes the main focus? Isn't the Bible text ancillary?
- Why isn't the text bigger than the Bible text?
It took me some time to realize that the notes are there to support reading the Bible. It's not the other way around. The Bible text does not support the notes. Scholars, authors and Bible publishers are trying to help everyone understand the meaning behind God's Word. |
Study Bibles, no matter what kind, are there to support your understanding of Scripture. |
I want to give you some examples that demonstrate how this works, but first, allow me to talk a little bit our goals. What Bible Gateway Plus provides is breadth… We know that studying the Bible is not simple or easy. It's a lifelong commitment. We have 30 Study Bibles from various pastors, Study Bibles tied to different translations, devotional Bibles, and those that focus on history – and some do more than one of these things! First and foremost, we provide quality resources from trusted sources. Some of the resources have been around for a long time and are best sellers. Others are from beloved pastors, and some simply help people understand the Bible. Bible Gateway Plus is here to help you study on your own, to help you minister, and to be there for you wherever you are. And, let me reiterate that. We are there for you "wherever you are." It's part of our mission statement, and we see it as having layers of meaning. And, I LOVE that it is part of our mission! Wherever you are… Spiritually, Physically and Digitally. |
Let's look at some examples of how Study Bibles work with Bible Gateway Plus! |
John 3:16 has been the most popular verse on Bible Gateway for years. So, let's use it as our example and read it together. Then I will show you a few excerpts from the Study Bibles available with Bible Gateway Plus. For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. (NIV) First, let's review what the best-selling NIV Study Bible, with a team of biblical scholars behind it, says about this verse. When we read this verse I often envision saying "so big" to a toddler with my arms spread open. But, one of the key points the NIV Study Bible makes here is that, "'So' here means 'in this way' rather than 'so much.'" Getting more detail around the original meaning can shed new light on your understanding of this passage. Here is where I ask myself how I re-interpret this verse. It isn't the delightful interpretation I had put behind that, is it? |
Next, let's switch to the NKJV Lucado Encouraging Word Bible. As the title implies, the warmth and charm that is brought by Max Lucado will pick you up when you need to feel God's hope and be comforted. Here John 3:16 is described as "a twenty-six-word parade of hope," and a great place to start your Bible journey. I'd never counted the words, but this reminds me how much I take for granted. In our blurb-filled world, this is a good reminder to turn to God. |
Now, I want to read what the NIV Quest Study Bible is asking about this verse. Any time you have questions about a verse, it's a good place to start, as its premise is to answer questions most people have about the Bible. And, here, it asks why John 3:16 is so popular. It's answer is in how it "recaps the story of salvation" succinctly. |
Maybe I'm oversimplifying, but let's gather our thoughts on this verse, and what each of the resources pointed out about it. It seems that it's saying the way God gave us hope, through his Son, He also put us on a path toward our Salvation. This is definitely something to keep at the forefront of our thoughts as we go through each day. |
So, in this way, I do NOT have a favorite, single Study Bible. I love using MULTIPLE Study Bibles. |
I love that there are 30 available for less than $5/month with Bible Gateway Plus. When you upgrade to the Bible study experience with Bible Gateway Plus, you'll have powerful tools at your fingertips. You can keep it light, and just use the resources to get answers to questions, or you can dive deep! Blessings, Jody P.S. you can compare up to five versions of the Bible, and read the notes from your favorite Study Bible at the same time! |
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Access 30 Study Bibles and more with Bible Gateway Plus! ✓ 30 Study Bibles (valued at $600) ✓ 13 Commentaries (valued over $2,050) ✓ 6 Dictionaries, Encyclopedias, Bible Studies (over $350 in value!) ✓ Maps, Devotionals, and more (another $100 in value!) Answer all your questions with trusted resources for each verse you're reading with Bible Gateway Plus. |
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Thank you for using Bible Gateway to read and study the Bible! If you have any questions, please contact us at support@biblegateway.com.
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