I don't have just one favorite. Let me share why! |
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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. When I was new to the Bible and Study Bibles, I couldn't grasp the organization. I asked myself and my friends: - 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 am very excited that we recently added the NIV Application Bible to Bible Gateway Plus. There are many reasons I love this Bible, but let me just mention the top 5: - It is based on the bestselling NIV Application Commentary series.
- The book introductions are fantastic and set the stage as you dig in. You'll read who authored a book, key verses to watch for, themes, and much more!
- It includes "Original Meaning" notes. To understand how the Bible connects to your world today, it's best to first understand its original meaning to the original audience.
- Then, it includes "Application" notes that are always tied to, and built on, the "Original Meaning" notes. I love that framework, and I can easily find the "Application" notes by looking for this symbol: ✜
- And, lastly, it includes "Questions for Growth" that challenge you to think through what you've read for deeper understanding. Look for this symbol: ❖
Now, going back to the plethora of Study Bibles… Here's what Bible Gateway Plus offers: 30+ Study Bibles for only $3.33/month with an annual plan (for a limited time). |
I want to give you some examples that demonstrate how this works, but first, allow me to talk a little bit about 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 over 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! 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; 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 many layers of meaning. Wherever you are… Spiritually, Physically and Digitally.
Frankly, I LOVE that part of our mission! We want to be there for you! |
Now, let's look at some examples of how Study Bibles work with Bible Gateway Plus! |
Let's read Jeremiah 29:11 together. It is one of our most popular verses every year, and it hits us with the age-old-old question: What are we here for? We will read it together. Then I will show you a few excerpts from the Study Bibles available with Bible Gateway Plus. |
For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. (NIV) |
When I read this verse I tend to focus on what I think is most important, or words that jump out at me. The first ones that I see are the words, "I know" as I would also like to know what plans God has for me. Here, the NIV Study Bible clarifies that "the Lord has not forgotten his people." | As I do my study, I try to ask myself more questions about a verse. Along the lines of who, what, why, when, where… Here, I really am interested in who God is speaking to. In the NIV Biblical Theology Study Bible, I learn that God is speaking to exiles. It says, "The Lord will not abandon the exiles in Babylon forever. After 70 years (25:11), he will fulfill his "good promise" (v. 10) from Deut 30:3–5 to bring them back to their homeland. God is the ultimate source of blessings and curses. The plans he has for those in exile are for a good future…" |
Then, in the NIV Application Bible, I can confirm what I learned above, but with an additional nuance. The Original Meaning note includes the "how" God fulfills his promises. You have to seek God with your whole heart! |
From here, we can transition into the Application Note (✜) where we learn that prayer can "become a means of education and sanctification…" |
And last, the NIV Application Bible, rounds out our study with the "Questions for Growth" (❖) we have the perfect prompts for self-reflection after studying Jeremiah 29:11. It asks these key questions: Jer 29:10–14 ❖ What do we believe are God's good plans for the future? How do they fill us with hope? |
No, I don't have a single favorite Study Bible. Our needs can change with the season, and sometimes we are looking for something that captures our emotions, and sometimes we want to dig into the factual history of the Bible. You can do both when you have access to a variety of resources. And, I love that there are over 30 Study Bibles available for only $3.33/month on the yearly plan with Bible Gateway Plus. When you upgrade to 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 and change your life with a deeper understanding of God's plans for you! 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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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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