The Beginner's Guide to Finding the Perfect Christian Bible

With more and more churches popping up in structures other than a traditional church building (think schools, malls, and conference centers), less churches have a Bible available for each member of their congregation to use during service. Also, Bibles are not only for church services, they are for reading and reflecting at home, in Bible studies, and anywhere else you may feel it is appropriate to have the Good Book nearby.

Technology has allowed for apps allowing readers to follow along with the Bible online, but what happens when you don't want just digital access? When you like the actual feel of the book in your hand or want to highlight verses or make notes in a margin? A lot of this tangible activity is lost on an app. For those who are ready to own their own cherished Bible, read on to learn how to easily narrow down the options of what you personally want and don't want in your Bible. 

Versions of the Bible 

There seem to be countless versions of the Bible available today. You will find that there are literal translations (word for word), modern language, and paraphrased versions. 

Literal Translations

ASV — American Standard Version
JPS — Jewish Publication Society
KJV — King James Version
King James II Bible
NASB — New American Standard Bible
NKJV — New King James Version
RSV — Revised Standard Version
The Holy Bible in Modern English
YLT — Young’s Literal Translation

Modern Language

Jewish New Testament
Knox Translation
Today’s English Version
NEB — The New English Bible
The Bible, A New Translation (Moffatt)
NIV — New International Version
ESV — The English Standard Version
NAB — New American Bible
NJB — New Jerusalem Bible
REB — Revised English Bible
CEV — Contemporary English Version
Good News Bible

Paraphrased

CEV — Contemporary English Version
TLB — Living Bible
The Amplified Bible
Phillips Translation
MSG — The Message

Once you have narrowed down how you want your Bible version to read, it's time to select the design. Not just an outward design, but how the pages are designed and laid out as well. Here is my personal Bible! I absolutely love it and highly recommend! 

This post contains affiliate links, which means I may receive a small commission, at no cost to you, if you make a purchase through one of the links.
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Let's start with the cosmetic look of the Bible, and then the functionality. There are a plethora of feminine, masculine or gender neutral print choices. Fabric, paper, and leather covers are only a few material options. Once you've found a Bible that has caught your eye, it is time to look towards the inside. You'll want to ask yourself some basic questions, such as:

Do I want the words of Jesus in red?
Is large print preferred or needed?
Do I plan to take notes in the margins?
What language do I want to read in?

Above you will see a beautiful floral NKJV Bible, which features :

Lined, wide margins for notes and reflections
Premium paper for enduring note-taking
Words of Christ in red
English language
Lays flat in your hand or on your desk
Two ribbon markers
High quality binding

If flowers aren't you style, or you are searching for a different version, here is a highly rated ESV large print Bible. 

12 pt type
​Imitation leather
Words of Christ in red
Double-column, paragraph format
Ribbon marker
Smyth-sewn binding

Highlighters, Tabs and Pens

Once you have your perfect Bible, you are ready to dive in and begin reading, praying and reflecting. There is nothing worse than getting a new book or journal, highlighting a package, and having it bleed right through to the next page. Instantly it feels like the book becomes damaged in a sense. It is important that you only use fast drying and no bleed highlighters. Soft pastel colors will not distract you and blend nicely with the message that you are reading. This Alohaster highlighter set is extremely affordable and highly rated for Bibles and journals. 

Peel-and-stick Bible index tabs are an absolute must-have for beginners. The bible contains 66 books, and thumbing or flipping through the entire book each time becomes tiresome when you are looking for a specific book to read. These are easy-to-use and affordable; a perfect combination. 

Similar to the highlighters, it is important to find a pen that does not bleed through any paper, including the thin pages of the Bible. A good idea is to use assorted colors when wanting to keep notes organized within your margains. The Mr. Pen Bible Pens write smoothly and are skip-free, producing the desired consistent lettering you need.

You are a beginner no more! We've covered versions, materials, highlighters, pens, tabs, languages, margains, and more. Your Bible may be one of the most personal and prized possessions that you own, so explore your choices and make sure that you find the perfect fit for you!