Bibles Bible Studies Books

Great translation, easy to understand. I bought it for my daughter because the translation is aesy to understand in modern english. Subtitles also help with the understanding of the text.

Would have liked more exegesis and perhaps some concordance but did like presentation and translation.

THE JERUSALEM BIBLE:READER'S EDITION is a useful translation for the Catholic Bible from which both Catholics and non-Catholic can benefit. This edition, the Reader's Edition, is edited by Father Jones and designed for those who are interested in reading the Bible but may not be interested in more comprehensive biblical scholarship and history.

The introduction briefly explains the reasoning of this less comprehensive edition of THE JERUSALEM BIBLE. Father Jones infomed his readers for the purposed of this translation. Each book of the Bible has a very good inttroduction. For example, the introduction to the PENTATEUCH or TORAH which are the first five books of the Bible (Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy)explains why many bible scholars dispute the claim that Moses wrote these books. Scholars argue that different authors and traditions were edited or redacted by those who may have reconciled these traditions to give a presentable compilation of these books. Readers should know among the Ancient Hebrews and Jews, the TORAH is most important part of TANAK or Hebrew Bible or The Old Teatament for Christians.

Father Jones gives readers intrductions to the other books of the entire Bible which inform the reader of the history, social background, and cultural mileau of each book. This helps readers understand what each book was trying to convey. In other words, these presentations clearly indicate that the books of the Bible were not written in a vaccum. There are also brief notes with each book of this bible to explain more precisely phrases and words that may seem unusal or obscure. The editor is honest enough to state that there are still uncertainties.

There are nine useful maps at the end of this bible that assist readers in understanding where events and books of the Bible were written. This edition also has a surprisingly good chronological table which helps readers with a more detailed understanding events in "The Holy Land" and events within the Ancient Greek and Roman empires.

This reviewer also has criticisms of THE JERUSALEM BIBLE:READERS EDITION. The translators made excessive use of the word Yahweh or a name for God or the Deity. This word for God is based on The Tetragrammaton or Sacred Four Letter Word for God. This may have been an error because this word,in Hebrew, was only to be used on special occassions by the early chief priests and later, the rabbis. The Ancient Hebrews substituted the word Adonoi which translates into English as Lord. The continued use of this word may be historically inaccurate.

Other criticisms of this edition of the Bible are that it lacks a concordance and a bibliography. Even though this is not a "scholars'bible," this edition should have at least contained these items. Some of these problems are mitigated by the fact that the margin notes and other notes at the bottom of the pages are useful.

THE JERUSALEM BIBLE: READERS EDITION is still a good translation in spite of the above criticisms. Readers will be assited if they can get THE NEW JEROME BIBLE COMMENTARY. Father Graham's small book titled WHERE WE GOT THE BIBLE is also helpfu. Bernard Anderson's book titled UNDERSTANDING THE OLD TESTAMENT is very comprehensive and well written. A combination of these sources will give readers a solid understanding of THE JERUSALEM BIBLE: READER'S EDITION.

This is a wondeful Catholic translation, and like the Revised Standard Version, it does not include "inclusive" language. I wish this particular translation were available in a leather bound edition, but until it is this is a nice copy to have. The type set is not state of the art digital, but is clear and easily read. It is a "readers edition" and contains only minor footnotes on particular phrases or words in the text. This is not an extensive study bible. It is a very nice Bible for sitting down with, reading and reflecting on the Scriptures. The different english translation which varies from the form used at mass may yield new insights and refresh the way you hear the word of God in the Bible. Those that love reading scripture would do well to acquire this version of the bible.

4 stars are for the less than wonderful binding. But the written text is what is most valuable of course.

This is the version that Mother Angleica reads from on EWTN in her classic live broadcasts.

"Come in, let us bow, prostrate ourselves,
and kneel in front of Yahweh our maker,
for this is our God,
and we are the people he pastures,
the flock that he guides."
- Ps 95

I love the freshness of this translation.

Peter Jensen's The Revelation of God was a helpful book on understanding a Reformed perspective on revelation. Early in the book Jensen makes his reformed beliefs clear in stating that humans are unable to find God on their own (38). He then moves into a detailed and holistic description about the nature of the Gospel, stressing especially its covenantal nature. Such Gospel-centered discussions are refreshing.

Jensen strikes a good balance in this book in many ways, especially in connecting issues of Lordship with the Word. He reminds us that when we obey and trust the Word, we are obeying and trusting Christ since He rules His people by His given Word (88, 212). Thus, it is completely inconsistent to accept Jesus as Lord and not accept His Word (153). We cannot separate Christ's authority in our lives from biblical authority in our lives. He also strikes a balance between experience and the Word, again putting priority in the Word. Jensen shows that while people do encounter God, our experience must be shaped and tested by the Word, not the reverse (131). He also gives an indictment on many churches today in noting that the lack of experiencing God is deadening. (138). Jenesen's balance also appears when he warns about the dangers of either letting tradition determining interpretation or tradition having no say (171). As he reminds us, innovations in theology imply that all the previous generations have misunderstood God.

Jensen also is great at revealing the heart of issues related to revelation. He states that people who reject the authority of the Bible are doing so out of a desire for human autonomy more than out of having problems with the Bible itself (153). Similarly, he shows that people who raise questions about the unity of the Bible do so because they do not believe in inspiration (186). I found such statements insightful and helpful in knowing how to respond to people who raise such objections.

While I found all of these points helpful, I must say that I was disappointed in the final two chapters. Back in chapter 6 I began to pick up on his cessationist views. However, Jensen makes such views clear in his chapter on the role of the Holy Spirit and on contemporary revelation. While evangelicals may disagree on these issues, I did not feel that Jensen's final chapter dealt fairly or completely with the issue. After accusing Grudem of providing "insufficient" Scriptural evidence for his views (270), Jensen discounts Grudem's beliefs without using any Scripture himself. He goes on to say that Grudem's view directs us away from the Word of God (270) but gives little explanation. My continuationist beliefs drive me back to the Word, not away from it. Similarly, discounting tongues and prophecy by pointing to counterfeit examples and failed prophecies does little more than build a straw man to destroy. Does not the enemy counterfeit many truths? Does not Paul tell us to test prophecies (implying that they can be wrong and that the Word is our standard)? I still struggle to see biblically how Jensen can conclude from the evidence he provides here that it is a myth to believe that God speaks to people today by His Spirit.

Peter Jensen, formerly Principal of Moore Theological College, Sydney, Australia has written a fine book. He attempts to give a biblical theological appraisal of divine revelation using the Bible and the Gospel as his guide while critiqueing Schliermacher, Barth and experientialist views of revelation.

The writing is clear and understandable, though a bit repetitive at times. But his general thesis is that the revelation of God is percieved primarily through the Gospel of Jesus Christ, but contra Barth, actually has a locus in Scripture itself. He defines the Gospel in terms that are fairly typical of the Sydney Anglicans (Goldsworthy, Dumbrell). Primarily for Jensen, the Gospel is about the establishment of the Kingdom of God, through the King-Savior-Judge Jesus Christ.

He sets out to define the Gospel in the first part of the book by looking at the work of Christ in a redemptive-historical and soteriological fashion. He concludes by stating that the Gospel, therefore, is revelation because in it God's Kingdom-establishing project is revealed.

The next two parts of the book talk about hermeneutics and the place of experience in the Christian life. This was the more enjoyable part of the book for me because the first section was more of a review for me. He discusses general revelation, general religious experience and the reality of particular Christian experience. He concludes by saying that Christian experience must be understood in terms of the Gospel as revelation. With respect to general revelation, he holds to a less than optomisitic view that it can be redemptive for people in any complete way - only the Gospel can function as saving revelation. There is also a chapter on the authority of Scripture which is interesting for an evangelical to read to get a different perspective on the authority of Scripture that isn't so widely expressed.

I felt that at certain points Jensen could have been more thorough in his discussion. I'm still not quite clear on what similarities and differences he has with Barth. Also, he does make reference toward the end of the book to Post-modern hermeneutics and it is clear that Kevin VanHoozer's "Is There a Meaning in this Text" is very important in his thinking.

Overall it's a good read and one that ordinary readers will be able to appropriate without too much trouble and one that could be used in theological education at the undergraduate level.

This book is for those who want an OT theology that is very detailed, highly-technical, and painstakingly exegetical. Sailhamer's book is not like the other OT theology books (e.g., Brevard Childs, Walter Kaiser, Eugene Merrill and Roy Zuck, Ralph Smith, and Bruce Waltke) that deal primarily with themes, messages, and ideas of the OT. The book is primarily hermeneutical and methodological (in fact, the major portion of the book [pp. 29-194] deals with methodology!). If one is looking for a thematical OT theology this book is not for you (try Kaiser, Smith, or Waltke). However, this is an excellent book for those who like to get into the nitty-gritty of OT exegesis and theological methodology. It is a difficult book to read so this book isn't for those who like to cruise through a book.

No more explain about it!
See and Enjoy~

The Oxford Bible Atlas, edited by Herbert G. May, is a detailed, extremely useful book that will heighten anyone's general understanding of biblical geography. It contains more than maps as it delves into the history behind the maps, and the archaeology behind the history. It cites biblical sources but also cites apocryphal books unfamiliar to most Protestant readers. The end result is a colorful, informative work that helps place both Old and New testaments into perspective.

The book is divided into three sections, the first introducing the ancient world, then the several maps, and concluding with an archaeological overview. Part one blends seemingly incompatible topics of biblical and geologic history. It includes biblical and secular accounts of ancient history. The atlas does not attempt to expound too greatly on the "Holy Land" as being somehow superior in importance. In fact the Holy Land occupies an important crossroads between east and west more so than it stands as a regional religious center of its own merit. Those who held power such as David, Herod, or even Pontius Pilate were rarely more than a regional or even local rulers who paled in stature when compared to Alexander or any of the Roman Emperors.

The map section covers most of the primary locations mentioned in the Bible, and illustrates the vastness of the biblical lands. Many maps retain ancient place names, though the primary focus is on the Near East. There are some areas not covered, such as the city of Tarshish, Jonah's destination when he attempted to flee from his responsibilities, and the route of the Exodus does not take them across either the Red Sea, or either the modern Gulf of Suez or Gulf of Aqaba. But these apparent omissions do little to detract from the overall effectiveness of the maps.

The final section is akin to a primer on biblical archaeology. It introduces Carbon 14 dating, how a site is developed, and a brief history of archaeological efforts in the region. It shows how cultures are understood by what has survived through the ages, and helps fill gaps when written records are not available.

The end result is a very informative atlas that readers of many different backgrounds will appreciate.

This is a great book for all Christians to read. It puts creation back into perspective and establishes all the solid biblical proof for why creation had to exist in both space and time. Unbelievers will scoff but in this book believers will be reminded of who they are and where they came from.

One of Schaeffer's best that I have read.He looks at the start of time for us not God, since God is eternal.It really made me stop and think. Also to look at Genesis in a whole new way

It definitely would have gotten 5 stars had it been a little longer and more detailed. Here is my report on it for a class I had:

Perhaps no chapters in the whole Bible are as important to our faith than the first eleven chapters of Genesis, discussed in this book. These chapters provide the foundation for our faith, and our understanding of reality. In this book, Francis Schaeffer examines some of the concepts which come from these chapters. He also emphasizes the need for the belief in the actual historicity of these chapters. I think it has become common among Christians to try to “spiritualize” these chapters; to say that they are not historical, but are meant to convey general truths. Schaeffer, however, sees the absolute necessity of the belief in the historicity of these chapters.
First, we have the foundation for the belief in creation by a personal God (in contrast to an impersonal one). Many, including pantheists or deists, believe that the world was created (or at least “formed”) by an impersonal being(s). However, this does not adequately explain personalness of mankind. If God is not personal, then there is no basis for man being personal, and since man is indeed personal, we would have to conclude that the belief that an impersonal being created the universe does not provide a proper explanation of reality (Schaeffer 20-21). In Genesis, however, we have the explanation: we are told that a personal God existed in a triune nature, communicated within the trinity, and specifically created the universe, and mankind, in order to communicate with us on a personal level (i.e. God talked personally with Adam and Eve) (21-22).
Adding on to this, since God created us purposefully, not as an accident, and in his image (imago Dei), we have in Genesis the foundation for the belief in the intrinsic value of mankind. Today’s culture, with its belief in the evolution of man (whether they believe that there was a God who started the process or not), has no real basis for claiming that humans are somehow valuable (46). Indeed, many have realized this, and now claim that humans and animals are just as valuable. We can see this is organizations like PETA, who often put the rights of animals before the rights of man. The refutation for this is found not only in the imago Dei of man, but in the dominion mandate, when man is given dominion over all the animals of the earth. This does not mean we should treat lightly our responsibility to care for creation, but it does mean that man’s rights should come before animal’s rights.
Also, within the Genesis account of the creation of mankind we find the creation of woman from man’s rib. This is the foundation for the unity of man and woman, the unity of mankind. Other worldviews have some problems explaining why humans should be united. After all, we do not see animals of the same species united in quite the same way that humans do. Why is it that mankind cares so much about fellow men? We find the answer in Genesis: we were created to be united (45).
Another important foundation in Genesis which Schaeffer pointed out is the foundation for moral absolutes. If God did not create everything, then we do not have a basis for deciding what is right and wrong, and we must then believe that whatever is is right (48). In Genesis, however, we have a basis for denying that what is happening in the world is the way it should be, while other worldviews cannot even claim that there is a way it should be.
We find the explanation as to why things are not the way they should be in the account of the Fall. Since that time, creation is marred and man has lost some of his capacities. If we do not acknowledge this account, we once again have no basis for saying that the world is supposed to be different. If we do not acknowledge the Fall recorded in Genesis, we must conclude that humans are the way they are supposed to be. Perhaps this is why people deny the intrinsic value of man: because they do not acknowledge that he is not supposed to be a corrupted being, they do not know that he does not act according to how he was created to act. They then see a corrupt being often bent on self-service and other evils, and, with no knowledge of the Fall, why should they not conclude that, at the very least, humans are not a whole lot better that animals? In the Genesis account, however, we find that man has fallen, but that he still retains the imago Dei, even though it is much harder to see now.
Also found in the Fall is the explanation as to why the four separations of man exist: man from himself, man from man, man from nature, and man from God. Man is separated from himself, which is seen in psychological problems (98). Man is separated from man, which is seen in wars, strife, alienation, etc. Man is separated from nature: he has lost some of his dominion over it, and nature itself is sometimes used as the vehicle of judgment upon sin (100). . Most importantly, however, man is separated from God, he can no longer communicate with Him on the level that he was created to communicate on.
However, we also find in Genesis the foundation for the belief that God can communicate to us, even though we are not perfect. Schaeffer points out that after Adam and Eve sinned and hid themselves, they communicated with God (60). Sin does not stop communication with God, it merely hinders it. We also find the foundation for the belief that God would redeem his creation. In Genesis 3:15 we hear of the “seed of woman” who will crush the head of Satan. We believe this to be Jesus Christ. Already in Genesis the foundation was being laid for the redemption of creation, and the solution to the separations of man (108).
Finally, we find in Genesis the foundation for the belief that history is going somewhere, and it not merely cyclical (Eastern thought), static (existential thought), or eternal (naturalist thought). It has an absolute beginning in the creation account, and is headed toward a set end (Revelation).
These are just some of a multitude of foundations and explanations in Genesis 1-11 for what is believed in and seen even in today’s world. There are numerous others which I did not have time to cover, such as the basis for the division of human history with Cain and Abel, the (possible) basis for mythology in Genesis 6:1-2, the foundation of languages with the Tower of Babel, etc., so I attempted to cover the ones I thought were most important. These foundation and explanations are vital to the Christian worldview, and this is why Schaeffer is vociferous about believing the actual historicity of these chapters. There are two major reasons why we must accept their historicity. First, if we do not accept these things as historical events, we lose the foundations. They cannot simply be spiritualized, because they then lose their validity as explanation for the real space-time world. Secondly, if we are Christians, we must accept the historicity of these chapters, or else our faith will be undermined. Jesus, as well as Paul and the other NT authors treat these chapters as historical events. If we deny that these are historical events, we must conclude that either Jesus was wrong, or that the gospel writers misquoted him. Either way we lost the foundation for our faith: if Jesus is wrong he cannot be God, and if the gospel writers are wrong about this we cannot know that they are not wrong about other important events which they record. In essence, we either lose the belief in the deity of Jesus or we lose the belief in the reliability of scriptures, which I would contend results in the downfall of Christianity. Neither option is acceptable, so we are left with only one option: to accept that the first eleven chapters of Genesis must be understood as historically reliable by Christians.
Unfortunately, this has not been my experience in church. I went to two different churches in high school, and both presented different views on Genesis 1-11. The first, my home church, refused to take an official position. They claimed (and taught) that we did not know whether it really happened the way Genesis describes, and that it was probably just a story to tell us that God created the universe. The rest of Genesis (as far as I know) was affirmed, but I seriously doubt that the importance of it was realized. The other church I went to strictly followed the account in Genesis, and they were militant literal, seven-day creationists. They also never mentioned the importance of that belief, nor of the rest of the belief in the historicity of the rest of Genesis. While reading, I have frequently come across interpretations which reject the historicity of Genesis 1-11. The most notable example that comes to mind is C. S. Lewis, who rejected at least the historicity of the story of Noah, saying that “Jonah and the Whale, Noah and his Ark, are obviously fabulous; but the Court history of King David is probably as reliable as the Court history of King Louis XIV.” (Clives Staples Lewis. God In the Dock, (Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1970), 58.) I think that it is very important that we realize that this is not an acceptable interpretation. We have already looked at why these chapters must he seen as offering real history, and now we need to make sure that this information reaches the people in our church congregations. I have yet to hear a sermon in church dealing with this issue, which is not good, since it is the foundation of our faith. This needs to change, and we need to go back to Genesis in our preaching so we have a foundation for the rest of the story.

Francis A. Schaeffer (1912-84) was an American Evangelical theologian and philosopher whose works were very influential on Evangelical thinking. In this fascinating book, Dr. Schaeffer takes a look at the first eleven chapters of the book of Genesis, which many Christian thinkers seem to find irrelevant to a truly Christian worldview. On the contrary, Dr. Schaeffer shows that the early history of man, as contained in the beginning of Genesis, is crucial to understanding why man is the way he is, and how God works with and through man.

I must say that this is a truly mind-expanding book that goes a long way towards giving the reader a truly Christian view of the man and the world that he inhabits. I mean, how is man "fallen," and what was and is his relationship with God? These are crucial questions to understanding the very foundational concepts of our religion, and the answers are contained in this book.

This is a great book, and a true classic of Christian thought. I do not hesitate to say should be read by all believers.

Christianity contains the answer to the modern man's questions. This book provides the foundation for Christian belief and the understanding of an infinite personal God who is there.

A must read...for all

Everything we thought it would be and more. Great Book! Quick delivery too!

I would highly recommend this book to every believing woman who is confused or unaware of her God-given responsibility of service in the Church.

M. Peace has taught me something I never realized - the younger women of today struggle with life because no one has decided to be a Titus 2 woman. There are women everywhere seeking the knowledge of how to be a wife, a mother, a worshipper of God. This book offers women the wisdom to become all of that and more. It challenges you to seek wisdom and understanding of the role of being a Christian woman, a Titus woman. The older women are here on Earth to disciple the younger women, to encourage and help them when needed. Praise God for this woman to speak the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth.

This book is one of the most practical tools for learning to be a mentor that I have ever read. Martha Peace presents her study in such a way that anyone can understand and apply her principles. And her principles are only a reflection of the ONE reflection that we are suppose to be!! Wonderful for a ladies bible study!!!

I did not like this book at all. It is extremely legalistic and teaches that if a woman is a domestic violence victim, her ONLY response or recourse is prayer. I wonder how many women in those situations have been injured or killed while praying.

I used this booklet in a Bible study on the "New Testament hidden in the Old, and the Old revealed in the New." It was an excellent resource in unlocking the Bible as the One Word - a unified story of God's saving initiative. You are given not only the Old Testament background for Matthew's Gospel, but also teachings of the Church Fathers and how the teachings of the Church come out of and illuminate the Gospel.

Scott Hahn has presented this in a way so easy to understand. It affords a whole new view of the Gospel

WONDERFUL! I'd love to have the entire Bible, and hope it is available soon.

(I'd really appreciate both an electronic version for my PDA, AND a large-print bound edition.)

These Bible study resources (Ignatius series) are excellect. The print is so small, however, that those with even mild eye challenges cannot use the guides without magnification. They ought to correct this.

This is a great study bible series. It is accessible yet scholarly. The questions in the review section are not just for intellectual understading, but also serious spiritual growth. For instance, the study questions on Christ's baptism include the editors asking us when we have been like the scribes and pharisees challenged by St. John the Baptist.

This little study bible has been awesome for my spiritual growth and I recommend it without reservation.

However, one can always offer criticism. I concur to some degree with an earlier reviewer with my one criticism: only Scott Hahn and Curtis Mitch are involved in the project. But I am conflicted about this criticism.

On the one hand a Catholic study bible ought to reflect a broader range of scholarship. As great as Dr. Hahn is, there are orthodox and solid Catholic theologians who disagree with him on some important points.

On the other hadn, a little more than a century ago in the late 1800's, the great Rev. Haydock published his edition of the Douay Rheims with only his (gigantic) commentary and it is one of the greatest Catholic bible commentaries of all time. Therefore an individual Catholic commentary is definitely possible.

There is a diverse and wonderful commentary in English based on the RSV and that is the Navarre bible (outstanding). I don't think Hahn and Mitch envision a volume that will compete with the Navarre, but rather one that is more accessible for bible study and personal spiritual growth for the laity. If one is going to buy a multi-volume Catholic commentary, I think the Navarre is the one to get; but it is expensive, and lacks the great study questions of these little volumes.

In short, I recommend this commentary series highly. While it may lack a breadth of scholarly opinion it is orthodox and helps with spiritual growth.

This book is an excellent resource to supplement Bible study or teaching. The "Visual" edition is very attractive; however, I prefer the larger print in the original!

This is a great book that has created a hunger for me to want to read the Bible and not be afraid of not understanding it. Its great to have your Bible next to you to reference scripture. I love it!

The book is excellent. The only problem is that there was a malfunction in the ordering process. I wanted instant click and apparently instead of turning that on, the book was ordered by regular process AND a shipping charge placed on it. Thinking that the order process had failed I went back to the site and once again tried the instant click. That time it worked but then shortly afterwards I was advised that two books were ordered. I contacted Amazon and was told it was too late to cancel either order - that they were two seperate shipments but they would deduct the shipping charge. The books arrived in about a week - sealed and packed TOGETHER in the same parcel. Now I have to find someone else to gift the book to as opposed to trying to figure out a no-cost way to return it to Amazon.

Easy to read, well organized, and interesting book that explains each book of the bible. Provides information that if read before reading the book in the bible makes the book so much more understandable. Also, is a good review if the bible book has not been read for awhile. Mary jo

This book is a classic - I've owned copies for 30 years and read it through several times already.

The Greenleaf Guide is an excellent resource to help you teach your children ancient history and Old Testament history. For each lesson, you read a chapter or so of the Old Testament. The guide then gives you questions to discuss, explanations of the historical setting, as well as suggestions for how to handle "complicated" readings from the Bible. The guide is helpful even if you want to read it to study Old Testament history yourself.

My 8 year old son and I read through the Old Testament's historical books using this book as our guide to discussion topics. The Shearer's have presented some interesting questions and comments on the Old Testament scriptures and I found myself learning almost as much as my son did! I would recommend this book for parents with children in elementary school, or even older.

As we have used this guide through the past year I would say that it is fairly simple & straight forward in style. It uses a question format that's easy to use. Read a few passages of bible text & pose the questions from the guide. Even our 4 & 6 year olds like to give a try at answering the questions though it is geared to older children!

Just OK for carrying with me to my work place and reading while waiting for a patient in my clinic. The notes are rather superficial for me and sometime they are too short and omitted. It is suitable for a general christian who don't want to dig deeper into God Word. For salvation it is more than enough but for the reward, it may be insufficiency. In my opinion, NIV spirit of Reformation study bible is much better.

This is a review of the physical characteristics of this product. While I'm reflecting their value in my choice of five stars, I won't go in to detail concerning the study notes and tools, as better reviews can be found elsewhere (for example, see reviews for the non-personal-size Zondervan TNIV Study Bible). And while I'm a big fan of the TNIV translation, it had nothing to do with my five star rating, as I simply wanted that to reflect the quality of this book itself.

I was a bit confused when I read that the book came with a jacket. Was the design shown on the Amazon page how the jacket would look with the book beneath featuring a plainer look? I now know that the Bible looks exactly as the Amazon product picture looks, while the removable dust jacket is the same but with promotional information printed all over it. Overall, this is a very attractive hard cover design.

I love the size and shape of this "Personal Size" edition of the TNIV Study Bible. It fits well in your hand for reading and carrying. It also seems to be only slightly shorter, while significantly narrower than other study bibles, which aside from being more attractive, also makes it easier to read in bed!

It's smaller than all of the other study Bibles my wife and I currently own, but I still find it to be just as (if not more) readable. In fact, the new serif font used is more readable at its smaller size than the larger sized serif text used in my Ryrie NASB Study Bible. The text is also less visible from the other sides of the pages (less "bleed through") than other bibles I own with similarly thin pages, adding greatly to it's already good readability.

Had I known that the Pesonal Size of the TNIV Study Bible would be so small (for a study bible) and yet so readable too, I would have bought it much sooner. I highly recommend it.

This is a marvelous study bible, with a average good dynamique translation.
Charts, illustrations, parallels, introductions.

Good complement to NET Bible (study edition) for example.

Very clear concise translation. I own several translations including the NIV. Many scriptures are the same as the NIV but as I continue a comparative study I have found some that are definitely easier to understand in the TNIV. Good price and incredible references for cross studies.

I have recently read up on the "TNIV debate" and have decided that the TNIV is a perfecty good translation that has been sadly maligned. It is even better than the NIV in terms of readability. This study bible is essentially the NIV study bible adapted for the TNIV. It has excellent notes, maps and references. The layout is attractive although the print is a bit small. The paper is somewhat thin but the hardcover binding seems pretty solid. I recommend both the translation and the study notes.