Best Bible version for study?

[jengoesup]

Thanks all for your input. It's been quite a while since I posted this thread, and between now and then I have made my decision: an NIV study Bible (personal size published by Zondervan).

As for e-Sword, I've had it for a while, long before I posted this thread. Currently, the translations I have on it are the ALV, ASV, CEV, DRB, GNB, ESV, ISV, KJV, and the LITV (if anyone wants me to expand these abbreviations, just ask). I've also got Matthew Henry's Commentary, Albert Barnes' notes on the Bible, and Adam Clarke's Commentary, John Gill's Exposition of the Entire Bible, the Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge and Vincent's Word Studies.

No, I do not consult all of that every time I read...I think I went a little downloading happy one day and just couldn't resist I normally look at one, at best two translations at any time, and am regularly using the NIV. It also turns out we've got a KJV downstairs, whoever knew?

I thank you for suggestions of how to study; now that I think about it, I don't usually ask God for His help before I read the Word, I simply read. I'm going to change this in the future, from now on

May God bless all of you,
~Jen

 

[Bernergirl]

I think I went a little downloading happy one day and just couldn't resist

Been there, done that...

Glad you found something that works for you.

My favorite way to study, if I have time, is to have a bagillion different Bible translations open to one passage on my bed, along with a commentary and a topical Bible. I also keep a notebook, whether I'm doing bagillion-translation-in-depth-study or just reading on the bus, where I write down memory verses, things that stick out to me, passage outlines, etc.

God bless you in your studies of His Word.

Lissa

 

[bithiah2]

i have a Ryrie Study Bible, i don't know if it comes in any other version but King James.
i like the New Living also.
blessings
bithiah2

 

[JTLauder]

Congratulations! You will be embarking on an incredible journey as God reveals himself to you through the Bible!

First, what you are asking about is a particular "translation" not "version". When you ask for a "version" it could be a particular translation (actual word translation) like KJV, NIV, etc., or a paraphrase (interpreted meaning re-write), like The Message. While paraphrases can be interesting reading, do not use them as a basis for Bible Study. You will want an actual translation.

Now on the subject of which translation...I'm not going to give you a recommendation because they are ALL still translations. I actually recommend several different translations for comparison--do not get fanatical about a translation. If you're looking for a specific Study Bible, check them all out and see what kind of reference material fits your needs. Many different Study Bibles comes in different translations so get what you like.

Now, if you are serious about indepth Bible Study, the most important book next to the Bible is an exhaustive concordance. Remember what I said about translations being nothing more than a translation? For indepth Bible Study, you will want to examine the original writing. But unless you want to learn ancient Hebrew and Greek, concordance with a Hebrew and Greek lexicon will help you understand the original words. I can't emphasize this enough. Strong's Concordance is the most popular. As a supplement, I also suggest Vine's Expository Dictionary.

Next, you will want a good Bible Dictionary or two for additional background information.

The very last type of resource to consider are commentaries. They should NOT be the first things you turn to. Commentaries can be useful to extract additional insight you might not have considered on your own, but they nothing more than someone else's interpretation, even it that person happens to be an authority. When you do your own indepth Bible Study, you will want to study the Bible for yourself. Only regard commentaries as if they were another person contributing information to your study, but don't make them the final word.