Study Bibles

I personally use the Keyword Study Bible... Though the Ryrie Study Bible is interesting also.. I liked the Hebrew and Greek references in the back.

 

I just got Zondervan's NIV study bible. It's got a lot of good information, but because so, it makes it hard to just read the bible. I still use my regular (non-study) bible for devotional reading.

 

I prefer the Thompson Chain Reference Bible. I believe that Brother Thompson used the Naves Topical Bible for his references and keyed them into the margins using his own numbering system. I believe it gives plenty of topical aids without forced commentary on given verses.

 

I don't know about best, but I've used the NIV study Bible for 10 years or so now.

I do most of study on computer, so have a few more bits and pieces on here.

 

Personally I don't like any of them. For the money spent I think a person would be much better off getting a good survey of the OT and a survey of the NT to read.

But if I had to pick one it would be the Disciples Study Bible.

 

I've worn the covers off of about 4 Scofield Bibles. Although I dont agree with all his notes I like the way the Bible is layed out and outlined. I'm just so used to it and can go right to a verse because I know what part of the page it is on and I cant get used to using any other.

 

I use MacArthur's and the Keyword (but mine is called the Hebrew-Greek Keyword Study Bible...old copy). I have several on my computer, but, like my commentaries, I seldom use them.

In Christ,
Trotter

 

I wouldn't recommend purchasing a study bible if it is going to be the only bible you have.

 

I agree. They tend to predispose one to a certain interpretation of the scripture before you study it for yourself.

P.S. Does anyone think it mere coincindence that the popularity of dispensational theology has risen in accordance with the sale of Scofield Bibles?

 

John MacArthur Study Bible!! Just got it a few days ago and I've been reading ever since! LOVE IT!

 

If I could I would give ever new convert the NIV Study Bible (though the NIV text is not my favorite) but the notes, maps and charts make it great!

Others I like,

The Amplified Bible - Amplifies the text and makes you feel as though you are there.

MacArthur Study Bible (NKJV) (Despite it's Dispensationalism) It is a great Calvinist Bible from a Baptistic perspective.

New Geneva Study Bible (Reformation Study Bible) (NKJV) Would rate it higher but Presbyterian paedobaptist theology is espoused though it is fair to the Baptist position.

Concordia Self Study Bible (NIV) A Reformed Study Bible from the Lutheran Wing of the Reformation. It is actually a Lutheran version of the NIV Study Bible and Book introductions have Luther's notes on the book. Because of the similarties between Calvinist and Lutheran theology, Reformed Baptist may find it helpful. The weakness is the Concordia espouses the Lutheran view of the sacraments (Baptismal regeneration being it's greatest weakness).

 

Nelsons NKJV. Cross references to your Strongs concordance, I find it really quite helpfull.

 

The Defender's Study Bible (KJV) Dr. Henry M. Morris

 

My head pastor loves his Scofield reference Bible.

Personally I swear by my Rembrandt, Doré and Chagall Bibles, but those are all artbibles not studybibles and so aren't relevant in this discussion.

 

I agree. They tend to predispose one to a certain interpretation of the scripture before you study it for yourself.

P.S. Does anyone think it mere coincindence that the popularity of dispensational theology has risen in accordance with the sale of Scofield Bibles? </font>[/QUOTE]This is an important observation. Most Christians formulate their theology either around what they read in addition to the Bible itself, or around what their pastor preaches, or a combination of the two. Not very many people become Lutherans by using the Scofield Reference Bible and listening to their Baptist pastor preaching. And just the opposite is true, that not very many people become Baptists by using the Concordia Study Bible and listening to their Lutheran pastor preaching. Those who would like to know what the Bible really teaches need to be very careful about what they read and who they listen to.

My recommendation is that Christians use the most literal translation of the Bible that they can possibly understand and avoid all Bibles that include any kind of doctrinal notes. Variorum readings and renderings, as well as abundant cross-references, are, however very much a plus. Variorum readings and renderings not only eliminate the need to compare several translations, but are much safer and more reliable.