How Do I Choose a "Good" Study Bible?

You're ready to take Bible study seriously, and you want to choose a good Bible to help you as you go. Is "good Bible" an appropriate term to use?

We think so. Here's why.

The Translation You Choose Matters

While getting started with a free Bible app is totally fine, we recommend eventually investing in, as Bible teacher Dr. John R. W. Stott puts it, “a careful, scholarly translation.”

The Bible was not originally written in English, so any English Bible you use is a translation. We do an entire lesson in our course on different translations in the Bible, but we’ll summarize it this way: 

When it comes to studying, accuracy matters. In Episode #007 of The Abidible Podcast, we talked about good theology. We quoted from the ESV and said, “Meaningful relationship with God is dependent on correct knowledge of him.” 

For this reason, you want to avoid error and stick with translations that are as literal as possible. These are called word-for-word translations (instead of thought-for-thought). Popular examples of thought-for-thought are the NLT, the New Living Translation and the Message.

Instead, we suggest choosing:

• the ESV, the English Standard Version
• the NASB, the New American Standard Bible
• the KJV/NKJV, the (New) King James Version
• the RSV, the Revised Standard Version

Other translations that are in the middle when it comes to accuracy and readability are the NIV, New International Version and the CSB, the Christian Standard Bible. These are good choices as well. 

Ultimately, anyone who wants to get serious about Bible study really will benefit from investing in a "good" study Bible. 

Why We Chose the English Standard Version (ESV)

Not only has the ESV been our personal Bible go-to for over a decade, but it's also a top quality translation that honors the original meaning.

The ESV seeks to be:

• "an 'essentially literal' translation that seeks as far as possible to reproduce the precise wording of the original text and the personal style of each Bible writer"
• a translation with "word-for-word" correspondence 
• "as literal as possible while maintaining clarity of expression and literary excellence"
• "suited for in-depth study of the Bible"

(Quotes take from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.)

Additionally, the ESV contains:

• 20,000 study notes
• 80,000 cross–references
• 200+ charts
• 50+ articles
• 240 full-color maps and illustrations

We have found these additional resources to be invaluable on our study journey.

Which ESV Bible Should I Choose?

This comes down to preference. Our only caveat is to make sure that you choose an ESV study  Bible. Here are four options to consider with pros + cons of each as well as links to each specific Bible. Click the name of the Bible to be redirected to these exact Bibles on Amazon*. We find Amazon has some of the best prices, and these Bibles are often on sale.

1) Personal Size, TrueTone Brown ESV Study Bible*

2) ESV Study Bible, Black*

This is Jason's personal Bible. Here are the pros + cons according to him:

Here is the personal size laid out on top of the regular size, for comparison:

3) ESV Journaling Bible, TruTone Nubuck Carmel*

Kate owns this Bible, but hasn't started using it yet:

4) ESV Large Print Study Bible, Black*

 *As Amazon Associates, we may earn a small commission from your purchase at no additional cost to you.

How is the production quality?

All ESV Study Bibles are produced exceptionally well. Each of these editions we've shared with you features smyth-sewn binding, (with TruTone and leather editions featuring additional ribbon markers), gilding, and all come with a lifetime guarantee.

Are Abidible Studies compatible with other translations?

What if I don't choose the ESV? Can I still do an Abidible study while using a version I prefer? Of course you can! Here's more on how to modify your Abidible study if you are using a different translation than the ESV.

Closing Thoughts

For anyone who is serious about studying God's Word correctly, the translation you choose does matter. We hope we have provided you with helpful information as you make your choice! This is one of the greatest investments you will make in your life!

Happy Studying!!!

"Oh, how I love your law! 
It is my mediation all the day."
(Psalm 119:97, ESV)

Let's Abide,

Jason and Kate

P.S. Want real training when it comes to Bible translations? Get that and so much more in our "How to Study the Bible" course! Click the link to learn more.