Stumped on which Bible version is best for you or your family? Here’s your guide to the latest Word(s) on the street.
There’s no time like the present to begin a Bible reading plan or to ramp up an already established study routine. But where do you start? How do you navigate today’s sea of Bible offerings? Here’s a sampling of recently released Bibles and Bible resources, each offering you or someone in your family a unique way to go deeper in understanding God’s Word.
Start! The Bible for New Believers Thomas Nelson
Reading the Bible can be a daunting task for longtime believers and even more overwhelming for new Christians. Start! The Bible for New Believers hopes to change that for the latter crowd by presenting the basics of discipleship in easy-to-understand language. This New King James Version New Testament includes articles and devotions on subjects such as prayer, Bible study and determining God’s will. The “Grow” entries explain the disciplines of the Christian life. “Know” articles expose the core beliefs of Christianity. “Live” messages address salvation, and the “Learn” notes provide commentary on key Scriptures for spiritual growth. Evangelist Greg Laurie, senior pastor of Harvest Christian Fellowship in Riverside, Calif., served as general editor, and his “Secrets to Spiritual Success” will undoubtedly help new believers begin their journey in studying God’s Word.
KJV 400th Anniversary Bible Holman Bible Publishers
This 400th anniversary, high-quality edition of the King James Version (KJV) features 13-point type, Christ’s words in red, a giant print concordance and eight full-color maps. Also indicated are Messianic prophesies from the Old Testament and prophecy fulfillments from the New Testament. Special articles include the original introductory essay to the KJV, the making of the KJV and articles on its historical impact and ongoing influence. Readers will also find helpful tools on how to study the Bible and instructions on how to use this particular edition.
KJV Study Bible Barbour Publishing
Another product created to celebrate the 400th anniversary, the KJV Study Bible brings this translation “into a 21st-century context.” The 6,000-plus notes from the Simplified Bible Commentary Series will help readers more fully understand this version. This study Bible also features introductions to all 66 books, color maps and a dictionary/concordance.
A Visual History of the King James Bible Baker Books
Who knew that Shakespeare played a role in the development of the King James Version? That fact and many others are revealed in A Visual History of the King James Bible as Donald L. Brake, Bible collector and expert, explores the history—from the controversy to the legacy—of the best-known version of the Bible. Through photos, illustrations, charts and articles, readers will learn of the translation’s mysterious beginnings, the translators, the manuscripts from which the translation was based, the people and places that influenced its production and more. This review brings the history of the KJV to life.
HCSB Study Bible Holman Bible Publishers
What took six years, 35 scholars and tens of thousands of hours to create? The HCSB Study Bible. Designed and developed based on research and feedback from consumers, this study Bible includes comprehensive study notes, more than 400 word studies, 100-plus photographs, 59 timelines, Bible reading plans and more. It’s also available digitally in five formats: digital study Bible, digital reference, digital text-only, an app for iPhone and iPad, and for a limited time as a free translation app at YouVersion.com. Readers can also visit mystudybible.com for commentary notes and the text of the HCSB Study Bible.
The Four Holy Gospels Crossway
This production of the four Gospels in the English Standard Version also commemorates the 400th anniversary of the KJV. It features the artwork of commissioned artist Makoto Fujimura, a devout Christian and one of the most highly regarded artists of the 21st century. Each of the gospels opens with a full-color art piece inspired by the text. Fujimura also designed letters to begin each chapter and added embellishments to every page. His artwork is shown in full color throughout. The quality and artistry make The Four Holy Gospels well suited for public reading and as a family heirloom.
iShine Bible Totally for Tweens Tyndale House Publishers
Using the New Living Translation, these Bibles for tween boys and girls feature full-color pages with articles focusing on the central themes of iShine: V.I.P.—Value, Identity, Purpose. The iShine Bible answers questions relating to many of the issues tweens face and includes articles on having a relationship with Christ. This is also one of the first Bibles that links readers directly to online music, videos and live events via smart phones using QR (Quick Read) codes.
The C.S. Lewis Bible HarperOne
For the first time a Bible pairs C.S. Lewis’ own writings with corresponding Bible passages. With the New Revised Standard Version, this Bible offers readings comprised of selections from the famed author’s classics, including Mere Christianity, The Screwtape Letters, The Great Divorce, The Problem of Pain, Miracles, A Grief Observed, The Weight of Glory and The Abolition of Man, as well as letters, poetry and his less-familiar works. Key features include more than 600 selections from Lewis for contemplation and devotional reading, introductory essays on his view of the Scriptures, two-color interior, double-column format and presentation page.
Deluxe Family Bible Thomas Nelson
This commemorative handcrafted leather edition features 32 full-color, fine-art masterpieces and a 32-page children’s section with easy-to-read stories and illustrations. It also includes a special offer from the History Channel Club and a bound-in, 24-page full-color historical booklet in celebration of the 400th anniversary of the KJV. Watch out—it weighs in at 7 pounds.
Waterproof Bible Bardin & Marsee Publishing
The perfect volume for outdoor use, the Waterproof Bible is guaranteed to be water-safe inside and out. Now available in the King James Version, English Standard Version and New Living Translation, it features three cover designs and is offered as a complete Bible or in the New Testament/Psalms & Proverbs edition. The Waterproof Bible was created and published based on the company’s mission to make the most durable, reader-friendly Bible.
Live Tyndale House Publishers
Featuring the New Living Translation, Live includes experiences and activities that help teens discover surprising things about God and His presence in their lives, while also enabling them to express their faith creatively. With space for readers to respond to God’s Word, it features stories from real-life people and photos and sketches created by teens.
Single-Column Bible Thomas Nelson
Readers who prefer a single-column style when reading the Bible have two new options. The NKJV Single-Column Bible and the KJV Single-Column Bible in leathersoft each feature large-print, black-letter text and an uncluttered page design to keep visual distractions to a minimum.
The Family Reading Bible Zondervan
The family that prays—and reads the Bible—together stays together. This edition will help parents successfully lead family devotions. The easy reading plans include stories, prophecy and poetry that will engage the entire family. Notes and discussion questions help guide participants in their study. This Bible also offers three unique options for study: the “Short Path” is helpful when the family schedule is tight; the “Long Path” plan is ideal for dinner devotions or for older kids; and the “Off the Beaten Path” offers interesting subjects or “just for fun” topics such as great escapes, animals or what does God look like?
See how one Bible publisher creatively illustrated the gospels at fourgospels.charismamag.com
Chris Garcia 
Rabbi Eric Tokajer 
Mike Shreve