quote:

Originally posted by TigerDore:

EDIT: I just did a cursory check on the NIV version at BibleGateway. I went to Genesis 1 and the language there still refers to God as "he" and also keeps the traditional language of male and female.
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The NIV version I have from Zondervan has, for example, Gen 1:26 "Let us make mankind in our image..." which seems like a neutralization of the Gen 1:26 found in ESV "Let us make man in our image ... " I'm not feeling partial to these liberties as I'm not sure what other perhaps material changes have been made from the original.

Seems like a good resource to compare versions...

Thanks for the inputs guys. I've sampled some excerpts from various versions and overall I think I'm leaning toward an ESV version.

Since I've never read cover to cover before, this will be my first time, I'm looking for a good study bible with context summary, notes, additional info, maps, charts, tables and such.

So, a study bible with good supporting information in large print is difficult to find in itself. ESV seems to be common and generally accepted and leaning toward more traditional language and interpretations. (I could be wrong but seems the impression I'm forming).

After this initial reading and study, I may then venture into other formats like eBooks or perhaps even larger print or reader formats. My choices seem a little more limited now (I really want something with font size larger than 11 point on decent paper). I think it would be ideal (for study version) to separate the OT and the NT into 2 volumes and using thicker weight paper.

For just reading / reference / everyday use, thinner paper is probably fine for me (but still want at least 10 point).

quote:

Originally posted by Cous2492:
Be sure to get one that includes the deuterocanonicals/apocrypha. The same Church that declared Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John were divinely inspired declared them to be as well. It wasn't until the protestant reformation that those books were not considered to be a part of the Bible.

A great Bible is the Catholic Men's Study Bible, with commentary and reflections by Fr. Larry Richards. I have included a link.

Fr. Larry Richards Study Bible for men

Thanks. I'll keep this in mind for the next time around. I was looking for the story of Susanna (in apocrypha?). But at the moment, I prefer the phrasing and the study notes I've seen in the ESV (crossway) version.

quote:

Originally posted by konata88:
The NIV version I have from Zondervan has...

Seems like a good resource to compare versions...

I understand your caution, completely.

I have used Bible Gateway for years and I enjoy it.


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quote:

Originally posted by konata88:

Since I've never read cover to cover before, this will be my first time,.

After being a longtime "low church" person, I joined the Anglican Church in North America a few years ago and I have appreciated the experience, including their Book of Common Prayer (2019 edition). This isn't a Study Bible, but it does offer a nice calendar of daily Scripture readings that will take you through the entire Bible in either 1 year, or 2 years, depending on whether you read once a day or twice a day.

It may or may not be the right fit for you, just another thought.

https://bcp2019.anglicanchurch.../index.php/purchase/



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ESV is what I most often recommend, sticking with 66 book versions I'll go with the LSB(NASB derivative) second.

I personally like the KJV,NKJV as well as the LXX and the Eastern orthodox NT

I like the ESV or the CSB, but you would be fine with the NIV. The concern over gender-neutral language is overblown, in my opinion. In fact, it could be argued that the gender-neutral pronouns in the NIV are more faithful to the original text. For example, "man" in Gen 1:27 ("let us make man in our image") is ha-adam in Hebrew, which indicates all of humanity, not just males. "Mankind" is a more faithful interpretation of the original text.

The change was not driven by some liberal feminist ideology, it was driven by a desire to be as faithful as possible to the original manuscripts.

Konata88, Just sent you an email from my work email. It was kicked back. Can you email me? My email is in my profile.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: doublecorona,

quote:

Originally posted by V-Tail:
Well, there's always this version:

As a not-particularly-good Catholic, I was about to ask: Sure, but is there a version where I won't have to learn Hebrew?

(And then--visualize the forehead smack-- "Well, yes... we'd call that "the first four books of any English-language Old Testament...")

quote:

Originally posted by DennisM:

we'd call that "the first four books of any English-language Old Testament...")

Almost correct. The Torah is the compilation of the first five books of the Hebrew Bible, namely the books of Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers and Deuteronomy.

quote:

Originally posted by TigerDore:

Does that come in a pocket edition?

Sure does! There are a bunch of them. Here's one: https://www.amazon.com/Torah-P...ociety/dp/082760680X

quote:

Originally posted by V-Tail:

quote:

Originally posted by TigerDore:

Does that come in a pocket edition?

Sure does! There are a bunch of them. Here's one: https://www.amazon.com/Torah-P...ociety/dp/082760680X

Thanks, V-Tail!



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quote:

Originally posted by V-Tail:

quote:

Originally posted by DennisM:

we'd call that "the first four books of any English-language Old Testament...")

Almost correct. The Torah is the compilation of the first five books of the Hebrew Bible, namely the books of Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers and Deuteronomy.

Yep.



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I use the NASB titled The Charles F. Stanley Life Principles Bible. It is full of notes and explanations from Charles Stanley.

ESV. KJV has lovely poetry at times, but ESV is easier to follow.

I prefer ESV.

Some very good recommendations have been shared in this thread.

Our church has transitioned to the ESV (from the 1984 edition NIV) for Bibles in the pews and the pastor uses a copy. The down-home church is still KJV, but the pastor uses the NKJV. The ESV Study Bible from Crossway is loaded with notes and references, study aids, and not too pricey in a variety of physical and text/font sizes.

Personally, I'm a fan of the NASB 1995 edition (Ryrie Study Bible).
For the Apocryphal books I have an NRSVue.

Pic of the App Icon:

[/QUOTE]

My wife has used this one for years and loves it. It’s free.
She often sets it to read out loud to her as she does housework etc.

quote:

Originally posted by pace40:
KJV...but then again I read Shakespeare too.

An Old School guy, but you did switch to a P365.

Might see this as from left field, but The Orthodox Study Bible (Thomas Nelson Publishers) seems exactly what you are looking for. Old Testament is a new translation of the Septuagint and New Testament is the NKJV. Includes commentary from early church fathers, maps, introductions that include context plus historical overviews, 9.5 point type and lots of color icons.