How to Buy a Bible

There are a number of things to keep in mind when you get ready to buy your new Bible. Here are some tips.

First, decide on the version. This is the most important decision you have to make. Some versions are very literal—others just a paraphrase of the Bible. Not all Bible versions are accurate—some are outright frauds.

I recommend that everyone have at least these two Bibles

• New International Version (NIV).
• New American Standard Bible (NASB).

The New International Version (NIV) is the best overall. It is easy to understand—even with difficult passages in the Old Testament. It's also a good starter Bible.

The New American Standard Bible (NASB) is the most literal, the most precise translation. However, many passages are not as easy to understand due to their fidelity to the original Greek, Hebrew and Aramaic texts.

Most Christians don't use the NASB as their primary study Bible. However, it is an excellent reference Bible which you can use to help determine what a particular Scripture really means.

The New King James Version (NKJV) is another popular Bible. However, some parts of the Old Testament are difficult to understand in this version.

The King James Version (KJV) is another popular version, first published in 1611. However, the English language, in which it was written, is of another era, making many passages more difficult to understand.

For young children, the New International Readers Version (NIrV) is recommended. It is a simplified version of the NIV. This Bible is also appropriate for adults who want an English Bible but have trouble with the English language.

All of these Bibles—along with other Bibles referred to on this site—are legitimate Bibles.

Examples of illegitimate Bibles include the following:

• Book of Mormon.
• New World Translation (Jehovah's Witnesses).
• The Catholic Bible.

Refer to the article on the Catholic Church in regard to concerns about the Catholic Bible.

Second, if you are buying online, pay attention to the size of the text. The size of the text is measured in points. Don't rely on descriptions like "large print" or "giant print"—instead look for specifics like "9 point type" or "11 point text." The larger the point size, the bigger the text.

Third, the Bible should include footnote references at the end of selected verses. That is, at the end of some Bible passages, there should be a reference to another Scripture that speaks to the same issue. This will help you in studying the Bible.

Fourth: Consider buying a One Year Bible. This is an another good way of studying the Bible.

Fifth: Actually, you don't have to buy a Bible at all. You can simply read the Bible online free. There are many good Bible Apps. I use Bible Gateway.

The Bible Gateway website makes it possible for you to read, or listen to the Bible, in a variety of translations and languages.

You can also check out the Bible Verse of the Day page on this website.

Finally, I highly recommend that you also buy or download some Bible CDs. Or listen to the Bible using an online resource. This will soon become a habit. If you're going to listen to the Bible, while you fall asleep or work, this should be a "voice only" reading—not a dramatized reading of the Bible. Two narrators I like are Charles Taylor and Alexander Scourby.

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