Cultural Backgrounds Study Bible - An Honest Review (of a historical context Bible!)

In this video we take a look at the Cultural Backgrounds Study Bible from Zondervan
* The personal size hardback that JM reviews in this video is available at: tinyurl.com/yagfu8nz
* "Bible for the Rest of Us" can be found at www.discipledojo.org/bible
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[@KindomChums]

I like how you focus on content and not just aesthetic like most Bible Reviewers

[@sheilajohnson3383]

I like that your reviews are actual reviews. You give the pros and cons. Nicely done.

[@DiscipleDojo]

Thank you. I hate reviews that are just focused on aesthetics (binding, font size, layout, etc.) or are just uncritical endorsements. They always seem like marketing fluff to me. I want viewers to be educated about the content instead.

[@LifeDIY]

I just found your channel. Thank you so much for this extremely detailed and comprehensive review of this Bible. I just bought a new journal Bible and I love it, as I'm using online resources for additional information and commentary. I feel like I am missing more context and this Bible could help me understand some things better as I'm reading. I appreciate how you explained that although it gives information, it doesn't always offer up their interpretation. That's important too. I am not a teacher or seminary student, but I just want to keep learning and understanding more and this one really appeals to me. I am definitely going to subscribe and check our your other videos before buying another Bible.

[@SibleySteve]

This study Bible and the matching IVP Commentary "Cultural Background Commentary of the NT" by Keener were the back bone of a class I led at church this fall on Food and Feasts in Luke and Acts. The amount of information I found on food, dining, taboos, meat, menu, banquets, fasting, etc. was fantastic.

[@DiscipleDojo]

Yes, they are wonderful resources!

[@ericpoore3331]

@@DiscipleDojo I am currently trying to decide between this Study Bible and the IVP Bible Backgrounds Commentary myself. It seems like the NT at least is done by Craig Keener which is fantastic but I wonder if you have any input on whether one or the other would be the better purchase or if I should try to eventually get both?

[@OneStepToday]

I bet it doesn't tell you that the child shares in the purification ritual with the mother, as shown in Lev 12, Luke 2:22 for Jesus' purification, they'd all misrepresent Jewish culture and the law by twisting these verses. See Isaac Oliver's Gentilising Luke's most Jewish Moments article on academia. Compare Wilham's Lev 12 commentary for purity laws. There are tons of key info that mainstream scholars are not aware of, from textual to historical details.

You did an excellent job on the Review of this Study Bible. I have the hardcover NRSV Translation, and I love it! I purchased my copy in 2022. I'm just really diving into it this year. Looking forward to more of your wonderful Reviews!🌄🙋

[@lisawhite6449]

I bought this study bible because of your review. Thanks! I just received it today and love it ❤ It is my first NIV because I couldn't find an NRSV but I'm liking the easy going language.

[@wimdhaese7758]

Thank you for this balanced review. I have this study Bible for almost a year, I think, and I found it very interesting. I wasn't used to look at the Bible through the lens of the cultural background of the writer and the ancient near-eastern readers. So it's been an eyeopener for me. Thanks again for the review, I think I have to check out the wordlist in the beginning and the notes on the book of Revelation today.

[@DiscipleDojo]

Yes, the word list is excellent!

[@BillWalkerWarren]

Looks like it should be a good one Keener’s IVP New Testament background commentary is awesome and Walton’s IVP Old Testament background commentary is great too . Thanks for your video. Blessings

[@leonardsmalls2758]

Great job! Thank you. I love your bookshelf.

[@latonyameori]

Very good review! Thanks!

[@kapibarra134]

i am so happy i found oyur channel ! this is what makes the bible the most beuatiful book in the entire world and these tools help us and bring us so much closer to god !

[@scottfritzsche7292]

I use it often and find it incredibly useful all and all.

[@jeymolinos7446]

Thanks for the review.

[@Free1see]

Just got this one after watching this review. The New Testament commentary from Keener is awesome! Thanks for the review on this one. I probably wouldn’t have thought to buy it if i hadn’t watch this!

[@DiscipleDojo]

Glad it was helpful! Tell Zondervan about the channel so I can get a finder's fee!! 😅 (Totally kidding!)

[@Free1see]

Lol 😂 for real I bought this one and the archeological bible study after watching the reviews. Both are excellent

[@davidhabte4944]

Thanks for great and clear review. I have the NIV and NRSV, I prefer the NIV because of paper quality. I wish it comes with single columns. I prefer single column and large print because of my age and vision problems.

[@TylerDawnRosenquist]

A friend introduced me to your channel yesterday--somehow he figured that an Introduction to Revelation by Doctor Strange would appeal to me--have absolutely NO idea why he would think that as I sit here anxiously waiting for my husband to get home so we can go watch Shang-Chi ;) . Anyway, I appreciate this review and I bookmarked it. I recommend this Study Bible to my listeners a lot but it's really nice to be able to shoot your review over to them as well so that I don't have to take the time to explain why it is such an excellent primer for getting into ANE and FC studies for themselves.

[@DiscipleDojo]

Awesome! That's exactly why I do these reviews...people are too busy and need something handy they can send to those who ask! 🙂

[@TylerDawnRosenquist]

@@DiscipleDojo I am a big believer in not reinventing the wheel when someone else has already assembled one for me!

[@angellovett9089]

I went to a Ministry Institute and one of my peers had a leather back cultural background bible. I thought it was soooo cool! Since then, I've always been interested in purchasing one(:

[@yuantracyxiong8814]

Thank you for the detailed review! I just watched your other review on the Archeological Study Bible and found it difficult to decide which one to go for. If you have to choose one between the two, which one would u go for?

[@megalyon]

Yes agree I’m starting to prefer single column bibles - so much more pleasant to read than double column bibles

[@Ang2England]

This is the Bible I just picked up for my son who told me for his birthday he wanted a "real Bible" for adults instead of a kids Bible which he feels he's outgrown. He specifically requested NKJV so I felt like this was a great study bible option in that translation option. I'm looking forward to seeing what he thinks of it. I feel like he gets enough "lifestyle application" stuff just from our homeschool curriculum, discussions as a family and what not. He really wanted something meatier and more insightful so I'm hoping this fits the bill. He's young - only turning 13 - but has a love of history already so I think this will speak to him. Thanks for the review. PS Random - do the pages get less chalky feeling with use? Maybe it's just leftover from the printing process?

[@Jar0fMay0]

Hope he liked it. I love history and wished I had this and the archeological study bible as a teen. I think I would've picked up the Bible much sooner than later.

[@ronnelaxel5683]

i got mine and i love it

[@carlosandresmejiagomez1112]

Cultural Backgrounds SB Vs Archeological Study Bible Vs Bakers Bacground Commentary? What is your recommendation: purpose getting the most complete context information, really understanding the context in which the Text was written and how to use that information in understanding

[@genebaker6964]

Wow just discovered this only to see only the smaller font is still available.

[@dannykoop]

Maybe somebody else has chimed in on this but I'm wondering if the chalkiness of the paper is residual powder used during the printing process to keep the pages from sticking together during binding - especially if they're laying down CMYK four color process ink.

[@DiscipleDojo]

That would make sense. But the Archaeological Study Bible pages are all full color and don't have such a feel to them.

[@redeemed-gen-z]

Hello! Nice review, really considering buying this one. I wonder, how does the Cultural Backgrounds Study Bible compare with the ESV Study Bible if we ignore the denominational bias of the ESVSB?

[@DiscipleDojo]

ESV gives more general notes and not as much on the actual cultural background of the text.

[@d.c.sodyssey4783]

would you know if the notes are extractions from the 2 volume IVP commentary set by the two authors, but just condensed?

[@DiscipleDojo]

I believe so. But with illustrations from ZIBBCOT and ZIBBCNT included.

[@naiman4535]

Ohayoo gozaimasu, Disciple Dojo Sensei! I saw that there were so many reviews of this book on KZbin, that I expected that it would be readily available at my local Christian bookstore - but it wasn't. Instead, they had Baker's cultural backgrounds study Bible - and it was not so nifty as what you're presenting here, so I didn't get it. Talk about pros and cons - let's face it - no study Bible can have it all, so they gotta decide what exactly they will cover, or focus on. What you want, I suppose, is an encyclopedic volume that puts just about all the cultural background material together in one place.

[@kingdomm88]

Thanks! Between the video and comments, I'm buying one. I currently use and love the net full notes and think the cultural study bible would make a good compliment. Thoughts?

[@DiscipleDojo]

Yes, I think that is a great combo.

[@sassybanjo3586]

I plan to use it with the YouVersion digital copy of the NET Bible.

[@DupDiDonk]

Thank you! Ima git it now - it's such an investment in time, and if you don't like it, how can you return a Bible? BTW, is there any good GenZ Bible out yet?

[@daleclark3138]

Was available in a large print hardback that is now out of print and hard to find. Got lucky and found one in very good condition for $18.99 delivered. Also got a regular print hardback Archaeological Study bible in very good condition for $16. Wish they would update this but not likely to happen. Thanks for good reviews on both.

[@DiscipleDojo]

Excellent resources to have on your shelf!

[@dean4670]

Which do you prefer between the two?

[@daleclark3138]

@@dean4670 the Archaeological Bible because I like history.

[@jimmymyers7599]

Any advantage to having this if one already has the IVP Bible Background Commentaries?

[@DiscipleDojo]

Pictures and portability, mostly.

[@noemirojek7896]

Hello, thank you for your thorough review! I have been interested in this Bible for a while now. I have read the first pages of Genesis from the pdf sample file, and it seems to me there is so much focus on the Ancient Near East deities and cults (not so much background on the Hebrew/Jewish traditions), without really making a clear distinction between all those deities and God himself, no notes that would make us say/think "Ah, the God of Israel is clearly the one true God compared to everything else!". I know that, and you know that, but from the outside looking in I wouldn't be able to say if the people writing those notes actually knew who the real God is. I have only read a few notes and that's the impression I had so I might be wrong. What would you say about this? Apart from that, you mentioned by the end of your video that this Bible is strictly focused on the cultural and historical backgrounds, with no links to our faith today or theology theories in the notes. Is there a study Bible you would recommend for me with a good balance of all of that? If it's not asking too much :)

[@DiscipleDojo]

Hi Noemi, see the Archaeological Study Bible and NLT Study Bible reviews here on the channel for two I would recommend that do more of what you're looking for!

[@noemirojek7896]

@@DiscipleDojo hey, thanks! I already watched them :) but do you have an opinion about the first thing I wrote?

[@DiscipleDojo]

I don't get that when I read the notes, especially when reading the various articles, essays, and introductions throughout. Walton and the other contributors are solid, so I find the notes helpful in placing things in that world while also acknowledging places where the Biblical message diverges from other gods or beliefs at the time.

[@chuckbartlett4214]

If you are choosing between either this Bible or the Holy Land Illustrated Bible, which would be better? I already have the Archeological Bible.

[@DiscipleDojo]

This one, hands down. Holy Land Illustrated has nice pics and some articles, but no study notes. The one and Archaeological are a great complimentary pair for background study.

[@chuckbartlett4214]

@@DiscipleDojo thank you so much for the review as well as your timely response.

[@israelrivera3009]

Since Craig Keener and J. Walton are the Authors of this Cultural Backgrounds SB and of the IVP Bible Background Commentary as well,.....If i already have the IVP Commentary of them....that means that I already have all or maybe even more of the study notes that are in the Cultural Backgrounds SB ??

[@DiscipleDojo]

I'm not sure. I know there is a lot of overlap, but I can't remember if others contributed as well.

[@israelrivera3009]

@@DiscipleDojo Thank you Sir , ..new subscriber and a former Shoto Kan Sempai....Oss !

[@MatthewMcknight]

This Study Bible sounds amazing! What would I lose in content/value if I only got this Study Bible instead of the Archeological Study Bible? Sounds like in an ideal world, it would be great to have both. But I can only get one for the time being. Thoughts?

[@DiscipleDojo]

You can't go wrong with either, honestly. I prefer the Archaeological Study Bible, but only because I have a large commentary library to help supplement the notes in it. If you are looking for more background notes, this one is probably the way to go (either in the NIV or NRSV).

[@LifeDIY]

Do you have any recommenations for commentaries? @@DiscipleDojo

[@IndianaJoe0321]

​@@LifeDIY: Gordon Fee & Douglas Stuart have a book, "How to Read the Bible for All it's Worth." It's a small book about hermeneutics but in the back is an excellent list of their recommended evangelical commentaries, for each book of the Bible.

[@LifeDIY]

@@IndianaJoe0321Thank you so much. I will check this out! I ended up buying the IVP commentary and it's pretty good too.

[@IndianaJoe0321]

@@LifeDIY : the IVP Bible Dictionaries (the 8 volume set) can be a bit pricey, but they are EXCELLENT. Dr. Heiser would mention them as a resource, and he was correct. I think you may be referring to the IVP Bible Background series -- which is also outstanding. The two volumes will be a great blessing to you.

[@michaelelijahu.mcdavid169]

I really like my Cultural Backgrounds study Bible. Mine is in the NKJV but I don’t care for the NKJV I just like the notes when I’m reading through my NASB or Greek NT. I use it alongside my ESV archaeological study Bible (which is kinda neat), my NET Full Notes S.B., and my Robert Alter Tanakh.

[@JeansiByxan]

What about Walton's interpretation of Genesis? I find it very misleading and would like to hear if his other interpretations in this one are equally idiosyncratic.

[@DiscipleDojo]

I don't think it's misleading. I don't think it's the most convincing interpretation all around, but I think Walton does point to some things that need to be taken into account when interpreting the text regardless of what view one ends up holding in the end. And while Walton has popularized it, it is not an idiosyncratic view because numerous evangelical scholars have put forth similar readings for decades (Meredith Kline comes to mind). I think some of the interpretations in it are good, some less good, and even the ones I disagree with completely (like the location of Mt. Sinai) still provide good background material that helps interpret the message of the text as it would have been heard by the ancient reader/hearer. That, to me, is the strength of this study Bible.

[@e.m.8094]

Has anyone figured out yet if you need this Bible if you have both the new and old testament commentaries by Walton and Keener? (I also have the Archaeological Study Bible)

[@DiscipleDojo]

You don't "need" it, but those commentaries don't have the photos and illustrations if my memory serves me (unless they've updated the print editions to include them).

[@e.m.8094]

@@DiscipleDojo Thanks. I'll probably spend the extra $30 or so. After some investigating, it sounds like the 2nd edition of the NT commentary has been updated AFTER The Cultural Background study Bible was released, but the OT commentary has NOT been, so there would be more overlap there.

[@Kens1966]

Do you trust this as a main study bible ?

[@DiscipleDojo]

Yes, if someone is wanting something that gives more background and insight into the world of the text, this would be a good one to use (though I still think the Zondervan Archaeological Study Bible is better, but it's out of print and harder to find online).

[@janjamesramos247]

I watched a video of Mt Sinai being in Saudi Arabia. Interesting.

[@DiscipleDojo]

See the latest series here on the channel for more on that theory. I think it is the correct one, personally.

[@UNAJacob1985]

Why do you not recommend the NKJV version?

[@DiscipleDojo]

See my review of the NKJV Study Bible for my thoughts on that translation and why I don't love it.

[@UNAJacob1985]

@@DiscipleDojo sure will, thanks!

[@reneeisaacs4622]

@@DiscipleDojo Where is it?

[@cecilly59]

The paper feels almost like thin newsprint.

[@mralan3022]

Nice colour though (in my opinion)

[@chrisinf-11b10]

It also comes in the NKJV

[@kapibarra134]

when disregard the bible i feel cut in my heart ! and it shocks me !

[@celestialadministration]

Very informative, should be a standard. Both for people calling themselves israelite or christian. Death to dogma.

[@ruthgomez5918]

Is this a christian bible? 😊

[@user-tp9rl8pe5y]

Are you against KJV? If so, your pro/con on why that may be?

[@DiscipleDojo]

I don't recommend KJV for study because it is not the language we speak today; it is the language people spoke 400 years ago. It is also based on later manuscripts from the ones that have been discovered in those 400 years and the advances in linguistics are not reflected in it. It was a wonderful translation for its time, but there is nothing holy or sacred about it.