An honest review of Zondervan's Biblical Theology Study Bible

In this episode, we are looking at the Biblical Theology Study Bible by Zondervan (formerly published as the Zondervan Study Bible). It is available at: tinyurl.com/fjx3t94e The former edition is also available at: tinyurl.com/2etvpwz6
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3. In the comments below, tell me why I should send this study Bible to you!
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[@LocaChoca]

I have been researching study Bibles for a very long time, and your channel has been a treasure trove of information. I came for the bible reviews, but I have stayed for your deep dives into theology. I really hope you are able to continue to grow your platform here on KZbin to reach the lost and teach us who wish to know the bible more deeply.

[@DiscipleDojo]

Thank you so much! That is so encouraging!!

[@journeyingthroughfaith5816]

I’ve been wanting to dig deeper into theology principles and this looks like a great way to do that. This one will definitely be added to my wish list if not chosen! I appreciate your reviews and the fact that you address deeper issues with the Bibles including any possible slants in views by the contributors. It’s really helpful, especially since it’s more difficult to check these out in a store now!

[@christinem2335]

I appreciate your detailed review of this study Bible. Thank you!

[@johnmcafee6140]

Great review, JM. I picked up the first edition (NIV Zondervan Study Bible) almost exactly six years ago. It had been out a few months when our local Lifeway store had the hardback for $15 on Black Friday so I couldn't pass it up. It quickly became my "go-to" study Bible. In all honesty , even though I've used this Bible for six years, I can't really think of anything to add to this review. Keep up the great work!

[@MM-jf1me]

I'm very glad I checked out this review (after watching your top 7 study Bibles video). I was thinking this Bible would probably be more conservative than I'd like so I'm pleasantly surprised to hear you found it so even-handed. Sounds like a useful resource for a wide range of people!

[@AllDayML]

I have this study Bible and I love it! Such a GOOD resource.

[@sydney.g.sloangammagee8181]

Hello Dojo, I believe I owe you an apology . . . I found you a few months ago . . . through MANY of your videos on Bible reviews, which I love . . . but reading comments, things become defensive, frequently - I took offense to this & allowed things to escalate!!! Watching Bible reviews from others, some don't even open the book & only talk about bindings & looks, etc., we can see that much for ourselves (none hold a candle to you), you keep an unbiased description yet explain contributors leaning one way or another, gender controversial issues in specific texts, point out how shallow or deep theology & cultural information may be, which is extremely valuable - allows us to truly make an informed decision before we spend money on a Bible we would otherwise be sorely disappointed in, so THANK YOU!!!! I cannot emphasize that enough, Thank You! I loved RC Sproul & always will, I learned so much from him & wouldn't be where I am now . . . once I found out he was amillennial & that MacArthur is premillennial, both of their Bibles are Reformation Calvinistic, with slight differences that I am able to pick out (so obviously I know both in depth) they pleasantly disagreed & remained friends . . . THAT is admirable. I switched to MacArthur for his expository preaching, verse, chapter, book, but, I couldn't understand why MacArthur doesn't care for Jack Hibbs . . . I LOVE Jack's relentless optimism, just what this dark desperate society needed through 2020 & he is premillennial rapture, expository preaching, strict adherence to gospel truth & assurance of salvation . . . I was beginning to wake up, it forced me to re-evaluate my thinking . . . to come full circle right back where I was when I first came to your channel. I wanted a neutral Bible, just the facts, let ME read what it says & not have commentary TELL me what it says, when the Biblical text seemed pretty clear about what it said . . . Martin Luther was wrestling with the risk of splintering multiple religions before he finally decided to translate the Bible by saying, "Scripture is sufficient for Salvation!" To me, he felt the Roman Catholic church had had its chance & without correction, was taking people to a destructive end. Now, to display my extreme naivety here - THIS is the REFORMATION!!!!! Multiple martyrs, multiple language translations . . . I understood Lutherans from Martin Luther & German, as compared to Calvin with French, Spanish, Italian, & remodeling church layout to put the Bible visually centermost within the church instead of under lock & key in a protected corner, also John Knox & establishing modern education practices to teach people to read & William Tyndell translating into English, which unified various dialects all over England by Shakespeare mimicking those elegant poetic lyrics . . . so of course, all Bibles are Reformation!!!! I had never even heard of Armenianism, before visiting your site & couldn't understand your defensive stance in comments . . . however . . . Matthew Everhart, PCA, Protestant or Pentecostal ? who is very pleasant, but definitely adversarial against Armenianism, wears a t-shirt 'Armenians are nice, but Calvinists are right!' - doesn't even rhyme - no one can learn just what Armenian is, from opponents against it . . . (I would invite you to educate me!) . . . made me realize the on-going attacks you must get & your defensive reaction as a result . . . so, I am terribly sorry for any comments I have left that may have offended you, that you may have taken as an attack against you or your faith, I assure you, it was out of my own ignorance. More recently, Brian @ Faith on Fire - wow, outright attacks against Sproul, MacArthur, Nichols, etc., Calvinism as a cult, as I'm sure you are aware, I won't call him full-blown charismatic, but, I'd like to point him to Everhart . . . he is Brash! Gnashing of teeth is supposed to come after judgment, yet here we are, ignoring what Paul described using various body parts to make a whole & to be in unity! You were the first to shock me into reality, "wait . . . all Bibles are not Reformation, or Catholic, or Lutheran . . . how can there possibly be an Athiestic Bible?" - reading comments with the bantering back & forth, I took offense because gospel basics are to unite the body of Christ but these others are downright nasty with a pleasant smile on their faces as if that makes it acceptable - no, it doesn't, it's mean, attacks upon someone who doesn't believe as they do, is just wrong - which just reinforced Brian's position that Calvinists are arrogant & twisting the meaning of scripture to indoctrinate people. John 3 about Nicodemus is my favorite chapter of all 4 gospels . . . nearly everyone takes 3:16 out of context, as the only bright spot in a very dark episode - CRUCIAL doctrine from Jesus Himself (I would love to share this with you) & they (Reformation Calvinists) SHRED the true meaning of it!!! Look, it's steps just like this throughout my life, I know without a doubt that the Holy Spirit has been guiding me - think of Baalam & the talking donkey, I am the ass, cause the donkey is more obedient than I am. My whole life has been a process of elimination, what I definitely am not & couldn't possibly believe to align myself with any specific religion or attend church there - I have never really been active in any church, though I have the desire to be. I have a fairly long list & I'm checking each one twice . . . I just found a church . . . was excited to really try . . . now, I can't even make myself read my Bibles, cause they are all Reformation Calvinist, as is that church . . . or another church is into faith healing & speaking in tongues which terrifies me, Jesus saying, "Be gone from Me, for I never knew you!" I mean, YES, I believe in the gifts of the spirit & miraculous signs, they ended but I also believe being told of them, when in the end times, was yet another sign to be watchful of, along with false preachers & teachers, scoffers, men & women who would prophesie & do wonderous things . . . THAT is discernment . . . where is that narrow path . . . I am on it . . . but guiltted into believing that I'm sinning by not being part of a church building or group or community - officially!!! Is that part of the gospel basics? Or just another point of contention to keep the body of Christ at each other's throats !!! We are all so messed up!!! Once again, Dojo, Thank You, for reading this & I am sincerely sorry & officially apologize to you.

[@amangaming5760]

This would be nice to have as I am using the NIV to study with my children. Thanks for the review and giveaway. Blessings to you and your family.

[@bonnie7433]

Great review as always. No need to apologise about not being able to post overseas. The cost of getting anything posted to Australia from overseas is currently ridiculous. Keep up the good work. God Bless

[@Cassy-ep1xx]

"If you are watching this, you probably care a little bit about being truthful" 😁 made me laugh with that one. Great review as always! Thank you for taking the time to give an in depth review!

[@MrMonte234cristo]

Great channel...very educated and intelligent reviews..I am learning a lot!

[@DiscipleDojo]

Yay! I'm so glad!

[@BethsCreativeSpot]

Thanks for sharing! I was looking for a good NIV Bible. I think this is it!

[@megalyon]

Thanks I started Ministry school this year so I’m going to get it as it was listed among your favorite study bibles as well and I am interested in a theology study Bible 😁

[@i.vandenbergh198]

I love this study bible. I have multiple but this one I use the most and also use the most to copy things out of (w/source) into my journaling bible.

[@daleclark3138]

Good review. Have enjoyed all of your informative reviews so far. Ordered one of these in faux leather for $22.

[@DiscipleDojo]

That's a GREAT price!

[@starrystarrynight6281]

Thanks for your review. I just ordered it…

[@BillWalkerWarren]

Great review! This one looks like it would be a valuable resource. I will say I am reformed Presbyterian type . I have considerable respect for the writers and commentators you mentioned. Carson and Moo are excellent. Their separate works on Mathew and Romans are both top rated works inside and outside of reformed circles. Again thanks for your review. Also hats off to you for your evenhanded review. Blessings

[@DiscipleDojo]

They are both very good scholars who I appreciate even when I disagree with them.

[@Habanecro]

bruh i was legit looking into these study bibles a few days ago and now ur over here reviewing it. dope

[@DiscipleDojo]

Glad the timing worked. :-)

[@terriquinn4782]

Great in-depth Review. *Came across your amazing channel mere days ago and subscribed. *Shared the link to your channel in a Christian singles FB group I'm in. *I'm seeking a very in-depth study of the Bible. To grow as a Christian. Never stop growing. Never stop learning. God bless you JM . Thank you for the chance. 🙏

[@DiscipleDojo]

Thank you! That is very encouraging!

[@mattwise1mw]

Thank you brother great information

[@DiscipleDojo]

Glad it was helpful!

[@richardpetervonrahden6393]

Thank you for this indepth and balanced review. I had previously bypassed the Zondervan Study Bible because I had an NIV Study Bible, also published by Zondervan, so what was the difference? So I think it is valid that they renamed it. Having now heard your balanced review, I do now see a reason to get it... hope I can still find a copy of either edition! Anyway, thank you for these reviews, they are appreciated.

[@lindseywolbrink]

I've spent the past few days trying to find a great study bible that presents different sides to certain scripture topics and I think I found the one! Recently, I've been reading through a strongly Calvinistic study bible, and being a non-Calvinist myself, I've been trying to search for a different study bible that is more aligned with my beliefs. Thank you for showing us what some of the notes said especially in Romans. This was super helpful, thank you!!

[@DiscipleDojo]

Glad it was helpful!

[@valdotc8559]

Thank you! Thats pretty much the review I was looking for. I really wanted to know if it was biased or not, as Im not a calvinist at all.

[@SaneNoMore]

Glad to know they are the same so I can just keep my old one.

[@redeemed-gen-z]

Nice review! I'm considering this. For a college student interested in deeper study, but has not had a study bible before, would you recommend this one or the Cultural Backgrounds Study Bible? I do have just a bit of theological knowledge but have never had a study bible before. Just listening to expository teachings and online commentaries. Ugh in a dilemma which to choose, both are soo interesting

[@MAMoreno]

The thing that bugs me is that they went to the trouble of renaming it, but they still haven't put it out in any other translations. For those of us who are snooty translation snobs with a strong bias toward English Bibles in the Tyndale-KJV tradition, it would be nice to have the option of the NASB 2020 (which could really use some love) or the NRSV.

[@DiscipleDojo]

Zondervan doesn't own those translations' copyrights, I believe.

[@MAMoreno]

@@DiscipleDojo True, but they do release other study Bibles in those translations: the NRSV Cultural Backgrounds Study Bible and the Zondervan NASB Study Bible (the latter of which is in desperate need of an update).

[@DiscipleDojo]

Oh yeah, I forgot the released an NRSV version of the CBSB! I don't know why they didn't with this one as well. Yes, it would be nice if it were available in those translations.

[@laurabobmartin6676]

I only have about 40 Bibles so I REALLY need this one!! Pick me!

[@jreaves11]

Excellent review especially on the Biblical Theology Study Bible. I cut my teeth, so to speak on the NIV Study Bible and I would love to have a copy of the Biblical Theology Study Bible by Zondervan, for no other reason than to compare them. I am doing work presently on Ezekiel regarding his vision in chapter 1 and the particular views of angels and the throne of God in chapter 1,. I would love to see what the Biblical Theology Study Bible has to say about Ezekiel 1.

[@imabeliever85]

Great, great review! The Zondervan study Bible had very small, light, hard to read print. Plus the Bible was big and heavy and bulky. I know at least one person who gave theirs away because it was too heavy. The NIV biblical theology study Bible has small print also, but it is darker and clearer, much easier on the eyes with the comfort print.

[@DiscipleDojo]

Yes, it's definitely an improvement. Not sure who was heading the design team at Zondervan, but I'm glad they course-corrected.

[@donnavanmaanen1110]

I am in the process of trying to write a workbook study for the Book of Revelation. I have been looking at this bible but have not been able to get it. It looks great. If you can I would love one!

[@DiscipleDojo]

This contest was last year. However, if you are interested in Revelation resources, see the free downloadable workbook at www.discipledojo.org/revelation

[@chavachava6400]

I really enjoy the commentary in this book. However, I just can't continue straining to read this bible. Do you happen to recommend another study bible that can bring the "Theology" aspect in NIV? Thanks

[@DiscipleDojo]

I'm not sure what you mean by "Theology" aspect. But I have reviewed the Systematic Theology Study Bible by Crossway here on the channel if you want to take a look at that.

[@colorcreatively]

Have you done a review on the Baker Illustrated Study Bible? I would love your opinion on the notes. At times I think they are balanced and then I read further and I am not sure what is being said? Can you clarify the notes in the Baker Illustrated Study Bible for me?

[@DiscipleDojo]

I have not seen that one, I'm afriad.

[@colorcreatively]

@@DiscipleDojo BAKER ILLUSTRATED STUDY BIBLE (NOT THE COMMENTARY) is on Sale at Christian Book Distributors right now. I was hoping you would do a review of the notes in this Bible. The notes have left me with questions about their bias???

[@DiscipleDojo]

@@colorcreatively I will keep it in mind for a future review.

[@roccorubino6288]

Which one is better?

[@jonahleefrance7525]

Hi I’m Jonah Lee-France, I’ve been watching you for a while because I wanted a study Bible but didn’t know which one to buy or is worth it, I’m still searching for one at the moment. I’m really but Thinking of just getting an interlinear Bible instead. I did liked your review on the top 7 study bibles. I am looking forward with your giveaway, I just found out but if one person here doesn’t even have a Bible I’d let him win.

[@DiscipleDojo]

Jonah Lee-France, you win! Email [e-mail] with your address and I will mail it to you!

[@micaelmartel]

How does the note system compares to the esv study bible? Is it worth getting both? I already have the esv one and am wondering if I should go for a commentary and dictionary instead.

[@Strongtower]

Definitely check out some Dictionaries and commentaries. They are more helpful in the long run.

[@rosbyduhart5884]

Could you take a look at The New Inductive study Bible Nasb By Harvest House?

[@DiscipleDojo]

If you want to send me one, I'm happy to. :-)

[@Kens1966]

I'm kinda new to learning about the bible. I haven't read the whole bible. I have the zondervan NIV and have the NIV revised study bible coming. Now I do have a basic knowledge of the bible. I'm not so new. I've been a Christian for years. What's your thoughts on the NIV revised study bible compared to zondervans theology bible

[@DiscipleDojo]

It's more basic and less in-depth, theologically. But it is a good overall resource, IMO.

[@d.c.sodyssey4783]

is this Bible red letter in the NT ? .. and does this include word studies, archeology and culture notes along the way, either in side boxes or in the running commentary?

[@DiscipleDojo]

No, it is black letter throughout. There might be some occasional archeology references in the notes and book intros, but not much.

[@AbramSailor79]

@11:29 I can't seem to find the DiscipleDojo Podcast Ep with "Genesis Primordial Preface" in reference to Gen 1-11. Does anyone possibly know the date of the PodCast Ep or another way to locate it please? I've check Spotify and Amazon which are listed in the description as places to locate the PodCast which I do but can not find the episode. Thank you!

[@DiscipleDojo]

Our native platform is SoundCloud, so that's where all the episodes are organized in playlists. The other podcast platforms simply post the rss feed without any playlist capabilites. So head to SoundCloud and search DiscipleDojo there and you should be able to find it in the playlists. Cheers!

[@AbramSailor79]

@@DiscipleDojo wow thanks so much for you quick reply! Also I love your channel, you explain your information so well!

[@LambOfGodDailyScriptures]

Do you have any suggestions for a NLT or NIV Apologetic Bible??

[@DiscipleDojo]

I honestly haven't seen any apologetics Bibles that I would really recommend in particular. I would stay away from any that only give a Young-Earth Creationist perspective though.

[@Terrylb285]

I am a former young earth creationist,and it is getting harder to listen to and engage them .example. Ken Ham debates an old earther,and right out of the gate Ken Ham says this isn’t a debate on how old the earth is ,it’s a debate on whether you believe what the Bible says. To me it seems like Ken Ham is saying if you don’t believe my interpretation of genesis you don’t believe the Bible,and thus making me believe that Ham believes his interpretation to be infallible.

[@JeansiByxan]

Would it be possible for you to do a review of the NKJV Study Bible? I love the KJV translation but don’t know if the study Bible is worth an investment. I’m guessing you get review copies, right?

[@DiscipleDojo]

I do not usually get review copies, actually. But if you want to send any, I'm happy to look at them. :-)

[@JoLamb.]

He’s done a review of the Faithlife Illustrated Study Bible which can be had in the NKJV translation. I have it and it’s a really well done Study Bible.

[@JeansiByxan]

@@JoLamb. Awesome! I will check it out. Thanks.

[@jp326]

I was the first to comment so that means I get an extra entry right?

[@DiscipleDojo]

As long as you followed the rules! 😁

[@sluggo562]

It's cheaper to ship things to Canada from the US than from Canada to Canada. Just use USPS first class with no insurance and no tracking, should be about $10, often less. Don't use the first class box, it's almost always cheaper to put it in your own. I don't know why Americans always seem to think it's impossible.

[@DiscipleDojo]

We use media mail (aka. book rate), which is domestic only.

[@ipt3000]

Is the theological foundation for zondervan based in reformed theology? Meaning the notes?

[@DiscipleDojo]

A number of the contributors are Reformed, but not all.

[@ipt3000]

@@DiscipleDojo thanks for such a fast reply - I am trying to steer clear of Calvinism - they have a Spanish chronological Bible coming out from La Vida which is the Spanish publishing arm of Zondervan - my husband who speaks Spanish wants this Bible to study but he is already struggling bc he came under Calvinist teachers and it has totally derailed his salvation - so I am trying to gently steer him to resources that are NOT Calvinist so he can hopefully learn a more true theology! If u have any ideas I would certainly appreciate it.

[@JeansiByxan]

Thanks for the review. I can’t believe they don’t have the gods described in Exodus! That’s such a shame as it is important to relating the unique stance of the Hebrews toward idolatry. Still seems good, but my bank acct says no.

[@DiscipleDojo]

They discuss the Egyptian gods and idolatry, they just don't link the plagues specifically to individual gods.

[@JeansiByxan]

Sorry, that’s what I meant.

[@JohnnyDont]

Oh man, I was so excited to get a copy of this study bible because I have a number of different flavored study Bibles now. Got to say I disagree. This one is a sticky turd in the metaphoric bowl of Cheerios when it comes to study materials. If it were the only study bible someone was exposed to I could see why they would give up even trying before getting passed a couple verses. Life application or even the every man's are better in my opinion, and even those are pretty milk toast or hokey. Cultural background study bible is da bomb. NET full notes is absolutely phenom. But the NIV theology one... no diggity, had to bag it up (and send it back for a refund.)

[@julioalvarengamartinez8829]

hahaha i got at least 3 strikes on this one 1st strikethe give away was 2 years ago 2cd i live on or in the boonies here in latin america and 3 i wouldent want you spending over 300 hundred dollars thank you JM i hope i can get one sooner or later

[@bradberry6953]

put my name in for drawing

[@DiscipleDojo]

This ended months ago. Did you not read the rules?

[@bradberry6953]

@@DiscipleDojo sorry i didnt catch that giveaway

[@RachelSemeson]

I just don’t like niv 😒

[@DiscipleDojo]

Any specific reason?

[@RachelSemeson]

@@DiscipleDojo I grew up reading it. It never fully drew me. Since I wrote this message above I’ve been lead to purchase two different kinds of niv bibles. I’m beginning to open up to the niv again. I’m completely find with the kjv, nasb, nlt , esv, amp, nkjv, , csb, and maybe others I’ve missed to remember.

[@Imsaved777]

No thanks

[@DiscipleDojo]

There was no offer made.