NIV Lectio Bible: A simple, ancient way to read the library of Scripture

[@beckycaughel7557]

What you say about short attention span is so true. That certainly wasn’t the case for me when I was younger but between aging and computers and social media and everything else everything is so fast paced and you’re jumping from one place to another clicking here clicking there. I find it extremely hard to stay focused. And it’s frustrating especially when reading the Bible I still do it I’m retired and well don’t have a life lol! So I have a lot of time to read, but I still find myself getting distracted so much more easily than I ever used to

[@steadfast5026]

Thank you Tim for reviewing this. This Bible is so clean and simple. It will have to go on my list for sure.

[@MatthewAllenBHS]

How very appealing! This looks so sleek and inviting; I love the fact that it is cloth over board so it'd be right at home on a coffee or bedside table

[@tabbylynn4130]

Love this !! Thank you for sharing.

[@timwildsmith]

You are so welcome!

[@paulsappington4389]

I have the six volume set of the ESV Reader's Bible, which has been an awesome reading experience. I was disheartened to learn that it was discontinued and republished with the chapter-verse divisions put back.

[@joshuaroberts5074]

I've been using the Immerse Bible for some time now with the same principle. Has helped me get through the Bible multiple times through.

[@Palmerito]

Ordered it this morning from Amazon. Should arrive tomorrow. I enjoy reader bibles as a change of pace.

[@WontonDisciple]

We can't get enough reader's editions. Love these!

[@IncomeWeekly]

"Your reaction, not the problem, defines the outcome." Your message encouraged me to rethink my approach!

[@airangel2992]

Great looking Bible. Thanks, Tim.

[@timwildsmith]

You're welcome!

[@ScotSchieferstein]

I love single column reader editions and heartily agree with all your encouragement to eliminate distractions and simply read the Bible! I have a hardcover copy of the 2017 NIV Readers Bible (got at a book sale for a $1!) that is essentially the same as the Lectio edition but with chapter numbers lightly placed in the margins. So, in one sense, the Lectio is not necessarily new but in the context of Practicing the Way is still a wonderful complement to that ministry's intent.

[@kevinlassberg]

I'm really struggling to understand what warrants the $50 price. There's nothing particularly innovative about this type of Bible, it has a standard construction with no premium materials, no extra content (understandable as that's kind of the point), etc. It's on sale at Christian Book for $30 sure but $30 feels more appropriate for MSRP than it does at a 40% markdown.

[@gblan]

The reason you’re struggling is because you’re correct. It’s a $30 book at most. I bought a very similar Simplified KJV by Barbour for less than $30.

[@arnaldonyc]

Amazon has it for $30

[@lllthink]

I like the clean design. It is a very good idea. 😊

[@mikegoggin570]

It'd be really cool if they released a version that was chronological, too.

[@JeeWeeD]

Yes, with columns where multiple books describe the same event

[@No_auto_toon]

@@mikegoggin570 Their is something different you might be interested in. There’s a 4 volume NIV readers set called “The Books of the Bible.” The Old Testament is split up into 3 volumes the way the Jews have it, and the NT is volume 4 and has its books rearranged basically by author/type of book. You can get each volume anywhere between 6-20 dollars depending on where you get them.

[@lucas22walsh]

my dad owns a chronological readers bible but i’m not sure the name of it

[@philtheo]

Wow, the NIV Lectio Bible looks like such a beautiful Bible! It also looks like a reader's Bible too, which is appealing to people who like reader's Bibles (like me!). 😊

[@Zaloomination]

I'm not sure if this one shows the chapters? The ESV readers bible does. I prefer the ESV but I like the idea of no chapter headings

[@philtheo]

@@Zaloomination Amen, brother! I'm completely with you about wishing the ESV Reader's Bible didn't show chapters or chapter headings. I think Mark Ward said it's like the ESV Reader's Bible almost made it to the top of Mt. Everest, but then only a few feet away decided it was good enough not to go to the top. That's kind of how I feel about the ESV Reader's Bible using chapter numbers and headings. It's still a great Bible, but yeah I agree with you! I don't know about the NIV Lectio Bible, but just based on the video and photos it doesn't look like it shows chapters. I only wish there was an ESV Lectio Bible or a Lectio Bible in other translations as the NIV isn't my favorite translation.

[@benjaminflack]

The thing that stood out to me on this one is the footer text letting you know what chapter and verse range you're looking at per page. A downside of reader bibles can be when you take it to church and it can be difficult to quickly find the sermon scripture by the chapter and verse reference only, so it's a big help for staying in sync with any situation like that without having to switch bibles.

[@timwildsmith]

Great point!

[@SheanneVlog-t6u]

Amen

[@matthewsarahplyler7304]

I’ve always been a huge fan of reader Bibles. I actually do a lot of my sermon preparation in text that has had the verse and chapter numbers removed. This looks like a beautiful addition to this family of Bibles.

[@timwildsmith]

That's a great idea!

[@LBCBrandon]

So nice and clean! Thanks for sharing. I might check out that website too.

[@timwildsmith]

Please do!

[@Ladydarlene17plus]

I think this would be a good Bible for someone who just wants to read the Bible. It may help out those who struggle with reading.

[@PetitRenard888]

This is a really cool Bible! I really like the sober format of this Bible. You can really feel the modesty in its design. It's always a pleasure to be able to read the Bible with a hard cover. I really like the fact that you give a historical reminder of the numbered verses. It gives a context and makes it easier to understand the point of this Bible. It's perfect. Thank you very much for your video. Fraternally in Christ 😊🙏🕯️🍂

[@LUKEc16v31]

1:32 sounds like Celebration of Discipline

[@missinglink_eth]

This looks fantastic. It’s totally distracting me from work though 😂

[@mebryans2]

@tim - I think it would be really cool if you partnered with publishers and a ministry like Voice of the Martyrs to provide a Bible purchase “buy one give one” promotion so we could continue to spread the word of Jesus Christ around the world! Love your videos. Thank you!

[@sklarbodds]

Especially the NT, the chapters often don't make a ton of sense. Very clean and calm look

[@timwildsmith]

I've been studying Ephesians lately, and I keep thinking, "Why did they put the new verse there!?"

[@Re4mation4ever]

this is what the LSB needs!

[@wsimmons580]

I love it!

[@kumquat0910]

I wish there was a floppy version of this, but I may have to get it anyway. What I really want is an NIV Treveris, but this looks like an excellent NIV reader in the meantime.

[@monopolylife]

Seems interesting. I have one on order, should be here Thursday. Reminds me of “The Message”, which is the same basic format.

[@pams6088]

This Bible looks amazing! People with ADHD should think about picking one up!! Thanks Tim!!

[@Philoumenos]

Video idea - review copies of various translations with a similar format (ESV SCT for example) so others are aware of Bibles in their favorite translation that limits distractions when reading

[@CocoRio]

Great idea, but 9.5 pt. font?

[@favianee]

Looks great! I was quite bummed when Zondervan discontinued the NIV Reader’s Bible and I wanted to get one, but this looks better!

[@timwildsmith]

At first I thought it was that, but repackaged... but it's a new design. I like it a lot.

[@jaybunner87]

Ive been wanting a readers bible but havent been able to choose which one. This one looks pretty nice!

[@umarae27]

Lovely! I want one. Too often, we seem to place more prominence on who wrote ir instead of what it says. They're both important, for sure, but to read it as intended adds extra wow factor for me.

[@mugglescakesniffer3943]

I would like to see this or something like this for the New Oxford annotated 6th edition coming out.

[@actuallyfrankie]

Would love this but as a set of volumes! Would really help the "book series" gen engage with Scripture, I think.

[@favianee]

There’s the NIV Books of the Bible volumes 1-4

[@bigred8360]

This is very interesting.

[@movdqa]

I prefer the verses with the notes but I've not tried a pure text Bible. On distractions, you can have your Bible as a distraction from other things that you do. I have e-Sword on a virtual desktop on my laptop and just go there when I have some free time and read it. It's just a few four-finger right-to-left swipes to get there and I can drop in for a minute or two several times a day as a break from doing something else.

[@ericnewton8125]

I have a new testament without chapters and verses....I love it!!!

[@cydra_infinity1423]

I tried to find the GSM on their website but couldn’t find it

[@Jeremyisthings]

Interesting concept! It’s closer to how these books would have been initially written.

[@timwildsmith]

True!

[@Dinjek]

Sounds like an interesting Bible.

[@the_forever_lore]

Zondervan already had this exact product in their catalogue a long time ago. It’s called The Books of the Bible. It looks like Zondervan has rebranded and repackaged the older, less popular product in this new partnership. I hope it gets a wider readership as a result. I have had the original version for at least a decade.

[@timwildsmith]

No, this is a new design.

[@the_forever_lore]

@ Right, that’s my meaning. It’s a new design of an older product. This is The Books of the Bible repackaged with a new design.

[@No_auto_toon]

@@the_forever_loredidn’t that set have the books in a unique order?

[@the_forever_lore]

@ Yes, that's correct. It made it very interesting.

[@WatchtowerHunter]

Will this format eventually become available in other translations?

[@timwildsmith]

Not that I know of.

[@richardvoogd705]

I have a Reader's Bible edition of the NKJV by Thomas Nelson, which is presented with a similar goal in mind. As part of its keeping distractions to a minimum, it's in single column paragraph format, with no footnotes. Section headings are retained, and a guide to verse numbers is printed in the margin.

[@TheJMan31]

Crossway has offered an ESV reader’s edition for years. Not only is it a better translation but it’s also way more affordable

[@favianee]

@@WatchtowerHunter the CSB has a reader’s Bible in similar format

[@Jwyatt132002]

If you haven't checked out Practicing the way it is an absolute must. It is so good. Cannot recommend it enough. I also have this Bible and it is fantastic.

[@shawngillogly6873]

If his message resonates with you, read A.W. Tozer instead. You'll get the same Christian Mysticism traditions and call to spiritual discipline without his compromising with Jesuit advisors or dabbling in unguarded charismatic experience.

[@Jwyatt132002]

@@shawngillogly6873 I'm good. Thanks for the unsolicited advice though. God Bless.

[@timwildsmith]

@shawngillogly6873 Matthew 7:1-5

[@ElSiv84]

@@timwildsmith From the very same chapter, verse 15: Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves. Yes, we should avoid throwing stones, but we're also to be on our guard against false teachings.

[@Jwyatt132002]

@ It also says you will know them by their fruit. I have seen a whole lot of fruit in my life and others by the teachings they have put out.

[@domadams]

I have been looking forward to seeing this Bible as it’s without any chapter numbers (unlike the esv readers Bible). My only concern is if there is a lot of bleed making it distracting like with the esv readers Bible?

[@Stephen937]

Would love to see this format in a Catholic Bible! :)

[@bankakinmola7385]

Perhaps a good tool for ppl that are reading the Word straight through. But I find chapters and verses extremely helpful for place keepers or later reference lookup for something topical or specific that I read. There are also books such as the Psalms where you might lose some of the context added by the chapter and verse delineation. Interesting concept though and perhaps serves a specific place in a Bible library.

[@BrianBull]

Did JMC and Ryan Wesley Peterson go with red letters? Thanks

[@timwildsmith]

Nope.

[@BrianBull]

@@timwildsmith thanks

[@gnosticgnative8931]

@timwildsmith Do you know if there is a Bible that tells the meaning of every name like in the foot notes or something?

[@WilliamWilliam-nf2vx]

Could you ask publisher to release a leather version?

[@nickvasiliades4537]

So, it's basically a Bible without verses. That's been done already, JB Phillips and some others. I like Comer's stuff though. He's a Dallas Willard offspring so that's a huge plus.

[@guyesmith]

I've wanted an NIV Reader's Bible. I have ESV Reader's Bible. I have Bibliotheca. But I use the NIV regularly.

[@guyesmith]

Note, purchased through the CBD link. It was $15 LESS than Amazon. I find these savings there a lot.

[@lindab5235]

What is CBD?

[@guyesmith]

@ Sorry, the Christian Book “Distributor” link he has in the description.

[@AriannaBollinger]

Thank you, Tim. How is the paper quality?

[@timwildsmith]

It's fine... not much ghosting.

[@oclearning]

What commentary bible would you say is the best? Thanks!

[@ElSiv84]

A reader's bible is an excellent item to possess as the bible was never originally written with chapter and verse divisions.

[@CaribouDataScience]

Ancient way? In Greek and Hebrew?

[@Nick-w9z]

Thanks for this and love Comer’s stuff, as a Catholic. I want to correct your pronunciation of Lectio- it’s properly pronounced “lec-tsee-oh”. Thanks for your stuff Tim!

[@cdubbstep]

How would you say this compares to other ‘reading-focused’ bibles like Immerse? Maybe a comparison video?

[@timwildsmith]

Good idea!

[@michaelgilbert8794]

Which edition of the NIV is this? The 1984? The TNIV? Or another edition?

[@timwildsmith]

Any new NIV Bible will be the 2011

[@frankiesgunsandglitter]

Why did it have to be NIV, i was ready to buy.

[@Zaloomination]

What do you think of the ESV Reader's Bible? It has chapter divisions but that's it.

[@timwildsmith]

I like it.

[@NedStJean]

I love john marks books. I've read almost all of them. I love the idea of practicing the way. For me, I want to grow closer to christ, and these tools are great help.

[@timwildsmith]

He's great.

[@JohnProthero]

I'd love to get a copy of this, but in the ESV translation. When might that be available to purchase?

[@File001]

Wow, finally a true reader's Bible! Finally someone who understands the concept. I mean, every other previous "reader's Bibles" - the ESV, the CSB, the NIV - all retain at least chapter divisions; whether they put the number, or a drop cap first letter, or they capitalize first word or phrase, or put a space between chapters, to me this defeats the purpose. You still have that major distraction so it's not a true reader's Bible, and you don't have verse numbers so it's not very usable for following a sermon - it's somewhere in between. They might as well put back the verse numbers and have something like the New Cambridge Paragraph Bible. What a beautiful design. Cloth over board looks classy, and the typeface is very nice. I wish other translations would follow this example of reader's Bible format (at least from what I can tell from the video, correct me if I'm wrong). Hopefully the LSB will put out something like this.

[@markouellette788]

I have not seen a Bible like the Lectio, but I am sure there must be others like it.

[@timwildsmith]

Yes, there are a few.

[@kirsten8807]

A great advantage of this format is that people will spend more time reading the Bible in context, something I believe has been lost over the last hundred years or so. If all bibles were in this format, folks wouldn’t be able to cherry-pick verses to say what they want them to say rather than what they actually do say.

[@timwildsmith]

Good point!

[@isaacmwangaza]

This Bible is awesome, plus Practicing The way are really doing a good job. Thanks Tim for this

[@dhrtiwalter8670]

Out of stock at Target now

[@briarcrestcottage]

This is what the KJV needs. I just finished that particular book last week while on vacation per your recommendation. It was the most convicting book I have read in quite a while. Putting those things into practice is easier said than done. It is a discipline thing and to do it a little bit at a time. I recommend the book to anyone that wants to eliminate hurry out of their life.

[@mamamia5130]

I have a question. Someone just told me zondervan released a Bible (Upside Down Kingdom Bible?) that made some pretty concerning concessions as it pertains to sexuality; as well as containing some Marxist ideas. Do we know if that is true?

[@shedden24]

Wasn't this exact bible released several years ago without a celebrity endorsement?

[@timwildsmith]

Nope... this has a new design.

[@pastorgarrettseay]

Pretty neat!

[@Bilbobobpie]

So it’s just a reader’s bible with a cool name? Or am I missing something? 😅

[@timwildsmith]

It's a reader's Bible yes... new design, but similar to others.

[@paulsheffield223]

Excited to get our copy! JMC is how I found out about you, Tim. He used to preach from an NIV Allan Bible at our church and when I wanted to find out about nice Bibles, I googled Allan Bible review and your videos came up! Full circle moment for me!

[@timwildsmith]

No way! That's really fun. Hopefully I can return the favor with this video and send people his way.

[@lancegoodall5911]

Lectio divina (Latin for divine reading) is a traditional Roman Catholic practice of scriptural reading, meditation, and prayer intended to promote communion with God. It does not treat scripture as texts to be studied but as the Living Word.14 Traditionally, lectio divina has four steps: read, meditate, pray, and contemplate. First, a passage of scripture is read. Then its meaning is reflected upon. Although lectio divina involves reading, it is about listening to the inner message of the scripture supposedly delivered through the Holy Spirit. These dark roots go back to Origen in the third century, after whom Saint Ambrose taught them to Augustine. Origen believed that the Word (i.e. Logos) was incarnate in scripture and could therefore touch and teach readers and hearers. Origen taught that the reading of scripture could help move beyond elementary thoughts and discover the higher wisdom ‘hidden’ in the Word of God. More deception coming into the church

[@carmennooner2027]

:)

[@SchmittySchmitz]

My Lectio Bible is coming in today! Love JMC and Practicing the Way. If you're looking for alternatives to Lectio, let me recommend the CSB Reader's Bible, gray cloth-over-board edition. It is practically the same as the Lectio and is beautifully done. I'd also like to shout out the Immerse Bible, from the Institute for Bible Reading and Tyndale. It's the NLT in six well done, accessible paperback books meant to be read like... a book. As is the same with Lectio and CSB Reader's, there are no chapters or verse numbers. I like to go back to them often for casual reading of the Bible.

[@AriannaBollinger]

I wish they had an NLT Reader's Bible in a hardcover instead of paperback. Maybe one day!

[@adrianbelgrave4123]

Thanks for the review but as someone that wants to study verse by verse... I want chapter and verse in My Bible... Respect another way of reading God's Word... maybe down the line but won't be my first choice

[@kbunky69]

Come on Tim it's 21 seconds into the video , can you get to the point 😂😂😂. Just kidding I have patience, I will give you to 35 second mark . 😊😊 have a beautiful day

[@TheCripeCrew]

$50 for a cloth over board? I’d expect to pay that much for leather but not for a simple hard cover. I really like the concept but not at this price.

[@BrianBull]

Ya but Practicing The Way is a non profit and they are doing really really important work! They could use your $$$!

[@Keliiyamashita]

Wait so Psalms has no chapters… yikes😂

[@timwildsmith]

They Psalms are numbered.

[@Pilgrim1985]

I stopped listening to this after 23 seconds. What was he saying

[@bayfilly1]

Less distractions??!! Don't you mean 'fewer' distractions ???!!!!!!

[@timwildsmith]

The word didn't fit very well... but I realize that I created a distraction by doing it like this.

[@maxboucher86]

careful with that authot tough, he has an odd theology, mostly a mystic, quoting alot of catholic teachings, odd doctrine of God and does not seem to believe in substitutionary atonement.

[@AutumnRide86]

Please correct the thumbnail. It should be: “Read the Bible with *fewer* distractions”.

[@timwildsmith]

I chose design over grammar.

[@haveyougotaminute5475]

@@timwildsmith And created an ironic distraction. 😉

[@geektome4781]

I actually came here just to make the same comment.

[@ThecrosseyedTexan]

Is this done by the same people who do the app? I have an app on my phone that I use frequently The guides me through a prayer in the morning and a prayer in the evening

[@harley6659]

The fewer vs less distinction is not a grammar rule it is a weird nitpick.

[@brandonvaara4060]

Help me understand how this modern English hipster Bible provides an "ancient" reading experience. It's a great product, and it's nice that Comer and the neo- spiritual formation folks are experiencing success in their efforts. But there are already a multitude of similar works available in English, and the ancients weren't engaging with physical bound print materials akin to this volume.

[@traviscrawford6516]

That’s like saying you have a problem with people “getting into history” reading the church fathers on an e-reader because the church fathers didn’t have kindles 😂

[@LovelySoulofARiverRose]

It doesn't have chapter numbers, notes or anything. Just read it. The ancient peoples didn't have study bibles and verses, they just read it. That's what that means, to cut the fluff and just enjoy the story

[@Jwyatt132002]

At the beginning of the Bible it goes into how to do "Lectio Divina". That is more what it is about than it being a reader Bible.

[@fhblake04]

Read a trusted translation. NIV ain’t it.

[@JessieJoseph-y1w]

No thanks