Picking a Study Bible

With all the different kinds of study Bibles on the market, how does a person pick a good one? What's the difference between all the different study Bibles. Dr. Bryan Catherman walks through the different kinds of study Bibles and offers some insight to help you select a good study Bible.
Here's a video on what's in a good study Bible: • Why You Need a Study B...
Purchase the some of the Study Bibles used in this video:
ESV Study Bible: amzn.to/2OICBkG
HCSB Study Bible: amzn.to/2O2YHRO
CSB Spurgeon Study Bible: amzn.to/2OD54se
CSB Apologetics Study Bible: amzn.to/2PXfUd3
Mosaic: Holy Bible: amzn.to/2DiA0gj
The Mission of God Study Bible: amzn.to/2OHbPJG
NKJV Foundations Study Bible: amzn.to/2Nv1moc
The KJV Old Schofield Study Bible: amzn.to/2Di1lyY
John Maxwell Leadership Bible: amzn.to/2QPLMS8
NIV Life Application Study Bible: amzn.to/2DlzLAY
Reformation Study Bible: amzn.to/2NXUDT6
ESV Systematic Theology Bible: amzn.to/2O2L0T0
For more book reviews and recommendations, visit: www.saltybeliever.com/book-rec...

[@thecrew777]

I needed this so badly! Not only for myself, but also to help answer basic questions of my kids on "which study Bible" they should use and for what. Really nice overview! Thank you!

[@IRIS-dp2bb]

I needed this!!! Thank you

[@passingforhuman5206]

Thanks for this video, it was very helpful!

[@jan-peterschuring88]

Thank you! Exactly the information I was looking for.

[@notthisbody6947]

Thank you so much for this video! Very helpful! :)

[@BrendaJones492]

Thank you for your overview-very helpful.

[@BibleSamurai]

i say dont let a study Bible be your main Bible. Maybe have one for reference but rely on THE HELPER to teach you all things and illuminate the text.

[@rebeccanewman7531]

sooo true! thankyou for ythe insight!

[@charlesschrader2988]

Great job thanks for your time and info.

[@vettejakes]

Wow. Just saw this video while I’ve been searching for a new bible to start back reading the word and gaining a better understanding. Thank you so much!

[@53goforit]

Thank you, very helpful info , will have to rewatch

[@TheGeeksAttic]

Wonderful video!

[@yashdayma4723]

Thanks..it was a great watch..

[@elroyswarts513]

Very informative.I enjoyed this video and appreciate your insights man of God.Shalom.

[@stoutdog56]

Thank you for your very concise and informative video. I'm a Ute too.

[@russelpasamontehabla]

Thank you! Planning to buy one.

[@Me2Lancer]

Thanks for sharing your recommendations. Yes, Holman released the CSB Study Bible in 2017.

[@behindione]

Well explained

Great Study Bible Overview! I have just about everyone of the Study Bibles you've discussed plus many more. I don't have the Mosaic Study Bible or the Apologetics Study Bible. Thanks for this video. 🌴

[@TagonnsLetsPlays]

I got the CSB Study Bible my older Bible was The Illistrated Study Bible in the HCSB translation by Holman. I love my new Bible it has Hebrew and Greek word studies, articles, maps, notes, charts, and more this is the one I'd recommend, I'd never heard of the ESV translation I'll have to check it out on my Bible app on my tablet. Great video I definitely enjoyed it plus earned my sub.

[@ceeece]

I got the ESV study bible in 2016 and I love it!

[@thetruthshallsetyoufree2040]

Amazing Bible!

[@khaleelbenoit8223]

I have that one too but I don't use it

[@christworshipchurchcwc6596]

thank you brother

[@SoldouttotheTruth]

The Scripture teaches you. Where most errors come into play is through Letting humans explain the Scripture to you. Be like the Noble Bereans who searched the Scripture to see if these things are true or not. I recommend getting a translation of the Scripture that didn't Leave the Father's Name out. Start with Genesis and read and study the entire Scripture Prayerfully. Ask the Father to teach you his word. He will bless you.

[@jamesalger6024]

Bro, great super review. Wish you would have talked about the Reformation Study Bible.

[@africandaisy.3]

Thank you

[@titicoqui]

wow presentation

[@dongilmore7662]

Great job, man! I would have liked some coverage of the MacArthur study Bible but a solid job nonetheless!! Thanks!!

[@SunFlower-xb3gf]

KateOwlNebula9 Thanks for your information. Robert Alter's new translation 'The Hebrew Bible' is a great translation with commentary that also explains the puns, word plays, word choices, syntax, rhythm and dialogue qualities of the text. His 'Art of Bible Translation' goes into the energy involved in keeping repetitions, keywords, and following the Hebrew word order, even if it surprises English speakers. It's terrific.

[@levicaddell1077]

Thanks for the overview brother... However, back in the day (1970) when I started bible college we really only had three study bibles - Scofield, Thompson Chain Reference and Dakes Anotated. Being a poor college student I could only afford one. Soooo, I went to faculty advisor, Dr. Stanley Horton, who had a degee from Harvard in Hebrew and ask him what I should get. His answer surprised me. He told me to get a good Cambridge bible with cross references, a Strong's Concordance and a good dictionary. Then he told me to dig into tge word and figure out what it was saying to me. So, I started with a Cambridge Cameo ($16), a Strong's concordance ($10) and a cheep paperback Websters dictionary. These lasted me for years until I wore them out. LOL Now, I did add to the collection but it was mostly Greek and Hebrew texts... as I got more money this 8ncluded good textual commentaries. Sure I now have a lot of "Study Bibles" on my shelf but I rarely use them for my own studies - with the exception of the NET study bible which is basically a textual commentary of the original langusges. For those who do know Hebrew and Greek I recommend the ESV. I am not reformed but ten to be labeled as a pentacostal, however, the ESV study bible give a good historical perspective. For the new bible student and new beliver I still recommend starting with a good Bible with cross references (NASB, ESV, KJV, or NKJV), a Strong's or Young's Concordance and a dictionary. Then... dig, Dig, DIG and let the word speak to you. BTW: the guidance of a good mentor/teacher can help keep you from straying into error. I cut my teeth on the KJV because it was what we had back then. However, it is hard to understand if you do not speak 400 year old English. Today I teach from the NASB and the ESV if I can't use my Greek or Hebrew texts. Blessings....

[@FrankAiken]

Levi Caddell great feedback! Maybe a stupid question but....Young’s vs Strongs? Preference or are they the same?

[@SaneNoMore]

“BTW: the guidance of a good mentor/teacher can help keep you from straying into error.” So can a good study Bible.

[@allensagalla6340]

Frank Aiken Strong's is often revered a little more than Young's. But, both are equal for me :-)

[@luiscolon921]

That is the best way to start and very wise advice! Once you start a newborn off with a systematic theology perspective they will have a tendency to interpret scripture with that systematic slant. There are so many doctrines that come with tension and many teachers will sweep that under a particular school of thought thinking that it needs to fall under a neat systematic package.

[@michaelmcgee335]

You’ve got an impressive library.

[@KJSCalderon]

I'm using my CSB everyday study Bible and my CSB disciple's study Bible.

[@khaleelbenoit8223]

The Tony Evans Study Bible is in the CSB

[@EhhPope]

Just ordered the ESV crossway Bible ! Thank you for your help ! Means a lot. I spent a lot of time on amazon looking at specifically at niv study bibles bibles but finding over priced not so great quality writings and not being sure what I am getting. I love ESV also. And when you showed the ESV Bible made from crossway I thought it was awesome ! What an amazing company and what a big context of information for a good price. Can’t wait ! Thank you!

[@biblethumper6284]

And his father and his mother marveled at what was said about him. (Luke 2:33) ESV Congratulations, you just purchased a Bible that makes Joseph the father of Jesus.

[@EhhPope]

King James I think you marked the wrong time. Or your thinking I chose a different one

[@biblethumper6284]

That is what the ESV says in that verse, the so called Bible that you purchased is full of things just like that that attack the deity of Christ and alter many other important doctrines.

[@biblethumper6284]

Are you saved?

[@EhhPope]

King James Well thats good to know ! Thank you for your point of view

[@paulajohnson6409]

I like the Cultural Background Study Bible.

[@opa362]

Loved your explanation of the different Study Bibles and the significance they bring to a particular subject you may be studying. They say you should allow the Holy Spirit to become you commentary as you read through the Scriptures. All this is well and good, however my theological background little to none, thus what struct me was your explanation of the ESV Study Bible -- covered by a multitude of contributions of those and almost expert in their field. That thus has been my choice of Study Bibles -- thanks for helping me make that choice. -- any comments on: Bible Knowledge Commentary; and Faith-Life Study Bible (some what new contribution to the stack)

[@allensagalla1579]

Bible Knowledge Commentary is written by professors of Dallas Theological Seminary. It is conservative, evangelical, dispensational. Although a bit scholarly, it can be understood even by people who have little theological background.

[@sharoningerson6167]

My go to Bible is the Wiersbe Study Bible in NKJV. I have about 20 study bibles and this is my go everywhere bible. My stay at home which is a very deep and exhausting is the Dakes. Comes in KJ AND NKJ. The Wiersbe just came out about a year ago!! I use all mine all the time!!

[@dsvet]

The best is the Defending the Faith study Bible by Apologetics Press in NKJV..

[@938quilt]

LIfe in the Spirit (now Fire Bible), NKJV Nelson Complete Study system (think it's Nelson NKJV Study Bible now) are the 2 I use the most (commentary when I get stuck reading my 'regular' Bible). I also use Wesley Study Bible (since I have Methodist background but I mostly like the topical and key note stuff in this one more than the commentary notes), ESV I've been using a bit more and like it (the one you showed) the large print is a really heavy one! Some in my Sunday School class use Quest which is NIV and it has some nice charts and the color and visual appeal of this one is nice. I find myself reaching mostly for the Nelson, Life in the Spirit, ESV, and Wesley mostly in that order - sometimes switching the first 2 because both are reasonable sizes and seem to answer what I'm looking for - the ESV is so heavy and I haven't 'broken' it in so it's easy to use yet. it's good though - definitely! someone told me it was like 'seminary in a book'

[@dsvet]

The best study Bible is the Defending the Faith study Bible by Apologetics Press in NKJV..

[@danbuter]

Nice video, though you need a smaller, wobblier table!

[@luiginayerino592]

ESV Study Bible is my primary Bible. Also, use the NIV Life Application Bible and the NIV Study Bible. Just purchased the NET Study Bible. All are helpful in different ways. Have some of your others, too, as well as a few others. 📖 Appreciate your thoughts on the different ones.

[@tameshwarbeekham8349]

Amen

[@caluyanramen3932]

Wow!!!

[@youngrevival9715]

The apologetic study Bible was my first study Bible ( not recommended unless you struggled with other unbelief) but it was a huge help for me.

[@jesseharper7172]

Study Bibles are tools. Different tools do different things. One should be cautious of anyone saying one tool is appropriate for all applications. This is great a great video!

[@micahwatz1148]

Esv study Bible is probably the best in my opinion. I reach for that everyday pretty much.

[@w.spencer8294]

I absolutely have enjoyed this video, thank you! Like you, I’m a Study Bible collector. I have all the main translations like NIV, NLT, NKJV, KJV etc., and I have a number of lesser known translations like the GNB, KNX, NWT, MLB etc. I have many mainstream study bibles, and I think the ESV Study Bible and the NLT Study Bible are my favorites...but I really enjoy each and every one of them. The HCSB Study Bible is also a really excellent Bible, but I also have a Lutheran Study Bible and a Catholic Study Bible, both of which I enjoy. But I just wanted to say thank you for this video, what good content. Maybe sometime you could do a video that took the time to review the Bible’s individually? Just a thought! God bless you!

[@monog870]

W. Spencer is the ESV translation the closest to kjv? I like ESV but not sure if I should get a kjv

[@allensagalla1579]

@@monog870 NASB is closer to kjv. Even closer is the NKJV

[@rebeccanewman7531]

w spencer, i am also a collector of different editions of the bible. it makes my life complete and gives my life security. i am christian and my bibles are my life. thankyou for sharing. rebecca newman

[@anomalousanonymous1]

Great video. I was prompted to get the Mosaic Bible, and it has contributed to my Christian growth and understanding in ways I was not expecting and could not have anticipated. I love the artwork and the meditative prayers. Each to his own, of course, but if you feel in the slightest bit drawn by the review of this edition, please get one and throw yourself into it.

[@1kman11]

I use the Ruckman KJ study bible.

[@LindaFromMySelfCareStudio]

I LOVE the ESV study Bible, except for the translation, lol.

[@bobgodsey843]

I have a love for study bibles myself! I have an angle for selecting one that utilizes a somewhat different kind of approach! First and foremost, I prefer cross referenced study bibles. Second, through a principle of " chew the melon, spit out the seeds" (from years of study and experience), (see I Thess 5:17) and third, noting significant verses that lack a cross reference!! (Example: John 8:58 with Ex 3:17). You,d be amazed how many cross references that should be present are absent in many referenced study bibles! Perhaps the absence of these cross references suggest biases on the part of the particular folks that collaborated in putting together the study bible in question! Another example is I Cor 10:4 with several verses in Neh. chapter 9, linking Christ himself as deliverer of the children of Israel through Moses, and Christ Himself as lawgiver at Mt. Sinai!! When I look for a good study Bible I compare it to my list of cross refences that are frequently neglected, and judge a good one that has the largest percentage of appropriate cross references (often ignored) present!!!

[@marystout1606]

I want to recommend a few Bible resource books you may like, too. The Holy Land Illustrated Bible, The Cultural Background Bible, The Archaeological Study Bible, The NLT Illustrated Study Bible, The Thompson Chain Reference Bible, The Old and New Testament set of The Bible Knowledge Commentary, and a good Bible Atlas (mine is the Rose Now and Then Bible Atlas)

[@lovegodnotmoney7907]

I'll get the ESV bible

[@thetruthshallsetyoufree2040]

It is the best

[@josephrorie5728]

I use the Dakes Study Bible, It is the very best,

[@rebeccacasner]

What Study Bible would you recommend for somebody who is in school for biblical studies and wants to better understand God's word as well as know how to teach it to others on a deeper level? I look forward to hearing from you.

[@emmanuelnyantehanim890]

It depends on what you are looking for. But start with the ESV study Bible

[@sorenpx]

I have the KJV Holman Study Bible and it's excellent. Easily the best study Bible I have and the best general study Bible that I'm personally aware of.

[@christmascarol23827]

Thanks! Got a few from Christian books. Genuine leather on sale!

[@williamsmilton6316]

Good reveiw my friend... I use a key word study bible myself and im looking to buy me one of those fancy gloat skin bible so i can gloat like the rest of you tubers who have them

[@SearchFT]

I agree with the Scofield. Very little substance, but the Bible reads very very comfortably. I have the NKJV and KJV, both overpriced for what you get.

[@haydenyuan4720]

ESV Study Bible is the best study bible out there!

[@arameshpaul495]

tell me where I will all that

[@khaleelbenoit8223]

I have the Tony Evans Study Bible

[@SaneNoMore]

You can do what I do and buy almost all of them :) have about 50 at the moment.

[@pauljordan5892]

KINDS of Study Bibles.... not KIDS? Good video, thanks!

[@SaltyBelievercom]

Thanks for the editorial catch.

[@johnstoy007]

I was expecting MacArthur study in your collection brother.. !

[@immanuelrajmohan830]

is mcarthur good??

[@johnstoy007]

@@immanuelrajmohan830 yes brother indeed

[@khaleelbenoit8223]

Is it better than the Tony Evans Study Bible

[@isaactesfaye4911]

@@khaleelbenoit8223 No I use both but Tony Evans is the best one simple and brief

[@dsvet]

​@@immanuelrajmohan830no. He is a Calvinist

[@kmsharley75]

McArthur's study Bible is great.

[@kingpapamon]

An excellent overview. Could Bryan please comment on why two very (may be the most) popular ones were not even mentioned: [1] The NIV Study Bible (by Zondervan, ed: Edwin Palmer/Kenneth Barker], released in 1985 , revised 1995, full revision 2002, updated in 2008 (30th anniversary), updated in 2011 (with 2011 NIV text); as well as the [2] Zondervan NIV Study Bible - Completely newly released in 2015 and re-packaged and re-titled in 2018 as NIV Biblical Theology Study Bible [ed: Don Carson]

[@Barbara-pe2jf]

The Complete Jewish Study Bible is my favorite!

[@jimharris8099]

Open the Scofield study bible and read the list of CONTRIBUTORS. 1967. Some BIG names.Some BIG schools. Some BIG letters after their names.

[@jamesjones9708]

Ryrie said that the commentary notes came from his students not him.

[@thomasusher8877]

Wow, nice to know. I just bought a nice KJV Ryrie study Bible and really enjoy reading it

[@allensagalla6340]

James Jones Are you sure? Why would the study bible be named after him if his students were the ones who wrote the commentary notes?

[@kingjamesbiblebeliever8387]

The top three study Bibles that have by far assisted me the most in my personal study of God's word are 1. The Ruckman Reference Bible 2. The Common Man's Reference Bible. 3. The Old Scofield Study Bible Some others worth mentioning are: 1. The Drake Annotated Reference Bible (be careful with doctrine) 2. The Companion Bible by E. W. Bullinger 3. The Thompson Chain Reference Bible (No Commentary) The Best Commentary Set I have ever seen is the Bible Believer's Commentary Set by Dr. Peter S. Ruckman.

[@biblethumper6284]

Amen amen amen!

[@biblethumper6284]

Ruckman Reference Bible is my daily reading Bible, such a blessing!

[@ghostl1124]

Please go live in another country for more than a year, and study their Bible. Learn another language, and not your Ruckman/Scofield Bibles. When you study another language, and learn what it is to speak it, and read it, THEN you will know how to analyze a Bible.

[@Ka112eb]

I like bullinger but he's a little keen on chiasmus. He sees it everywhere. Don't like Dake. From memory it taught gap theory, heresy from the first verse.

[@joehinojosa24]

I can't make up my mind. So I just BUY THEM ALL. HA ha

[@Juno_Beach]

That Is Absurd single commentary -- The Authors ARE WELL READ

[@HoxtonLive]

41 KJV only people disliked the video :)

[@brotherarn]

When you stumbled in your comparison with the hcsb then talking about the CSB not knowing that the Christian Standard Bible is the new replacement for the Holman Christian Standard Bible. So it doesn't seem like you knew what you were talking about. Sorry

[@Pastor-Brettbyfaith]

Spurgeon's notes are his actual handwritten notes.

[@rebeccanewman7531]

pastor brett, where would i find a bible with spurgeons notes?

[@Pastor-Brettbyfaith]

Study Bibles are nothing more than man made interpretations of God's word. The best study tools are cross references and word studies. I like to use a Dake Annotated Reference Bible. It is in the trsted and true King James Version, along with 500,000 cross references. With a Strong's concordance, this is probably the most helpful tool you will ever find. As for his notes, I have learned to chew the meat and spit out the bones. Take what is good and cast off the rest. I have never been inclined to study notes. I prefer to read the word and trust the Holy Ghost to teach me. While I have learned to read and interpret the Greek text, I prefer the KJV as my main reader. I have been through 28 years of intense textual studies, and I can sincerely say that the KJV is enough for serious study. The Cambridge Turquoise text is probably the best. Thank you for the video. In Jesus always, Pastor Brett

[@foolishdrunk2181]

Three bibles are all you need; 1. CSB study bible 2. NLT chron Life applic 3. NASB NIV KJV AMP parallel

[@janjamesramos247]

why not the ESV?

[@carladaniels7910]

I love EXpositors KJV by jimmy swagart. It explains every sentence. Now i can understand and more likely to read the bible, great for the ordinary person. Please get it now.

[@HarmonicResearch]

The only New Testament I have found that is translated from the original Hebrew is "The Book of Yahweh". It is the only translation I have found that correctly translates the first verses of the Book of John. Michael Rood found over 2000 errors in translations that came from the Greek.

[@davidbeiswenger60]

These are all bad. Holman and ESV study bibles are totally Calvinistic. The best study bible is the NIV.

[@carladaniels7910]

Expositors study bible by jimmy swargart KJV

[@newworldtranslation1162]

The New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures Study Bible 2013 can't be bettered in my opinion.

[@starship9629]

Lol. That was a good joke

[@newworldtranslation1162]

@@starship9629 Do you think so?

[@starship9629]

@@newworldtranslation1162 because you're recommending a "study" Bible written by a bunch of heretics

[@newworldtranslation1162]

@@starship9629 What is heretical about the NWT?

[@starship9629]

@@newworldtranslation1162 Lol. Better question would be "what's not heretical about the NWT". It's a fakse translation and preaches a false gospel

[@cecilialugo6188]

Esv has many missing verses

[@ghostl1124]

KJV has many added verses.

[@LawofChristMinistries]

Grudem is wack

[@Ka112eb]

Scofield was allegedly a crook

[@LawofChristMinistries]

Tim lahay is trash also