Which Study Bible is Best? (2023 Reviews of Newer Popular Study Bibles)

In this video I'm reviewing a bunch of study Bibles. I like some a lot, and I'm not as fond of others. I'm offering my honest take, but I could be wrong about stuff. The goal of the video is to help you get a Bible in your hands that'll spark your curiosity and make you want to read and study the Bible a lot, and connect with God who I believe is on the other end of this document.
Here's a link to my previous video where I talk about what to look for in a general sense in a study Bible: • Ask These Six Question...
Here's a link to Samaritan Ministries who are not sponsoring this video, but who I've talked about in detail in other videos they did sponsor: samaritanministries.org/tmbh
Giant thank you to everyone who supports this channel. If you wanted to kick in or learn more about that, you can go to www.thetmbh.co...

[@cyndiharrell518]

As a woman, I TOTALLY agree with your assertion that women's Bibles, and many of the women's Bible Studies, are watered down and geared toward an "emotional woman"! Like a woman doesn't have the capability to grasp a deep, theology study of His Word! Although I realize that many women desire this type of Bible, I personally find it very patronizing. Awesome video!! Thank you for your hard work!!

[@debbiesluss9849]

I agree. It kind of reminds me of women's pants compared to men's. There is a huge pocket disparity. Men's pockets are deeper, women's pockets are worthless. LOL

[@mnlizzi]

I've found similar, although the CSB women's Bible I have (The CSB Study Bible For Women) has so far been really wonderful with its notes and I haven't felt patronized at all so far!

[@TiciaM]

Totally agree with you. They are so often slacking with women's Bibles and Bible studies.

[@bobsmith-qu2oq]

So stop demanding you get a sexist book.

[@TiciaM]

@@bobsmith-qu2oq you know, I don't buy them. I don't feel the need to pay someone to be insulted. Thank you for telling me such an obvious thing I already knew. By the same token I no longer attend Bible studies like this that are all fluff and no Bible. My husband says the men's Bible study equivalent is anything written by a sports coach for a professional team.

[@adamsmith_5]

0:00 Introduction 1:42 What do you want in a Study Bible? 4:52 Gospel Transformation Study Bible 8:00 Grace + Truth Study Bible 10:18 Enduring Voice Study Bible 12:27 Search the Scriptures Study Bible 14:32 Literary Study Bible 15:55 NLT Illustrated Study Bible 17:06 The Jesus Bible 20:10 ESV Student Study Bible 22:39 ESV Concise Study Bible 25:52 She Reads Truth Study Bible 30:35 He Reads Truth Study Bible 34:34 NKJV The Women's Study Bible 38:28 ESV Women's Study Bible 41:25 The Study Bible for Women 43:07 Ancient Faith Study Bible 48:41 Final Thought

[@darklard]

Thank you! This should be copied into the description so it's easy to reference when I think about this later

[@charliek2557]

You rock

[@mikeandersen5]

It's the little things that mean a lot in the Kingdom of God. Thank you for segmenting chapters.

[@djlclopez128]

Thanks for this information 👍

[@muvaanne4273]

Thank you! This is my second viewing, and I was just thinking about how practical this timestamp would be. God bless you!

[@erikaharlan252]

Thank you for your comment about the She Reads Truth Bible as well as other materials produced for women!! As an intelligent 45 year old female I struggle to attend women’s only Bible classes and I refuse to look at devotionals. Women are just as capable as men of learning the Bible as deeply. I understand many women do prefer the lighter items so I get the market. But personally I find them all lacking.

[@nitarose44]

I could not agree more! She Reads Truth is offensive to my brain. It lacks so much! I prefer a Bible with zero study notes to it.

[@michellelewis6247]

I am with you on this one!! 🙌🏽

[@Laura-ed5kf]

I want the He Reads Truth! Why CAN’T women study & love scripture, theology, & apologetics, whilst having NO intention of being a pastor?! My son asked a question about Abraham & I got to have a super-fun, engaging retelling of Abram through Joseph, & how it all pointed to Jesus! Who knows if I’M not raising a pastor, so stop treating me like I’m an idiot & dumb scripture down, because I’m not dumbing this down for my nine year-old.

[@Sardious]

@@Laura-ed5kf I'm sure you can get a Bible like that. But if you want a Bible like the ESV study Bible or the Reformation study Bible or some Bible to focus is on systematic theology then you get a Bible that focuses on systematic theology and not gender. As soon as you say I want a Bible for men you're going to get sports references and a lot of focus on doing doing over just the systematic theology and study. Also if you get a Bible marketed directly to women you're going to get something based on their survey of women and what women want when she's going to be much more about relationship and love and what not. But yeah if you want to study systematic theology you don't go get a women's Bible that you know is going to be mostly devotional for women because that's not systematic theology. There's a reason why the bass ESV study Bible or Life application Bible or Reformation study Bible doesn't say for men or for women because it's not it's for study. I think that's why I'm less offended when men's Bibles have a bunch of military and sports references and women's Bibles have a bunch of relationship and feelings-based references because you're only getting those bibles if you want those type of things like they're literally appealing to people who would want that. And I'm not putting you down for wanting some deeper research I'm just saying that once you get into specific things that are trying to cut out half the population and become more devotional by being specific then you're clearly going to lose the research because that's not their purpose and I don't see where that's really that much of a problem.

[@mercster]

Sounds like a modern reaction to modern culture with so much division anyway... why have a man or woman bible? The whole Bible is for everyone, and while there are certainly passages that address manhood or womanhood more... wouldn't everyone wanna understand and accept both halves? :) Considering we are supposed to be united anyway. Try the Companion Bible by E.W. Bullinger for a serious, scholarly study Bible.

[@starvingscientist]

As a woman, you are completely right about the patronizing women's bibles. Part of why I love your podcast is because it is actually studying the stuff I always wanted to growing up in Sunday school, the same stuff the boys in my church learned, but I wasn't allowed to.

[@aimee-lynndonovan6077]

Wow!😳

[@aimee-lynndonovan6077]

Starving scientist 🧐😕?

[@johnpearce3714]

@starvingscientist , The Written WORD of GOD is NOT " stuff " --- It's The ALMIGHTY GOD of the Universe 's , Cosmos , World ---- Instructions for Salvation and Eternal LIFE only through in HIM , HIS ONLY BEGOTTEN SON The LORD YESHUA / JESUS CHRIST ----- we should & must have total respect for HIS Written WORD --- * For The LORD YESHUA / JESUS CHRIST is the WORD of GOD ---- * The GOSPEL of John 1 VS.1 ---- 5 ------

[@debbieholt8261]

Wow! What church did you go to growing up? I never experienced that!

[@starvingscientist]

@@debbieholt8261 it was just a small community church. We never really tied to a particular denomination because it was more about serving the community that was pretty small. But a lot of the same misogyny and judgment that many people experience in many denominations

[@Tck911]

I’ve never read the Bible before and have been curious. The NLT Illustrated Study Bible appeals to me & I believe I’ll start there so thank you for putting this out to the world

[@MichaelTheophilus906]

I recommend the LSB. It's just a plain book binding, but an excellent bible.

[@jeffcarlson3269]

@@MichaelTheophilus906 I would recommend a good King James study bible... but I am partial to the King James translation AND I am partial to good study material... that being said... not every KJV study bible has been very impressive to me.... there are some of those that had been better if they had not been published... but if one had a GOOD KJV... study bible.... they would have something valuable... I like the ESV study bible... and I like the notes generally across the board in many Zondervan study bibles... but I am a little leery of many of the newer translations such as the CSB and LSB... and as Matt points out... regarding the notes in the "Enduring Voices"... study bible... I believe it is best to rely on notes by certain individuals... that were geared toward the bible used or studied by those individuals.... such as Spurgeon preached from the KJV.. so his notes fit in the KJV... yet the LSB developed by MacArthur.. among others... whose basic preaching bible has ranged from the NASB...ESV... and the NKJV..... MacArthur states he supports the LSB.. but when he preaches.. it is from the NASB... why?..

[@jonesfamily1494]

NLT would be good to understand but would recommend getting an additional translation as a 2nd read. Book of John is a great starting book.

[@knowone11111]

I love my NLT it's my favorite. I contrast it against KJV & Tanak.

[@BibleTreasuresAndReviews]

I can't believe the difference in the women's & men's Bible! I did a Bible review on She Reads Truth, but now wish I had the He Reads Truth! Thank you for speaking up for ladies and desire to study the Bible. Ancient Faith Bible looks amazing!

[@mugwerajenipher4760]

Ephesians2:8-9 it is for is his grace

[@zacbarnes2187]

You got me drooling over the ancient faith Bible... Now to convince my wife I need yet another Bible 🤣

[@HaydenSF]

I’ve recommended or purchased it for many friends over the last couple years and exactly no one has been disappointed.

[@chasingtheLord96]

Checkout the new ESV church history study bible from crossway!

[@JesusAlwaysIsGod]

Just ordered one on Amazon! It's 2x the price in this part of the world! I wish it was more accessible to everyone...

[@claybrackeen8798]

It’s been such a blessing as I’ve read through it over the past 2 years. Inspiring!

[@dsvet]

I recommend the Defending the Faith study Bible from Apologetics Press in NKJV..

[@michellelewis6247]

I totally resonate with your assessment of the She Read Truth/He Reads Truth Bible. It is indeed patronizing that the SRT Bible is completely lacking in any serious theological content and it is indicative of how so much content is written for women. It’s frustrating. Thank you for bringing that up and being honest in your comments! As an aside - the notes in other women’s study Bibles are almost always geared toward married women with children, as though women’s only value is found in those roles. As a single childless middle aged woman, I find this concept limiting to the depth of what it means to be a woman, and in particular a woman seeking God. That’s my “rant” on this subject… 😉 Blessings to you. Your ministry blesses me greatly.

[@Lorrainecats]

Totally agree

[@zanhoven]

Yes! This is why I buy a neutral Bible's. Am I any less of a woman because I don't have children? Do I not want to learn more about theology because I am a woman? I am a woman, so I must like flowers right (I do, but some women don't). I recently got a travel bible that was geared towards men and love it.

[@meninagreen5704]

Thanks for your rant! I agree. I avoid anything labeled for women as it is lacking in depth. You are also right about assumptions. I have no children or family and I just want to read the Word. Thanks!

[@barbs1298]

Can totally relate & agree. I have never owned a women's Bible nor do I want one & I'm over all the pink women's Bible. Never been a fan of pink. Growing up, my sister got all the pink stuff...I got the blue...lol. And I'm 63 & never been married & no children. So there's that too. And I stopped being a daughter after my mom died in Feb. 2022 after my sister & I caring for her the last 5 years of her life after her stroke.

[@sethplace]

That is what I love about my wife. She is brilliant and our bible study is crazy awesome because of her deep understanding. l I love your videos Matt.

[@lemedeiros1979]

Thank you for speaking up about women's Bibles. We are not of a lesser intelligence... We don't need to be "protected"

[@iqgustavo]

🎯 Key Takeaways for quick navigation: 00:00 📚 The goal of the video is to review various study Bibles, offering honest opinions and recommendations. 03:43 📚 Study Bibles differ in their focus, such as academic vs. devotional, nudge factor, targeting questions, portability, topicality, and bias. 08:48 📚 The "Gospel Transformation Study Bible" emphasizes getting back to the basics of the Bible's message for personal transformation. 09:58 📚 The "NIV Grace and Truth Study Bible" balances truth and grace for a deeper understanding of the Bible's teachings. 11:30 📚 The "Enduring Voices Study Bible" offers notes from various Christian thinkers across different traditions for a comparative perspective. 14:18 📚 The "Search the Scriptures Bible" provides light nudges and questions, but may lack depth and clarity compared to other study Bibles. 14:45 📚 The "Literary Study Bible" focuses on the literary aspects of the Bible, helping readers appreciate the beauty and structure of the text. 15:55 📚 The "NLT Illustrated Study Bible" is a comprehensive general-purpose study Bible with beautiful presentation and insightful notes. 17:03 📚 The "Jesus Bible NIV" emphasizes the convergence of the entire Bible on the life and teachings of Jesus, but may overly prioritize this theme. 20:12 📚 The "ESV Student Study Bible Artist Series" stands out for its artistic and beautiful presentation, combining art and biblical insights for young readers. 22:13 🤔 Some study Bibles can be patronizing towards certain audiences, but there are exceptions. 23:10 📘 The ESV Study Bible is a comprehensive and highly recommended study Bible. 25:09 📚 The Gospel Transformation Study Bible takes a different approach, focusing on big picture themes and application. 26:16 📖 The "She Reads Truth Bible" has a more devotional feel with fewer traditional study Bible features. 30:39 📖 The "He Reads Truth Bible" offers more in-depth study features compared to the "She Reads Truth Bible." 34:41 📖 The "New King James Version Women's Study Bible" has specific notes and articles targeted towards women. 38:48 📖 The "Crossway ESV Women's Study Bible" is a study Bible that effectively treats women as capable readers without being patronizing. 43:10 🏛️ The "Ancient Faith Study Bible" gathers commentary from the church fathers, making it a valuable resource for various Christian traditions. 45:37 📖 The "Ancient Faith Study Bible" offers insights from Christian thinkers throughout history, providing valuable context and perspectives on biblical passages. 46:17 🏛️ This Bible includes writings from early Christian leaders, even before the Bible was fully agreed upon, giving readers a glimpse of how scripture was interpreted in different historical contexts. 47:26 📜 The church fathers' writings reveal that they were in transition and did not think the exact same way at every moment, creating an opportunity for fresh reflection and challenges in interpreting their texts. 48:38 🌟 The "Ancient Faith Study Bible" is highly recommended and meaningful for Catholics, Protestants, Orthodox, or anyone interested in rich historical insights into the Bible. Made with HARPA AI

[@srqsoccer]

Thank you for taking the time and effort to share your knowledge. I left the church about 10 years ago. But a few years back ended up getting into No Dumb Questions just looking for a good Two Dudes Talking podcast. NDQ quickly became one of my favorites. Your words, among other things, have contributed in what has been a reconstruction of my walk with God. I've recently found a loving church to worship in and I have purchased the Ancient Faith Study Bible on your glowing recommendation. Two years ago I was at my lowest point, with no hope for the future, things couldn't be more different now. Some percentage of that is because of the work you've done. I am grateful for it. Thank you.

[@Heroniak]

This is a genuinely incredible run down. Thank you and keep up the good work man. Your thoughtfulness is appreciated by many =)

[@jeffshouse3695]

I just discovered The Ancient Faith Bible a couple months ago. I completely agree with you about it. It is my "go to" Bible as I study for each Sunday. It has deeply challenged me and I could not appreciate it more. I had been kind of using the Orthodox Study Bible because it does some of the same things, but this one just does it better. (p.s. Totally agree with you about she reads truth, my wife rolls her eyes every time some mentions it. lol)

[@isllenne27]

I want to buy this one but the picture on the cover it's different on the shopping online 😭😭😭 now I'm lost can u please help me 😞 the one I see have a cross on the cover on Blackwell and on Book depository...

[@jeffshouse3695]

@@isllenne27 I went on Blackwell's Site and searched for "Ancient Faith Study Bible". The one I have is the brown one with the cross on the cover and says CSB Ancient Faith Study Bible in the description. I did the same thing on Book Depository had more options but all of them except the Epic Science and the book by Roger Dallman is the same. Hope this helps.

[@nitarose44]

Patronizing is the perfect description! I flipped through the She Reads Truth Bible a couple months ago at a book store after seeing it all over Instagram and KZbin. I find it offensive, self-centered and theologically pretty empty. The notes in it are a waste of space. I'd prefer blank pages. I feel the same about most womens' devotional books. Scripture is so much deeper than flowery feel-good nonsense. It seems there is an attempt to "dumb down" scripture and just hand us women enough info to try to appease us. That's not cool. I want the cultural background and the true meaning behind the Hebrew and Greek. I don't see myself buying any womens' study Bibles ever. The entire Bible is written for all of us. Even the passages that refer to the roles of the opposite sex hold valuable scripture for each of us. I mean- even Proverbs 31 is from a mother to her son. With that being said, I'm waiting for an NLT interleaved Bible to come out. I prefer my study notes to be what I find across commentaries. Great video! I put a couple of these on my Amazon wish list.

[@erikaharlan252]

I feel the same about all of this!!

[@ashleysbored6710]

Totally agree. I think that making 'women's' or 'men's' study Bibles is pointless because God's Scripture is relevant to all and it doesn't need to be changed for whatever person is reading it. Do we take out half of Ephesians next?

[@Nornagest84]

Thanks for this - I mostly use German bibles, but it's very interesting how many great (study) bibles there are on the English market. Chapters would be helpful. Keep up the great work and God bless you! 🙏

[@annacbrown1986]

That alone was worth it for me to learn English as foreign language, the sheer amount of Christian literature available in English ❤ Auf Deutsch lese ich die Schlachter MacArthur Studienbibel

[@Mrsadams1]

Great video. So helpful. As a woman, I absolutely agree with your thoughts on most women's bibles being patronizing and rather substance-less. I appreciate your bringing that up. Also, you didn't cover the Bible (I assume it is a study Bible) that you use in most of your videos. Is that because you talked about it in a different one? Anyway, thanks for the great video and for making one of my favorite channels on KZbin. 😊

[@Sardious]

I assume that these were study Bibles that were published this year so even if there are republished they still republished during this actual year. That's probably why a nkjv or an NLT Life application study Bible wasn't on the list despite them being one of the highest selling study Bibles out there. There must be like 200 different types of study Bibles so it's probably a great idea to only put out ones published in the current year or maybe ones that are brand new for the current year just to be able to not have to make a 5-hour video on it all.

[@JordanCrowderFilms]

Great overview! I really like “The Open Bible.” Because it’s mostly hands off, but helps bring history and context, but sparks curiosity to dig through on your own with the chain references. I also like how it lays flat. I went ahead and put tabs on mine, because I ain’t fooling anybody, they help me move quickly. Plus my dad had tabs on his when I was a kid, and I thought his Thompson Chain Reference Bible was pretty cool and luxurious then, so it makes me think of him, how he became a Christian when we were kids and lead our whole family to Christ.

[@lydiatostenson2326]

Thank you for your comments on women-focused material being watered down and emotionally leaning to a pandering extent. It’s a chronic issue in books and studies as well. Your comment section will be flooded with others just like mine, your work is appreciated! :)

[@coffeeanddavid]

The Lutheran Study Bible is where it's at ;) The Word on Fire Bibles are REALLY gorgeous and interesting too.

[@brigittedaniels9260]

Thank you! I was just looking at reviews of “women’s” Bibles, thinking that they were being dumbed down. I was wondering who these women were who were writing articles. None of them seemed to be theologians. I would rather have a universal study Bible than support the complimentary “male” version. I have just subscribed to your channel as your comments were respectful toward women.

[@annamccormick6864]

Aaaand that final one has just made it to my Christmas list!

[@isaacstovell867]

recently purchased a copy of the NLT illustrated study Bible & thrilled to hear it's one of your faves. I've been finding it incredibly fruitful - the notes are an excellent blend of devotionally-oriented insight & historical/cultural/philosophical reflections that help you understand the text better. thank you for another great video! keep doing what you doing, Matt x

[@Sardious]

I have the Life application study Bible in the NLT translation. So it's not the one he talked about in this video because it's one that came out last year. And while the study notes in the maps are in everything are pretty solid in the Life application Bible it was my first time reading through the Bible in the NLT or using the NLT at all and to me that's what was amazing. Every time I felt like something was worded uniquely and I broke out other tools to do a word study I found out that would have basically meant was how it was worded in the NLT and it seems to be the basic understanding of how people in the day would have read it. And it was nice to have something that held up to how the original readers would have understood it but in something that felt almost like conversational English. I ended up buying a small paperback and NLT Bible just as like a daily driver they can hang out in my gym backpack and travel around with me.

[@TK-qu1ht]

Hey Matt. Tom from at Shiloh. I bought both the NLT and Ancient Faith Bibles for my wife Linda’s and my 2023 daily read thru the Bible in a year times. Lots of your time and efforts went into the content for this video. Thank you! I’m one of you regular watchers and Listener. Tom Kushman

[@AlanDayley]

The quality of this video and the information is so high. Thank you!

[@JDMcCay]

Don't have time to watch the whole video. But I'm liking, commenting, and playing on mute in the background....to please the algorithm so that Matt doesn't have to.

[@sanskritprayers]

You did well in this review, I learned a thing or two (or three) that are helpful to my decision-making as I expand my study Bibles. Thank you.

[@selahr.]

The CSB Ancient Faith SB has a nice Kindle version for less than $10. It’s a screen friendly layout where the footnotes and study notes are hyperlinked within the Bible text and then arranged at the end of each chapter for easy reading without having to jump around between links. The Kindle Sample however did completely useless and does not contain any of the Bible text or footnotes or study notes because it ends before the table of contents ends!

[@elizabethhankins6973]

I still come back here and watch your unboxing of The Jesus Bible for kicks and giggles. I’ve also showed it to some of my kids. My four-year-old said, “I want that!” So…there’s your target audience for the cover. :P Thanks so much for speaking up about patronizing materials for women in your comparison of the (S)He Reads Truth Study Bibles! Very grateful for that!

[@TheStevenstatzer]

I'm only halfway through this video, but I absolutely love what Crossway is doing right now with a lot of their bibles. My previous everyday carry bible was a personal reference ESV given to me at my College Graduation (Private Presby school for the win), and my newest is a thinline ESV I got from Truth For Life on Black Friday. I've got a couple study bibles from them as well, and their quality is just out of this world.

[@kakelso]

Glad to hear, because I ordered a study Bible from Crossway right before seeing this video!

[@christmascarol23827]

Crossway bible's are the way to go! Can get them so reasonable now. Not a fan of hardback book type. Women's bible's can't get into have a few will donate them. Great tips. Can't wait to share this video with others in our group.

[@SurferKroky]

@@kakelso they are amazing !

[@mnlizzi]

My husband and I used a "Journaling" Bible as one of our guestbook options. We asked those who were willing to highlight a verse and note why they felt it was significant. I will say the Journaling Bible is gorgeous and if you're looking for a Bible with a lot of room to take notes, it's amazing!

[@ravesp35]

Word on Fire Bible would be fascinating for you to review. Great Adventure Bible too.

[@siriusley13]

Plus for Orthodox, not a bible but feel you must take the plunge on buying the two book set The Prologue of Ohrid! In addition to the history of featured Saints, beautiful homilies and prayers. I put this at the top of my reading each day after the bible. It is truly a wonderful set!

[@stoptherich]

totally agree

[@emmynordstromhigdon1454]

My partner bought me the CSB Study Bible for Women after I saw this video. I'm non-binary, but I absolutely love it. I think that if it wasn't published by Baptists, it could PROBABLY be titled a feminist Bible rather than "for women," but I'm fond enough of it that the semantics don't even bother me. I love that it's not part of a gendered pair, implying that there are only two ways to read the Bible and they're based on gender, and I love the content that truly highlights the women in the Bible and the role that they play in the Biblical stories. So far, A+. Thank you!!

[@misspikapika7972]

There is no such thing as non-binary. God created Men and woman.

[@Fightingvaultboy]

God created man and woman quit living a delusion.

[@robertmsimpsonjr7455]

Hey I hope you have given your life to JESUS CHRIST, and if you have like me and the rest of us who are GODS children you have to repent and turn from your sin.

[@JoyceHAnderson-rp5bf]

I absolutely adore my large print Amplified Study Bible. It's the most helpful I've ever seen anywhere.

[@ggarza]

Thanks, Matt! Fantastic video that helps to drill down on the overwhelming number of Bibles available. I love the Ancient Faith Study Bible!

[@MiscMitz]

Wow! That "She Reads Truth" Bible DEFINITELY has, "here ya go darling, this one is pretty like you. Bless your heart." That feels "icky, " and I don't like it.

[@erikaharlan252]

Love the description 😂

[@wsreed327]

One way to elevate some of the woman’s bibles is to add some assorted cooking recipes throughout the notes , this would tremendously help.

[@barbs1298]

😂

[@connorlee9007]

I am once again pointing out that scholars recommend the New Oxford Annotated Bible, it's the most scholarly Bible we have

[@davidbolls4850]

That’s what I use; it’s excellent!

[@nanotoj]

I agree.

[@catherinetravella6293]

Your candor, humor and wisdom are valued… there are so many Bible reviewers that don’t get into what’s really important beyond the aesthetic issues (for a variety of reasons) thus bringing value to what you’re doing. We bought the NLT illustrated study Bible and our whole family loves it from age 11 to 40+, it’s a great family Bible to keep in our living room! The ESV student bible may be our next purchase for 2023!

[@adport1]

This video and the video you referenced in this one just earned you a new viewer out of me. I love how you broke down each of the Bibles that you reviewed and I really appreciated your rant during the She Reads/He Reads Truth section. I’ve owned an SRT bible for a while now, but didn’t know how much it lacked in comparison to the HRT bible.

[@powerfade11]

Best: Lutheran Study Bible published by Concordia Publishing House (CPH)!

[@scotteramsey]

I'm only familiar with the ESV Study Bible as it is my daily reader. I love it and it has great commentary.

[@-johnny-deep-]

This was a great video comparison of study bibles. You're obviously a very smart and charismatic guy. If you're not already a preacher, you could be an excellent one!

[@user-bv4sj2gq7g]

I have several heavyweight study bibles, but recently bought a couple of different women’s bibles specifically for the devotional focus. Depending on where you’re at, sometimes a devotional focus is not a bad thing. Just don’t approach it expecting it to be something that it’s not.

[@tankersleytyler]

I literally ordered the Ancient Faith Study Bible yesterday! So pleasantly surprised to see how enthusiastic you recommend it, brother.

[@toddvoss52]

Thanks for the tour! I also keep buying bibles . My go to study Bible is the Ignatius Study Bible - although it is not yet complete - a few more OT books still in Production. It’s Catholic and so am I. For the same reason I like the rather pricey multi volume Navarre Bible though not as much. It also has a little more devotional content. I do own the Catholic Study Bible which is very historical - critical ; a little too much but still a good resource for what it is . Agree with you on ESV Study Bible which I consider the gold standard of evangelical study Bibles. Before I moved to Manhattan I owned the entire IVP Ancient Christian Commentary set which was the splurge of my adult life . I gave it to my cousin who is a pastor for safe keeping and his own use . The Ancient Faith Study Bible sounds like a more reasonable version of that . I don’t own it but my parents have an earlier version of the Lutheran Study Bible . If you want the Lutheran perspective, it is very high quality

[@Steve-Duh-Rino]

Have watched 3 of your Study Bible videos tonight. Am leaning toward the last one presented here and the Church History Study Bible in another video.

[@homesteadgal4143]

Great video! I'm so pleased with your reviews on the ESV Concise Study Bible because I just bought this last week. I'm getting ready to add some tabs on the side and then I will begin using this Bible as my daily study Bible & reference/guide book. It's been an adjustment going from a lifetime of KJV Bibles to a different translation. I tried both NIV and NLT, but I kept tripping up on my KJV memory and verses I've been comforted with most of my life. Thanks so much for your reviews.

[@houston-coley]

Excellent stuff, Matt. The passion in your voice talking about the patronizing biblical resources for women was palpable. So glad to hear it. Side note: after finishing ANDOR last week, I was struck by how much it has in common thematically with the story of The Gospels in the sense that it's about a group of previously disengaged people being radicalized by something to the point where they're willing to give up their lives for it. It made me think a lot about the change that had to happen in The Disciples to make them go from normal people to committed martyrs. Probably helps that Cassian Andor looks quite a bit like Simon Peter in The Chosen! I'd love to see your video about Andor.

[@coralloyd5705]

Thank you for what you said about the women's Bibles! I am a woman who strives to study the Bible so that I may know God deeply and serve him better. As a mother of four and teacher to many more children, in different capacities at my church, I take my responsibility to know the Word very seriously! I need to know it if I am to impart it to the next generation.

[@sandracoombs2255]

Sensational video! Many thanks for giving sound reviews. I loved your comparison of the S/He Reads Truth Bibles. Your thoughts on this were spot on. It seems everything today is becoming so feminised and at the same time, dumbed down. Even the mighty story of the Bible. Thank you also for showing me some Bibles I’d not seen - I’ve ordered a few! 😊 Wish all Bible reviews were as in-depth as this. 😊

[@nb4mt]

Great video! As a woman, I generally don’t buy women’s Bible but the Holman CSB Study Bible for Women is generally a really nice one. The only devotional comes at the end of each book and that devotional relates to what the book was about. I love the charts, word studies, hard questions and articles, concise doctrinal boxes, etc. I have compared it to the ESV Study Bible, KJV study bible , and others - the notes are not super long or heavy, but just enough where it does give you a concise informational commentary. Floral design is elegant and ugh…it’s just one of my favourites! It’s a very good one. That ancient faith seems interesting too.

[@billiamnotbob]

My 'go to' is the Crossway ESV Study Bible. I splurged and got leather. So nice.

[@paula1494]

I have so many bibles, an still don't like just one. When I do my daily reading I still us 2 bibles. Would like just 1

[@VirgOboi469]

Thank you for going through the different study bibles....I will certainly try to purchase a couple ...thank you and HAPPY HOLIDAYS EVERYONE 🎄✨️🎁

[@rockerdax]

Thanks for speaking out about women’s bibles. I noticed this too as an atheist who studies the Bible, and likes to browse all the study Bibles at a book store.

[@ScottSteubing]

When I was looking for a new study bible at the start of the year, I decided on the CSB Ancient Faith Study Bible, and I love it. It is a gorgeous Bible.

[@djlclopez128]

Barbour Publishing is actually an older Christian publishing company. My husband got me a Bible Encyclopedia from a garage sale that was published in the 50's that was made by Barbour- it's highly detailed and has deep references that you'd never think of. I highly recommend Barbour.

[@someonesomewhere1100]

Thank you for sticking up for us women! Thank you for that subtle righteous fury

[@jolenehurtado1363]

Thank you for opening my eyes to this. I have the she reads truth womens bible as my first bible and im sad I didn’t do my due diligence of researching before committing to it. I will continue using it because im already half way through, but I do use other resources when studying my bible like podcasts and videos. Will never fall for this trap again.

[@IdratherbeinHobbiton]

I appreciate your honest view of women's study bibles and am subbing because of it! As a woman, I want to dig into the meat and potatoes of the word, not just lick the frosting. I have never had a women's study bible and have been watching reviews on them lately. One of them I've been looking at is the CSB women's study bible you mentioned after the she reads truth one and I'm glad you said it was a more in depth bible. I may get that one. Thanks for the video!

[@victoriatong777]

Thank you! I've gotten the Ancient Faith Study Bible based on your recommendation. It didn't disappoint at all. And I got a lot of new insight from it that changed the way I saw some parts of the Bible!

[@abugprobably]

I’ve watched this video probably a dozen times to help me buy a study Bible I can really dig into. Tonight I ordered the NLT Illustrated in leather and some book tabs to match it. I’m very excited.

[@yuckal]

Hey Matt are you going to review the Orthodox Study Bible in a future video, I'd love to see your review of it.

[@davidbolls4850]

I have this study Bible and have found it to be helpful!

[@AthanGreen337495]

As an Orthodox who was formerly connected with the Southern Baptist Convention, that HCSB Ancient Faith Bible is very intriguing

[@littlefishbigmountain]

*CSB. I believe Holman doesn’t print the HCSB anymore, but I could be wrong on that?

[@jreaves11]

Brilliantly and thoroughly done--Especially on the Ancients Study Bible!

[@hallboy5]

I'm a simple man. I see Matt Whitman, I click. And it never disappoints!

[@MattWhitmanTMBH]

You honor me.

[@goofygrandlouis6296]

@@MattWhitmanTMBH Here's 2 debates, for your level of knowledge, Mr. Whitman 😊. a) The apocryph *Gospel of St-Thomas* (he was labelled the "doubter" to be discredited / "cancelled" by the early Catholic Church ^^) b) the other non-niceen early churches. Something to rock the core of what modern-day Christians take for granted, today.. 😉

[@maltomeal3]

I picked up an "Ancient-Modern Bible" NKJV for $1 at a book store going out of business clearance sale. It's similar to the "Ancient Faith" one you recommend. It has quotes in the margin from ancient to modern pastors and scholars. I had never seen one like that before and I'm pumped to happen across it at that price!

[@MyImmaculateQueen]

I love the Ignatius Catholic Study Bible but the Douay Rheims is overall my favourite. Loving your channel brother ❤😀👍

[@michelleadams5609]

Corrupt.

[@MyImmaculateQueen]

@@michelleadams5609 What is corrupt?

[@michelleadams5609]

@@MyImmaculateQueen The entire Catholic system and most modern translations.

[@cindiloowhoo1166]

@@michelleadams5609 How did you arrive at that conclusion, please?

[@Ladrosify]

Thank you for this post, this is exactly what I havr been looking for. I just learned last year that there are study Bibles (as a Finnish and evangelical lutheran, we really do not have these, so I got english catholic Bible wich has been really helpful and now I am looking for more.

[@SAY.8.18]

NLT Illustrated...most under rated bible...great choice.

[@lunemoon3643]

I'm within my first year of learning and this has helped me, thank you !

[@Llllbbb.123]

Sadly the NLT illustrated bible has teeny 7 point font. Large font in scripture but teeny notes. Seniors can’t read it.

[@joepi7t]

I love that the Ancient Faith Study Bible came out as the most highly recommended. For all the reasons you listed including the fact that I'll be agitated by but ultimately respect the thought of the early church fathers. Crossway is releasing their own version of this called the church history Bible... Just in time for Christmas... Lol

[@jahintx]

Thank you for your thorough and thoughtful work, brother. I always finish your videos just a little wiser.

[@Art_Fulsop]

Splendid overview of a rich and diverse array of books, each offering unique perspectives and insights. I extend my heartfelt gratitude for your dedicated efforts; they are truly valued and appreciated.

[@mariietorres1]

Thank you so much for your service to the Lord and His people; I found your video very helpful! 🙏🏽 God bless you brother!

[@DianeJarvis-f1o]

Gosh, I REALLY enjoyed this video, which was very helpful. Yesterday afternoon I bought a study bible and in the evening I watched your first video and wished I'd seen first before investing (a large investment for me) in a study bible. I was afraid that you would either not even mention the bible I'd bought, or, worse, thought it very poor. You didn't mention the exact bible I bought, but did mention one very similar (an NLT) which is very similar and which you recommended (whoo). I subscribed to your channel yesterday and I really hope you do more of this sort of thing. Thank you for all the hard work you put into this. (Diane, England).

[@susieb2222]

You are spot on with the He Reads/She Reads Truth Bibles.(as well as some other women's Bibles)It's very disappointing as a woman who LOVES the Word to be annoyingly patronized by this idea that women can't or aren't interested in the deep truths of God's Word.

[@RachelSemeson]

I think it’s probably for teenagers. Just like the Jesus bible. Which I owned both. I regret buying them. If I was new to the faith then they would be great bibles. I needed more for of a theological standpoint regarding the she reads truth. The Jesus bible… I didn’t like the comfort print. So sadly I have a Bible that just isn’t being used.

[@pkmcnett5649]

@@RachelSemeson No, they are not meant for teenagers. They are meant for adult women.

[@denisemaryott6014]

Wow, this was wonderful information. I have found my next Bible after watching this presentation, and am very happy that I did not buy 2 of the bibles you reviewed. I have put the Ancient Faith Study Bible in my Amazon cart for a future purchase. I had absolutely no knowledge of this Bible prior to today. I am so happy to have come across this video. Thank you so much!

[@johnbutler4631]

I really love your channel: your honest winsomeness, your curiosity, your passion for God and love for His Word and His people. If I had chosen a different career path and had done seminary (which I may yet do, though I'm 49 now), and if I then decided to take it to KZbin ... (a lot of if's)... This is the kind of content I'd want to create. And I just may have to get that Ancient Faith Study Bible. It looks awesome.

[@LisaVanGemert]

Thanks so much! I found great Bibles for my daughters-in-law for Christmas! I know it would be a lot more work, but I would love it if you included an ISBN for the Bibles. It was surprisingly hard to find the ones you were talking about! 🙂

[@themooma6871]

Thank you for the analysis of the patronizing women’s Bibles!

[@sidjohnson37]

Ancient Faith Study Bible is absolutely one of the best kept secrets and one of the best Study Bibles out there. The study notes come from the Ancient Christian Commentary on Scripture (ACCS), edited by Dr. Tom Oden, the "father" of paleo-orthodoxy. If you ever get into doing a video about Bible commentaries, Matt, I'd love to see you cover the ACCS, and maybe shed some light on Oden's work in general. The work of Oden and other paleo-orthodox scholars is invaluable to the life of the Church.

[@hadassah_redeemed]

Wow! That was thourough! I appreciate all the info on all of those bibles. Thanks for mentioning the (in my opinion) sad fact that many of the women's resources treat us women like our emotions are so wildly uncontrolled that we couldn't possibly have the desire to really dig in and study God's word. I am definitely going to check out that Ancient Faith Bible.

[@amyk6403]

Also....nobody emphasizes empowered women in the Bible.....How Rahab owned a business that was probably not a brothel, how Deborah was in charge, how Jael drove a tent stake thru a man's head, etc....

[@desireegrosgebauer6526]

In She Reads Truth's defense, the Bible doesn't say it is a study Bible and their plans aren't called Bible studies. They are about reading your Bible every day. I usually read along with them each morning, sometimes not even reading their devotional. I do Bible studies with a church group.

[@GrammyGottaGo]

God forbid a woman gave enough Biblical knowledge to teach someone else. Great video. I did buy the She Reads Truth a while ago but I bought it for the margins, to not and journal my real studies! Not the fluff.

[@mmelton2115]

Thanks for the video Matt! Super helpful, as always. Please consider doing a video on some kids or family geared study bibles in the future. I would love to hear your thoughts on the popular options for kids currently available out there. Hope you have a good Christmas season!

[@jessicaworks6940]

Looking forward to more of these in the future. I see a couple in the stack to your right that I either have or have considered.

[@walkbyfaith2874]

I love my Thomas Nelson Study Bible KJV along with my set of Matthew Henry Commentary.

[@tgltyty]

Just curious about what you think about the Lutheran Study Bible?

[@carol622]

Thank you. I enjoyed and appreciated your review. Well done!!

[@williamnorton1569]

Sir, based upon your video, this occasional Catholic who owns about twenty Bibles ordered The Ancient Faith Study Bible. I look forward to exploring it. You do excellent work!

[@Mike590A1]

THE BEST TRANSLATION is the one you will actually read, plenty of room to spread out and compare texts later.....GOD BLESS.

[@anyadutton1085]

What an absolutely brilliant video, answering urgent questions we had in such a detailed and systematic and both faith and practicality driven way. Absolutely brilliant thank you so much.

[@lynnetteferguson9687]

This was wonderful! Thanks so much for doing this.

[@waltwestbrook6651]

1. I am ordering the Ancient Faith Bible in just a second. 2. I love your presentation and your concern about the patriarchal bias of some study Bibles. 3. Coming from a life-long liberal point of view and having gone through college and seminary with the RSV, then using the NRSV and CEB in study and worship (UM), I was wondering about your feelings regarding those more liberal translations. Thanks. Well done. I've subscribed!

[@siriusley13]

For any Orthodox out there, the Orthodox study bible is good and I love it has both old and new testament but! You really really NEED the Orthodox New Testament! It is in two books the Gospels in one the Epistles in the other and notes from the Saints are fabulous! Love love love!

[@briangronberg6507]

I couldn't agree more about the Ancient Faith Study Bible. It's my first experience with the CSB which I've come to appreciate a great deal and as you said, every page is a crucible and a call to deeper reflection.

[@LEFTBEHINDTIMES]

Get you an interlinear bible that has the Greek Hebrew and English, the original text. And a solid older strongs concordance. You could spend from here to the end of time looking up greek and Hebrew words that open the scriptures like no other. ✝️