I’m comfortable using the various translations of the bible, my question is about study bibles. I appreciate the Serendipity Bible for personal and small group study and use it often when leading bible classes. Are there others that prompt readers with questions about the text they’re reading?
I remember when the serendipity Bible was very popular. I think my mom had one.
I’m not sure of others that prompt with questions. I use mostly online versions now because I compare across so many translations.
I use NIV, but have a few other translations saved in the “compare” part of my online Bible. I like to see how some of the others are worded, especially when I’m writing my devotionals. The one I will never use is “The Message”.
What translation would be advised for a new believer at college age?
Personally, I prefer the ESV. That should be suitable for a college-aged reader.
NRSV is the standard for college level biblical studies in most seminaries and schools of divinity. This is the translation that I used through my academic career researching late American religious history which includesAmerican interpretations of scripture.
I suggest the NASB, ESV, and the NKJV. I also suggest reading these along with the ‘thought for thought’ translations such as the NIV and the NLT. Whatever version(s) you use, please don’t use Message or the Passion Translation. 
1 Like
Most of us used NASV in Bible college and I really like it but it’s not a study Bible (the one I have & use).
I also like ESV.
You are right about The Message. It’s written in our “speak language” but I’m not liking it much.
I think I’m going to go with the NIV Faith in Action Study Bible ( in partnership with World Vision) for my graduating grandson.
I stepped upon this Study Bible several years ago and really enjoy the mission it represents.
World Vision has made an undeniable impact on me as well as Compassion International.
2 Likes
I really like your reply.
Particularly the questions you started off with.
I too like the NASB but there’s something about the King James Version of the Bible that speaks to my heart every time I open it. 
It’s not just the beauty of the language, though that’s a big part of it.
The poetic rhythm and the way the words flow remind me of the power and majesty of God.
The KJV has stood the test of time for centuries, and there’s a reason why it’s still a favorite for so many people like myself.
One thing I love is how precise and clear it is. The words may feel older, but they carry weight.
There’s no sugarcoating. It’s direct and gets to the heart of what God is saying.
When you read the KJV, it feels like you’re tapping into the depth of the original Scriptures.
It’s as if God’s voice is speaking through each verse with authority.
I also appreciate the consistency. I know what to expect with the KJV.
There’s something comforting about reading the same translation that generations before me have leaned on for guidance, faith, and encouragement.
It connects me to the rich history of believers who have trusted in those words for centuries.
For me, the KJV isn’t just another translation… it’s a legacy that continues to live on.
It reminds me of the timeless truths that God’s Word never changes, no matter how much the world around us does.
That’s my two cents anyway. God bless.
1 Like
One of my favorite topics!
Reading the same passage of Scripture in different translations and paraphrases brings the Word to life in a different and enriching way for me!
The first study Bible I ever owned was the NIV translation. I love study Bibles because I can easily make sure the way I am interpreting Scripture is true to the text and not just my own theory about what I think is happening. I love to learn about the different people and places in the Bible, as well as the original Greek and Hebrew meanings of certain words. Study Bibles give my time in the word an extra layer of depth and meaning. Right now, I use an NLT Life Application Study Bible. When prepping for Bible Study, I use the ESV Study Bible.
The Voice and The Message are the two paraphrases I like the best.
Happy Reading, everyone!
Meg 
2 Likes
I use Bible software called “The Word” which is available to anyone online and for free. https://www.theword.net
You can purchase modules that add numerous translations, along with the hover over feature that links the original Hebrew, Aramaic and Greek languages, which I love having access to. It allows one to compare the original text to various translations and at times the differences are striking-- sometimes quite shocking.
1 Like
The study bible question is one answered by your level of experience and background. I think the BEST starting point is the “Life Application Study Bible”. There are several types of notes and they help make the Bible Text easier to understand and there is a life application section to help know how to use the ideas being discussed. “Jeremiah Study Bible” is very good and has a lot of helpful information. “John MacArthur Study Bible” is a little deeper and has some great study material. I have and use the Thompson Chain Reference This is a different kind of study Bible, it gives a detailed subject cross reference.
There are many more this is just a start. If in doubt stare with the New King James Life Application Study Bible.
1 Like
My GO TO tool is Bible Study Tools (biblehub.com)
It contains 22 English translations as well as translations in numerous other languages
Genesis 1:1 Multilingual: In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth. (biblehub.com) in a searchable form which are linked to the original Hebrew & Greek, Strongs Concordance and well, just too many interlinked study tools to mention.
1 Like
When it comes to choosing a Bible, I personally enjoy using the ESV or the NLT for their clarity and readability in understanding God’s Word. I often think of Proverbs 4:7, where it says, “Wisdom is the principal thing,” and I find that both the ESV and NLT help me grasp that wisdom, although the KJV remains a timeless and beautiful translation that many also cherish.
1 Like
I would like to offer a word of caution to you @ImperfectlyPerfectC: Don’t use the NLT as your sole translation. I say this because the NLT isn’t a ‘word for word’ translation, it’s a ‘thought for thought’ translation. This means that someone read the verse and then tried to summarize what it said. I’m not saying that you should abandon the NLT, I’m saying you should use the NLT alongside a word-for-word translation such as the NASB, ESV, or even the NKJV. 
1 Like
Never read the NKJV or the NASB, but I’ll definitely check it out in my next personal bible study time. Thanks for the recommendation! 
1 Like
I read several translations, all of them “modern”… I really like the NET, the NIV, the NLT, and the NRSVue.
I don’t use older translations, e.g., the KJV, as I prefer understanding what is written as clearly as possible.
1 Like
Your description of the NLT is misleading. It was developed by a group of qualified scholars to communicate as clearly as possible the meaning of Scripture. It is not “a summary”.
BTW, there is no such thing as a “word-for-word translation”. If there was, it would be completely baffling, as the source languages are very different from English.
Then what’s the Apostolic Bible Polyglot supposed to be?
And the way they do that is by trying to summarize what it’s saying in modern English. They say it right here: New Living Translation (NLT) - Version Information - BibleGateway.com " …The challenge for the translators was to create a text that would make the same impact in the life of modern readers that the original text had for the original readers. In the New Living Translation, this is accomplished by translating entire thoughts (rather than just words) into natural, everyday English." See?
This article provides a good description of different translation methodologies and the corresponding translations that fit inside them.
Formal seeks literal rendering of original language into target language, which wants to preserve original word order as much as practical. Also literal goal is one translated word for one original word. This translation philosophy assumes that the reader is familiar with the culture of the original text.
In contrast, functional equivalence focuses on phrasing meaning using contemporary colloquialism. Here the assumption is that the reader is not familiar with the original culture but must have the cultural meaning translated. In a sense, functional equivalence is an application commentary of the original text.
In the middle of the spectrum is dynamic thought for thought, which seeks a mediating balance from stilted literal expression and current colloquialism.
1 Like