Study Bibles are a great way to focus your Bible reading while providing tons of additional informational, devotional, and practical context. But with so many options to choose from, how do you pick the best Study Bible for you? There isn’t just a vast number of Study Bibles available on the market — there’s a vast variety of kinds of Study Bibles available.
Like my recent post comparing Bible versions, this article will help you sort through the many Study Bible options out there to narrow down your decision-making process.
Also like choosing Bible versions, there isn’t a one-and-done, best-of-them-all option for Study Bibles. There are tons of great options out there for every type of Bible reader. But what we can do is identify some of our favorites in each of those types — whether you’re a first-time Study Bible (or Bible) reader or an experienced academic, a history or theology scholar or a devotional prayer warrior, or just someone looking for some helpful daily guidance in Christian living.
To help you sort through the options, I’ve separated some of the top Study Bibles into twelve different categories. But you should note that there is a lot of overlap between them. Narrative or demographic Study Bibles can make great Beginner Study Bibles; Historical and Theological Study Bibles are often academic in nature. I have sorted them each into the category that I think fits them best.
But first … what exactly is a Study Bible?
What Is a Study Bible?
A Study Bible is a type of Bible designed to help readers understand and explore the scriptures in greater depth. It includes additional materials beyond the standard biblical text. Depending on the type and purpose of the Study Bible, it might include some or all of the following:
- Introductions: Overviews of each book of the Bible that discuss authorship, historical context, key themes, and major events.
- Articles: Expert explanations and interpretations of passages that provide historical context, theological insights, and practical applications.
- Footnotes: Notes at the bottom of pages that offer definitions, references to other parts of the Bible, and additional comments on specific verses.
- Maps and Charts: Visual aids that illustrate biblical geography, timelines, genealogies, and more to easily digest complex information.
- Cross-References: References to other verses within the Bible that relate to the current passage, helping to connect themes and ideas across different books.
- Concordance: An alphabetical list of words and phrases found in the Bible, making it easier to locate specific passages.
All this additional material can feel overwhelming. But like dictionaries or encyclopedias, Study Bibles aren’t usually intended to be read cover-to-cover.
Instead they’re meant to guide your reading and answer your questions about the Bible — whether they’re historical, literary, spiritual, practical, or theological. You can pick and choose what to focus on: either skip around and read the parts that interest you, or pick a book and do a thorough deep-dive to learn everything you can about, say, the world of 1 and 2 Kings.
As a final note before we get started, Bible Gateway Plus features dozens of Study Bibles — including many mentioned here — plus commentaries, dictionaries, and much more that you can explore for a fraction of the cost (and size) of a single hard-copy. It’s a great way to experiment with a variety of options, then pin your favorites for easy access as you read.
Beginner Study Bibles
If you’re new to Study Bibles — and especially if you’re new to personal Bible reading — you may want to start with a basic Study Bible that will help orient you to the text without getting too far into the weeds.
Whether you’re a new believer or a lifelong Christian looking to deepen your experience of God’s Word, here are a few great places to start:
- Starting Place Study Bible (NIV): It’s right there in the name. The NIV Starting Place Study Bible is designed for those new to Bible reading, offering simple explanations, comprehensive introductions, and easy-to-understand notes that guide readers through the text. It’s perfect for those beginning their journey with Scripture.
- NIV Study Bible: The NIV Study Bible features extensive study notes, maps, charts, and articles, written directly by the NIV’s translators. Its scholarly insights help readers grasp the historical context, language, and theology of the biblical text.
- Life Application Study Bible (NLT, KJV): As its name implies, the Life Application Study Bible emphasizes practical application, offering insights on how to live out biblical principles in everyday life. It includes character studies, notes, and a topical index to connect Scripture with real-life issues.
- Quest Study Bible (NIV): The Quest Study Bible is uniquely structured around questions that readers might have about scripture passages. It’s designed to engage curious minds and deepen understanding through exploration. (Also available in Teen and Youth versions.)
Narrative Study Bibles
Narrative Study Bibles are designed to demonstrate the consistent narrative thread woven throughout both testaments of the Bible. They make great introductions for beginning scripture readers, as well as an excellent return-to-basics corrective for those of us who have spent too much time studying Biblical books separately (which is also important to do!).
- Jesus Bible (NIV, ESV): The Jesus Bible focuses on how every story, prophecy, and teaching in the Bible points to Jesus, with commentary from leading Christian voices. It’s ideal for readers wanting to see Christ throughout the entirety of Scripture.
- Storyline Bible (NIV): The Storyline Bible helps readers understand the overarching narrative of the Bible, showing how each book fits into the grand story of God’s redemptive plan. It explores major events, key characters, and the theology of the Bible over seven historical eras, from Creation to the Church.
Devotional/Demographic Study Bibles
These Study Bibles are typically targeted at a particular audience and contain content specifically tailored to assist that group in their walk with the Lord.
- Breathe Life Bible (NKJV): The Breathe Life Bible brings together articles, reflections, Q&As, and challenges from over two dozen Black scholars, pastors, bishops, and activists. It provides biblical encouragement and guidance designed to help you to embody your faith in action in your community.
- Journal the Word Bible (NIV, KJV, NKJV, NASB, AMP): The Journal the Word Bible offers wide margins for note-taking, reflection, and journaling, making it a great choice for those who want more personalized opportunities to engage with and express their faith.
- Woman’s Study Bible (NIV, KJV, NKJV): The award-winning Woman’s Study Bible includes articles, essays, and notes written by women for women, addressing issues and themes relevant to modern Christian women. It combines scholarly insight with practical application.
- Celebrate Recovery Study Bible (NIV): The Celebrate Recovery Study Bible is an indispensable resource for anyone on the journey to recovery from addiction and other struggles, integrating biblical principles with recovery resources and tools.
- Africa Study Bible (NLT): The Africa Study Bible offers a different perspective on scripture than your average Study Bible, with thousands of features from hundreds of scholars from 50 countries across the continent with the world’s largest Christian population.
Study Bibles for History Buffs
Historically oriented Study Bibles provide critical historical background and context to the cultures, languages, and events surrounding the people who wrote the Bible. They attempt to bring us closer to the world of the Bible by situating readers within its contemporary settings and concerns.
- Cultural Backgrounds Study Bible (NIV, NKJV, NRSV [ebook]): The Cultural Backgrounds Study Bible places you directly into the mindsets and customs of the ancient world, helping readers understand the broader cultural contexts of biblical events and teachings. It incorporates archaeological findings and historical research extending from the earliest recorded history up through the New Testament era.
- Chronological Study Bible (NIV, NKJV): The Chronological Study Bible meticulously arranges the text in the order events actually occurred, giving readers a sequential understanding of the Bible’s history. It includes chronological references and thematic articles.
- Holy Land Illustrated Bible (CSB): The Holy Land Illustrated Bible brings the Scriptures to life with tons of full-color photographs, maps, and illustrations related to biblical sites and artifacts. It’s a beautiful edition that creates an immersive visual experience for the reader.
Theology Study Bibles
These Study Bibles guide readers through the theological context of Bible passages as they have been interpreted by church authorities throughout the years. They help explain what we can learn about God’s character and eternal plan for creation through the specific stories, events, places, and characters in Scripture.
Note that these Bibles are often tied to particular traditions, denominations, or theologies (though some try to present a broader view) — so it’s a good idea to consult your pastor or another trusted authority for advice on connecting them with your own church’s theological background.
- Biblical Theology Study Bible (NIV): The Biblical Theology Study Bible focuses on the connections between different parts of Scripture, exploring key theological themes across the biblical canon. It includes detailed study notes and essays by many leading evangelical scholars.
- Church History Study Bible (ESV) and Ancient-Modern Study Bible (NKJV): With more than 20,000 notes stretching across nearly 2,000 years, the Church History Study Bible integrates commentary from church fathers and historical Christian theologians from many confessional backgrounds, offering a rich perspective on how the Scriptures have been understood throughout church history. The Ancient-Modern Study Bible includes fewer — but longer — notes from a similar breadth of commentators.
- Reformation Study Bible (ESV), Lutheran Study Bible (ESV), and Wesley Study Bible (NRSV): These resources are designed to guide you in the theologies of the Reformed, Lutheran, and Methodist traditions (respectively) that emerged from the Protestant Reformation and redefined the religious landscape of the West.
Academic Study Bibles
Academic Study Bibles bring together the latest scholarship from the world’s best institutions on the background, composition, history, and legacy of the books of the Bible. They are typically used in institutions of higher learning, are very technical, and employ methods like source and literary criticism. Though many of the scholars are Christian, these Bibles are not well-suited for devotional or life-application purposes.
- SBL Study Bible (NRSVue): A comprehensive update on the HarperCollins Study Bible, the SBL Study Bible is a favorite of academic institutions and Bible scholars. Developed by the Society of Biblical Literature (SBL), it provides extensive annotations and insights from dozens of experts from a wide variety of confessional and academic backgrounds, all focusing on the latest critical analysis and academic perspectives on the biblical text.
- New Oxford Annotated Bible (NRSV): The New Oxford Annotated Bible is another highly respected academic resource with annotations and essays from top scholars. Like the SBL, it includes scholarly introductions, notes, and maps that reflect diverse theological and critical perspectives. Both are solid options, but the SBL is slightly more up-to-date, and many find it somewhat easier to use.
Personality Study Bibles
These are Study Bibles featuring notes and commentary from a specific personality or authority figure — often a popular author, pastor, or theologian. These can be a great way to engage with a favorite trusted Bible teacher, but they aren’t recommended for first-time Bible readers, since by nature they provide only a single person’s interpretive viewpoint.
There are a great variety of these available, but here are two with the broadest appeal:
- Lucado Encouraging Word Bible (NIV, NKJV): The Lucado Encouraging Word Bible features insights and encouragements from the enormously popular bestselling author and pastor Max Lucado. True to his style, it’s aimed at offering hope and practical applications designed to uplift and inspire readers.
- C.S. Lewis Bible (NRSV): The C.S. Lewis Bible includes writings and reflections from beloved novelist and apologist C.S. Lewis, integrating his profound, pithy insights with the biblical text.
- See also the Lutheran and Wesleyan Study Bibles in the Theology section above.
Kids’ and Youth Study Bibles
Study Bibles aren’t just for boring, stuffy grown-ups (or fun, interesting grown-ups for that matter!). Children’s and young adult Study Bibles provide the same essential features as adult Study Bibles, tailored to a younger audience.
- Adventure Bible (NIV, NKJV, NIrV): The Adventure Bible features engaging informational and devotional content like fun facts, memory verses, and colorful illustrations aiming to make Bible reading exciting and accessible for young readers.
- Teen Study Bible (NIV, NKJV, KJV): For a slightly older audience, the Teen Study Bible addresses real issues relevant to teenagers, from friends, family, and school to bullying and depression. It provides study notes, tips, and Q&A sections that help teens navigate their lives while encouraging them to deepen and understand their faith.
Catholic Study Bibles
Though most Study Bibles are not denominationally exclusive and target a broad audience, the fact is that the vast majority of them are predominantly written and edited by Protestants, for Protestants. While Catholics can still get plenty of use from them, those who want study materials directly tailored to their own theological and ecclesial concerns do have several great options available to them.
All of these have been granted the Imprimatur and Nihil Obstat by the Church to affirm official approval for study and use.
- Catholic Study Bible (NABRE): Published by Oxford University Press, the Catholic Study Bible unsurprisingly takes a solidly academic viewpoint — but from an exclusively Catholic perspective (approved by the USSCB). It includes lectionary readings and a whopping 574-page introductory Reading Guide.
- Didache Bible (RSV2CE): The Didache Bible offers commentary based on the Catechism of the Catholic Church, linking Scripture with official Catholic teachings. It provides doctrinal explanations and reflections aligned with Catholic tradition, and makes a great teaching tool for new or (with assistance) young Catholics.
- Great Adventure Catholic Bible (RSV2CE): Not to be confused with the children’s Adventure Bible above, the Great Adventure Catholic Bible presents a narrative approach to reading the Bible, with color-coded sections to help readers follow the timeline of salvation history. It’s a fun, engaging experience for Bible readers of all levels — so it’s no surprise it’s (according to their website at least) the most popular Catholic Bible in the U.S.
Orthodox Study Bibles
Even more than Catholics, Orthodox Christians are very limited in their options for Study Bibles made specifically with their ecclesial and theological concerns in mind. In fact, there’s only one (in English) — but there are a few others that might prove appealing, as well.
- Orthodox Study Bible (Orig. [OT] & NKJV [NT]): The Orthodox Study Bible features commentary from and uniquely tailored to an Eastern Orthodox perspective, including many notes drawn from the early Church Fathers. Remarkably, it also contains a complete new translation of the Old Testament (with Deuterocanon) from the Septuagint.
- Ancient Faith Study Bible (CSB): The Ancient Faith Study Bible is not an Orthodox publication, and indeed differs at time from official church teaching on certain matters (such as liturgy, orthopraxy, and eucharist). But it does include extensive notes and commentary from early Church Fathers that provide powerful context for Orthodox western converts.
Jewish Study Bibles
Jews and Christians alike can benefit from a historical understanding of how the authors of the Hebrew Bible (Old Testament) viewed themselves, their culture, and their Scriptures.
- Jewish Study Bible (JPS): The Jewish Study Bible provides commentary and essays from Jewish scholars on the Hebrew Bible, or Tanakh (note that it does not contain the New Testament). It includes historical, cultural, and literary insights from a Jewish academic perspective — including an original translation of the entire Hebrew Bible by the Jewish Publication Society.
- Complete Jewish Study Bible (Orig.): The Complete Jewish Study Bible connects the Jewish roots of the Christian faith, highlighting the continuity between the Old and New Testaments. It’s a unique and fascinating approach that integrates traditional Jewish, Messianic Jewish, and Christian viewpoints — including a proprietary translation of both Testaments retaining Hebrew names for people and places — into a singular, holistic vision.
Conclusion: Choosing the Best Study Bible for You
With so many great options available, choosing the Study Bible that’s best for you mostly comes down to asking yourself what you most want to get out of it.
Do you want to learn more about the historical and cultural origins of the Bible? Then you might want to try the Cultural Backgrounds Study Bible or the SBL Study Bible.
More interested in exploring church history and theology? Pick the Church History or Ancient-Modern Study Bible — or one of the many denomination-specific options.
Or is it more important to you to have something that guides you in your personal devotion and relationship with Jesus? Maybe one of the Beginner, Narrative, or Demographic Study Bibles would be best for you.
If you’re still not sure, one of the best ways to explore your options is with a Bible Gateway Plus membership. Bible Gateway Plus lets you read notes and articles from dozens of Study Bibles and other resources — all for less than a pack of highlighters. Sign up for a free trial today!
Disclaimer: Some (but not all) of the above Study Bibles are published by HarperCollins Christian Publishing, which is also the parent company of Bible Gateway. However, we have made every effort to be fair and unbiased in our recommendations.
Jacob is Editorial Director of Bible Gateway. He holds a Master of Theological Studies in Early Christian Thought from Harvard Divinity School, and a Bachelor of Arts in Religious History from Memorial University of Newfoundland, though with most of his coursework from the University of Hawai'i at Manoa. His work has appeared in Ekstasis and in Geez Magazine's "Embracing Darkness" Advent devotional.
