Exploring the types of Bibles available today

Choosing the right type of Bible for you is paramount to Bible study. Knowing what excites you, how you learn, and your limitations can guide you to the right type of Bible.

We will review a subset of the types of Bibles, from parallel to thematic. We will not focus on Bible translations themselves in this article, but the general structure of a Bible. If you want to explore translations, we recommend you read:

We will give you a clear overview four Bible types, along with features to look for in in your next Bible. Hopefully, this will help you easily choose what best fits your needs.

Parallel Bibles (or side-by-side Bible translations) provide clarity

Parallel Bibles are fascinating tools. These are Bibles that include more than one translation side-by-side. The goal of these Bibles is to provide clarity to the reader.

Pastors and Bible teachers often use parallel Bibles that include an English translation alongside the Hebrew or Greek text. Bilingual individuals or those learning a second language may also use a parallel Bible to gain additional insights. Spanish-English Bibles are just one example of these.

Comparing English against the original languages isn't the only use for parallel Bibles. They can also help us understand the differences between older and modern English translations. These can also highlight the beauty of a passage and give a greater sense of awe at God's work.

For example, compare Genesis 1:4 in the King James Version (KJV) and the New International Version (NIV):

"And God saw the light, that it was good: and God divided the light from the darkness" (KJV)
"God saw that the light was good, and he separated the light from the darkness" (NIV)

When describing how light and darkness came to be, the KJV uses the word "divided," and the NIV uses "separated." Both are valid translations of the original Hebrew word (bādal), but one option may resonate with you better.

Parallel Bibles are a valuable resource to have on your shelf. But, you can also compare up to 5 translations side-by-side on Bible Gateway. Use these comparisons to reveal new meaning and gain an understanding of Scripture during your daily Bible reading.

Study Bibles deepen your study

Study Bibles are another type of resource to deepen your knowledge of Scripture. These editions typically include:

Introductions for every book of the Bible, providing key background information related to authorship, dates, and key themes
Topical or line-by-line commentary on most or every chapter of Scripture
Additional study aids

Some Study Bibles focus on specific themes or topics. Others aim to address the needs of specific people. These include Study Bibles for women, bibles for beginners, and more. Some examples of these include:

There are study Bibles with notes and wisdom from trusted authors, like the Lucado Encouraging Word Bible. Others, like the NIV Quest Study Bible, provides answers to several specific Bible-related questions. This is only a small example of the vast array of study Bibles available today.

Cross-reference Bibles connect passages

Cross-references connect related passages and themes, helping you go deeper with your Bible study. These are a common feature of most Bibles.

On Bible Gateway, cross-references are available from the page options menu. They aren't available for all translations, but you can find them on many, including the NIV, ESV and NKJV.

Devotional Bibles connect You emotionally

Devotional Bibles include daily readings, prayers and reflection. But, more importantly allow you to abide with God's Word and reflect on Scripture. They explain the theme of a passage and use contemporary stories to help you learn more about Scripture.

Subsets of devotional Bibles help you explore Bible text in new ways. Journaling Bibles provide space to write or draw, and help you build daily habits reading the Bible.

These Bibles are interest-based. If you love writing or drawing, devotional Bibles help you work that into your Bible study.

Thematic Bibles that keep you engaged

Chronological Bibles are perfect for people who love reading up on historical events. These Bibles bring concurrent events together to give you a fuller picture of the narrative of Scripture. They also typically include study notes focused on the historical way of life at that time in history.

If you are interested in exploring specific topics or themes throughout the Bible, then a Thematic Reference Bible is for you. This type of Bible links passages like other cross-reference Bibles, but on a much larger scale. One of the most popular versions is the NIV Thompson Chain Reference Bible.

The Thompson Chain Reference helps you explore what the Bible says about a particular word, and deepen your study. You can also use these verses to pray Scripture. And if you're a writer, this reference system is another helpful tool. You can use it to get ideas for blog posts, articles, papers, and sermons.

Bible features that meet specific needs

There are also practical things to look for when you choose a printed Bible. You can find Bibles to enhance readability or make something more convenient.

Large print Bibles are available to help those of us with poor eyesight. You'll find text Bibles to Study Bibles available with large or extra large type. This is also important to Bible Gateway. You can adjust the size of the text, up or down, to your preference.

Thumb-indexed Bibles are great for quickly opening to a specific book of the Bible. This is perfect for anyone who is leading a Bible study.

Audio versions are helpful if you find it hard to dedicate time for reading. They are also a great option for engaging Scripture when your hands are occupied.

For those on the go, compact Bibles, or gift and award Bibles, are perfect travel companions. Available at a lower price point, they are ideal for sharing God's Word.

God's Word equips you

We've barely scratched the surface of different Bible types in this article. But every type has the same goal: to help you engage with Scripture.

If you're not sure where to start, lean into your interests. Journaling Bibles are great for those who love to write. Chronological and archaeological Bibles are ideal for history buffs. And, as always, you can also read your favorite Bible translations side-by-side on Bible Gateway.

Whatever type you choose, opt for one that you will read regularly and will strengthen your faith.

All of the study Bibles mentioned above are available with Bible Gateway Plus. Learn more today!