Bibles

Is it time for a new bible? Or are you opening up the Bible app and getting overwhelmed by all the choices? Here are some of my favorite translations, study bibles, and books about the bible. Most links in this blog post are to Cokesbury, but these Bibles can be found in most places, or you can ask your local bookstore to order them for you.

Translations

• NRSV (Updated): Our pews feature the New Revised Standard Version (NRSV), which has since been updated (NRSVUE). The translation team is theologically diverse across multiple traditions, utilizing some of the latest discoveries in biblical sources, and is academically rigorous yet still fairly easy to read. 
• CEB: The Common English Bible has all of the attributes of the NRSVue, and I like it a little bit more. It is easier to read and comprehend. I find both the NRSVue and CEB to be more accurate in translating the Greek and Hebrew than the NIV, ESV, NKJV, and NLT, which are derived from more biased translation teams.
• The Message: The Message translation was written by Eugene Peterson, who consulted the original Greek and Hebrew texts. It's a modern paraphrase, translating one thought at a time.
• Bonus translations that are fun:
  • Y'all: The Y'all translation brings me joy as I use it to see when the you is singular versus plural. Otherwise, I don't like it much since it uses the American Standard Version and World English Bible (both older, less accurate translations)
  • Gen Z: A hilarious translation from the King James Version that used AI to translate into the slang of Gen Z.

Study Bibles

• For Students:
  • The CEB Student Bible is great because it features small box commentaries written by teens and young adults. AND it is free of the toxic theology that most teen study bibles come with.
• For nerds:
  • Study Bibles are generally great because they have rich details in the footnotes and longer introductions to each book, adding context to your reading.
    • The CEB Study Bible
    • The New Interpreters Study Bible (currently only NRSV)
    • TheNew Oxford Annotated Study Bible (currently only NRSV)
  • Great Study bibles with Jewish commentary, footnotes, and details.
    • The Jewish Study Bible (Hebrew Bible/ Old Testament)
    • The Jewish Annotated New Testament
• For Methodists:
  • Means of Grace Bible: The CEB with additional footnotes, reflections, and commentary about the means of grace.
  • Wesley Study Bible: Adds commentary, footnotes, and reflections connected to John Wesley and Methodist theology. (CEB) or (NRSV)

Children's Bibles

• God's Stories as Told by God's Children: Each story is written by a theologian in their area of specialty. They also offer a version without pictures for adults who want a simple way to learn the overarching stories of the Bible.
• The Peace Table: Explores 12 paths to peace found throughout the biblical text with spiritual practices throughout. 
• The Book of Belonging: Beautiful full-page and immersive illustrations with contemplative practices throughout.