by Evie Polsley, Bible Team Marketing Coordinator
It was pink, slim, and had a snap to keep the front and back covers closed. I will never forget the first Bible my mom and dad gave me when I made the decision to follow Jesus at 7 years old. It is still a prized possession, and I gave it to my daughter when she turned 9 years old and asked for a Bible of her own.
Though I’ve just started down the road of my “middle” years, the variety of Bibles available has greatly increased since I held that pink Bible in my hands. What hasn’t changed is the beauty that emulates from the text of God’s Word to us.
Picking out a Bible can be overwhelming. There are notes, wide margins, coloring options, devotionals, and etc.—so many features. But even if you just want a Bible without any additional features, the choices can still seem daunting.
Here are a few questions we think might be helpful when choosing a text Bible.
- Determine which translation to go with (we are partial to the NLT, but there are lots of great English translations available).
- Is this a Bible that will travel with you or stay at home?
- What’s the smallest font or print size that you can comfortably read?
- What materials do you prefer when handling the Bible? A hardcover is great for a stay-at-home library edition, while genuine leather feels like a fine pair of driving gloves that you want to use wherever you happen to be. LeatherLikes are great alternatives as they have the feel of leather without the associated higher price.
- Bibles come in a variety of colors now, so it is likely that you will find just the right Bible that fits your personal taste. And now there are even options to create your own cover. (Want to know more about custom covers? Check out Cover Expressions.)
Whether it’s your first or 51st, a Bible of your own is a wonderful opportunity to grow closer to God. We’d love to hear stories about important Bible moments in your life. Please share in the comments.
Looking for some examples of differences in text Bibles? Click on the images to learn more about each one.
