I’m often asked which Bible I would recommend to someone. I love that question, because the most important Christian book they will ever read is God’s Word.
Sometimes their existing Bible is falling to pieces, and it has reached a point where they need to replace it. But even in that scenario, they’ve often decided not to replace like with like. Other people are looking for an additional Bible to read alongside the one that they read daily. Yet others want to start Bible reading for the very first time.
So what Bible do I recommend for them? Nearly every one of those people is surprised that I don’t offer a simple answer to their question. Instead of immediately handing them a Bible, and saying, ‘This is the one for you’, I ask them a load of questions.
So if you are thinking of buying a new Bible, may I suggest that you think about the following? These are just some of the questions that will be in the back of my mind when we chat about your requirements:
- Do you prefer traditional black Bibles or is a funky pink cover more to your liking? Maybe I can find your favourite colour.
- Where will you read your Bible? Do you want a big one or pocket size? What size would really work for your lifestyle?
- How is your sight? If it isn’t great, ‘clear print’ may suit you better than ‘large print’ or ‘giant print’. But compact or pocket size certainly won’t work for you!
- Is an occasional magazine the extent of your regular reading, or are you an avid reader of literature? All Bibles have a Reading Grade Level to assist us in matching them to the way someone reads.
- Do you prefer a particular translation or paraphrase? Now this is where it gets technical, but it’s my job not yours to understand terms like ‘word-for-word literal’ and ‘dynamic equivalent’!
- Do you want to follow the readings in your Bible during church services? In that case, is a particular translation or paraphrase usually used in your church?
- Would you like the binding to last forever? Then the best Moroccan leather is for you. Or are you more into fashion, and you’ll change it when the next new look comes along?
- Not forgetting the big question – what’s your budget?
Maybe now you see why I don’t give an easy answer to that question. I sometimes think life would be a whole lot easier if I was selling something simpler like, say, socks. But I wouldn’t have it any other way!
To put the cat among the pigeons, I’ll also throw in here some alternatives like Audio Bibles and Comic Strip Bibles. Of course, Children’s Bibles and Children’s Bible Story Books are another matter altogether!
But I will let you into a secret. My personal favourite as an additional Bible to be read devotionally is tPt – the Passion translation.