[.ca] Study Bible-NIV (ISBN 031092958X)

The best of Zondervan's publications:
I have three different NIV's by Zondervan, and that after looking at many different sizes and makes that they offer. It's difficult to settle on one or the other, but I would definately make this observation: The only truly readable size of the "Study Bible" version is this one. While it is a larger size that you'd want to keep at home, this is the only one in a font that is close to "normal" newspaper-ish size. Also where the print is in red for Jesus's passages, the print is clear dark red. As you go down to the more compact sizes - especially those with the "duo-tone" ( false leather) covers - the red print becomes almost pink, and the print is just too small to read comfortably. What I would suggest is to get this particular size as a home study bible, or as your main bible. If you want something more portable without study notes, go with the very nice Belgium printed "Premium Bonded Leather Thinline Bible". The latter does not have study notes, but the quality is superb. I don't even know if Amazon has the latter suggestion, but its worth looking for that before you go on to any of the compact versions. I would not recommend getting any STUDY bibles smaller than this. Content-wise, I'm in agreement with the others. I almost feel there is too much detail in the study notes sometimes, but where to draw that line is almost impossible. This publication is the best resource I know of to understand the Bible without someone else explaining it to you. I am very happily reading along without outside instruction. This is an excellent effort.

The best overall study Bible:
Looking for a study Bible? Want a Biblical commentary that allows you to draw your own conclusions? Then you may want to consider the NIV Study Bible. This is a great study Bible for Christians both young and old in the faith. It combines a readable and reliable translation, excellent reference material, and unbiased commentary. I have seen this study Bible through all it's previous editions and am continually impressed. Pros: 1) The readable and reliable NIV text. Some people can be rather critical of the NIV even to the point of accusing this translation of heresy. Such accusations are completely without merit. I have studied from the NIV for over 20 years and I have never found it to be anything but reliable. 2) Excellent reference material. Cross-references, maps, charts, timelines, historical context, and more. This study Bible has just about everything you would need for a complete study of any given passage. Granted, space restrictions do not permit an exhaustive analysis of any of the above. However, there is more than enough information to satisfy all but the most intensive reader. 3) Good commentary. The study notes offered in this Bible are excellent. They do not enforce any one denominational position and present various viewpoints on disputible issues. 4) Easy to read print. I do not know what kind of font was used for the printing of this Bible but it is incredibly easy to read. Cons: 1) Thin paper. Unfortunately the paper quality for many of Zondervan's Bibles has been rather poor recently. It is ultra thin, probably to allow for thinner Bibles. It can be distracting to see the opposite page through the one you are reading. Especially if the next page is a chart or a map. This can also cause problems for people who like to take notes in their Bibles. 2) Only available in the NIV. As I've said in the Pros this format is very good for Bible study. It would be nice to have this available in another translation for those who prefer a more formal translation like the NASB or ESV. There is a Zondervan NASB Study Bible that is very similar but it has not been updated along with the NIV. Overall, I would recommend this Bible to any one who desires to dig into God's word for themselves. You won't be steered wrong by this.

One of the best study Bible ever (in english):
This Bible is great.It has notes all over the place.one thing is that its an NIV and I (a Puerto Rican) can read this Bible (I also like the NKJV). This Bible has everything, maps, notes, refenrences, and many other things, oh!, almost forgot it has intro to each book of the Bible, it tells you when it was written, who wrote it, to whom, the purpose of the book, and other great things. This Bible also has little drawings on the bottom (besides the notes) to help you grow in the spirit, for example, when it has a face, that means that the note is about a character or a person of the Bible, when it has a shovel,it'll show you archaeology stuff, and when it has a leaf, its just teachings for your growth. It also has tiny letters show you similiar verses.Its an awesome study Bible that will boast your wisdom of the word to an all-time high (if you study it).And the price is insane (got it for $20 at Wal-Mart. Hardcover, though).If you don't have a study Bible and even if you do buy this Bible it will be a great help IF you like to study the Bible (which I love, thank God!). The grace of the Lord Jesus be with God's people. Amen (Rev 22:21 NIV)

Not just for studying:
I have really been enjoying the notes, maps and cross references. "Study" sounded, well, kind of studious, and I just wanted to read. But the extra material helps fill in my blanks and make reading the Bible more interesting. If you enjoy watching things like the History Channel which help give you the extra detail, then this is the Bible you want to pick up to read. Oh yeah, I guess the paper is a bit thin, but it's a fair trade to pack so much into something that does not need wheels.

Excellent Study Bible! - Your "Secret Decoder Ring":
(...) Excellent Study Bible! - Your "Secret Decoder Ring" (...) The NIV translation is one easiest Bibles to understand at a grade reading level of 7.8. With the added study Bible features, this becomes an excellent resource for adults or for a confirmation class. Here is what you will like: @ Did you even wonder what Jesus was referring to when he would say, "Did you never read in the Scriptures..." The 100,000 footnotes will show you exactly what scripture is being referenced! @ The 20,000 study notes give you deeper understanding and historical context. They stick to the facts without making political statements. @ Numerous charts, tables, maps, diagrams, and timelines help explain context and clarify key points. @ The Concordance and Subject Guide will help you find passages. The NIV Study Bible is the Bible that our church gives to all 6th graders. As one student said, "This Bible is like a secret decoder ring." We also use it for our adult Bible studies. Enjoy! - Craig