One of the most important aids to Bible study is a good study Bible which is a combination of Scripture with Bible reference information in one volume. You can explore the meaning of Scripture through such tools as historical information cultural insights, theological observations, book introductions, charts, maps, and cross references. (from the Cokesbury catalog).
There are many available. All offer
• Introductions to every book of the Bible
• Notes on the Biblical text which run with the text
• Timeline of Biblical events
• Maps with index
• Essays which provide more detail on particular topics
Here are some unique features of the major study Bibles. Each uses the New Revised Standard Version for its text.
The New Oxford Annotated Bible Third Edition (2001)
• Background essays on the major divisions of the biblical text
• Essays on the history of the Bible, its text and interpretation
• 64-page concordance
• Timeline includes major events in the ancient Near East
• Index to the study notes
The HarperCollins Study Bible (1993 or 2006)
• Prepared by the Society of Biblical Literature reflecting diversity in scholarship without a doctrinal agenda
• 60% Bible text; 40% notes; No essays
• Timeline includes ancient Near East events
The New Interpreter’s Study Bible (2003)
• Interpretation guides
• Glossary of terms used in the notes and an index to the notes
• Brief essays give extended treatment to texts, themes, and ideas
• Outlines of each book of the Bible
Other study Bibles that offer unique perspectives are:
The Jewish Study Bible (2003)
• Uses The Jewish Publication Society Tanakh translation (Old Testament only)
• Theological interpretation from the Jewish perspective
• Glossary of technical terms
• Index to study material
The Learning Bible: Contemporary English Version (2000)
• Written for people who are beginning their study of the Bible
• Full color illustrations, and Biblical art images
• Very readable translation and notes by the American Bible Society
• Our church gives this to youth when they are confirmed
The New Jerusalem Bible (1985)
• Translation and study notes prepared by Roman Catholic scholars
• 20 page chronological table includes major events in the ancient Near East
• Indexes of major notes and persons
• Warning: Study notes use small type
New NIV Study Bible: New International Version (2004)
• Translation prepared by evangelical protestant scholars
• Reflects the most current conservative Bible scholarship
• Notes of special interest in the areas of character study, archaeology, and personal application
The Orthodox Study Bible: New King James Version (1993)
• Prepared by scholars of the Orthodox Church
• New Testament and Psalms only
• Essays include one "Introducing the Orthodox Church"
• 195 page concordance
• Index of annotations
So, which one to choose? The New Oxford Annotated Bible has been the standard for decades. The 2001 Third Edition is a major revision and improvement. The HarperCollins Study Bible has the most extensive notes. But the essays in The New Oxford Annotated Bible are very helpful. Either is an excellent choice. For a first-time buyer the Oxford is often the best choice. Take a look at The New Interpreter’s before deciding. It may be more accessible. Retail prices are about $45.00 – look for discounts to around $35.00 through catalogs or amazon.com.