As we discussed previously there are a seemingly endless number of Bible types. We use the term “type” here to refer to the kind of Bible published not the translation method. It can be used synonymously with “edition” (or “packaging”), but we tend to use “edition” to refer to an example of a Bible type such as a study Bible. The ESV Study Bible is an example of a study Bible type of which would be produced in many variations of covers and sizes. There are times when types are joined together so that you might have a reference type and a note-taking type combined into a particular edition. Distinctions can get blurred quickly. Thus, we have some key terms or concepts to keep in mind.
- Translation or Version: Putting the original Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek into English. These terms are used interchangeably.
- Translation Method: Formal Equivalence (word for word), Dynamic Equivalence (meaning for meaning), Hybrid of the two, and Paraphrases. This will be covered in future articles.
- Bible Type: These are the various kinds of Bibles. This is what is covered below.
- Bible Edition: When a publisher takes a particular translation and formats it into a particular type, selects the cover, color, text size and size of Bible along with a number of other choices then packages that for consumers; this makes an edition of the Bible.
A complete list of Bible types would be huge even if one does not consider the variation in layout, cover materials, or size that we call editions of a type. Thus, this is not an exhaustive list of available types. I suggest you do a google search. Look at just one version like the NIV or ESV then see the vast choices that are available. The NIV even comes in various names such as the Jesus Bible or the Book of Books but they are the same text as any other NIV. It will blow you away as you look at the vast collection of options. Below is a list of some of the major types.
Pew / Outreach Bible:
These are economic basic Bibles with no or few added features. Many will have a basic hardcover or be a cheap paperback, called a “Trade Paperback”. The line between text and pew Bibles have been blurred in recent years as the quality of these inexpensive Bible has greatly improved in many cases. These are great for giving away. Crossway makes a great hardcover edition that is very inexpensive and even less expensive if you buy in bulk. I bought a case to give away. Even placed some at work on a table of freebies. I replace them as someone takes one.
Text Bibles:
Text Bibles consist of the biblical text without much else added in the way of notes or other help. Yet even in these, there may be some translation notes or reference notes but much fewer than would be in a reference Bible or study Bible. These are generally better quality editions than the pew/outreach Bible but still quite inexpensive editions.
Study Bibles:
A study Bible is a Bible that contains extensive notes that relate directly to enhancing the reader’s understanding of the text or the theological issues addressed in the passage. Types of notes would be translation notes giving explanation of the translation decisions, study notes aiding in the understanding the meaning of the passage, cultural notes helping one to understand the biblical setting, or textual notes explaining issue in the original language behind the passage. It will also have helps in it such as a cross-reference system, articles, maps, charts and many other resources. Study Bibles will have a more academic nature to them than say, Devotional Bibles. Emphasis is placed on understanding the doctrine or meaning of the passage or its cultural background. Study Bible will also come in teen versions with the goal of helping to develop the doctrinal understanding of younger Christians.
“Devotional” or “Application” Bibles are similar to study Bibles but are of a less academic nature and are listed as a separate type below. Article Bibles (AKA Special Interest Bibles) like the Global Impact Bible are not counted as a study Bible.
Application/Devotional Bibles:
Devotional and application Bibles, much like Study Bibles, provide features that are intended to highlight and provide deeper insight but in the area of application of a passage or to give a devotional perspective on it. The goal of these Bibles is not the academic understanding of the Study Bible but emphasize the living out of the message and teaching of the Bible.
Oftentimes Devotional Bibles can be aimed at a particular audience such as women, men, children, or teens. They can be directed at groups by profession such as military personnel, teacher, or police officer. The line between Study Bible and these types is very thin at times.
Reference Bible:
A reference Bible will be much more limited in the scope of help compared to a study Bible. It will have a system of cross-references, maps, and concordance with possibly a Bible dictionary included. They may even have small introduction sections for each book. A cross-reference is a notation of other passages that would shed light on the current passage. In some cases, one can study a biblical topic by following the line of references related to a passage. Most study Bible will have cross-references. The advantage of reference Bibles is they offer some help but are not as bulky as the bigger study Bibles. Many people like the reference system included to help with deeper Bible study. There are times the passages referenced are not very helpful. It depends on the quality of the reference system used. Be aware that quantity of references does not equal quality.
Note–Taking Bibles/Journaling Bible:
These are specially formatted to give space for adding notes or artwork by the reader related to the text. The space can be larger margins, blank pages next to the page of text, or, in the case of one known New Testament, larger spacing between lines. These will have a better-quality paper for writing on. Usually, journaling Bibles will not have additional notes or study features as the extra space provided for note-taking already make these larger Bibles.
Children’s Bibles:
These are true translations done at a child’s level as oppose to Bible storybooks. Sometimes they are a revision of existing translations to simplify for young readers, such as the New International Readers Version (NIrV), or are a fresh translation such as the International Children’s Bible (ICB). There are times that these versions are used for those who are English as a second language person, in which case, they are given a different name such as the New Century Version (NCV) which is a revision of the ICB at a slightly higher reading level. It should be noted that some Bibles that are called “Children’s Bibles” are really the same text as a regular version but have features and layouts (pictures) that are more children-friendly such as the CSB children’s Bible.
Special Interest Bible:
Generally, these contain articles related to a central theme e.g., Global Impact Bible where articles are not related to understanding or applying the text but of the influence of the text on culture. Others would include teen magazine format Bible that have articles on teen life issues and living out the Christian life as a teenager but not necessarily directly related to the text on that page
Parallel Bible:
Some Bibles will have two or more translations together, usually, laid out in columns for each version or across the page from each other. The purpose is to be able to compare the translations with each other. These also will not have much in the way of help due to the already large size.
Readers:
Readers are specially formatted to facilitate reading of scripture. Chapter and verse numbers and section headings are removed or limited to eliminate distractions for the reader. There will generally be no references or notes and are made for the comfort and smoothness of reading the text like a novel. They will come with quality paper, exceptional print workmanship, and quality covers that enhance the feel of holding the book and the reading experience. It is amazing how much one can read in a setting when you feel that you are just reading a book without all the distracting material. Many will come in multi-volume sets, again to limit the size of the book you have to hold while reading.
Replica:
Reprint or facsimile of a version that had been out of print such as Tyndale’s 1526 New Testament have become very popular and affordable compared to the cost of a rare original print of these important but very old Bibles.
Novelty Bibles / Non-translation Bibles:
The following should not be confused with Bible types as described above. These are not based on a foundation of a true version text but are books that creatively share the biblical story as opposed to a translation of the original biblical text.
Graphic Bibles:
Graphic Bibles include picture Bibles, graphic novel/comic book Bibles, e.g., Action Bible. They can be very impactful, especially for younger readers. These really hit me as a pre-teen when I didn’t want a children’s book and loved comics.
Children’s Story Bible:
Don’t confuse these with Children’s Bibles. These are not a translation but simple telling of the Bible stories in a simplified format. Great for non-reading or early reading children.
Until the next time we see you here at CultivatingFaith.org, God Bless! #CultivatingFaithOrg