There are a number of things to keep in mind when you get ready to buy your new Bible. Here are some tips.

First, decide on the version. This is the most important decision you have to make. Some versions are very literal–others just a paraphrase of the Bible. Not all Bible versions are accurate–some are outright frauds.

If you are a new Christian, I suggest getting a New International Version (NIV) Bible. This Bible is, by far, the easiest to understand–and it remains faithful to the original text. More experienced Bible readers may prefer the New King James Version (NKJV). The NKJV Bible is a more precise translation–though not quite as easy to understand. The New American Standard Bible (NASB) is the most literal Bible translation. Few Christians use it as their primary study Bible. However, it is an excellent reference Bible which you can use to help determine what a particular scripture really means.

If you can afford it, I suggest buying one of each. You will benefit from reading more than one translation. You will learn your personal Bible preference(s). And you can refer to all three versions to better understand what a passage really means.

For young children, the New International Readers Version (NIrV) is recommended. It is a simplified version of the NIV (New International Version). This Bible is also appropriate for adults who want an English Bible, but have trouble with the English language.

Second, pay attention to the size of the text. The size of the text is measured in points. Don’t rely on descriptions like “large print” or “giant print”–instead look for specifics like “9 point type” or “11 point text.” The larger the point size, the bigger the text. Even if you have very good eyesight, I would still not buy a bible that has less than 8 point text.

Third, the Bible should include references at the end of selected verses. That is, at the end of some Bible passages, there should be listed another scripture that speaks to the same issue. This will help you in studying the Bible.

Fourth, for adults, I generally do not recommend “Study Bibles.” Study Bibles contain a lot of study notes. My reason is simple: You will be reading your Bible daily for decades. Once you have read all those study notes, you probably will have little reason to read them again.

Instead of buying a “Study Bible,” I recommend buying a separate Bible commentary.

Fifth, if the Bible is going to be used as a primary study Bible, I recommend buying one that has a “ribbon marker.” This will make it easy for you to keep your place in the Bible.

Sixth, Some Bibles are “thumb indexed.” This is desirable–though few Bibles contain this feature. Thumb indexing means that you can tell where a particular book in the Bible is located by looking at the indentations on the outside of the Bible.

Seventh, If you’re going to shop online: Christianbook.com provides the best selection of Bibles–at good prices. You can compare their prices to other online retailers by copying and pasting product ISBN numbers from one website to the other.

So that’s it. You have everything you need! Go ahead and get that new Bible. You’ll be glad you did.

James Serio M.A. has years of experience in the mental health field. His website focuses on Biblical solutions to common mental health issues.

That website is: http://www.MentalHealthSolution.com

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