What Bible Should I Buy?

   

Owning A Physical Bible

Charles Spurgeon once said, “A Bible that’s falling apart usually belongs to someone who isn’t.”

In a digital age where information is readily available, we can access the Bible through our phones, tablets, or computers. While it is convenient to access the Bible via such devices, here are three compelling reasons to own a physical Bible:

• Authority of the scriptures – The Bible represents the word of God and is authoritative and useful in guiding our christian living and growth. A physical bible serves to remind us of the importance of the word of God, and the need to allow God's words to rule our hearts, minds and bodies daily.  
• Avoid Distractions – When we read the Bible through our gadgets, there are many potential distractions – chat messages, work emails, social media notifications, and more. With a physical Bible, we minimise such distractions and can set apart time alone to study and listen to God.
• Personalizing your bible – A personal bible can be one of the greatest investment and treasures of your life. You can highlight significant passages, journal your thoughts & reflections, record side notes, and even include little crafts like bookmarks in between the passages.

How to decide on a Bible to buy?

The value of owning a physical Bible is immensible, but the numerous translations and bible features available can be mind-boggling. Whether you are just getting started in reading the Bible, or looking for an extensive commentary for Bible Study, trust that the below offers some helpful tips. 

• Budget : A hardcover edition is suitable for those with budget constraints, and bonded leather for those who are looking for durability. 
• Portability: Compact, Pocket, & Personal Size Bibles are good for carrying around.
• Ease of Read: Most Bibles have font sizes between 7 and 11 points. Large print Bibles are 12 point text or more. The largest font size is usually between 16 and 18 point and is often referred to as 'large' or 'giant' print.
• Other Features : Look out for nice-to-haves,  eg Thumb index (stickers on page edges for ease of locating the books), ribbon marker (serves as bookmark), red letter (where spoken words of Jesus are printed in red) and cross reference (where related verses are cross referenced)    

Below are the most common questions as you look for the perfect bible to invest in:

1. Which is the more accurate version of the Bible?

The Bible has been translated into many languages from the biblical languages of Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek.  English Bible translations have a rich and varied history of more than a millennium. As the original text does not translate perfectly into English, translators often face a trade-off between conveying the exact words or the central idea of the original text. The three main translation philosophies are literal (word-for-word), dynamic (thought-for-thought) and paraphrased (idea-for-idea).

Literal (Word-for-word)

Literal translations are often the closest English form of the original text. Bible scholars review every single word to ensure that they are as accurate as possible. This form of translation is great for academic study. However, modern readers may misunderstand figures of speech, literary devices, and cultural references in literal translations. Word-for-word Bibles include:

• New King James Version (NKJV)
• English Standard Version (ESV)
• New American Standard Bible (NASB)
• Amplified Bible (AMP)

Dynamic (Thought-for-thought)

Dynamic translations place a higher emphasis on communicating the meaning of the text, so that people can understand it in the same way as someone who is alive at the time of the original text. It balances accuracy with readability. However, as dynamic translations are not word-for-word, the text could be prone to slightly differing textual interpretations by readers. Thought-for-thought Bibles include:

• New International Version (NIV)
• New Living Translation (NLT)
• Christian Standard Version Bible (CSB)

Paraphrased (Idea-for-idea)

Paraphrased translations are focused on making the text expressive and easier to understand to share the message of the Bible. While this form of translation may be subjected to inaccurate textual interpretations, it is useful for new Christians or believers who are new to reading. It can also give a fresh perspective of a passage you’re reading.  Idea-for-idea Bibles include:

• The Message Bible (MSG)
• The Passion Translation (TPT)
• The New International Reader’s Version (NIrV)

2. Which Bible is easy to read and understand?

Of the 3 main types of Bible translations, thought-for-thought translations which seeks to express the meaning in simple up-to-date English without being tied to translating every word, and the paraphrased translation with its primary goal of conveying the Bible in a simple, easy-to-understand language will be the most relatable and easy to understand. 

Below of some of the most popular amongst the various translations. 

The Message (MSG)

The MSG or Bible in Contemporary Language is a paraphrase of the Bible in contemporary English.  Authored by Eugene H. Peterson, MSG falls on the extreme dynamic end of the dynamic and formal equivalence spectrum. The MSG is translated with that intent that virtually anyone can read this Bible with understanding. 

The New Living Translation (NLT)

The NLT is a translation of the Bible in contemporary English. Published in 1996 by Tyndale House Foundation, the NLT was created "by 90 leading Bible scholars".  The NLT was translated with the aim to let modern readers experience the Bible as the original readers did and is great for new Christians and believers who would like to read through the Bible for the first time.

The New International Version (NIV)

Similarly, the NIV translation of the Bible is in contemporary English published by Biblica, and relies on recently published critical editions of the original Hebrew and Greek texts.  With a good combination of accuracy and readability, it is the most popular version of the Bible and often given to new Christians.

The English Standard Version (ESV)

The English Standard Version (ESV) Bible has received wide acceptance by churches, pastors and millions of believers. The ESV was founded on the conviction that the Scripture is fully inspired by God. It is an "essentially literal" translation of the Bible in contemporary English.  Emphasising on accuracy, the ESV is an "essentially literal" translation in contemporary English. Hence, it is good for both personal reading and bible study.

The New King James Version (NKJV)

The NJKV Bible is a relatively new, modern translation of Scripture, yet one that retains the stylistic beauty of the original KJV. The NKJV Bible faithfully adheres to the original Greek, Hebrew, and Aramaic texts, the translation applied the most up-to-date research in archaeology, linguistics, and textual studies. The “thy, thou, and thine” that are all but synonymous with the time-honored King James Version are absent here, replaced with today's familiar second-person pronouns.

3. How will I use the Bible?

Whether you are a new believer looking for a beginner-friendly bible, or looking for a Devotional or Journaling Bible suitable for quiet time,  below are various types of bibles to help enhance your bible reading experience and understanding. 

• Study Bibles are filled with insights and commentary which include maps, graphs, concordances, and charts that shed light on biblical times.
• Example: ESV Study Bible
• Reference Bibles provide information about verses and passages of Scripture that relate to the primary text that you read.
• Example: NLT Large Print Thinline Reference Bible
• Devotional Bibles include daily reading plans that encourages you to develop a routine of daily Bible reading and reflection.
• Example: The Message Devotional Bible
• Journaling Bibles allow you to journal or jot down notes as you get inspired and reflect on God’s Word.
• Example: NIV Journal The Word Large Print Bible, CSB Hosanna Revival Notetaking Bible
• Large Print Bibles feature larger-than-normal text, making it easier to read.
• Example: NIV One Year Bible, Premium Slimline, Large Print Edition
• Children’s Bibles are designed to engage children with features such as colourful illustrations and devotions to encourage a lifelong habit of studying God’s Word.
• Example: ESV Holy Bible for Kids, NIrV The Beginner's Bible 
• Student Bibles help teens and young adults understand and relate to the Bible’s truths. They contain features like study notes, book introductions, Did You Know facts, articles and more.
• Example: CSB Apologetics Study Bible For Students
• Gift Bibles are economically priced and are ideal for giving and for special events like awards, recognition for service and more. Other than Bibles, you can find gifts for other occasons at Christian Gift Shop in Singapore.
• Example: The Message Deluxe Gift Bible
• Outreach Bibles are designed with local churches and ministries in mind. Some editions feature extra resources to answer common Bible questions.
• Example:  CSB Outreach Bible

If you are wondering where to buy a bible in Singapore, you can check out our bible catalog at webstore, or visit us at Cru Centre showroom. We will be most glad to assist you in the process of finding the perfect bible for you or your loved ones.

As the leading Christian bookstore in Singapore, Cru Media Ministry is your trusted Christian bookstore in Singapore. Do check out our wide selection of English and Chinese, as well as Children’s Bibles available. 

Shop from our great range of Christian books and gifts for yourself or your loved ones.