The Bible: Study Bible, Audio Bible, and Podcast Options
The Word of God needs to be an integral, daily part of our lives
“For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.” Hebrews 4:12, ESV
The Bible is active, it isn’t simply a book, it is the inspired Word of God given to us to strengthen us, convict us, and encourage us in our Christian walk. But often, we fail to even open it up.
One of the common impediments to opening up the Bible is that we simply don’t know where to start or what to read but it can also be hard to choose which Bible to read.
It can be so overwhelming to choose a Bible! There are so many translations, formats, and features to consider. Here are a few different options, from print to audio to podcast, to consider to incorporate more of the Bible into your days.
Print Options:
1. ESV Journaling Bible
I purchased this Bible in high school and it has been very well-loved. The journaling options were perfect for note-taking during sermons as well as writing reflections and prayers during my personal study.
2. Great Adventure Study Bible – RSVCE
This is my current go-to Bible! The notes and commentary throughout the Bible (especially on the covenants in Scripture) are fantastic. But perhaps my favorite part is all of the timelines and coordinated color-coding that have started to help me finally sort out which prophets wrote when and which state of division and/or exile the people of Israel were in at the time.
While I don’t have the She Reads Truth Study Bible, my sister LOVES her and appreciates how beautiful and informative the commentary, maps, and reading plans are!
3. Readers Bible (ESV)
What’s unique about the reader’s Bible is that it is a very stripped down/simplified version of the Bible. There are chapter indicators, but the verses themselves are not listed as if you’re reading a book. It is a great way to read if you’re trying to read large portions of Scripture at once, but is not ideal for Bible study.
Audible Options
Audio Bibles can be a great way to “read” the Bible more throughout your day! I’ve used it in the past during daily walks, while cleaning, or out running errands and plan to incorporate it into The Bible in Lent Challenge this year! I typically use Audible for my audiobooks (try free for 30 days here) but will share a few other options below.
4. “Dramatic Audio Theater” Bible
This one is unique because it is narrated by actors and presented with a little bit of “flair.” If you’re looking for an audio Bible that helps bring the story to life, this is a good option!
5. Catholic Audio Bible
This is the only Catholic audio Bible I found available on Audible. If you’re looking for a Catholic audio Bible, this is a solid option although I didn’t find the reader particularly compelling.
Apps/Podcasts
6. Dwell App
I discovered this app earlier this week and am already a HUGE fan. There are multiple reading plans or you can simply choose a portion of the Bible. There are multiple voices and translation options, different types of background music playing during the readings, as well as options to repeat passages or add a time of reflection between chapters.
7. The Bible in a Year Podcast
I had no idea how easy it would be to incorporate enough Scripture to read the Bible in a year until I started listening to this podcast. Even with commentary and prayer in addition to the daily Scripture reading, this podcast typically only runs about 20 minutes per day. It is a simple, straightforward way to read the whole of Scripture in 365 days.
No matter which version of the Bible you choose, the most important thing is that you choose the version that works for you! While different Bibles might work better for studying versus reading, the important part is that you find a Bible that makes it easy for you to read every day. We need to open up the Word of God and let it penetrate our hearts.
What about you? What are your favorite Bibles? Share in the comments!
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