One Bible to Rule Them All
Over the past couple years I’ve purchased a lot of Bibles. I’ve purchased everything from the Thomas Nelson Study Bible (NKJV) to a MacArthur Study Bible (NASB) most recently. In between I’ve purchased quite a few other Bibles, such as an ESV thinline, a NASB thinline, and the list goes on. Needless to say, I have an affinity towards Bibles.
Well, over the past few weeks I’ve been looking at the newly released ESV Study Bible, thinking that I wanted to purchase a copy. I was impressed with the full color maps that I had seen online, as well as the vast array of study notes that were being put in. The more I thought about it though, I didn’t really want to bring myself to start using another Bible. I had just gotten used to my latest MacArthur SB, marking it up, knowing where passages are, and so forth; so, I didn’t really want to break down and buy yet another study Bible, let alone in something that wasn’t my preferred translation for everyday use. After weighing the pros and cons, I pretty much made up my mind that I wasn’t going to purchase another Bible until my current one wears out, unless it’s given to me or I’m buying it for someone else. That being said, the MacArthur SB is currently my “bread & butter” Bible that I use for everything.
The more I thought about it, it really started to make sense. When I’m using my study Bibles most is when I’m actually studying the Bible. Take into account the fact that most of these Bible notes are put into electronic form in Bible software (i.e. WORDsearch or Logos), there’s really no need to go out and buy a new physical Bible when all I really want are the notes; I can just get them for the software and call it a day. Given that I’m not buying another Bible, that’s the approach that I’m taking; I’ll wait until the notes are released electronically and then I’ll get it for my Bible software, which is where it becomes most useful to me anyway. That solves quite a few problems I have. First, I won’t end up with study Bibles stacking up all over the house. Secondly, I won’t have to fear giving them away thinking that I may need/want the notes contained therein one day. Thirdly, it’ll probably save me money.
So, that brings up another thought. As a student of the Bible, I, for whatever reason, don’t think it’s all that wise to have a study Bible as my primary Bible. When I read the Bible for devotion or whatever, I shouldn’t have the inclination to look down and see what another theologian has to say on a passage, instead of trying to “tough through it” on my own first. Plus, when I’m reading, the notes can become distracting or get in the way. For example, in many of the epistles of my MacArthur SB, there are sections where the Bible text is less than ten lines of text because the notes are so long for a particular set of verses. That is a hindrance when I’m only wanting to read the Bible, and not the notes. Also, when I’m in the pulpit, I really don’t want to be using a study Bible, as I’d much rather have a regular Bible sans study notes.
The solution? Obviously, against what I said I’d do in keeping to my MacArthur SB, it’ll require buying a new Bible. In doing so, I’ve done my homework and realize that this time around I don’t want to just buy a cheap Bible knowing that it will only last me for a handful of years; I’d much rather have something that I can possibly have for years upon years. Something with a quality cover and binding, so that I don’t have to worry about pages coming out or the cover falling off. I also realize that I’ll want to jot down notes & thoughts in it, so it’d have to have wider margins for writing. All of that led me to look at the NASB Wide-Margin Reference Bible with goatskin leather by Cambridge Bibles (distributed by Baker). The sad part in all of this is that it costs $229.99, and I never thought I’d ever spend that much for a Bible. But, the more I think about it, it’ll be a solid purchase and be something that can last me for years (maybe until I leave this earth?) and be a solid resource. Given the price, I’ll likely be waiting until tax time ’09 to purchase it, but it’s definitely on my wish list as the next (and hopefully last) Bible that I’m going to purchase.
Of course, we have to wait for that post where you handly point out that study content (lexicons, commentaries, etc) are not compatible between various electronic bible apps, and therefore you feel locked into something and not getting the full breadth of study from something until its available in that format
Of course, this could be solved if everyone just agreeded on common markup and document formats, and actually added value into a reader application through user interface, user experience, and real value adds like multiple service integration – but that’s just asking companies to think way too far out of the need to keep a pocketbook
i just bought the NASB thinline. ha. i bought the cheaper one too. it was like 15 bucks. my wallet yelled at me when i reached for the leather cover $30 one, haha. i know what you mean about using a non study Bible. I was sick of beating up the Johnny Mac you gave me by bringing it to school so i figured this little one would do me well. its not too bad for $15.
but i like your choice. if i had anywhere near that kind of money, i’d probably make the same choice
G