Archaeological Study Bible-NIV: An Illustrated Walk Through Biblical History and Culture

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Archaeological Study Bible-NIV: An Illustrated Walk Through Biblical History and Culture

by Anonymous, Duane Garrett

4.61 · rating details · 176 ratings · 42 reviews

'Readers who desire a more intimate knowledge of the historical context of the Bible will appreciate the NIV Archaeological Study Bible. Full of informative articles and full-color photographs of places and objects from biblical times, this Bible examines the archaeological record surrounding God's Word and brings the biblical world to life. Readers' personal studies will ...more

Hardcover, 2306 pages

Published March 1st 2006 by Zondervan Publishing Company

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Jan 25, 2009

Kaara marked it as on-the-back-burner · review of another edition

I've never read the Bible--none of the New Testament, and in Sunday school I only learned stories of the Torah without any real first-hand reading of it. So a year or so ago I decided once and for all to buy the thing and read it.

Have you ever tried to buy a Bible? Which version to choose, which version to choose. I've always been fascinated by the archeological and historical basis of the Bible, and I was a lot more comfortable buying and reading the Bible with an intellectualizin...moreI've never read the Bible--none of the New Testament, and in Sunday school I only learned stories of the Torah without any real first-hand reading of it. So a year or so ago I decided once and for all to buy the thing and read it.

Have you ever tried to buy a Bible? Which version to choose, which version to choose. I've always been fascinated by the archeological and historical basis of the Bible, and I was a lot more comfortable buying and reading the Bible with an intellectualizing rationale in my head, plus this version is supposed to have plain language for contemporary times, so I choose this version. Here's part of how the introduction explains it:

The role of Biblical archaeology as a hermeneutical tool is invaluable in situations in which cultural allusions and settings have in the past plainly alluded us--simply because the context belonged to another, completely "foreign," place and time. (quotes theirs, and, yes, I had to look up "hermeneutical" too.)

So as for the version, it provides some helpful maps of the ancient world and some interesting theories as to where key events occurred and what certain items, customs, and other elements looked like based on archaeological evidence. But mostly, the explanations of pottery, ruins, and the like end with an assertion to the effect of "This proves that God was truly present" or "This proves that these holy acts really happened." Those assertions aren't convincing to me and are just sort of distracting--I don't see the connection they're making from scientific surmising to breathless reverence--but what would one expect from the authors, who are seminarians, and I do appreciate their dedication.
And as far as the content itself, the Bible...well, I'm still only at the end of Exodus (after a year...er, it's slow going OK? And it's not really a book the size or nature of which I'd like to take on the train for commuter reading), but, so far, it honestly reads as something that is from a profoundly alien place. The norms conveyed are ones of violence, senselessness, deviousness, and hostility toward women, and I feel no connection whatsoever with such an inconsistent, cruel, violent, unpredictable, arbitrary deity. I'm trying to read more deeply to glean other insights from it, and I really want to understand the power this collection of stories holds for so many people, but so far...no dice.
I'm wondering if the New Testament is where a lot of people connect because of the message of love and peace and whatnot. The Old Testament was never really known for its warm fuzzies. For this, I can't understand why Jewish folks and my own Jewish upbringing was so nonjudgmental and generous. It's certainly nothing the rabbis get from Genesis or Exodus, yeesh.(less)

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Mar 21, 2010

Greg rated it

Shelves: kookey-kristians

I don't have anything against this book, but it gets one star because some fucking Larry the Cable Guy lookalike and his bovine looking wife gave Karen and I both way too much shit yesterday because their fat asses were blocking shelves while they each leafed through this book. Like good Christians when asked politely to please sit so they weren't in the way, I was told that he'll sit wherever he pleases, and that since is going to buy something he can do whatever he pleases. Fuck him, fuck hi...more

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Jul 26, 2011

Carmela rated it

Shelves: christian, favorites

I love Biblical archaeology and I love seeing how the events in the Bible actually took place in real time and space. The little historical previews here in this study Bible are a great introduction to the world of historical Biblical reality. I've read through the Bible multiple times now, but the new information in this edition makes me excited to read it once more.

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Aug 20, 2011

Mike rated it

· review of another edition

I have a fair amount of skepticism for the barrage of specialized bibles that have been coming out lately. The apologetics bible, the reformation bible, and on and on. I thought we had enough of this crap already, the couple's devotional bible, the teen study bible, the soldier's bible, the chicken soup for the bible's soul edition, or whatever. Then I saw this new addition to a long list specialized bibles in my church library and checked it out. I have got to say I am pretty impressed.

...moreI have a fair amount of skepticism for the barrage of specialized bibles that have been coming out lately. The apologetics bible, the reformation bible, and on and on. I thought we had enough of this crap already, the couple's devotional bible, the teen study bible, the soldier's bible, the chicken soup for the bible's soul edition, or whatever. Then I saw this new addition to a long list specialized bibles in my church library and checked it out. I have got to say I am pretty impressed.

I honestly didn't think that there was enough archeological evidence surviving to fill the pages of the entirety of the bible. Clearly I was wrong. The editors creatively fill the pages of this Bible with pictures, factoids, and some pretty decent analysis of topics relevant to the biblical text. For example, I was curious about what one would put as archeological evidence for the book of genesis. I turned to the appropriate pages and was pleased to find other ancient near eastern literature, like what was the role of the serpent in other contemporary cultures at the time. Good stuff and enlightening. The pictures are fun as well, what did a roman centurion's helmet look like? Well there's a picture for ya! Other fun facts were present that I was surprised to find, for example, a LXX use in the NT. These are well written and accessible for everyone.

I thought that such a bible wouldn't have a broad enough audience to be published but I had a pastor not long ago ask me for a place that he could go to to find quick and dirty archeological blurbs on biblical times, places and artifacts that he could use to liven up sermons. I listed some book off that I had dipped into and he thought they were generally too academic or detailed or not his tastes to be worth his time. I recommended this and he was pretty interested and found it helpful. That pastor and laypeople that are into this kind of thing are the choice audience for this bible. I am glad that it has graced the shelves of all major books stores. (less)

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Dec 14, 2010

David rated it

· review of another edition

Shelves: own, christian, read-in-2010, favorites

I decided this year to read the bible again and I choose this one because of my interest in the ancient culture and archeology related to it. I actually really ended up liking the NIV version of the bible as well. This is the first bible that I’ve actually read the all of the articles and study notes and it was well worth while. Especially helpful were the notes putting the prophets into context.

This is ultimately somewhat conservative in its approach. It still points out things ...more

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Jul 15, 2011

Ebookwormy rated it

Shelves: 1-character-forming, bible

I just received this Bible for Mother's Day. My goal is to read the entire Bible, commentary, articles and text. I will now read this side-by-side with the African Bible Commentary. After I finish the African Bible Commentary, I will continue in this Bible to cover the entire work.

The commentary and articles are EXCELLENT. I am thoroughly enjoying the insights into ancient culture, geography and history.

I'm disappointed in the maps in the back, I was expecting a lot more in...more

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Jul 13, 2010

Margaret rated it

Shelves: bibles, own, zondervan

It's almost hard for me to believe that I bought two of these Bibles back in the day when the first came out. One for myself and a second one for my sister-in-law with the Bachelor of Science in Anthropology. SisterA and my brother were married when I was about 14 years old and I always remember her excitement whenever she went "on a dig". Then eight years later, I heard about this Bible and I knew it was the perfect gift for her. Now four years later, this Bible is still selling stron...moreIt's almost hard for me to believe that I bought two of these Bibles back in the day when the first came out. One for myself and a second one for my sister-in-law with the Bachelor of Science in Anthropology. SisterA and my brother were married when I was about 14 years old and I always remember her excitement whenever she went "on a dig". Then eight years later, I heard about this Bible and I knew it was the perfect gift for her. Now four years later, this Bible is still selling strong and there are so many different editions and versions of it available. You can easily find it in a hardcover edition like I have as well as European Leather, Bonded Leather, Top Grain Leather, Renaissance Fine Leather, and Italian Duo-Tone, all of which are available in a variety of colors. It's also available in Large Print. Truly you can find the right edition for anyone. There is even a Bible Cover made for it "The Archaeological Bible Cover" (Designed in a safari style, this cover is constructed from sturdy khaki woven material and features two exterior flap pockets, leather-look™ trim and a spine handle.).

This Bible is just a wealth of information and filled with incredible imagery. They got it right to call it "an illustrated walk through Biblical history and culture". A really cool thing that came with my version is a bonus CD-ROM that contains searchable NIV text and most of the photographs, maps and charts including within the pages of the print Bible.

With my background of Religious Studies, this Bible reads like a fascinating text book to me. The kind that you would definitely not sell back to the book store at the end of your term. It does not matter how many times you pick up this Bible, every time there is something fantastic and new. This would be an incredible addition to any homeschooler's library or just any Bible student in general. I cannot recommend it highly enough. It is very thick, and the only thing that I would change if I were to buy it again, is that I would buy a leatherbound edition. But all and all, I love it. (less)

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Sep 10, 2007

Heather's Mum rated it

· review of another edition

Recommends it for: EVERYONE

Shelves: biblical

This Bible is absolutely the most exciting study version I've ever seen! Not only is the NIV translation accurate, but easy to read and comprehend.

The archaeological articles envelope and take one back to the moment of scripture origin. Notes on the original Greek, Hebrew (& rare Arabic) script help one fully understand the full impact and intention of the text.

This Bible also includes invaluable sections such as Bible Book introductions including information about the ...more

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Dec 15, 2011

Hannah rated it

Shelves: favorites

This is one of the few complete Bibles that offers a good, solid, commentary. The translation, like most English translations, is not taken directly from the Hebraic-Greco (original) writings, so there are quite a few mistakes.. however, this is the best translation in print today.

If you are looking for a new Bible, or a new commentary, I would definitely try this one out before turning to the more expensive commentaries.

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Jun 10, 2010

Chandra rated it

this is my first study bible ever and i am loving it. i looked at a bunch of different ones in the store and this seemed to be a style i really liked. lots of info, history, facts, maps. it is so chock full of information, you don't get very far very fast! but it pulls in all the most recent archaeological info related to whatever you're reading. it's extremely interesting and i think gives a much broader and deeper understanding of what you're reading.

the one thing i don't like so ...more

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Sep 04, 2011

Mrs. C. rated it

Shelves: always-reading-and-re-reading

The best book ever in the best form ever! I always learn something when I read the insets. It's amazing how history and culture can make the meaning so much clearer. Highly recommend!

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Jul 16, 2011

Debbie rated it

· review of another edition

Love the historical inserts. Not all biblical but also explains other cultural habits of the time and before. Great research version with real photo pictures.

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Mar 18, 2009

Jennifer is currently reading it

The Pearland Bible Study is reading the Bible in a year. This is the version that I am reading. I have enjoyed the side notes so far.

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Jul 05, 2011

Scott Hayden rated it

Shelves: bible, christianity, apologetics

Great study aids. But I can't use this for devotional reading because I get caught up reading the footnotes and articles.

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Jan 03, 2011

Allison Zank rated it

Shelves: daily-reading

I love this bible. It has a lot of interesting mini-articles that help to put certain aspects of the historical puzzle together.

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Aug 29, 2010

Julia Ross is currently reading it

I've learned the most of anything from this book!!! It's AMAZING. This book is never coming off my currently reading shelf(:

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May 05, 2007

Heather rated it

Although from my limited research, I would lean toward the ESV Bible, this is an incredible work. I had the opportunity to study archaeology in Israel under Todd Bolen, and many of his pictures are included in this edition. (for more of his work: www.bibleplaces.com) This book includes a variety of articles highlighting significant archeaological finds, debates, and culturally appropriate annotations. It has cast a lot of light on many Biblical texts for me in my own personal study, especial...more

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Jul 10, 2010

Robin rated it

Always reading...

I love this Bible because it truly brings the events & characters & times of the Bible to life!

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Jun 26, 2009

Den Slader rated it

Shelves: religion

Great articles and reference, although the translation is dynamic/loose (rather than a literal version).

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Oct 12, 2010

Brent rated it

This is my favorite Bible, ever. As an analogy, let me mention my grandmother's spaghetti recipe. It was meant to be dinner, but the spaghetti sauce (with ground meat, etc.) was so good that we'd eat it like dessert. That's what this Bible is like. The articles are soooo informative -- really giving you so much cultural insight into what you're reading without giving you the commentator's particular interpretation (as with many study Bibles). Makes me want to go to Gordon-Conwell Seminary (...more

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Jul 20, 2009

Miriam rated it

Archaeology, archaeology, archaeology!

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Jun 12, 2008

Patti Loveless rated it

· review of another edition

I am using Rick Warren's "Chapter Study" technique to study the book of Nahum. I know, why Nahum. Because I have never read it before and never heard a sermon on it before. I am learning a lot about Nineveh that I have not considered before. Also, it is an awesome illustration of how deeply he LOVES His followers and how deeply he detests His enemies. I love that God tells us that He is on our side and anyone who is not on our side will be taken care of Him...no worries.

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Nov 08, 2011

Jackie Renee rated it

Shelves: bible

This is one of the most interesting study Bibles I have ever read. It was so engrossing that I read it only 37 days. The articles are very informative and bring the history of the time period alive. The only negative I can think of is that the text is a little bit too small.

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Sep 16, 2008

Julie rated it

This is an awesome Bible!!! If you are into archaeology like me, then this Bible is for you. it has lots of side stories about recent archaeological finds that coincide with stories in the Bible. Really informative and neat to have a glimpse of life back then.

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Aug 09, 2010

Floyd Bowen rated it

Recommends it for: Everyone

Though the editors are a little soft on the Genesis 6 issues, outside of that, I absolutely love this Bible edition. It is so helpful in most every way. It's well organized, and has great Graphs and study information - VERY practical.

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Nov 04, 2010

Chey rated it

· review of another edition

Love this bible, it is great for bible study and the historical facts really do a lot to bring the bible and the times to life. It gave me a better perspective of the times, thus I was able to better understand the messages.

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Jul 29, 2008

Keith May rated it

Recommends it for: everyone

I try to read from this daily. Not only does it have all the scriptures, it has all sorts of great historical notes from the beginning of time to through the life of the apostles.

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Jul 05, 2011

Anita Byrne rated it

· review of another edition

This is SO COOL! So many pictures of what life was like in the days when the scriptures were written. Comparisons and contrasts to the local religions of the day.

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Mar 05, 2011

Todd rated it

· review of another edition

One of the most useful Bibles I have owned to date. It places the Biblical story into its cultural context through use of sidebars, maps, and full color pages.

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Jan 17, 2011

Jen rated it

· review of another edition

not kidding......yes, i really did read the whole thing. i used a book published by Walk Thru the Bible "Your Daily Walk" to work my through it. God's story is awesome!

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