NIV Study Bible, Fully Revised Edition (Study Deeply. Believe Wholeheartedly.), Hardcover, Red Letter, Comfort Print

by Kenneth L. Barker, Mark L. Strauss (Editor), Jeannine K. Brown (Editor)

Know what the Bible says. Understand why the Bible matters.

Set in Zondervan's exclusive NIV Comfort Print(R) typeface, this stunning, full-color study Bible answers your pressing questions with just the right amount of information, placed in just the right location.

With its decades-long legacy of helping readers grasp the Bible's meaning, the NIV Study Bible embodies the mission of the NIV translation to be an accurate, readable, and clear guide into Scripture. Specifically designed to expand upon the NIV, the NIV Study Bible's editorial team crafts that same accuracy and clarity into every study note.

Now the study Bible millions have come to trust has been fully revised and updated. A new committee of top biblical scholars--who are current and former NIV translators with a passion for making the Bible's meaning clear--have pored over every note, every article, every chart, and every essay to refine this treasured resource even more. Thousands of newly written or revised notes and articles combine with hundreds of four-color maps, charts, photos, and illustrations to create an entire library of study helps designed to increase your understanding and application of God's word.

Features:


Complete text of the accurate, readable, and clear New International Version (NIV)
Over 21,000 bottom-of-the-page study notes, with icons to make important information easy to spot
Over 125 topical articles, 16 pages of full-color maps, the full NIV concordance, and subject note indexes enable even deeper study
Sixty-six book introductions and outlines along with six section introductions provide valuable background information for each book of the Bible
In-text maps, charts, diagrams, and illustrations visually clarify the stories in the Bible
Words of Jesus in red
Exclusive Zondervan NIV Comfort Print typeface
9-point print size

Genres: Christian, Religion, Reference, Nonfiction, Christianity, Theology, Classics

2512 pages, Hardcover

First published September 1, 1985

About the author

Kenneth Lee Barker is an American Biblical scholar and professor of Old Testament and Hebrew. In addition to writing several books, he was also one of the original translators of the New American Standard Bible[1] and the New International Version of the Bible.[2]
Barker earned his B.A. from Northwestern College, his Th.M. from Dallas Theological Seminary (1960), and his Ph.D. from the Dropsie College for Hebrew and Cognate Learning (1969).[3] He joined the faculty at Dallas in 1968 as professor of Old Testament, where he remained until 1981. In 1974, he was invited to join the Committee on Bible Translation,[4] and later served as its secretary, as well as executive director of the International Bible Society's NIV Translation Center. He has also served as academic dean at Capital Bible Seminary.[5]
Barker retired from the International Bible Society in 1996, and is currently living in Lewisville, Texas.

Reviews

[Cassie]

Always "still reading".... :)

[K.C. Rivers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Phew, it took a year, but I finally finished the entire Bible. Back in January, I decided to take the plunge and do something that I'd always wanted to - a reading challenge through the year to finish the whole Bible. And I must say, I'm looking at it in ways that I never had before. It's amazing to see the connections throughout the whole thing, despite the fact that there were forty different authors (from various generations) writing under God's influence. To see references to Jesus Christ all through the Old Testament, now that was something amazing.

I also found it fascinating to go straight from the Old Testament right into the New. After being pounded with the law and for so many centuries and told how, as sinners, we are unable to fulfill it, I saw for the first time just why it was so difficult for them to accept Jesus as the Messiah. But I could also see why so many were thrilled that He had finally come, after witnessing the amazing events of His life and the absolute compassion had/has for them/us.

More and more, especially after reading Revelations, am I grateful that Jesus gave us a way out. I actually read the last few chapters of the Bible in tears because I was so overwhelmed by what He had done for us and given to us. While reading it straight through was certainly a commitment, it was very much worthwhile in the end. I still love this book, but most importantly, I love the One who gave it to us. His compassion and understanding will never cease to amaze me.

[Tracy Mikula · Rating 5 out of 5]

I find it awesome that God gave us a book. Though it's really more than that.

The Bible is a compass, leading us over mountaintops, into deserts, through rivers and valleys, all along a dangerous and narrow pathway that leads north, to the kingdom of Christ. It is a complex tale of cowardly, messed up, imperfect people filled with confusion, doubt, calamity and apprehension, but also faith. It brings hope and inspiration to a hopeless and desolate land. It is fairy tale and non-fiction, history and biography, romance and suspense.

There is a King, and his Beloved who strays from him. He painfully lets her go because he does not want to force her to love him; he wants her love to be genuine, her own choice. So she goes with barely a glance back, and finds other kings to love. Only she is never satisfied. Though she has betrayed him, the King still loves her and wants what is best for her. When she is in trouble and cries out to him, he helps her. He leads her through the desert and into a fertile land. She rejoices, but then forgets the King's kindness. This happens over and over again. Until one day, the King decides to show the full extent of his love for her once and for all time--by conquering Sin, the vilest of all foes, so that she could finally find the satisfying love that Sin had robbed her of all this time. And he asks her to marry him.

Only, the Beloved does not quite know what to make of this. She is torn: half of her wants to leave all of her prodigal ways behind to love this King who has become her Savior, but the other half cannot, or does not want to, accept his kindness. The story continues as the King waits patiently for his Beloved to make her choice. What's more, we each have a part in the story, whether as a wedding guest preparing for the wedding feast, or someone trying to convince the Beloved that the King is actually a charlatan, and does not really love her afterall. And here come's the suspense: Will she choose to love her King and live with him forever, or will she choose to leave him again, perhaps never to return?

Stay tuned for the conclusion....

[Iain · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod banned the 2011+ NIV study bible so I bought this old school version. Fantastic, large, beautiful. It is handwritten from people across America... Great full color pictures... None of the writing is illegible, but lots of variety. I wish I could give one to president Trump!

I bought 3 copies since the commies are trying to erase history and I heard the 1984 version of NIV was less woke than the newer ones. This is beautiful, and it reads like a textbook or very large book- not small chunks of verses, but just a full page of writing with the book titles (Genesis, Corinthians etc) up top in the headers. It's actually beautiful like this, like the formatting of a novel or old school textbook or something.

Anyway, it also has a section in the back with every person's name who contributed. Very cool! I like to imagine the different people, it's a very visceral, patriotic, loving feeling. It makes me feel more connected to people even when I'm ON LOCKDOWN. lol. I want to buy ten more copies. Please never stop selling it. I bought 3 used copies-2 of them had flaking leather on the spine case- but one of them was in perfect condition. Maybe the person before me was rough or something. I think it's a high quality leather cover, very beautiful, and with normal use I can't imagine it would flake, but if it does I guess it's just that one slim line where the book crease folds as it opens.

Anyway, great Bible. I want to hoard them and distribute them. The handwriting makes you think more about the verse you are reading- you really "chew" each verse more without even trying because you are envisioning yourself writing the verse imagining what the person who wrote it must have thought about that verse, maybe it meant something special to them on that particular day. I'm imagining God answering people's prayers by having them end up in this Bible project and they get a verse just at the right time by "coincidence".

Well, it's a nice thought.
In order words it really stirs up your imagination and this would be a great gift to any person, especially those who love God or people or America or Bibles

[Ben Stutzman · Rating 5 out of 5]

He dies in the middle, but He comes back at the end. I believe there will be a sequel that will be better than the first. Can't wait.

[Paul]

Finally, read the Bible through within a year. 2019. Huge accomplishment for me.

[Malcolm · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm not just giving this 5 stars because it's the Holy Word of God (which it is, and thus Perfect) -- but this particular version is quite wonderful for the intellectual seeking to read the Bible without needing battle garb.

The preface outlines, quite clearly, how the entire translation was pursued, how every nuance, confusion, and controversy is clearly detailed and indicated in the footnotes.

There is a deep concordance, and the footnotes on each page is at least 30% of the page. It's a wonderful version for thought, study, and intellectual investigation.

My current personal Bible is a leather-bound NIV Study Bible.

[Sergio · Rating 5 out of 5]

John 5:39
You study the Scriptures diligently because you think that in them you have eternal life. These are the very Scriptures that testify about me,
(Jesus said).

[BJ Richardson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is not a review of the Bible. After all, what right can I possibly have to review the Bible? No, the way this really works is that I let the Bible review me. How deeply am I hiding it in my heart? How closely am I following its precepts? Unfortunately, there is no way that I could rate myself anywhere close to 5 stars. Yes, I am growing, but I've still got a long ways to go.

This is now my 65th time reading the Bible through cover to cover. Each time I find that there is more to learn. More change that needs to take place in me. God willing, I am getting there. One day, on the other side, I will arrive.

[Genni · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a Christian, I obviously think the Bible deserves 5 stars. However, this particular rating and review are specifically for the NIV study Bible and its commentary.

As with most most study Bibles, there is an introduction to each genre of literature found, as well as an introduction to each book. The strength of these is that they acknowledge varying interpretations and points of view with grace and humility. In the end, almost all of the commentary ends by advocating for a conservative perspective (NOT the politically charged brand of conservatism found in America, I should note.) This serves to both ground the reader, and broaden perspectives.

This is especially true when it comes to their decision to use inclusive pronouns where warranted by the original Greek. I have seen much fearful discourse about this, but their argument for doing so, unmotivated by particular agendas, will make sense to the careful reader.

[Laurel Hicks · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read through the Old Testament in this version, but for the New I went fleeing back to King James. I very much enjoyed reading all of the Revelation on Christmas Day in the morning.

[Caroline · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great reference.

[Floyd · Rating 5 out of 5]

NIV
Biblical Theology
Study Bible



General Editor
D. A. Carson

(see my earlier review at http://bit.ly/NIVZSB)

Welcome to (one of) the best modern Study Bible available in 2018. A number of features make it stand out. The first obvious indication of its value is its size. Containing 2500+ pages of Biblical text, notes, essays, concordance, and maps — this thing is HUGE. But more important than this is the range of authorship (something I missed in my earlier review). Authors come from a range of institutions — Trinity Evangelical Divinity School (my alma mater), Wheaton College, Asbury Seminary, Baylor University, Westminster Theological Seminary, Dallas Theological Seminary, etc. The authors include men who mentored me, men whom I have read, and some that are new to me. There seems to be a missing diversity in gender and, perhaps, ethnicity (more difficult to verify). Though the book has a somewhat Baptist/Reformed flavor, the editor has drawn from a wide variety of sources.

The notes are extensive, occupying nearly 20% of most pages — and given that the notes use a slightly smaller font than the Biblical text itself, they truly contribute to 25% or more of the text. Along with the notes, helpful full-color charts and maps are scattered throughout the book to help the reader grasp the broader structure of the text. There are also nearly 30 essays addressing topics which typically cross the normal divisions of scripture such as testaments, books, authors, etc. Some of these essay discuss topics such as

* The Story of the Bible: How the Good News About Jesus is Central by Timothy Keller
* The Bible and Theology by D. A. Carson
* A Biblical-Theological Overview by D. A. Carson
* Death and Resurrection by Philip S. Johnston
* The Consummation by Douglas J. Moo

An extensive concordance is also included along with a 14 map atlas (note: maps, as mentioned earlier, are also embedded in the notes as well).

Weaknesses are few. Though there is a wide theological diversity demonstrated among the contributors, the lack of gender diversity is too obvious. The font of the notes sometimes seems too small. Thankfully the text of this Study Bible is available in a number of digital versions including Kindle and LOGOS. Finally, be aware that this book was published as recently as 2015 under a different title, NIV Zondervan Study Bible. I have this book in both hard copy, as a Kindle book, and as a LOGOS e-book. A brief survey suggests there is no difference between the earlier version of the book and the current one.

As I wrote earlier, while reviewing the previous edition: I have a few favorite Study Bibles - the NIV Zondervan Study Bible will/has become another of those favorites. I will be consulting it often — I suspect others will as well. The same can be said for the newer NIV Biblical Theology Study Bible.
______________
This review is based on a free copy provided by the publisher for the purpose of creating this review. The opinions expressed are my own.

[Steve · Rating 3 out of 5]

Yes, I'm still a Christian despite reading all of the Bible, but there will be no glowing review of the best-selling book of all time.

I can only recommend this to someone who thinks they know the good book and possibly quotes from it. There are so many purposefully forgotten parts of this story. It's an embarrassment how twisted the message has become. And, when taken out of context, there's Biblical support to justify almost anything in this life.

Slaves? Just be good and listen to master.
Lying to authorities to protect Hebrew babies? You'll be rewarded.
Lying under all other circumstances? You're headed to Sheol.
Disobeying authorities? They were put in power by God, so you're disobeying God even if they're tyrannical.
Child sacrifice? Abraham didn't follow through, but Jepthah did, and he made the faith Hall of Fame.

Can you tell me one of the biggest reasons for the seemingly unending wrath of God in the Old Testament? Neglecting the oppressed and exploitation of the poor. Just think about that if you've ever voted in an election to protect your own position, power, or finances at the expense of others who may be less fortunate.

For those wondering if I'm just a cynic, there's a wonderful example of how to live and love others in a guy named Jesus.

(I know there aren't Scriptural references to these, but if you actually care, just ask me.)

[Jeanann · Rating 5 out of 5]

B-asic I-nstructions B-efore L-eaving E-arth

"The Bible contains the mind of God, the state of man, the way of salvation, the doom of sinners, and the happiness of believers. Its doctrines are holy, its precepts are binding, its histories are true, and its decisions are unchangeable. Read it to be wise, believe it to be safe, and practice it to be holy. It contains light to direct you, food to support you, and comfort to cheer you. It is a traveler's map, the pilgrim's staff, the pilot's compass, the soldier's sword, and the Christian's charter. Here paradise is restored. Heaven is opened, and the gates of Hell disclosed. Christ is its grand subject, our good its design, and the glory of God its end. It should fill the memory, rule the heart, and guide the feet. Read it slowly, frequently, and prayerfully. It is a mine of wealth, a paradise of glory, and a river of pleasure. It is given you in life, will be opened in the judgment, and will be remembered forever. It involves the highest responsibility, will reward the greatest labor, and will condemn all who tamper with is holy contents."

Anonymous


It is ever renewing, itself & me.

So unlike any other book, as to not even be a book at all.

[S.G. Willoughby · Rating 5 out of 5]

Have you read the Bible all the way through? I was a Christian for many years before I finally read it from cover to cover for the first time. And I wondered why in the world it had taken me so long to do. Now, I can officially say I've lost track of how many times I've read it all from cover to cover. (Which is partly because of my brain fog, but still.) And I learned so much from it. Reading it and seeing the bigger perspective gives you a whole different insight than studying a verse or chapter (which is a good thing, of course). So here's my challenge to you: if you haven't already, read it all the way through. Even just one chapter a day will get you there eventually. Or you can read 10 chapters every weekday and get through it in 6 months. But as you read and ask God to speak His truth into your heart, you'll learn a whole lot.

[Courtney | Lasting Joy Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a goal that I have never finished, but this was the year! It was daunting, but I did it! If you’ve never read through the entire bible, I challenge you to! Find a bible reading challenge that works for you and stick to it! I promise you won’t ever regret it.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful translation!!

[Katie Richtsmeier · Rating 5 out of 5]

I believe the Bible to be the true and inspired Word of God. My goal was to read the entire Bible this year. Done. I plan to make this an annual practice, although I do plan to use different versions and translations because I feel this will give me a greater depth of understanding and connection to God’s word.

[Kelley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read the Bible through in 2024!

[Steven · Rating 3 out of 5]

OK, I know what you're thinking, but really, I am ordained as a man of the cloth, and as a neo-pagan universalist, I must pursue the broadest understanding of the human spirtual dynamic as is possible.

The NIV Zondervan edition is interesting from a myriad of perspectives, not the least of which is the translation to contemporary prose, eliminating all the romantic, colorful English that has been a hallmark for this tome for the last several centuries. If I ever questioned the legitimacy of the translation before, I have no less concern with this one, and miss the the old "yea and for thou" stuff in an ironic sort of way.

Regrettably, I have yet to find a published edition of the Bible that is free from the Evangelical endorsement perspective. It would seem that even the most extraordinary tales of the old testamnet (or, Pentateuch, as it should be rightfully referred to) are given the utmost in historical legitimacy, making a true, objective evaluation nearly impossible.

Rife with allegorical teachings and spiritual revelation, the NIV Bible veers from the matters at hand and, as is traditional, focuses instead on the glorification and triumph of the Lord's 'chosen peoples,' and, as anyone with a modicom of spiritual insight easily recognizes, really embellishes the sanctity of the identity of Isreal as the standard-bearer for divinity. A sort of grand insecurity complex, the challenges of facing the human archetypes are lost in the Holy pursuit of fulfilling God's will for the glory and success of these peoples.

Historical, factual, identity, gender and reality issues aside, this edition, with it's plain language, really does help to paint a picture of the better qualities of early Judiasm, particularly as regards societal context; and demonstrates the cultural acceptance, redemption, and egalitarian ideology of an early monotheistic religious culture, despite the wholesale killing and genoside perpetrated by the Isrealites in the name of the Lord. Those transparent moments are yet another reflection of the dynamics of the complex human archetype, and our struggle for validation and identity, and play nicely to the notion of conquest and suppression that we have yet to wrench from our collective psyche.

Another helpful quality of this edition is the 'red-lettering' of the quotes of Jesus, which you Jesus Freaks out there might find particularly helpful.

I'm finding it difficult to summarize such a large and influential work which I would generally classify as fiction from a literary perspective, bt much can be learned from even a casual exploration of this work. Amen...

[Katherine Layne · Rating 5 out of 5]

GREATEST BOOK EVER! This book is filled with all sorts of stories about God's AWSOME LOVE for us and how we should strive to live this life that God has given us. I decided one day that I should try to read the Bible straight through from cover to cover, to read and understand it better. When you read it straight through, so many thing make so much more sense than they did before. For instance, there are many references in the New Testament that are from the Old Testament; and when you have read everything before that point, you think, "Oh, I remember this reference!" This is such an amazing book and I am truely thankful to have it.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this study Bible so much. My parents gave it to me as a Christmas gift a few years ago. They chose it carefully, the commentaries and good. There are several maps, historical and character notes, the concordance is really nice too. It is rather large because of the amount of study notes and tables included (typically a little less than the bottom half of every page), which makes it a little clumsy to carry around to church and such, but I wouldn't trade it. I've learned so much and grown in my walk with it as my primary tool.

[Terri Reinert · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just reviewed for a few minuts

I am so excited to begin to study this bible. I need to spend more time to identify all the avenues of navigation but common sense has helped me identify some of the quick paths to my searches. I believe my commitment to spend more time in God's word will be so much more rewarding using this efficient tool.

[David Blankenship · Rating 2 out of 5]

The Holman translation is a perfectly good modern translation, though not up to the quality of the ESV. My problem with this edition is with the quality of maps and photos, which are poor throughout. Random pictures of sunrises or empty fields add nothing. Many of the maps make a poor use of the space on the page. There are many, many better study Bibles than this.

[Parker Robb · Rating 2 out of 5]

Used this Bible for probably a decade in middle school, high school and college before it fell apart. The NIV translation takes more liberties than I would prefer, and the notes in this study Bible are mediocre.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This one tops them all.

[Wayne Zill · Rating 5 out of 5]

What can you say! The New International Version is by far the easiest to read. And of course, this is the "Greatest Story Ever Told" ....

[Amanda]

I set out to make 2018 the year I officially read the entire thing!

[Jared Hanishewski · Rating 5 out of 5]

I set out to read the bible in 66 days(a book a day). I was going to power through. Well then I hit Psalms. It took 106 days.