NIV Study Bible
Let’s take a closer look at the EPCA’s Christian Book Award winner for Bible of the Year.
I was on my way to Oxford last year when Zondervan released the Fully Revised Edition of the NIV Study Bible, and I just never got around to reviewing it. But I started thinking about it a few weeks ago when I reviewed the ESV Study Bible, and then a few days later it won a Christian Book Award. Needless to say, I knew it was time.
The NIV Study Bible is an incredible tool that has sold over 9 million copes since it debuted back in 1985. It has been updated several times since then (I have a genuine leather copy from the mid-90s that makes an appearance in the video review), but this new Fully Revised Edition is a complete overhaul that took four years and includes thousands of updates as well as a totally new design and typesetting.
You can watch the video below to see the NIV Study Bible in action, and keep reading for more details as well as links to where you can purchase a copy.
NIV Study Bible (Fully Revised Edition) – Overview
This latest edition of the NIV Study Bibles comes in three sizes. The standard one is what you see in this review, but it’s also available in a large print edition (10.5pt type) as well as a personal size edition (7.5pt type). I’m pretty sure this is the first NIV Study Bible to feature the NIV Comfort Print typeface, and in the standard edition, the text of the Bible is a 9pt type while the text of the study notes is about a 7pt type.
As far as size goes, the text block measures 6.25” x 9.25”, and it is 2.25” thick.
Yes, it’s big… but it doesn’t feel any bigger than most of the other popular study Bibles available today.
Inside, the NIV Study Bible is fully loaded with features, and everything is beautifully designed in full color. You get more than 21,000 study notes designed to help you better understand the Bible, as well as a wide assortment of articles, charts, illustrations, and maps that appear alongside the text. I particularly like the detailed book introductions and outlines that are found at the front of each book of the Bible. You also get cross-references, textual footnotes, and the comprehensive NIV Concordance.
FEATURES
• 9pt typeface (Scripture)
• 7pt typeface (Study Notes)
• 6.25” x 9.25” trim size
• 2.25” thick
• Smyth-sewn binding
• Red Letter
• Detailed Book Introductions and Outlines
• Cross-references
• 21,000+ study notes
• 125+ articles
• In-text charts, illustrations, and maps
• Comprehensive NIV Concordance
Fully Revised
This is called the “Fully Revised Edition” because that’s actually what took place. Some of the previous revisions to the NIV Study Bible have been light, but this was more of a complete overhaul. As I mentioned above, the entire design and typesetting has been rebuilt, but the editors also took four years to tediously update and revise every single piece of study material in this Bible. They consulted the latest Biblical research available, and revised the existing material while also creating hundreds of new articles and notes in the process.
Overall, I see the new NIV Study Bible as a solid and reliable resource that was thoughtfully designed and edited. It feels fresh, but it’s also leaning heavily on the 35-year legacy of the editions that preceded it, and I think that strikes the right balance.
Right For You?
I think everyone needs a great study Bible, and after spending the past few days immersed in the Fully Revised Edition of the NIV Study Bible, I feel confident giving it a strong recommendation. If you like what you’ve seen in this review, then you should definitely consider ordering a copy through one of the links below.
BUY THIS BIBLE*
Hardcover
• Amazon – $32
• ChristianBook.com – $29
Imitation Leather
• Amazon – $51
• ChristianBook.com – $49
Black Genuine Leather
• Amazon – $149
• ChristianBook.com – $149
*Pricing and Availability subject to change, and some of the links above are affiliate links, which means I make a small commission if you purchase something after clicking the link. Many of the Bibles I review have been provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
