NIV Verse Mapping Bible

Mar 4

A new way to study the Bible from Zondervan and Kristy Cambron.

If you’re looking for a fresh way to study the Bible, the new NIV Verse Mapping Bible from Zondervan might be something you want to consider. Using a five-step process developed by author and speaker Kristy Cambron, the NIV Verse Mapping Bible teaches readers how to dig a little bit deeper into the historical and literary context of the Bible in order to better understand how it applies to their lives.

I’m not sure what this says about the way my brain works, but the systematic process of verse mapping really appeals to me. I think it creates a nice rhythm when studying the Bible, and in a world full of endless distractions, I can use all the help I can get staying focused.

Check out the video below to get a closer look at how the NIV Verse Mapping works, and keep scrolling to see photos and read my written review.

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NIV Verse Mapping Bible – Overview

Zondervan has initially released the NIV Verse Mapping Bible in a handful of Leathersoft editions as well the hardcover edition in gray cloth over board that you see in my photos. They also offer an NIV Verse Mapping Bible for Girls that features the same content in a hardcover edition with unique design elements.

The text block of the NIV Verse Mapping Bible is 6.5” wide and 8” tall, and it measures 1.75” thick, including the cover. Inside you’ll find an 8pt typeface (Zondervan’s NIV Comfort Print) in a two-column format with wide margins that feature lines for journaling and notes. The overall look and feel of this Bible is very similar to other Journaling Bibles, but where it differs is on the pages that include verse maps.

There are well over 400 pages dedicated to verse mapping in this Bible (see images below), 350 of which feature pre-selected verses and study material, and 70 of which are blank so that readers can choose which verses they want to map. The Bible contains a detailed instructions on verse mapping, and I’d encourage you to take a look at Kristy Cambron’s “Verse Mapping 101” before you dive in.

FEATURES
• 8pt type size
• 6.5” x 8” trim size
• 1.75” thick
• Exclusive Zondervan NIV Comfort Print® typeface
• Guided instructions on verse mapping
• 350 verse maps with pre-selected verses
• 70 blank verse maps
• Directions on how to use the Reverse Interlinear feature on BibleGateway.com
• Book introductions
• Topical index
• Satin ribbon marker

A Quick Overview of Verse Mapping

The NIV Verse Mapping Bible outlines five steps for studying specific verses or passages:

1 – VERSE
Choose a verse (or multiple verses) to map and write it out.
2 – DESIGN
Write down the selected verse(s) in multiple translations, and identify key words or phrases that stand out.
3 – DEVELOP
Look up key words or phrases in Hebrew and Greek. Write down definitions, synonyms, and root words. Discover and note underlying meanings (Cambron suggests using the Reverse Interlinear feature on BibleGateway.com for this step).
4 – ACTIONS
Research and document what tells the story in this verse(s) through the people, places, and context referenced. Draw connections to other concepts in Scripture.
5 – OUTCOME
Document what you’ve learned in a 1-2 sentence summary and consider ways that this applies to your life.

Overall, I think this is a solid system. It’s a little clunky at first, but once you get the hang of it, I think it has the potential to be a really fruitful approach to studying the Bible. Several of these steps remind me of what I was taught in my preaching classes during seminary, and I think that shows that the Verse Mapping system is a good way to dissect the text in order to discover what it’s all about and how it impacts our lives.

Bottom Line

My only concern with the NIV Verse Mapping Bible is that the paper might be too thin. A Bible like this is designed to be written in, so I would definitely recommend that you test out your favorite pen in an inconspicuous place before you dive in. Other than that, this Bible looks nice and is easy to use. The verse mapping approach is unique, and it certainly has a lot of potential to help you develop a meaningful rhythm of Bible study.

Keep scrolling for links to where you can purchase the NIV Verse Mapping Bible.