Since the Bibles used by most Protestant denominations contain the same books, you might think that your choice comes down to choosing a cover. Unfortunately, choosing the Bible that meets your needs is a bit more complicated. First of all, you need to consider the issue of translation. I would also like to tell you something about the different types of Bibles and how they are used. However, most Bible types are available in different translations, so we will deal with this point first.
There is the King James Version, the New Living Translation, the Epistle, and many others. They all fall into two main types. Literal Translations. In these, each word is translated separately from the original language. This type of translation is preferred by serious scholars who value absolute accuracy. Some also like the beauty of the language in ancient translations, such as the King James Version.
There are also “semantic translations.” In these translations, the translator or translators try to convey the main idea of what is being said without sticking to the exact language. These translations are usually written in a more modern language. Therefore, they are easier to understand, especially for new Christians.
Once you have decided on a translation, what is the next step? Next, let me tell you about the main types of Bibles you may encounter.
A SIMPLE BIBLE is simply the Scriptures in the translation you have chosen. They are arranged by book, chapter and verse, as most of us know.
Red Bible
This type is often combined with the other types. In this type, the words of Christ are printed in red color. Many people find that emphasizing the Lord’s words in this way helps them in their study.
Chronological
In this font, the scripture is arranged in a historical and Chronological Bible Reading Plan, rather than in books, chapters, and verses. This arrangement helps many people understand how the different eras and events in the Bible are connected.
The year
Most of these Bibles are divided into 365 convenient parts. One for each day of the year! They are, of course, designed for people who want to read the whole Bible in a well-planned way throughout the year.
Parallel Bibles
they contain multiple translations arranged in parallel columns in the same book. I have one with four English translations side by side. You can also buy an English-Spanish Bible or an English-Vietnamese Bible. A Vietnamese Bible, for example. These Bibles are for those who want to see how the Scriptures differ in the different translations. Sometimes it helps to see the same verse in different translations to understand it better.
Topik
In these Bibles, the scriptures are not arranged according to the usual “book, chapter, verse” format. Instead, everything is arranged by topic. All the verses relate to marriage together, the same goes for salvation, the church and so on. These Bibles are convenient for people who want to quickly find everything the Bible has to say on a subject.
Scientific Bibles
These Bibles contain not only the Scriptures, but also additional “helps” to assist you in your study. These helps may include articles, maps, commentaries, etc. They come in many different forms. Some are intended for ordinary Christians. Others are meant for specific people, such as married couples. I even have one written specifically for counselors.
Many of these types will be suitable for people who want and can afford two or more Bibles. But I wanted you to be more aware of your options. That way, you will be better prepared when your needs change. If you can only afford one Bible, or if you are a new Christian, I recommend a good study Bible in a translation you can understand. I recommend a study Bible because it helps you understand the Bible better. It also allows you to take advantage of some of the benefits of other study Bibles until you can buy individual large-format versions.