by That Proverbs Mamma I often get asked on Instagram, ‘What Bible should I buy?’, ‘How do I start reading the Bible?’, ‘What Bible should I get as a beginner?’ or ‘Where do I buy a Bible in Australia?’
Every time someone asks me, my heart sings because it means you have caught a glimpse of the beautiful life that you can have by knowing Jesus. So I thought I would make a post to answer your questions and give some recommendations of Bibles to buy for those looking to get started reading the Bible.
It is my goal that one day, Trust in The Word will be a shop in Australia where you can buy Bibles. Until that time, I have compiled a list of some Bibles I recommend that would pair nicely with the Bible Tabs that we have in the store. I have even got super techy and figured out how to use affiliate links, which means if you purchase a Bible through one of these links, a small percentage of the sale goes to Trust in The Word at no additional cost to you!
There truly is nothing like a new Bible, some pretty Bible tabs and a cup of tea to get you excited about spending time with God.
There are many different translations of the Bible, some easier to read than others. If you have your grandmother’s Bible on the bookshelf, it is likely to be the old King James Version (KJV), which sounds like Shakespeare. The King James Version is beautiful to listen to – but utterly difficult to understand. It might be time for an update.
Here are some modern translations that I recommend, which are not just paraphrases but accurate translations from the original Hebrew and Greek scrolls.
If you have never read the Bible before but you would like to start reading the Bible for the first time, I recommend the New Living Translation. This is not the translation I grew up reading, however, I have grown to like it more and more because it explains things in a way that is easier to understand.
This is the translation I usually use when I share Bible verses on my Instagram page or when I read the Bible on Instagram Lives or Video. I do this because I want you to actually be able to understand what it is saying so you can learn more about God and apply it to your everyday life. As such, this is the translation I recommend if you are reading the Bible for the first time or if you are looking to buy a Bible for a friend who is interested in reading the Bible.
Here are some beautiful Bibles in the New Living Translation that you may like to consider.
This is one of the most popular Bibles of the past year and utterly gorgeous to look at. Its study notes focus on how you can apply the Bible to your daily life.
Discover How You Can Apply the Bible to Your Life Today
With a fresh two-colour interior design and meaningfully updated study notes and features, this Bible will help you understand God’s Word better than ever. It answers the real-life questions that you may have and provides you practical yet powerful ways to apply the Bible to your life every day.
Study the stories and teachings of the Bible with verse-by-verse commentary. Gain wisdom from people in the Bible by exploring their accomplishments and learning from their mistakes. Survey the big picture of each book through overviews, vital statistics, outlines, and timelines, and grasp difficult concepts using in-text maps, charts, and diagrams–all to help you do life God’s way, every day.
This is the Bible I have that you can see in my photos with the Ruth – Burnt Barley Bible Tabs.
They work perfectly together!
The new Tyndale classic NLT Thinline Reference Bible, Filament-Enabled Edition has readable text, an attractive layout, and cross-references in a thin, easy-to-carry size. And while it has the same low price as basic text-only Bibles, the NLT Thinline Reference offers much more. It not only features a bold new design and the trusted and much-loved New Living Translation (NLT) but also includes the groundbreaking Filament Bible app. This app enables you to use your mobile phone or tablet to connect every page to a vast array of related content, including study notes, devotionals, interactive maps, informative videos, and worship music.
The Filament Bible app turns this Bible into a powerful study and devotional experience, offering more to expand your mind and touch your heart than you can possibly hold in your hand. And there is no additional cost for the Filament Bible app
This Bible is beautiful and would pair perfectly with the Eden – Ocean Blue Bible Tabs.
The new Tyndale classic NLT Large Print Thinline Reference Bible, Filament-Enabled Edition has readable text, an attractive layout, and cross-references in a thin, easy-to-carry size. And while it has the same low price as basic text-only Bibles, the NLT Large Print Thinline Reference offers much more. It not only features a bold new design and the trusted and much-loved New Living Translation (NLT) but also includes the groundbreaking Filament Bible app. This app enables you to use your mobile phone or tablet to connect every page to a vast array of related content, including study notes, devotionals, interactive maps, informative videos, and worship music.
The Filament Bible app turns this Bible into a powerful study and devotional experience, offering more to expand your mind and touch your heart than you can possibly hold in your hand. And there is no additional cost for the Filament Bible app.
This Bible looks gorgeous. It has added study notes with affirmations to remind you who you are as a child of God. What a beautiful concept!
When you feel lost in the mundane, God says you have a purpose.
When fear creeps in, God says you are held.
When you wonder if anyone notices, God says you are important.
When you feel isolated, God says you are not alone.
The DaySpring Hope & Encouragement Bible amplifies 12 Indisputable Truths about who you are in Christ, including: You are known, You are blessed, and You have a reason for hope. These truths equip you to recognize and embrace your treasured place in God’s heart.
Armed with this knowledge, you will be able to face any challenge, step into your toughest calling, and live the adventure God has for you.
This is the translation I have studied since I was a teenager. While the New Living Translation is translated line for line, this New International Version is translated word for word. If you are reading this version, a study Bible with additional notes in it will really help you to understand it even further. The differences between NLT and the NIV are not huge. If you see a Bible you absolutely love on the NIV list, go for it! If the cover inspires you, you will want to read it more!
Here are some NIV Bibles to Check Out:
This was my first journaling Bible. The pages are nice and thick so your highlighters won’t’ seep through and you are less likely to tear a page. I have to say, this is a really great option for those who are looking to do some Bible journaling but are on a tight budget.
Beautifully designed, cloth-bound journalling Bible with high quality paper and extra wide ruled margins for note taking and referencing.
Similar to the Bible above and also a beautiful Bible for those on a smaller budget.
The Bible text is interspersed with 32 pages introducing the art of verse-mapping. This Bible study method encourages you to prayerfully choose a verse, compare it with other translations, study the context, including the history and characters mentioned, and then reflect and allow the Spirit to guide you in application. There are also verses to colour in, with lots of space around them for you to add your own illustrations, and many other pages with creative prompts for Bible journalling.
The Artisan Collection are simply gorgeous. I could buy one in every design! Which do you like best?
Exquisite from the inside out, the NIV Artisan Collection Bible stuns with its printed cover design showcasing hand-painted flair. When the Bible is opened, beautiful art appears on the page edges as you read through Scripture. When you close the Bible, the image vanishes into shimmery foil gilding. In addition to the attractive typesetting, each page of this Bible has lightly ruled, wide margins, inviting you to journal, reflect, take notes, and create art.
A blue edition of the Artisan Collection. So dreamy.
Exquisite from the inside out, the NIV Artisan Collection Bible will delight you with its gorgeous cover created with a layered alcohol ink painting technique. The printed cover showcases hand-painted flair and foil accents. Each page of this Bible has lightly ruled, wide margins, inviting you to journal, reflect, take notes, and create art.
Guys, this one is next on my hit list. I have been eyeing it off for a few months and I don’t know how much longer I can resist not buying it. If you get it, send me a photo on Instagram. It’s just so beautiful!
The popular NIV Journal the Word Bible is now available in a double-column format making it thinner and easier to carry. The NIV Journal the WordTM Bible, Double Column allows you to creatively express yourself every day with room for notes or verse art next to your favorite verses. Made with unique and beautiful covers, this double-column journaling Bible features thick cream-colored paper with lightly ruled lines in the extra-wide margins, perfect to reflect on God’s Word and enhance your study.
At the end of the day, they are all very similar. It’s all about choosing one that inspires you to pick it up and actually read it. The truth is, we are all busy, and just like skipping out on exercising, when life gets busy, reading the Bible can be one of the first things to go. Choose one that excites you and makes you want to get out of bed in the morning to spend time with your Creator.
I hope you have found something here that you love. If not, send me a message on Instagram and I can see if I can help you find what you are looking for.
Let me know in the comments below and we can take a vote!
Are you ready to discover how to determine right from wrong as a believer? In this article, we’ll dive deep into the beautiful journey of honoring God’s standards and making ethical choices in our daily lives.
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