NIV, Cultural Backgrounds Study Bible (Context Changes Everything), Hardcover, Red Letter: Bringing to Life the Ancient World of Scripture

Helpful to understand the context of the stories in the Bible. Has pictures and illustrations. It says large text, but the text isn't as large as you might hope for, so it may be difficult for those with poor eyesight. It is easier to read than some other Bibles that have smaller text. The pages are not see through so that also helps, as some Bibles have thin pages that the words on the back of the page show up on the front which makes reading difficult. This Bible has a ton of notes and that is why it's so big and heavy. I'm definitely going to use it as a study aide, but not as my primary Bible. I also recommend the NAB Revised Edition Bible as another excellent study Bible that has notes in it and citations of other scripture to cross reference. Comparing the two, the NAB has more books since it is a Catholic Bible, has smaller text, but has more concise notes as the notes were condensed and written with collaboration by dozens of Religious text experts. Contrasting to the the NIV Study Bible, which has only 2 editors, but has more notes, pictures in color, and notes that are written in an academic tone. It has more historical background notes and cultural commentary than the NAB Bible.

Such a great resource! Sooo many footnotes, cross references, and explanations of Biblical context! This has helped me so much already, and makes me excited to understand more of the Bible 😁

Most people will put this NIV Cultural Backgrounds Bible head-to-head against the CSB Holy Land Illustrated Bible to decide which is best and in my honest opinion it is a tie, and in the BEST way! They are similar enough to be incredible study companions while having different illustrations, photos, commentary, and maps. Two different looks at the same content but through two different sets of editors and commenters across two similar but different translations. I highly recommend you pickup BOTH... on sale of course.

A single-source treasure on understanding the cultural background of The Bible. One of the editors is a longtime professor of the Old Testament, and the other has filled the same role concerning the New Testament. The result is vast knowledge, instant credibility, and an inspiring collection of articles, illustrations, and maps apart from the Bible text itself. This book has outstanding value!

It's big and a bit heavy to carry around, but at home, it is the best reference I've found. The NIV translation take up about the upper half of each page (sometimes less). The bottom half is footnotes. These footnotes provide context to the referenced passages. I was using the Oxford Companion to the Bible as my go-to reference when I had questions about what I was reading, but this has replaced it.

A study Bible for home or office. Not really for taking to Bible studies or meetings. Pretty thick. Commentary takes up about 30% of each page (the reason for its thickness). There is a bit of cultural references; however, I was hoping for background on the traditions of the times, like why it was so shocking that the Edomites encouraged the Babylonians to destroy Jerusalem (they were blood relatives of the Israelites), why oil was given or poured on the head of your guests, etc. The commentary is very good, but not the book for which I was searching.

I’m new at studying the Bible and this is a great guide to put things in context. Understanding the times when the Book was written really helps understanding many of the verses. I highly recommend this book.

Great Study Bible. Very thick Bible that’s packed with a lot of notes.

Arrived with tear on the sleeve

Cultural bibles are fantastic and thinn everyone should have one. Also has archaeological aspects as well, and was considering buying one of those but would highly recommend. Great sections where it goes into detail on certain traditions etc. Well worth the money.

Really interesting study Bible. I should have bought this Bible a long time ago to inform me of the cultural background of the Old Testament.

This is a well thought out bible. The notes are not too small, and lots of context while respecting the other cultures of ancient mesopotamia. The pictures are great too. Jesus words in red. Only thing missing is no ribbons for bookmarks.

The cultural backgrounds helps reading the stories of the Bible in their cultural setting and provides therefore a better understanding of Scripture.