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

This is a serious study Bible. It has extensive notes and pictures. It may be a little large to bring back and forth to church but makes an excellent reference for home study. It has tables, charts, background information, historical translation information, maps, and a concordance. It doesn't have any bookmarks attached, but you can easily use your own bookmark. I am not sure if the hard cover option that I bought would hold up to rough handling. A leather cover would likely last longer. The pages have an almost yellowed look and includes many beautiful, full color illustrations. Jesus' words are in red. This study Bible seems like an excellent choice for those who want to understand the Bible deeply.

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.

Great and informative information for biblical study

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 😁

My sons wanted more in-depth lessons regarding the Bible and this offers that. This Bible has so much information and is a great study Bible

In the U.S., there is no shortage of Bibles, and I have been blessed to read and enjoy many. However, my perfectionist tendencies mean I've never quite found the "perfect" Bible. This one isn't it, either, just because my "perfect" Bible doesn't exist yet. Our technology doesn't yet support it (picture a Bible that exists on an e-reader, in which you can type notes, that is chock full of footnotes on literature, apologetics, context, and original Greek and Hebrew meanings--but also has a personalized cover and pages you can still touch and feel like a real book, and search a la Google). Until *that* Bible arrives, though, this one is pretty close! The translation of this Bible makes it easy to read and follow, without some common pitfalls (e.g., language that is either too modern or "user-friendly" yet a bit too flowery). This makes it easy for me to find familiar passages and verses and still keep them in context, yet have a new version of them so they don't get too familiar or "dry." It is said that familiarity breeds contempt, and with a Bible, contempt or any sort of negative emotion is not what I want. Perhaps more importantly, and the reason I bought the Cultural Background Study Bible is, I am in love with all the notes! I usually read a chapter or two and then go back and read the associated notes so as not to get distracted (see below). Reading those notes feels like having dessert or a nice, warm cup of tea after a nutritious meal, as in, I got what I needed but now I get a treat. I've found a lot of the information absolutely fascinating, and many times, I've found myself saying, "Wow, did not know that!" I love when I get to say that, so my "brainy Christian" side is having loads of fun. I haven't delved too deeply into most of the articles yet, but I'm sure they're just as informative and faith-strengthening. Finally, I love the fact that while this is a "cultural backgrounds" Bible, I have found a lot of info on other topics I love within it, such as literary traditions, history, world religions, even apologetics. That is, part of the reason I've read a lot of Bibles over the years is because now, there are so many "topic Bibles," and I want to learn so much. But of course, no one Bible covers every topic, so I have to be judicious (either that, or attempt to carry 3-5 Bibles everywhere, which would not be a good idea). The Cultural Backgrounds Study Bible comes the closest to covering a bunch of topics at once, even through small notes, so brownie points! There are a couple of issues and personal preferences that make me rate this gem a 4.5-4.75. The first is height and weight; I was hard-pressed to even find a case that would fit this behemoth, and it's tough to even lift. Then again, I'm a small lady who also has cerebral palsy, so make of that what you will. If you are abled, and particularly if you are taller or stronger than me, you'll probably be just fine. More importantly, some of the footnotes in this Bible are paragraphs long, so if you are trying to read for devotional purposes or a Bible study or what have you, you may well get distracted. Same goes for the articles and the cross-references in the middle of some pages. Again though, this is fairly fixable if you can set aside time *just* to read the extras. (Try reading the actual text on your phone or in another translation if it helps, and then read the extras). Additionally, there are some sections where a note simply says, "See note on ____," which can be discouraging if you don't want to turn back and forth. Again, this Bible in particular needs a searchable e-version, ASAP! With those critiques aside, the Cultural Backgrounds Study Bible gets my hearty recommendation. It's easily my favorite for any Christian or seeker with an intellectual bent. But even if that's not you, or you're not really a "reader," I'd say at least investigate this version of the Good Book. You'll find it's not only good, but edifying and a feast for your mind and soul. Happy studying!

I love this Bible for study as it incorporates the historical context and cultural context of the reading. Great with maps and photos. When you have travelled the world you will know the importance of understanding the word in a society based context.

Super informative! Easy read and loads of information!

Arrived with tear on the sleeve

Very useful for cultural background with your bible study to understand the thinking and perceptions of the people at the time of the writings to put thinks in perspective for deeper understanding and study.

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.