Study Bible Reviews NOTE: I only have experience with The New Oxford Annotated Bible, the Life Application Study Bible and The New Interpreter’s Study Bible. Each resource has its strengths and weaknesses that are best experienced when compared to another resource (read that: in group study). Any of the below listed would be a good start. I believe that they are all under $40 on Amazon and probably at the Christian Bookstore in Mt. Kisco. --Todd

The New Oxford Annotated Bible with Apocrypha (New Revised Standard Version): offers a ​ ​ vast range of information, including extensive notes by experts in their fields; in-text maps, charts, and diagrams; supplementary essays on translation, biblical interpretation, cultural and historical background, and other general topics. Extensively revised--half of the material is brand new--featuring a new design to enhance readability and brand-new color maps, the Annotated Fourth Edition adds to the established reputation of this ​ ​ essential biblical studies resource. Many new and revised maps, charts, and diagrams further clarify information found in the Scripture text. In addition, section introductions have been expanded and the book introductions present their information in a standard format so that students can find what they need to know.

Life Application Study Bible (NIV): Along with all the application helps, this Bible is ​ equipped with: ● Personality profiles which explain the background and significance of over 100 Bible characters ● Book introductions which include vital statistics, overviews, and historical timelines ● 200 in-text thumbnail maps highlighting important places and events ● 260 charts explaining important difficult concepts and relationships ● Cross-references ● Harmony of the gospels ● Dictionary ● Concordance ● Reading Plans ● Full-color maps This Bible was made for anyone who reads their Bible and finds themselves saying, “So what?”

The New Interpreter’s Study Bible brings the best of biblical scholarship to the service of the ​ ​ ​ Church. In this new edition based on The New Revised Standard Version of the Bible with ​ ​ Apocrypha, sixty distinguished scholars have provided background and insight on the biblical text. Features include extensive historical and theological annotations on the biblical text; brief introductions and outlines for each biblical book; further background and insight regarding particular themes and passages; and nineteen commissioned maps detailing the biblical world at various historical periods.

NLT Study Bible. The product of over forty Bible scholars and seven years' work, it is the most ​ comprehensive study Bible ever created. The notes focus on bringing out the full meaning of the text, allowing the reader to understand the Bible more deeply than ever. Features include 25,900 study notes (over 820,000 words), maps, charts, illustrations, a word-study system, and much more. FEATURE DETAILS: Ten section introductions provide an overview of the literature and history of each section of the Bible, showing how the books are related to each other and to the rest of Scripture. Theme articles and person profiles (406 total) highlight recurring ideas and describe the lives of those who inhabit the pages of scripture. Also includes 100 Greek and 100 Hebrew word studies, 100 quotations from modern and ancient writers, and words of Christ in red. Another unique feature is that further reading is recommended at the end of each book and section introduction.