The Difference Between a Study Bible and a Regular Bible

The Difference Between a Study Bible and a Regular Bible

Most people who study the Bible or who are Christian believers tend to start out and grow up studying with a traditional Bible of some kind. It isn’t until the student or believer transitions to the study Bible series that they soon discover that there is additional information and insight that the world has compiled from educators and scholars to help broaden the world view. When we become familiar with one, then we can see the perspective of the other and know both. To have this level of insight is to know the difference between a study Bible and a regular Bible for those seeking higher truth through biblical study.

What To Expect From a Study Bible

Study Bibles are notorious for being packed full of information in very tight spaces. They compete with the ideas of commentaries. But while it may seem like a commentary reading, it’s much more focused on the subjects to give snippets of information along the way to enhance the reader’s perception of what they will encounter, such as figures, places, and maps. With these additional pieces of insight, the student can paint vivid pictures in their minds around the storylines to give a broader understanding of what they are consuming.

The Pros of Having a Study Bible

For example, the best part of having resources like a Scofield study Bible is being able to study the Bible. Unlike a traditional Bible that gives you the text and nothing to go off other than the index, this Bible gives literal interpretations and notations that can be read on the sides and bottom of every page as the stories develop. It’s as if you have an interpreter with you alongside your journey as you study this literature.

The Cons of Having a Study Bible

When you have a book that helps you study it in further context, then it can make things easier for your vision. However, this is not so for people around you, which means you will have to be careful about what you say. Having a different interpretation of the Bible opens discussion for a more serious topic which is the formation of narrow views and perspectives. It’s good to study from a study Bible, but that cannot be the only perspective to carry, as there are commentaries and many other books written on the subject.

Choosing to utilize a study Bible is a great asset whenever it comes to studying for those who take the scholarly route and others who want to deepen their beliefs. Whether you are one or the other, the difference between a study Bible and a regular Bible can mean the outcome of your personal views and knowledge on topics that you find insightful and inspiring.