Reading the bible should be done regularly and consistently, and for this reason, you need a Bible that will make your reading time enjoyable, purposeful, and relaxed. With numerous options out there, it is important to make a smart purchase, and the good news is there are Bibles for sale that meet every purpose and need.
So, here are some valuable tips to help you find the right bible for you within your budget:
- Types of Bibles
You can buy a Bible and spend as little or as much money on it. However, it helps to get familiar with the types of Bibles today. So the major ones include:
- Devotional Bibles: They promote spiritual growth by providing individual devotion, family devotions, or group devotions on their passages. These books emphasise inspirational thoughts for various applications. And you can read and follow daily devotions, or there are those which you can read for a specific situation.
- Reference Bibles: These holy books contain text with translation footnotes and cross-references, which are useful when finding related passages or verses. They also feature maps and concordance in the back. So, you can buy reference Bibles in either a single layout or a double-column one, and they are ideal for preaching, studying, reading, and carrying.
- Study Bibles: You can often see illustrations, full-colour photos, charts, in-text maps, graphs, concordance, references, indexes, profiles, commentary, etc., in a study bible. As the name suggests, this bible includes tools for studying and reading topics and passages. These tools are perfect for teaching, sermon prep, group study, or personal study.
- Text Bibles: These books typically use a large font and give emphasis on the text. Most text Bibles are free from all the other extras, including verse numbers. The layouts incorporate both styles of single and double-column. Also, text Bibles are suitable for preaching, reading, and carrying.
- Journal Bibles: They come with paper and space for writing your prayers, thoughts, or other notes. Journal Bibles may be typically thick due to the paper used, but they can still be ideal for carrying. In addition, they have wide outer margins and single-column designs, which allow for seamless writing.
- Point Size
The point size of your bible impacts the features and the size of the book itself. For this, decide how you will use your bible.
Seven point size or lower is considered a small print. So, choose this point size if you are reading on the go, as it is suitable for carrying.
Meanwhile, eight to nine points is a medium print, and it is great for studying and reading, providing more comfort to the eye.
Next, ten to eleven point size means a large print, and it can accommodate long periods of reading, making it perfect for public reading, preaching, and studying.
Finally, twelve-point size or above is a giant print. And this size is ideal for preaching or for someone who finds it difficult to read smaller prints.
- Translations
When it comes to Bible translations, the two major principles are thought-for-thought and word-for-word.
Thought-for-thought typically gives the meaning of biblical phrases and words, and the focus of this bible is readability. On the other hand, word-for-word focuses on accuracy by giving a direct English translation of the words. So, look among Bibles for sale to find the one with the most readable translation to you. Depending on your needs, goals, and budget, you can buy large bibles designed to leave at the pulpit or at home or smaller editions meant to be put in your bag and carried anywhere.
