LiveMindfuLee

I am often asked by colleagues, clients, friends, and community members which Bibles I use or favor to study and the answer is a bit complex because there is not one over arching Bible that I use so here is a list of my current favorite Bibles to use and to recommend to people looking to meet God in the Word and know him more intimately.

Daily Use

1. Peshitta KJV translation by George M. Lamsa – this bible is translated by a historian and theology scholar who’s first language is Aramaic and second is English. This would be the most literal translation of the bible following the kjv arrangement.
2. Parallel Bible – featuring NIV, KJV, NASB, and AMP by Zondervan – this bible is a side by side comparison of the most detailed and literal translations of the bible in English.
3. The Cultural Backgrounds Bible (NIV) by Zondervan – this is a great way to learn historical and cultural context while reading a literal translation

Historians

1. The Geneneva Bible 1560 and 1599 versions – this is a great way to learn what the early christian church in the English speaking world was interpreting and how it shaped the historical church. This is interesting to the dedicated historian.
2. The Gnostic Bible – This is another deep look into how early chrisitans were influenced and how the interpreted the word while lacking context, rhythm, and an understanding of dead languages. It helps understand why the church behaved as it did. This should not be your daily study bible but rather an artifact.
3. The Apocraphal Old Testament edited by H.F.D. Sparks – this is an older translation without all the new age commentary. I have this in my collection.
4. The 210 Book Holy Bible by Covenant Press – this bible is the most complete works of cannonized and non cannonized books including banned books, catholic books, orthodox books, and jewish texts, this is considered more complete than the ethiopian bibles. However this is not meant to be your daily bible, this is great for the historian who reads with true discernment. (note, I own this for school, and to make me better at debate)

Note Taking

ESV or NIV spiral bound bibles are the best for annotation and note taking within the bible itself, however I use a system of verse mapping journals and then transfer my notes into Evernote which I pay a subscription for to have access to my digital notebooks anywhere.

Digital

I use Logos App or Bible Gateway for access to any version and side by side versions of the bible on my laptop, ipad and cell phone.

I hope this list helps you!

You are in my prayers, Sis,

Brittney @livemindfulee