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

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.

This is a beautiful study bible. The font is so easy to read and even the notes/commentary are very easy on the eyes. I have very poor eyesight and the color of the paper is soothing. It isn’t quite “white” but more of a cream color. I am loving all the cultural perspectives; it really enhances my understanding of what it meant to live and encounter God during biblical times.

This Bible has become a solid member of my "dream team" daily Bible study references. It filled in the last gap I had. If anyone is looking for a solid setup for studying God's Word, here are my recommendations: 1. ESV Study Bible (Journaling edition if you like to put your notes in one place) 2. NET Bible (Full Notes Edition) 3. Holman Illustrated Bible Dictionary (Expanded Version) 4. Rose Book of Bible Chars, Maps & Timelines and/or Holman Book of Biblical Charts, Maps, and Reconstructions 5. Enduring Word online commentary 6. NIV Historical Backgrounds Study Bible

Beautiful pictures, granted only the hardcover may still be in print. The notes are always poinent and at times answers real questions even for a Bible student of years. I Love It. It lives alone a music stand by my chair!

This Bible made reading Revelation a breeze! There are in depth explanations and cross references to practically every scripture. By far the best Bible I own, I’ve learned so much!

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!

Good source of infotmation

A must in any Pastor's library!! Understanding the cultural context of each passage is critical to good exegesis. This Bible impacts every sermon I preach.

Arrived with tear on the sleeve

Excelente! Podem comprar sem medo, vale muito a pena. A Bíblia tem ótima qualidade, fonte agradável para leitura além de extensas e ricas notas de estudo. Vale cada centavo!

I can see why people recommend this study bible. I purchased this at the same time I purchased the CSB Holy Land Illustrated Study Bible. I have used "Philippians" in each Bible to compare. This Bible has TONS of traditional study notes whereas the Holy Land SB only has articles and photos. (For that review check the Holy Land Illustrated Study Bible Amazon review) For the price mind you, I think you are getting more out of this Bible, PLUS it is only ⅔ the price! I've only spent an evening with each, so I will update this after. Side Note: I would recommend the NLT illustrated SB or the NLT chronological Life Application Study Bible.

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.

Cultural bibles are fantastic and thinn everyone should have one. Also has archaeological aspects as well, and was considering buying one of those but would highly recommend. Great sections where it goes into detail on certain traditions etc. Well worth the money.