There are more versions of the Bible on the market today than you can shake a stick at, or, in Bob’s case, play fetch with.  It can be pretty intimidating trying to discern what kind of Bible to buy.  No worries.  We’ve got you covered.  We deal with the different Bibles with Bob’s no nonsense “5 Bark Review” system that will help you find just the right Bible for yourself, friend, or special someone.

Here are the 5 criteria Bob sniffs for when deciding on a Bible:

1. Trustworthy. 

First and foremost, the Bible translation you’re using must be trustworthy.  Bob doesn’t much like it when he picks up a strange scent that throws him off.  It takes a lot to fool Bob; he’s got the best nose in the business.

Tip: Look in the front pages of the Bible to find out what kind of committee translated it.  Read up on it.  You don’t have to be a Bible scholar.  If there’s little to no information, it’s best to try another Bible version.

Tip: Look inside the first page to see who published the Bible.  Some trusted publishers include, but are not limited to: The American Bible Society, HarperCollins, Zondervan, Thomas Nelson, Crossway, Tyndale, Holman, and Catholic Publishing.

2. Understandable. 

The words we read in the Bible need to be in your common everyday language.  It doesn’t do much good if you can’t understand it.  You’ve got to be able to read it and not continually wonder what in the world it’s saying.  There are enough sections in the Bible to leave your head scratching without having a Bible you can’t very well understand.

Tip: Find Psalm 23 in the Table of Contents (it’s in the Old Testament) in any Bible you look through and read it out loud.  If it sounds funny or awkward, even though it may be a trustworthy version, it’s best to look at another Bible.  If you end up crying listening to the beauty of the language, you’ve found a winner.

Tip: Find John 3:16-18 (it’s in the New Testament) in any Bible and read it out loud to another person.  If they ask you what several of the words mean, then you probably ought to look at another Bible.  If the person asks how he/she can know if they have eternal life, then buy that Bible on the spot.

3. Readable. 

Now, we’re talking about the actual ability to read the text on the pages.  If the font size is so small you need to squint or get out your granny glasses, then you need a Bible with larger print.  If the font itself is difficult to read, then just know there are plenty of Bibles out there with better.

Tip: If the pages themselves are so thin that you can see the text on the other side, even if the font and font size are fine, you’ll be frustrated down the road trying to read it and that will become a coffee table Bible.

Tip: If you plan on writing in your Bible, then the paper stock needs to be thick enough to handle it.  You might want to consider a journaling Bible which is made for writing on its pages.

4. Durable. 

Durability matters when you plan to use your Bible for years to come.  One of the first Bibles I ever owned I loved.  It was in a trusted version; I understood the translation; the text on the pages was clear for me to read; and, then, after reading it every day for a year, it fell apart.  The binding was terrible, and pages came out.

Tip: Look at the spine of the Bible and see if the pages have been glued or sewn to the spine.  If it’s sewn, you have found a real gem.  Buy it right away before someone else finds it.

Tip: Open the Bible and give it a good bend.  If you immediately feel a little crack in your hands, then stay away from it.  Bob doesn’t like sniffing those Bibles.

5. Attractive. 

An aesthetically pleasing Bible invites you into its pages.  The message of the Bible and the God of the Bible are truly beautiful.  To place such grace and loveliness within an ugly cover with even uglier colors is like putting a ratty old collar on a shiny new puppy.

Tip: Some Bibles might look good, but don’t meet the other 4 criteria.  Don’t get it just because you know your granddaughter, or your boyfriend would like how it looks.

Tip: If you really find a Bible you like, but you don’t like how it looks, consider getting a Bible cover or case that you really like to put over it.

There you have it.  Bob’s “5 Bark Review System” for finding just the right Bible.  Look for upcoming pages on specific versions of the Bible, reviewed according to Bob’s stringent sniffing guidelines.  If you have any questions, go to the Contact page and get in touch with us.

You can also access this information on You Tube – How to Choose a Bible

This page, along with the entire site, is under Bob’s nose right now.  Please be patient with him (he’s got a lot of work to do sniffing all those different versions!).  We’ll have some great content for you.  Come on back and check in from time to time.

Thanks.  See you on the trail.