Tips: Selecting Your First Time Bible ( Finding Your Pearl Among the Rocks)

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first time bible

Look:

I know the struggle.

Choosing a good first bible can be a headache.

Worry no more. We’ll tell you exactly how to select your first bible.

Whether you’re a new Christian; or you’re just ready to take things much seriously, when it comes to your first bible, it is a bigger deal than most believe.

There are many questions:

  • What bible should I get?
  • How to shop for a bible?
  • Where can I buy a good bible?
  • How big/small should it be?
  • What features should I look for?

Instead of randomly selecting the first bible that catches your eye, let’s make things a little bit easier for you.

( *hands on cheek for dramatic effect* “Hahhh…I wish I got this kind of advice when I was just starting out . - Ok back to the present)

you can listen to the download of the audio here

Here's what's said in the video ( plus links and more!)

Studying is important, but not right now

I can't emphasize this enough:

Although studying the word of God is vital to our Christian health, do not make this the primary decision maker when purchasing your first bible.

Instead focus on getting a bible for reading and understanding only.

Yes, that may mean that you possibly will have to get another bible when you are ready to begin studies but let’s face it, almost every Christian will eventually end up having more than one bible in their home.

That’s just how it is:

Some people collect blankets.

We Christians, collect bibles. :)

Your First Time Bible Should Be A Pearl

Sounds a bit strange?

Let’s me clarify:

In Matthew 13: 45 – 46, Jesus spoke one of his many parables:

Again the kingdom of heaven is like unto a merchant man, seeking goodly pearls; who when  he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had, and bought it.

This merchant man new that he was on to something good! This pearl was very unique, and he probably had to hunt high and low just to find that special one that he just had to have.

And your first bible should be that special to you. It should be very valuable to you on your journey.

  1. I am not saying to drain your savings. I am saying that your first time bible should be chosen with care.
  2. It should have certain characteristics to meet your primary needs: “Reading, Understanding, and Enjoying” the bible.

So your first bible should be a Pearl. This means it should be:

  • Portable
  • Easy to Read
  • Accurate
  • Resilient
  • Legible

1) Get A Portable Bible: Not One That Is Big as Goliath

By portable, I mean light weight.

Do not fall into the trap of buying, or borrowing a first time bible like this:

first time bible

Sooo big that it has to be stationed on your bedroom night stand for all eternity!

I understand the pain: it’s not that you don’t want to move it, it’s just that it’s too heavy. lol.

Seeing that your first time bible will become your companion in tribulation:

Portability is important.

It should be light enough that you can take it with you  - without effort- on your journey to work, church, or even a café, if desired.

It should be small enough that it can fit comfortably in a bag.

2) Optimize Your Enjoyment with an Easy To Read yet Accurate Bible

There are many types of bibles on the market right now. Some more exact in translation than others.

For your first bible, the closer you can get to the literal translation the better.

Accuracy is not only needed when studying. I would prefer to receive the hard uncompromising truth of the word, than to receive any watered version.

But hey, that’s my preference.

And I dear not place mine above your own.

Your primary need is to be able to read, understand and learn as you go ( perhaps getting a few laugh along the way)

So your first bible should be a mixture of accuracy and readability.

Looking For the Best First Time Bible Options?

  • Winner:  I would pick the New King James Version as the best bible for first time readers : It a more modern than the original King James Version. But it is still accurate and much easier to read.
  • First runner up: New International Version ( NIV) / English Standard Version ( ESV): Although they are less accurate than the KJV, they are very reader friendly.

Reading one of these is like eating a nice creamy bowl of pumpkin soup: smooth and delicious to the taste, with no lumps along the way.

*Note*: please learn more about the NIV and ESV before making your decision on purchasing one.

You can read some concerns and differences in accuracy here

  • Second Runner up: A Parallel Bible: Whether you are feeling a little adventurous, or you prefer to have as much exactness without sacrificing readability, the parallel bible may be your best choice.You can purchase a parallel bible with a precise version (KJV or NKJV) on the left side of the page; and a reader friendly version (NIV / ESV) on the right side .

It’s the closest that you can get to having your cake, and eating it too :)

Your First Time Bible Should Be Resilient

Imagine buying a bible and in less than a month, it is all falling apart. I’ve personally had this experience, and have seen some of my friends suffer this same fate.

 My husband can tell you stories! lol

  • Cover falling off
  • Leaves falling out
  • Book broken in two

No one likes to feel that their money have been wasted.

Your first time bible should be able to stand under a little pressure, over a long time, without giving away.

My Advice:

1.      Get a Hard Cover Bible: From my experience, bibles with paper backs tend to  wear away quickly. Investing in a hard cover, leather  or ‘fake leather’ cover bible may be the best way to go, to prevent disaster in the near future

2.      Choose A Bible That Is Bound or Sewn and Not Glued: I’ve often wondered why some bibles, after a while, the sheets begin to fall out. I found out that most of the time, it’s because the sheets were glued and not sewn. To prevent you from going through the pain of losing a few sheets, the whole book of Jonah, or the whole Bible all together – let’s play it a little safe and buy a bible that is bound or sewn in instead.

Make Sure Your Bible Is Legible

Finally,

Before selecting your bible, make sure that the words are not too small to cause any discomfort.

This may seem obvious, but I have seen individuals get bibles that remain in their book shelves because the prints were way too small to read for a long.

It may be wiser to read a passage or two of your selection ( before purchasing), to make sure that your eyes are loving the experience as much as you are.

Conclusion

If you have read this far, then you have all that you need to get your started.  If you have any questions, leave them below and I will try my best to assist.

If your first time bible has passed the test:

  • Portable
  • Easy to Read
  • Accurate
  • Resilient
  • Legible

Then it’s time to Gather your tool, and let's continue this journey together.

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