Choosing a Bible: 5 Things Every Christian Should Consider

Ever since Gutenberg printed the first Bible in 1455, owning a Bible has been a big deal for Christians. Even in our fast-paced, digitally saturated world, a physical Bible remains one of the most meaningful and enduring gifts you can give or receive.

As a pastor, people often ask me for advice when they want to purchase a new Bible, whether for themselves, a friend, or as a keepsake for a special occasion. And while there’s no one-size-fits-all answer, there are a few things I strongly encourage you to consider. I understand that buying a Bible is becoming more difficult. With fewer Christian bookstores around, it’s becoming harder to browse and compare Bibles in person. But let me offer a few guiding thoughts to help you navigate the options in person or online.

Ultimately, a Bible is more than a keepsake. It’s a tool, a trusted companion in your walk with Christ. And like any tool, the right one makes all the difference.

1. Font Size & Readability

As I get older, one thing becomes clearer (or blurrier, depending on the Bible): font size matters. My first Gideon New Testament was precious…but it’s tiny. I practically needed a magnifying glass to read it now.

Today, most publishers list font size in point measurements (like 9 pt, 11 pt, 14 pt), which helps tremendously. Terms like ‘Standard Print’ or ‘Large Print’ are still used, but these days, point size is the clearer way to judge readability across different publishers. Personally, I gravitate toward Bibles with at least 11-12 pt type, especially for teaching, preaching, or extended reading.

Pro tip: Hold the Bible at the distance you would naturally read. For some, that’s sitting at your desk or placing your Bible in your lap, like you would at church. For others, it may be trying to read it from a podium or a pulpit. Can you read it comfortably? What if the light is low? Can you find your place if you become distracted?

2. Study Notes or Commentary?

Some Bibles include study notes, cross-references, maps, word studies, and historical documents. These tools can be invaluable, but they also come with perspective. Not all study notes are created equal.

I encourage folks to take a good look at who the publisher is and what theological lens the commentary is coming from. For instance, if you’re Reformed, Dispensational, Charismatic, etc., the notes may reflect that theology. If you don’t know, I would encourage you to ask someone you trust, like a pastor, and see if they have an opinion.

My second caution is this: sometimes people replace God’s Word with the commentary or study notes. The most important aspect for us as Christians is the Word of God. So please remember that commentary and study notes are there to help us understand God’s Word, not to replace it.

Some of you may want a Bible with only the Scripture and no commentary (this is my personal preference); look for terms such as “text-only” or “Reader’s Bible.”

3. Paper Quality & Color

Most people don’t think about paper until they start highlighting, or until they sit under a warm lamp and realize the thin, glossy paper creates glare.

Look at how the paper holds ink or pencil. Is it see-through (“ghosting”)? Does ink bleed through when you underline? Is the background a comfortable off-white or stark white?

There are reviews and videos online that show this up close. I highly recommend looking at those before you invest in a Bible. Also, please check return policies if buying online, in case the paper quality doesn’t suit your needs.

4. Translation

Adults often ask: “What translation should I choose?” This may not be as heated a topic as it once was, at least in my circles. Some people want a version that is the same as their pastor’s, because they like to follow along more easily. Others are looking for something more for trying to read through the Bible in a year. I had a friend once who used a different version every year to compare the differences.

Let me assume for a moment that you’re familiar with a few key translation concepts:

1. The Bible was originally written in Hebrew and Greek (a small amount was written in Aramaic, but primarily in Hebrew in the Old Testament and Greek in the New Testament. These are known as the original languages).
2. The English language is constantly changing. So words sometimes lose or shift in meaning.
3. It’s absolutely okay to have a personal preference.

Here’s how 1 Corinthians 15:50 is rendered in several popular translations:

Version	1 Corinthians 15:50
KJV	Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; neither doth corruption inherit incorruption.
NIV	I declare to you, brothers and sisters, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God, nor does the perishable inherit the imperishable.
ESV	I tell you this, brothers: flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God, nor does the perishable inherit the imperishable.
CSB	What I am saying, brothers and sisters, is this: Flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God, nor can corruption inherit incorruption.
NLT	What I am saying, dear brothers and sisters, is that our physical bodies cannot inherit the Kingdom of God. These dying bodies cannot inherit what will last forever.

I encourage you to choose a translation that you’ll read and understand. If you’re unsure, go to a bookstore (or online) and read a few verses in each.

Personal preferences: As a pastor, my personal preferences are all over the map when it comes to translation. I preach primarily from the ESV. I enjoy the NIV if I am reading the Old Testament. When reading Psalms or Proverbs, I often prefer the KJV for its poetic rhythm, since those books are written as poetry. When teaching kids or children’s Sunday school, I use the CSB because it’s the easiest to read.

If you’d like to compare translations side by side, BibleGateway.com is a great tool; you can find it by clicking here.

5. Cover Material

A Bible’s cover isn’t just about looks; it’s about durability and use. From synthetic leather to goatskin, the material affects not just how it feels but how it lasts. I expect that with regular use, a well-loved Bible will show wear and tear, and that’s okay. Why? Because it’s a tool that you are using every day. If this Bible is with you daily or for life, consider investing in quality and possibly a Bible cover. These will help mitigate the wear and tear.

For example, my current preaching Bible (which I think is my fifth preaching Bible) is a black, synthetic leather edition. So, I am in that middle ground of not cheap but not the most expensive. It disappears in a stack of books, but it’s held up through years of travel, sermons, and study.

Yes, you read that correctly, I’m on my fifth preaching Bible. I tend to give mine away if someone else needs one. And honestly, there’s no better gift than giving someone a Bible you’ve already loved and used.

Conclusion

Ultimately, the “best” Bible is the one you’ll actually read.
Whether you choose one with wide margins for notes or just want a durable everyday reader, remember this: God’s Word is living and active (Hebrews 4:12). Let it be more than just decoration on a shelf or a passenger in your car. Let the Bible become part of your daily life.

What I Use Personally

• In case you’re curious, the Bible I currently preach from is an ESV Bible with Creeds and Confessions (TruTone®, Black). It’s a double column, clean and distraction-free, which I prefer when teaching. The notes are tucked into the corners of each page, which keeps the layout clean and easy to follow..
• For personal study, I use a digital program called Logos, which allows me to have multiple translations, references, and study notes all on the same page.
• And for relaxed devotional reading, I’m currently enjoying the ESV Reader’s Bible with no verse numbers just uninterrupted Scripture.

At the end of the day, the best Bible is the one you actually use.

If any of these sound interesting, you can click on their respective links.

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If you’re buying a Bible for a teen or child, check out: 4 Things to Consider When Buying a Bible for Someone Else: Teenager Edition. You can find it here.