Things You'll Need:
- A Bookstore (preferrably Christian)
- Money
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Step 1
Think about how you will be using this Bible. Is it going to be primarily used for Study? Will this Bible be your daily devotional Bible? Will it be the Bible you will take to Church with you? Perhaps this Bible will need to be used in some capacity for all of the above? These are some of the questions you must ask yourself when choosing a new Bible and translation.
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Step 2
If the Bible will be used Primarily for study purposes, it is recommended that you choose one of the more "word for word" translations. Examples of these are the New American Standard Version, English Standard Version, Revised Standard Version, and the Holman Christian Standard Bible. Also, many of these versions are available in a Study Bible format. Study Bible offer notes from Biblical Scholars on various teachings, doctrines, beliefs, and circumstances discussed throughout the Bible. Some study Bibles offer study notes more purposefully driven toward particular Christian teachings such as; prophecy, Men's and Women's Studies, Reformed Theology, Life Application, Baptists, etc. This gives you the opportunity to further narrow your field of study.
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Step 3
If the Bible in question will be used for your daily devotional Bible you may want to look at some of the more dynamically equivalent translations such as the New International Version. This version is in a more reader friendly format and does not stick so staunchly to a "word for word" eqivalency. There are also many good Bible paraphrases out there such as; The Message, The Good News Bible, and The New Living Translation. These Bibles take the message of the verse and phrase it in a way that is more readily understood.
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Step 4
Once you have decided on a translation and type of Bible, try to determine where you will have your Bible most of the time. We should all try to take special care of our Bibles. I mean, after all, it is the word of God. However, you probably don't want to carry your $180 calfskin covered Bible around in your car all week. The sun and heat would destroy it in a matter of days. In that case choose a Bible with a hardcover or synthetic cover. These Bibles are more durable and less susceptible to heat and moisture. Finally, enjoy your new Bible!
