NIV, Cultural Backgrounds Study Bible, Personal Size, Leathersoft, Pink/Brown, Red Letter Edition: Bringing to Life the Ancient World of Scripture Imitation Leather – August 22, 2017

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.

It's big and a bit heavy to carry around, but at home, it is the best reference I've found.The NIV translation take up about the upper half of each page (sometimes less). The bottom half is footnotes. These footnotes provide context to the referenced passages.I was using the Oxford Companion to the Bible as my go-to reference when I had questions about what I was reading, but this has replaced it.

This Bible is like a miracle to me. Understanding context of the culture is very useful and inspirational. There is a very fine concordance included and maps. I am overjoyed it came timely and in good condition well packed.

I began using this Bible as others I've had, randomly studying. But I soon discovered the vast richness of the information, so I began at the beginning, in Genesis. I am now in Isaiah. I am taking my time reading the Scripture, all the footnotes, and all the special articles.It is so detailed, it is like a huge puzzle that puts all the pieces out there to create a full picture of history at the time each part of Scripture was written.I've read some critical reviews of how it emphasizes pagan religions and practices. But this is the culture that YHWH's people lived in, from which He needed to lead them out. He needed to keep a pure remnant of His chosen people through which the Messiah could come. Without knowing the cultural background, it's hard to see what a mess it was back then, and still is today.I would not recommend this for new believers, but for those established in their faith. If you are firm in your faith through grace, and not living in fear or by works, I believe you will greatly benefit from the exhaustive research and archeological proofs that complement, not compete with, the Bible.

I am very happy with my purchase. It has enhanced my bible studies and I got a different translation than I usually use so that also added to my time in the word. The price was very reasonable and to be honest they could have charged more. Tons of information and sturdy. I for see it being used a great deal for years to come.

A study Bible for home or office. Not really for taking to Bible studies or meetings. Pretty thick. Commentary takes up about 30% of each page (the reason for its thickness). There is a bit of cultural references; however, I was hoping for background on the traditions of the times, like why it was so shocking that the Edomites encouraged the Babylonians to destroy Jerusalem (they were blood relatives of the Israelites), why oil was given or poured on the head of your guests, etc. The commentary is very good, but not the book for which I was searching.

Quotations by the Saviour are in red, so you know immediately they are His. Each chapter and book has detailed information. It is wonderful to just browse through to absorp the culture of the time, even if you do not read the scriptures. A must for any basic library, and a delight for those who want researched background information and scripture lovers alike. I thank the contributors who have enriched this version without distorting the basic message and text.

After I retired I became interested in the Bible. The works of Dr. Tim Mackie of the Bible Project and the works of Dr. Michael Heiser fascinated me and increased my appetite for more information about the language and culture of the authors of scripture. This eventually led to my purchase of the hardcover edition of this remarkable version of the Bible. Referring to the hardcover book in my studies using Bible Gateway was cumbersome, so I invested in the Kindle edition. This was a very pleasant surprise, as I had learned that Kindle editions of printed books that used pictures and charts tended to be less usable. But the Kindle edition is even more usable than the printed version. It can be navigated quickly to and from references. You have to see it to appreciate it. It is absolutely incredible.