BEYOND THE BOOKSTORE: NIV ESSENTIALS STUDY BIBLE

It is difficult to describe such an awesome Bible in 300 words or less without omitting some interesting feature yet I will give it a try. THE NIV Essentials Study Bible aptly named because for anyone studying the Word this is an essential tool.

I have read quite a few Bible translations from Genesis to Revelations on more than one occasion, this includes having read the New International Version a.k.a. NIV Bible at least twice. What the NIV Essentials Study Bible does is incorporate everything I need in one book.

Since I am currently studying the book of Isaiah in my personal Bible study this is the book I chose for review in order to make my assessment.

The Key Concepts is a great feature since it gives the reader an idea of what to expect. The three bullet points were brief and significant.
I truly appreciated the picture in the About section which included a mini-history lesson.
Key Verses are in other study Bibles that I own thus its’ placement was not a surprise but truly appreciated.
It became obvious as I read the Key Teachings that the collaborators of the NIV Essentials Study Bible wanted the reader to focus on the Bible itself and not their opinions as once again each bullet point was short and without commentary.
What is not in any of my other study Bibles but a feature I love is Key Terms.
In addition to the personality profile People in Focus which is a detailed biography there is also an introductory mention of individuals to look for or People To Know.
A timeline is essential when you are studying the Bible thus When Did Things Happen is something a reader will want to review. Compared to the timeline in my other study Bibles, I like this one better.
Do you think it would be helpful to have a map in places where you need it and not at the end of the book? Well with NIV Essentials Study Bible they are.

As if this was not enough there are Q & A sections great for group or personal Bible study, verse Commentaries, Reflections and Response, verse highlights, historical tid-bits and so much more.

This is my new favorite Bible. I recommend you purchase one for yourself and a friend. xxx Marsha L Randolph