NIV, Cultural Backgrounds Study Bible (Context Changes Everything), Hardcover, Red Letter: Bringing to Life the Ancient World of Scripture

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.

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.

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.

Love what i am reading so far. Very in depth and informative on each chapter and verse. Along with illustrations so that you can really understand the context of the time your reading about !

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.

In the U.S., there is no shortage of Bibles, and I have been blessed to read and enjoy many. However, my perfectionist tendencies mean I've never quite found the "perfect" Bible. This one isn't it, either, just because my "perfect" Bible doesn't exist yet. Our technology doesn't yet support it (picture a Bible that exists on an e-reader, in which you can type notes, that is chock full of footnotes on literature, apologetics, context, and original Greek and Hebrew meanings--but also has a personalized cover and pages you can still touch and feel like a real book, and search a la Google). Until *that* Bible arrives, though, this one is pretty close!The translation of this Bible makes it easy to read and follow, without some common pitfalls (e.g., language that is either too modern or "user-friendly" yet a bit too flowery). This makes it easy for me to find familiar passages and verses and still keep them in context, yet have a new version of them so they don't get too familiar or "dry." It is said that familiarity breeds contempt, and with a Bible, contempt or any sort of negative emotion is not what I want.Perhaps more importantly, and the reason I bought the Cultural Background Study Bible is, I am in love with all the notes! I usually read a chapter or two and then go back and read the associated notes so as not to get distracted (see below). Reading those notes feels like having dessert or a nice, warm cup of tea after a nutritious meal, as in, I got what I needed but now I get a treat. I've found a lot of the information absolutely fascinating, and many times, I've found myself saying, "Wow, did not know that!" I love when I get to say that, so my "brainy Christian" side is having loads of fun. I haven't delved too deeply into most of the articles yet, but I'm sure they're just as informative and faith-strengthening.Finally, I love the fact that while this is a "cultural backgrounds" Bible, I have found a lot of info on other topics I love within it, such as literary traditions, history, world religions, even apologetics. That is, part of the reason I've read a lot of Bibles over the years is because now, there are so many "topic Bibles," and I want to learn so much. But of course, no one Bible covers every topic, so I have to be judicious (either that, or attempt to carry 3-5 Bibles everywhere, which would not be a good idea). The Cultural Backgrounds Study Bible comes the closest to covering a bunch of topics at once, even through small notes, so brownie points!There are a couple of issues and personal preferences that make me rate this gem a 4.5-4.75. The first is height and weight; I was hard-pressed to even find a case that would fit this behemoth, and it's tough to even lift. Then again, I'm a small lady who also has cerebral palsy, so make of that what you will. If you are abled, and particularly if you are taller or stronger than me, you'll probably be just fine.More importantly, some of the footnotes in this Bible are paragraphs long, so if you are trying to read for devotional purposes or a Bible study or what have you, you may well get distracted. Same goes for the articles and the cross-references in the middle of some pages. Again though, this is fairly fixable if you can set aside time *just* to read the extras. (Try reading the actual text on your phone or in another translation if it helps, and then read the extras). Additionally, there are some sections where a note simply says, "See note on ____," which can be discouraging if you don't want to turn back and forth. Again, this Bible in particular needs a searchable e-version, ASAP!With those critiques aside, the Cultural Backgrounds Study Bible gets my hearty recommendation. It's easily my favorite for any Christian or seeker with an intellectual bent. But even if that's not you, or you're not really a "reader," I'd say at least investigate this version of the Good Book. You'll find it's not only good, but edifying and a feast for your mind and soul. Happy studying!