Be The Fruit

Bible Reading Tip: Read from a “Basic Bible.”

by Bill Blair on 27/05/08 at 4:30 am

It seems like most of the people I know read from some type of noted study bible.  Such bibles come in many different forms.  There are basic study bibles, life application, and many many other types of what I would call “specialty” bibles that focus on one particular subject.  I am not against the use of noted bibles, but I think people can be more efficient and learn more by reading from a “basic bible” that does not contain notes.  Below are a few reasons why I think you should do your primary reading from a bible without study notes.

• Easier to Read - Although the number of words are the same, I think it is easier to read through a bible without notes.  First, I think noted bibles get so thick that people never think they can read through them.  A big thick study bible looks like a dictionary that you would never be able to complete reading, while a bible without notes looks like something you can finish.  Also, the notes and figures can distract you from the actual text.  The notes and figures will grab your attention and keep you from reading through the text as it was intended to be read.  The thickness of the book keeps you from picking it up and the notes and figures distract you from reading through it which slows you down; therefore, a bible without notes is easier to read.
• Learn Interpretation - Reading a bible without notes will force you to wrestle with the text and learn to interpret it and apply it on your own.  Although there are parts of the bible that are hard to understand, the majority of it can be understood by just reading the literary context.  Learning to read the context and interpret forces you to engage your mind in the Word of God which will produce greater growth.
• Focus on the Inspired Text - We should all remember that the text itself is what is inspired, not the notes about it.  Although the translation is not inerrant, it gets closer to the original than the notes do.
• Learn the Primary Meaning -  This section is primarily directed at the “specialty” bibles I mentioned earlier.  There are bibles available that focus on men, women, leadership, recovery, apologetics, and many more.  I think such bibles can be very good for learning how the Bible applies to a certain subject, but the Bible is not a book solely about leadership, men, women, or recovery.  If you only read from a “specialty” bible and read the notes, you may learn secondary applications to certain passages that apply to the topic but miss the primary meaning.  Go ahead and get a “specialty” bible to learn how the Bible applies to a topic you are interested in, but always start by reading and learning the primary meaning of the text.
• Other
  • They cost less money to buy.  (Buy two or three so you have one with you at all times)
  • They are smaller so it is easier for you to carry one with you wherever you go.

I am not saying to throw out all your study bibles because I do think they can aid in your learning and growth.  A good method could be to do the bulk of your reading from a “basic bible,” then refer back to your study bibles for clarification or deeper study.

Go out and get yourself a “basic bible” today and give it a try by reading through Leviticus.  Alright, you can start by reading James or something else in the New Testament.  Do give this a try, I think it will help you read more as well as understand the context.