NIV Starting Place Study Bible

Reviewed by:

G. Connor Salter, Professional Writing alumnus from Taylor University, Upland, IN

Title: The NIV Starting Place Study Bible

Author: (commentary and study material authors not stated)

Publisher: Zondervan

Publication Date: February 26, 2019

Format: Hardcover

Length: 1,792 pages

OVERVIEW

What happens when you’re looking for a study Bible and you can’t figure out which kind to get? The one with little devotionals in it, the one with timelines and charts so you can follow the history, or the one with factoids about Ancient Near Eastern cultures? Zondervan decided to solve that problem with a study Bible that gives a little of everything. The NIV Starting Place Study Bible combines some of the notes and other elements from six previous Zondervan study Bibles (Essential Bible Companion, NIV Quest Study Bible, NIV Foundation Study Bible, NIV Archeological Study Bible, NIV Student Bible, NIV Rock Solid Faith Study Bible). The result is a Bible that not only gives readers the Bible in easily readable text but also provides:

• Study Notes along the bottom of each page
• Book Introductions covering the basic ideas in each book or unit of books (like (1-2 Chronicles)
• Bible Character Profiles of important people mentioned in the text
• Q & A sidebars that consider tough questions the text brings up
• Context Notes which give cultural and historical details about the text
• Bible Truth sidebars that summarize important ideas in the text

While all these elements together make the resulting book quite thick (note the page length listed above), the combination is worth it. Each element gives readers something unique and interesting that either enriches readers’ understanding of the Bible or helps them approach tough questions about the Bible in ways that point them back to God. In addition, the study Bible’s graphic design and organization makes it easy to read, even with so many elements.

ASSESSMENT

Rating (1 to 5 stars)

5 stars

Intended Audience

People studying the Bible for the first time or seeking a combination of study tools for reading the Bible.

Christian Impact

This Bible edition will help readers study God’s word through various lenses, giving an experience that other study Bibles can’t provide.

Note: Readers who prefer not to carry a book with almost 2,000 pages can get an eBook version. Book also available in several imitation leather editions.