Zondervan NIV Study Bible

Rating:
Summary: Good Study Bible
Review: I was told that I bought the first copy sold in America of the original NIVSB when it came out in 1985. I still have it. I then bought the 10th anniversary edition in 1995, and the next edition from about 1998, and now the latest 2002 update of the notes. I also have the British edition of the 1985 edition, from Hodder and Stoughton, which in binding quality, puts any and every American edition to shame. It's a great study Bible, conservative in tone. In-text charts, diagrams, and maps. The whole 9-yards. My problem is the New International Version itself. I have never really trusted it. I have studied the issue for over 10 years myself, delving into the Greek, and read hundreds of books on the subject, as well as many articles from translators and reviewers, including Bruce M. Metzger. The translators of the NIV sought for 'more than a word-for-word-translation,' and that's what we are dealing with here: basically a Dynamic Equivalence translation. In the past 5 years, Zondervan and IBS have been pushing the idea that the NIV is a 'balanced' translation, somewhere in-between Literal And Dynamic Equivalence. But, the NIV has 'always' been known as a Dynamic translation. This means it is NOT word-for-word, but it tries to convey the 'thoughts' of the Biblical writers. Now, c'mon! Who can really do that? The NIV has added words, subtracted word, deleted phrases, and relegated other verses to footnote status. If you feel comftorable with that, go for it. I don't. Fortunately, the notes of the NIV Study Bible are now available within Zondervan's NASB Study Bible, and their KJV Study Bible. So, you have the choice, now. Traditionally, belief in the veracity of Scripture extends to the very words. The NIV has added to, and taken away from the original words, playing fast and loose with the text in many areas. Does man have the authority to do that? Study the translation issue from both sides. Then, make a wise choice.

Rating:
Summary: Very nice edition
Review: I wasn't actually shopping for a NIV when I bought mine. I picked it up because the price was right, and I knew I would need one someday. I lean towards the KJV and NASB personally, but I do like the NIV for its readability, especially in Old Testament books.

The Zondervan Study Bible series (NLT, NIV, KJV, NASB, etc.) are packed, I mean PACKED, with additional information to help the student. The cross-references are especially valuable ("Let the text speak for itself..." - John Calvin). The footnotes are valuable as well, although sometimes they interject theological ideas that some may not agree are congruous with the passage footnoted (some of the more polemical footnotes can be found in James 2, Genesis 1, 1 Corinthians 15, etc.). The charts and chronologies are inestimable, and one can attain a greater understanding of the message of the Bible by utilizing the tools contained within them. There is a color gazetteer and a fully functional concordance, with a modified index which the student will find helpful.

The only complaints I have about this version are few and probably very insignificant to others. 1) I think the pages are too thin. Scanning the charts and graphs for personal use may produce dissatisfaction because one can see the text on the next page through the paper when under the light of a scanner. 2) I thought the book somewhat heavy given its size, but I'm sure there's a decent explanation as to why (my KJV/NIV/NLT/NASB parallel Bible, a much larger book as far as volume goes, weighs just as much).

All in all, I recommend the Zondervan NIV for those looking for a half-way decent and readable translation, with excellent reference materials. The book is very handsome. The only caveat I would give out is that I wish I had purchased the thumb-indexed version (ISBN # 0-310-92977-6) instead of the standard no-indexes version for quicker searching.

Rating:
Summary: Excellent Study Bible
Review: I would recommend this Bible to anyone who has a serious desire to study the Word of God. While Zondervan boasts about its 20,000 study notes, my favorite features are the maps and diagrams, as well as the outlines at the beginning of each book.

This Bible was my first NIV. I chose it because I was looking for the clarity of a modern translation, plus I needed an authentic study Bible as opposed to one that only provided reference notes (which, the reference notes in this Bible are superb also).

Rating:
Summary: Not all it's cracked up to be
Review: I'd say that only about a tenth of the Bible is worth reading. There is too much arbitrary violence in the Old Testament, and random lineages and so forth. There is, contrary to popular belief, little unity in the book as a whole. The words of Jesus should be paid attention to. Other than that, don't bother. Try "A Confession" by Leo Tolstoy.

Rating:
Summary: Great Study Tool
Review: I've had many Bibles over the years. This one is great because it has many study tools right on the pages where you need them. It also has drawings, maps and other study guides. I liked it so much I bought my daughter one to use in her home schooling of our grandson.

Rating:
Summary: Bought "Zondervan NIV Study Bible, Indexed" - love it
Review: It's unfortunate Amazon can't fully describe these Bibles on their pages. I used the Zondervan website (www.zondervan.com) to find out the ISBN numbers for the highest quality, top grain genuine leather bound editions, and ordered the navy indexed model (ISBN 0-310-92982-2). I am very happy with this Bible, as the leather is soft and the look is unique in the navy color with silver page edges. It is also a very thick Bible and has numerous maps, timelines, and other helpful study aides, in addition to the thorough notes. My only complaint is that the font is a rather modern one, and does not look as fancy as the Ryrie Study Bibles. They also have Burgundy and Black, in Top Grain or Bonded Leather, and with or without thumb indices, it's just nearly impossible to tell which is which on Amazon.

Here's a list from www.zondervan.com of all the styles available, hope it helps:

Zondervan NIV Study Bible (European Leather, Black/Black ISBN: 0-310-91997-5)
Zondervan NIV Study Bible (European Leather, British Tan/Alligator ISBN: 0-310-91998-3)
Zondervan NIV Study Bible (European Leather, Taupe/Mahogany ISBN: 0-310-91999-1)
Zondervan NIV Study Bible (Hardcover, Printed ISBN: 0-310-92955-5)
Zondervan NIV Study Bible (Bonded Leather, Burgundy ISBN: 0-310-92956-3)
Zondervan NIV Study Bible (Bonded Leather, Black ISBN: 0-310-92957-1)
Zondervan NIV Study Bible (Bonded Leather, Navy ISBN: 0-310-92958-X)
Zondervan NIV Study Bible (Top Grain Leather, Burgundy ISBN: 0-310-92959-8)
Zondervan NIV Study Bible (Top Grain Leather, Black ISBN: 0-310-92960-1)
Zondervan NIV Study Bible (Top Grain Leather, Navy ISBN 0-310-92961-X)
NIV Study Compact, LTD (Italian Duo-Tone™, Green/Sand ISBN: 0-310-92966-0)
Zondervan NIV Study Bible, Thumb Indexed (Bonded Leather, Black ISBN: 0-310-92977-6)
Zondervan NIV Study Bible, Thumb Indexed (Bonded Leather, Burgundy ISBN: 0-310-92978-4)
Zondervan NIV Study Bible, Thumb Indexed (Bonded Leather, Navy ISBN 0-310-92979-2)
Zondervan NIV Study Bible, Thumb Indexed (Top Grain Leather, Burgundy 0-310-92981-4)
Zondervan NIV Study Bible, Thumb Indexed (Top Grain Leather, Navy ISBN 0-310-92982-2)
Zondervan NIV Study Bible, Thumb Indexed (Top Grain Leather, Black ISBN 0-310-92980-6)

Rating:
Summary: The best overall study Bible
Review: Looking for a study Bible?
Want a Biblical commentary that allows you to draw your own conclusions?

Then you may want to consider the NIV Study Bible.
This is a great study Bible for Christians both young and old in the faith. It combines a readable and reliable translation, excellent reference material, and unbiased commentary. I have seen this study Bible through all it's previous editions and am continually impressed.

Pros:
1) The readable and reliable NIV text.
Some people can be rather critical of the NIV even to the point of accusing this translation of heresy. Such accusations are completely without merit. I have studied from the NIV for over 20 years and I have never found it to be anything but reliable.

2) Excellent reference material.
Cross-references, maps, charts, timelines, historical context, and more. This study Bible has just about everything you would need for a complete study of any given passage. Granted, space restrictions do not permit an exhaustive analysis of any of the above. However, there is more than enough information to satisfy all but the most intensive reader.

3) Good commentary.
The study notes offered in this Bible are excellent. They do not enforce any one denominational position and present various viewpoints on disputible issues.

4) Easy to read print.
I do not know what kind of font was used for the printing of this Bible but it is incredibly easy to read.

Cons:
1) Thin paper.
Unfortunately the paper quality for many of Zondervan's Bibles has been rather poor recently. It is ultra thin, probably to allow for thinner Bibles. It can be distracting to see the opposite page through the one you are reading. Especially if the next page is a chart or a map. This can also cause problems for people who like to take notes in their Bibles.

2) Only available in the NIV.
As I've said in the Pros this format is very good for Bible study. It would be nice to have this available in another translation for those who prefer a more formal translation like the NASB or ESV. There is a Zondervan NASB Study Bible that is very similar but it has not been updated along with the NIV.

Overall, I would recommend this Bible to any one who desires to dig into God's word for themselves. You won't be steered wrong by this.

Rating:
Summary: My Favorite Bible
Review: The first time I laid eyes on this Bible in a bookstore, I knew I had to have it. I would have been willing to skip a few meals to save up for it, if I had to. It's simply the most beautiful Bible I've ever seen. I got it in genuine leather, which is much preferable to bonded leather.

I agree with all the other reviewers who raved about the quality of the study notes. And, unfortunately, I have to agree with the reviewer who said that the pages are just a bit too thin.

I don't expect to be buying any more Bibles except maybe on CD. I know I've hit pay dirt with this one.

Rating:
Summary: Highly Recommended
Review: The main difference between this new 2002 and the previous 1995 revision is the inclusion of 800 new study notes. A quick browse through easily reveals a number of these, the first of which being at the first line of Genesis. There are also a number of explications to replace the frustrating "See note at Psalm 15:2" type of notes. Now they sometimes tell you why you should see it. Many of the earlier notes are also revised based on comments from seminary students, professors and pastors to bring them up to date with current conservative evangelical scholarship. There are also a few more charts in this version, a couple of new color maps (only dropping one, the pointless "The World as it is Today" from the previous edition). The typography is also slightly different, as are the icons used to denote archeology and life application passages. The font used for the headers is also different (in my view a slight improvement since it makes it easier to quickly spot stories and parables), and the comfortable font used for the Bible text itself remains unchanged. The standard edition is 2198 pages not including color maps, while the 1995 version was 2172. The spine of the leather version is also more stylish than the 1995 edition, simply stating "Zondervan NIV Study Bible" and "NIV" and "Zondervan" near the bottom. The 1995 edition said "The NIV Study Bible" "New International Version" "Words of Christ in Red Letter" and "Zondervan," which made it a little busy. Oh, yes--the new version contains no family record pages, apparently realizing that study Bibles are used for study and not as heirlooms. There's only a nice presentation page and then it gets right into the timelines. All in all I highly recommend this update--and that's only after a quick browse-through! Frank

Rating:
Summary: A good Bible gets better
Review: The only statement the publiser/editors make about how this revision differs from the landmark first edition (1985) and the well-received second edition (1995) is found on page xviii: "In this fully revised edition of the NIV Study Bible, the Associate Editors and I have added hundreds of new study notes, improved the book introductions (e.g., paying greater attention to the rhetorical, structural and other literary features) and enhanced other helps."

A certain amount of the "Evangelical defensiveness" I found bothersome in the 1995 edition has been burnt off in the nicely-conceived, thoughtful re-expression of book introductions found here. Compare, for instance, these statements from the Introduction to Job:
[1995 ed.] "Two dates are involved: (1) the date of the man Job and his historical setting, and (2) the date of the inspired writer who composed the book."
[2002 ed.] "Two dates are involved: (1) that of Job himself, and (2) the composition of the book."

While the editors have not gone overboard trying to turn the NIVSB into a "pc/inclusive language" text, they have restated a few things here and there that, to my sensibilities, seemed worth fixing. For instance:
[1995 ed., from Wisdom Literature Introduction] "The Jews sometimes speak of the OT as the Law, the Prophets, and the Writings."
[2002 ed., page 725] "An ancient tradition among the Jews divided the collection of their holy books into three major divisions: the Law (Pentateuch), the Prophets (Former and Latter) and the Writings."
These are small but welcome changes. [For those who may be following the controversy about the "Today's New International Version" translation, an adaptation of the NIV which endeavors to use gender-inclusive language when both men and women are clearly being discussed or addressed, the NIVSB uses the "unaltered" NIV. This is a good choice for a Study Bible, since serious Bible students need to confront the patriarchy of the ancient world at some time or another. The notes, rather than the translation of the text, seems the best place to accomplish this.]

Although I see nothing in the introductions and notes that should be alarming to the book's primary audience (Evangelical Christians), the NIVSB now seems worthy to be used by Christians from other Protestant traditions, as well as by the general reader who may be curious about the Bible as one of the most important texts of Western civilization.

The NIVSB continues to use three "icons" with its introductions, charts, and notes: a "seedling" to suggest an item that will help the reader apply something to her/his personal life; a "trowel" to identify items based on archaeological discoveries; and "a human head" to call attention to items relating to key characters. One could read the notes carefully and dispute the way these icons have been assigned throughout the text, but the editors should be applauded for their judicious restraint. To tag more notes with icons (or to introduce more types of icons) would have created visual clutter. The publisher should also be applauded for making the icons gray instead of solid black as in the previous editon; it's easy to read around them. (I only pay close attention to the "trowel" icons, because I am personally curious about what in the Bible can and cannot be confirmed by external evidence; although I usually skip the "seedlings"--because I don't like to be told how to apply Scripture to my life--these notes often discuss key theological concepts and are equally worth reading.)

The typography is improved in the 2002 edition, most notably in the center column reference system. However, I still find it difficult to know where to look when I see a superscript marker in the Scripture text (To the center column or at the foot of the Scripture text?). At some points in the text, there are two superscript markers! For example, the name "Immanuel" in Matthew 1:23 is followed by a roman superscript "d" and an italic superscript "w." Oddly, both identify Isaiah 7:14 as the related text. Although, I suppose, there's nothing technically wrong with stating something more than once, I think it unnecessary in a book so tightly packed with information. The unintended effect on the reader might be to erode his/her willingness to pay attention to the notes or to bother to look things up. That would be unfortunate, indeed, because there's a lot in the revised NIV Study Bible that is worth checking out.