Different translations, formats, and reading levels can make shopping for a Bible feel a little overwhelming. That’s why we asked Johnathan Martin at Cedar Springs Christian Store to give us some insight. We call him “the Bible guy” because he’s so knowledgeable on the subject.
If Johnathan meets someone who is new to Scripture, he starts with the most helpful basics.
“Usually my first question is, ‘Have you ever had a Bible before?’” Johnathan says.
For new believers or anyone looking for a Bible to use at church, Johnathan recommends choosing the same translation that’s used during the sermon, Bible study group, or Sunday School. “If that is King James that they’re listening to being preached, go after a King James. If it’s an NIV, go after an NIV.”
Common translations used in churches around East Tennessee include King James, New King James, New Living Translation (NLT), New International Version (NIV), Christian Standard Bible (CSB), English Standard Version (ESV), and New American Standard Bible (NASB).
The way a Bible is translated can affect how it reads. Some translations aim to stay very close to the original Hebrew and Greek wording. Others focus more on how the ideas come across in modern English.
“A lot of times, scholars choose the New American Standard, the ESV, or the New King James,” Johnathan says. “King James will still fall into that category, too.”
Seminary students and pastors often want a Bible that helps them dig deeper. “I’ll ask if they’re looking for a study Bible,” Johnathan says. “Some want something that helps them think about the languages or key word studies. Others want help applying Scripture to local church life.”
Still, he says, “Sometimes people walk in thinking they want something big and in-depth, and they walk out realizing maybe what they really need is just to read the text that’s already there.”
Obviously, not everyone is a Bible scholar and not everyone can read at a Bible-college level. If readability is important, Johnathan suggests starting with a “dynamic translation” like the NIV or CSB. “They’re faithful to the original text, but the vocabulary doesn’t have as many challenges. It reads in a way that moves your heart.”
When parents come into the store looking for a Bible for a child, Johnathan starts by asking how well the child reads. “If they’re still in the early stages, a Christian Standard or an NIrV is a good choice,” he says.
The ESV Children’s Bible is another strong option. “It has some walk-through stuff you don’t even get in the adult ESV Study Bible. It points kids to how they can understand what they’re reading.”
When choosing a Bible for someone else, even if you don’t know what translation they usually use, Johnathan can help you narrow down the options for a perfect fit.
“It might be a really nice premium goat skin Bible – or a journaling Bible someone can use devotionally – or a Thompson Chain Reference Bible that helps trace themes across Scripture,” Johnathan says, “or a solid preaching Bible for someone starting that journey.”
Johnathan says the Bible he uses depends on the purpose. For his own study, he likes to compare the New King James and ESV. He often uses a plain text Bible and walks through a list of questions as he studies a chapter:
– What does this tell me about God?
– What does this tell me about mankind?
– What does this tell me about my need for a Savior?
– What’s the main point I don’t want to miss?
– So what? What does this mean for my life?
One final word of advice from Johnathan: “I always encourage deep, prayerful study with a partner or a group,” he says.
Johnathan believes it’s important for Bible readers to know they don’t have to study alone. Sometimes joining with other believers can bring a fresh perspective or new knowledge that you might not have been able to find easily on your own.
Cedar Springs Christian Store carries a wide selection of Bibles in stock. That includes children’s Bibles, study Bibles, and even some harder-to-find translations. If you’re looking for something specific, the store can also place special orders through its website.
Visit in Person:
Cedar Springs Christian Store
504 N. Peters Road
Knoxville, TN 37922
Visit Online:
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