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

This is a serious study Bible. It has extensive notes and pictures. It may be a little large to bring back and forth to church but makes an excellent reference for home study. It has tables, charts, background information, historical translation information, maps, and a concordance. It doesn't have any bookmarks attached, but you can easily use your own bookmark. I am not sure if the hard cover option that I bought would hold up to rough handling. A leather cover would likely last longer. The pages have an almost yellowed look and includes many beautiful, full color illustrations. Jesus' words are in red. This study Bible seems like an excellent choice for those who want to understand the Bible deeply.

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.

Super informative! Easy read and loads of information!

I love this Bible for study as it incorporates the historical context and cultural context of the reading. Great with maps and photos. When you have travelled the world you will know the importance of understanding the word in a society based context.

A single-source treasure on understanding the cultural background of The Bible. One of the editors is a longtime professor of the Old Testament, and the other has filled the same role concerning the New Testament. The result is vast knowledge, instant credibility, and an inspiring collection of articles, illustrations, and maps apart from the Bible text itself. This book has outstanding value!

A study Bible for home or office. Not really for taking to Bible studies or meetings. Pretty thick. Commentary takes up about 30% of each page (the reason for its thickness). There is a bit of cultural references; however, I was hoping for background on the traditions of the times, like why it was so shocking that the Edomites encouraged the Babylonians to destroy Jerusalem (they were blood relatives of the Israelites), why oil was given or poured on the head of your guests, etc. The commentary is very good, but not the book for which I was searching.

I’m new at studying the Bible and this is a great guide to put things in context. Understanding the times when the Book was written really helps understanding many of the verses. I highly recommend this book.

Most people will put this NIV Cultural Backgrounds Bible head-to-head against the CSB Holy Land Illustrated Bible to decide which is best and in my honest opinion it is a tie, and in the BEST way! They are similar enough to be incredible study companions while having different illustrations, photos, commentary, and maps. Two different looks at the same content but through two different sets of editors and commenters across two similar but different translations. I highly recommend you pickup BOTH... on sale of course.

Arrived with tear on the sleeve

Very useful for cultural background with your bible study to understand the thinking and perceptions of the people at the time of the writings to put thinks in perspective for deeper understanding and study.

Cultural bibles are fantastic and thinn everyone should have one. Also has archaeological aspects as well, and was considering buying one of those but would highly recommend. Great sections where it goes into detail on certain traditions etc. Well worth the money.

Really interesting study Bible. I should have bought this Bible a long time ago to inform me of the cultural background of the Old Testament.

This is a well thought out bible. The notes are not too small, and lots of context while respecting the other cultures of ancient mesopotamia. The pictures are great too. Jesus words in red. Only thing missing is no ribbons for bookmarks.