Not only are there many translations of the Bible, but to make things even more interesting, there are also several different Bible types or categories. Why is that?
It used to be that the Bible was the Bible, and if you wanted to study historical context or pull devotional verses for daily reading, you had to cross-reference other materials or do the research yourself. Today we have categories of Bibles that have been specifically targeted to different readers’ spiritual and study needs.
Most Bibles fall into the following categories:
Bible Software
Devotional Bibles
Some Devotional Bibles are written for specific audiences like women, men, or couples.
Key words that may come to mind when looking for a speciality Bible include “devotions,” “quiet time,” “daily,” “meditate,” and “reflect.”
Zondervan has many devotional Bibles to choose from. A few of the most popular are the NIV Women’s Devotional Bible, NIV Men’s Devotional Bible, NIV Couples’ Devotional Bible, and NIV Teen Devotional Bible.
Text & Reference Bibles
Text Bibles are typically just the text of Scripture with no additional notes.
Reference Bibles typically contain the text of Scripture plus a verse cross-reference system, so the reader can refer to related passages.
Both Text and Reference Bibles have limited study and devotional features but are the right choice when you use words like “reference,” “plain,” “small,” “gift,” “carry it in my purse or briefcase,” “take to church,” or “not for study.”
A variety of Zondervan Text and Reference Bibles are available in various translations. The bestselling text and reference Bibles are the NIV Thinline Bible, TNIV Thinline Bible, Amplified Bible and NIV Compact Reference Bible.
See all Text & Reference Bibles.
Parallel Bibles
Parallel Bibles feature the easiest Bible format for comparing two or more translations side-by-side. Reading the Scriptures with the translations on the same page sheds new light on reading the Bible.
The bestselling Parallel Bible is the NIV/The Message Parallel—The NIV—today's most read, most trusted translation—paired with today's most popular paraphrase, The Message.
See all Zondervan Parallel Bible Products.
Audio Bibles
Audio Bibles are perfect for those of you who are always on the go! You can listen to God’s Word in your car, while you work out, or wherever you choose to go.
See Audio Bible products.
Bible Software
Bible Software is a great tool for students of any age. The software lets you search for related verses or meanings of words or phrases and locate other places in the Bible where that same word is used.
See Bible software products.
Children’s Bibles
Children’s Bibles are designed for children of various age groups. Some of these Bibles may be used by children alone, with a parent, or in a class. Simple children’s Bibles will have the text of Scripture plus
a few colored pictures. There are also children’s Bibles that include features seen in adult Bibles but designed just for kids—features like study and application notes, pictures, drawings, and devotions.
Key words that may come to mind wnen you are looking for children's Bibles are “children,” “kids,” “pictures,” “easy-to-read,” and “simple.”
Zondervan’s bestselling children’s Bibles include the NIrV Kids’ Study Bible, NIrV Kids’ Quest Study Bible, NIrV Kids’ Devotional Bible, NIV Adventure Bible, and NIV Young Women of Faith Bible.
Spanish Bibles
Spanish Bibles are now available in the bestselling NVI (Nueva Versión Internacional) translation, the traditional Reina-Velera, and the La Biblia al Dia (Living Bible) in a varitey of formats and styles.