The Living Insights
Study Bible

New International Version

Zondervan, $29.99

Hardcover ISBN 0310994497

Buy or borrow this book!

Support your local independent bookseller

Compare prices at major online bookstores

New 3-in-1 Bible Is an Insightful Winner

Review by Bill Reynolds

A large number of good study Bibles are being published each year, including several of each of the three major types of study Bibles: theological commentary Bibles, practical application Bibles, and devotional Bibles. Each of these types has an important function in the Bible field and in the lives of people who use them.

Now we have the first study Bible which combines all three types in one edition -- The Living Insights Study Bible. In my opinion it's a winner!

This unique Bible blends the depth of a theological commentary Bible, the practical wisdom of the application Bible, and the inspiration of the devotional Bible. A major part of the strengths in The Living Insights Study Bible is the personal guidance of one of today's finest Bible teachers, Dr. Charles (Chuck) Swindoll, who is general editor of this new work in the New International Version translation. As he walks you through the pages of Scripture, Swindoll offers both the solid teaching and practical encouragement that have earned him the title "America's favorite Bible Teacher" in his years of preaching and teaching in churches, conferences, and on radio.

The Living Insights Study Bible offers more than 18 major study features. To indicate the scope of these interpretation and application aids, I have listed them under the type of Bible in which they are usually found.

Theological Commentary Aids

Practical Application Aids

Devotional Aids

As you can see, The Living Insights Bible has something for every person's need from minister, teacher, and more experienced Christian, to the new Christian believer. Among the 14 in-depth articles are two of the most unique about the place of the Bible in our society and our own lives: "One Library of Living Truth" and "God's Book, God's Voice."

The "Living Insights" from Swindoll form the major attraction and benefit throughout the Bible's pages. Found on almost every page, they make the message personal as Swindoll often does in his unique and memorable way. Much merit is also due Zondervan's editorial staff for a splendid job in compiling the additional features.

The pages of text are set in double columns of readable type. Major segments have topical headings to help readers organize their thoughts.

In summary, the most important strength of this unique Bible is the fact that these insightful features are so well located throughout and so well blended that the reader is absorbing a combination of theological commentary, practical application, and devotional materials without being aware of it.

I have only highlighted these features. You have to sit with this Bible for a few hours, as I did, to say as I do, Wow!

Bill Reynolds is a salesman and longtime student of Bibles from Van Nuys, CA.