Customer Reviews

NIV Archaeological Study Bible, Large Print: An Illustrated Walk Through Biblical History and Culture

5 star:		(8)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Keep in mind that this review is written by a man who doesn't care for the NIV translation. However, I found that: the history, archaeological facts, maps, archaeological photographs (almost 500), NIV translation, and cultural background make this a logical addition to my resource library. The book I have comes with a CD that includes the NIV translation, photographs and maps (I haven't looked at it yet). But even if this bible didn't come with a CD it would be well worth the money I paid for it. I wouldn't say it's as comprehensive as: a bible handbook, manners and customs reference, bible atlas, or concordance. However, it does have aspects of those resources in one volume. I feel this is a solid reference text that should be supported with other reference materials. And if your partial to the NIV translation this is solid choice for a study bible in my humble opinion. God Bless You.

Great study Bible with lots & lots of interesting historical & other information not in most Bibles. I really like it. The regular edition is very large, the large print edition is huge. I would rate the large print edition 5 stars if it weren't for the fact it weighs 6.12 lbs. and is 8 x 11.3 x 2.3 inches in size. Point type size is 11. Seems more like 10, yet it is much easier to read that the regular edition.

First off, this Bible is HUGE! Measures approximately 11 1/2" x 8" with 2 1/2" thickness. It is made of a duo-tone imitation leather over a hardcover base. Not sure if they make a Bible cover large enough to house this volume, and the cover does not really make you feel as though you need one unless you wish to preserve the covers brilliance. It has gold edges with a ribbon marker. This is NOT a Bible that you would want to carry around any place as it is extremely heavy and cumbersome. Also, please be advised that the so-called LARGE PRINT in this Bible is larger than the standard print Bible of the same kind, but hardly a true LARGE PRINT Bible at all. So if you absolutely need a larger print, in my opinion, this is not the Bible for you unless you don't mind using magnifiers of some kind.

Now everything else about this NIV study Bible is positively wonderful in my estimation! Thus the 5 stars despite the above reservations. I still am not sure if I am going to keep it as I have bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome, {5 sugeries total for both hands}, and it is a lot heavier than my other LARGE PRINT Bibles. I kinda feel like I am wrestling with it sometimes. However, I fell in love with the 1st edition and could not wait for the LARGE PRINT to come out as there was no way I could use the regular print version with my vision. The print was simply to small. Though I wish the print was a bit larger than this version, I don't think I could handle it if it meant the Bible was going to have to increase in size.

I am a fan of the NIV, as well as my usual usage of the NKJV, NLT, NRSV etc... study Bibles. This NIV edition is superior with the extras that you will find in it that just add a wealth of information to your studies and just makes the scripture come alive during your studies.

So if you can handle the print size and actual size of the Bible, I would say it is a great buy and you won't regret it.

I originally ordered this Bible to be a personal study Bible, as the original version was just gorgeous, but the print was too small. When I received this Bible two things were immediately evident; the first was this was too big to be a 'carry around' personal study Bible, and the second thing was that this Bible is amazing! The beautiful presentation of the archaeological foundations of many of the books, the color photos and maps, the quality of the binding, and even its size, immediately marked this as our new Family Bible. The print is not quite as large as your traditional "Large" print, which is fine, as something "in between" (~11pts.) is just what I wanted.

My boys (ages 10 and 15) both love the abundant facts and real-world feel of the information, and we study and read this Bible far longer than we intended to at the start of our study time! Can you get a better endorsement that that? I am not a Theological scholar, but any Bible that presents itself this beautifully, and holds young people's interest so well seems to me like a pretty positive addition to any family.

An Absolutely Amazing Bible that we will cherish for years and will hand down to future generations.

this is a good historical version of the bible. it provides proof of many bible stories with real archeological evidence. it also gives good historical notes.

I love this Bible.
While I admit it is larger than I expected it to be, I still love the quality of the material, the beautiful cover, lettering, and over all finish. This is a Bible I am sure will become my future family bible.
The NIV translation I have always admired for it's simplicity, it is helpful when you are studying with new Christians.
A five star book.

My Intent: I wanted to understand the culture and history of the Bible. I had looked at the smaller print version and the smaller print version was still too big and heavy, so I decided to purchase the larger print version since I knew both versions are too heavy to be carried around.

PROS: The study Bible exceeds what it is intended to do: explain the culture and history of those ancient times. The pages are thicker than other study Bibles, & combined with the hardcover, should last a long time. The large print+the thicker paper allows for convenient note taking opportunities. The larger print version is easier on the eyes.

Almost every page has an article expanding on the culture/history in the Scripture. The study notes are also pertinent and effectively elaborate on the material.

Lastly, the NIV is reputable and a trusted evangelical-slanted translation.

CONS: The reason for the 4 stars. The authors/publishers need to find a way to include more theology in the study notes. The material in this book seems logically to be tied with apologetic study, but many theologically difficult passages are not addressed in the notes because the passage doesn't pertain to the scope of this study Bible. I know that this is a niche Bible with a specific purpose, but personally I find myself having two study Bibles open so as to get as much as I can from my devotions.

Let me end by fully recommending this book.

This is one of the BEST study bibles I've seen in a long time. I teach two bible studies and most of both classes has now switched to this product. Maps, color photos, timelines, commentary, all in large print! I ordered this one for my father for a Christmas gift! A terrific bible for men, beginners, or anyone who would like some variety in their bible.

Already use it in my church. Others are going to get their own copy. Loaded with facts.

I love this Bible. I ordered one before I met my husband to be. My husband used it to look up something and put it down 2 hours later. He was impressed and uses it all the time. So, I ordered myself another one only in large print. It is a bit bigger and heavier so I use it at home for my reading. I like the additional information boxes. I have been to Israel twice and so this bible is helpful in reminding me of where I traveled and things I learned. If you love reading the bible and are not able to go to Israel, this is the best way to go. Enjoy the information and enjoy the trip.