NIV Women of Faith Study Bible [Hardcover]

Jean E. Syswerda (Author), Jean E Syswerda (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: March 1, 2001

'Written for today's Christian woman, the NIV Women of Faith Study Bible aims to help women: discover how women in biblical times handled struggles similar to those we face today; gain confidence in Christ's message of grace and freedom; and celebrate their unique, God-given womanhood. Through this unique Bible, women will be able to remove barriers between themselves and God to experience His liberating grace and wonderful love. Features include: * Over 1,700 study notes * Character Sketches of over 75 women of the Bible * 'Enjoying God' Studies that reveal deep meanings and applications * Book Introductions exploring the actions of and pertinent information about women in each Bible book * Women in Jesus' Family Tree sections examining a careful selection of women in the Messianic line * Comprehensive Study Helps including a concordance, center-column reference system, and color maps The NIV Women of Faith Study Bible is a guide women can trust. Filled with enriching insights, it will help them connect with women of the past, present, and future. '

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

Women of Faith Study Bible offers a feminine perspective on an age-old text. In numerous places, the editors insert interpretations that celebrate and elevate women's status in the Bible. "Some have said that in times when men are spiritually weak God uses women instead," the editors write in the Book of Samuel. "It is probably more accurate to say the deeds and faith of women are simply more apparent in those times. For the Lord gives gifts and callings to all people."

In the opening pages readers will find a "Weekly Studies Index" that references the Old and New Testaments with metaphorical themes such as "Uncharted Waters," "Are You a Bush or a Tree?" and "Jars of Clay." It also offers almost 80 full-page "Character Sketches" that profile women from the Bible, such as "Eve, Mother of Discontent," "Jezebel--Bent on Evil," and "Noah's Wife: Along for the Ride or a Partner in Adventure?" (The latter sketch tries to imagine the thoughts and actions of this almost invisible wife: "Perhaps she resented all the extra work Noah's obsession caused.") Other features include a timeline of women in the Bible, a genealogy of Jesus, and a dictionary of biblical terms.

One disappointment is the thin paper stock, limiting its shelf life and making it fragile for a daily reader. Fortunately, the 13-page spread of full-color maps is printed on heavy stock paper. --Gail Hudson --This text refers to the Paperback edition.

From the Back Cover

God wants to fill up your days with his wonderful gift of grace and love. Let the NIV Women of Faith Study Bible help you remove performance-based barriers between yourself and God. Discover how women in Biblical times handled struggles similar to yours; gain confidence in Christ’s message of grace and freedom; and celebrate your unique, God-given womanhood. In partnership with Women of Faith, this Bible has been written specifically with today’s Christian woman in mind, with the main goal of helping you experience the liberating grace of God.

Key Features of the NIV Women of Faith Study Bible

· Study Notes. Over 1,700 study notes shed light on the setting, meaning and application of specific passages or themes. Over 200 quotes of women of the past and present are quoted—from historic writers and poets such as Catherine of Siena and Elizabeth Barrett Browning to Women of Faith speakers/authors Patsy Clairmont, Barbara Johnson, Marilyn Meberg, Luci Swindoll, Sheila Walsh, and Thelma Wells.

· Character Sketches. Full-page articles describe the challenges and opportunities of over 75 women of the Bible. Learn from both the good and the not-so-good responses of these women to their situations and God’s working in their lives.

· "Enjoying God" Studies. For use individually or in a small group, these 52 studies explore key passages that reveal deep meaning and application for you as a woman today.

· Book Introductions highlight the actions of the women in each book, give pertinent background information, and list all the women who occur in that book.

· Women in Jesus’ Family Tree. God’s careful selection of women in the Messianic line will inspire hope and purpose for your own life.

· New International Version. Most read, most trusted translation.

· Comprehensive Study Helps. A concordance, center-column reference system, and color maps help you get the most out of your Bible studies.

The NIV Women of Faith Study Bible is a guide you can trust. Filled with insight, it helps you connect with women of the past, present, and future, and it will lead you to new insight as you continue your own journey as a woman of faith.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 18 and up
  
• Hardcover: 2208 pages
• Publisher: Zondervan; Supersaver edition (March 1, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0310918839
• ISBN-13: 978-0310918837
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6.4 x 2.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.9 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (56 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #34,628 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Jean E. Syswerda is a former editor and associate publisher for Zondervan Bibles. She helped produce such bestselling Bibles as the NIV Women's Devotional Bible. General editor of the Women of Faith Study Bible and A Mom's Ordinary Day Bible Study Series, she is the author of the Women's Devotional Guide to the Bible and coauthor of the bestselling Read With Me Bible. Jean and her husband, John, have three children and six grandchildren. They live in Allendale, Michigan.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

59 of 59 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Fantastic!, April 15, 2001

By 

Cynthia Brown (Big Bear City, CA USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: NIV Women of Faith Study Bible (Hardcover)

For someone who owns a zillion Bibles (me!), this bible was a pleasant surprise. It is beautifully presented in a lovely violet print. And the content has been thoughtfully arranged for the reader to get the most out of every page. The Book Introductions and Study Notes are insightful in a way only a woman would appreciate! For instance, I really enjoyed the comparison of God the Creator in Genesis 1 to a woman bringing order to her household. This work is sprinkled with fresh insights throughout. The 80 Character Sketches of Women in the Bible far outweigh the cost of "another" Bible and to top it off this work presents 52 Bible Studies that are rich with originality and worth every moment of your time to complete. The Book also includes Quotes from all sorts of women including the fantastic Women of Faith conference speakers.And, yes, there are the requisite concordance, maps and column reference system. Because I love to take copious notes I found the wide margins especially appealing. Frankly I have not found one thing in or about this Bible that displeases me. I shall enjoy ruminating about its pages for months to come! In case you aren't sold on this book yet, you should know that a portion of the purchase price goes to International Bible Society to help spread the gospel of Jesus around the world...AMEN!!!!

40 of 40 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent bible, July 26, 2001

By 

M. S. E Cocking (Taylors Beach, Queensland Australia) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: NIV Women of Faith Study Bible (Paperback)

I am glad I got this Bible. Every thing about it is purple. I got the bonded leather. It has a purple cover, print and ribbon. The layout is interesting. On the outside of the page is the comments, the next section is the text of the NIV and on the inner part of the page towards the centre binding are the cross-references. Because the comments are not always long, there are sections under the comments where you can write notes of your own if you want to....spaces are often 3 inches wide by 4-5 inches high. The profiles are excellent, and the comments are spot-on. If you want a doctrine type bible this isn't what you want, but if you want the text to be applicable to you then get it. The 52 weeks studies are both practible and informative. I like the personal touch this bible has for women. There are thought-provoking notes, studies and profiles that make you think about your life in Christ and how you can be better. It is just so woman-oriented that I just want to go back time and again to read the Word of God. You will enjoy it I'm sure.

35 of 35 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars a gem in the sea of women-themed bibles, October 17, 2001

By A Customer

This review is from: NIV Women of Faith Study Bible (Hardcover)

I decided to expand my bible resources to include a women' thematic bible, for although I am a wife and mother, it wasn't an area that I fed (being that I chose to look at leadership-themed sources to develop my personal accountability skills). I purchased several bibles, including "Woman, Thou Art Loosed", "the Women's Life Bible" (both NKJV ) and the NIV Women's Devotional bible. Although I have not attended a Women of Faith rally, I chose to keep this bible (and give away the aforementioned women's bibles to other Christian sisters) because:
1)even-handed notation. It struck me how culturally sensitive the notes were, which helped me think back to those times 1000s of years ago. These opened my eyes to embrace many issues.
2)no glib/rote responses to complex life issues. The other bibles attempted to do that, and while such notation may offer comfort to some, they don't work well for me. For example, I don't want a short paragraph to understand that our Lord wants me to be patient in my marriage. This bible does not offer patronizing and "Precious Moments"-type cutsey notes. Subjects like patience for marriage are supported throughout the bible via different wife stories, and are delved upon in the notations, which I much rather preferred.
3)sober looks at women in the bible, from the famous, like Mary, to the not so famous like Jael. Also, the explanations of the women in Jesus' line are equally even-handed.

All in all, its the best women's themed study bible that I have come across yet. It is spiritually, emotionally and mentally inspiring.

Note of criticism: the concordance/topical index is sparse for a study bible, especially since the notations throughout are so good and thoughtful.