12 best reference bibles

Reference Bibles are a specific type of Bible that includes additional features and tools to help readers better understand and study the biblical text. These features are designed to provide context, explanations, and references for deeper study of the Bible. Here are some key characteristics and information about reference Bibles:

  1. Cross-References: One of the primary features of a reference Bible is the inclusion of cross-references. These are verses or passages within the Bible that are related to or have a similar theme to the verse you are reading.Cross-references are typically indicated by small notations or numbers next to specific words or verses.

  2. Study Notes: Reference Bibles often include study notes or commentary alongside the biblical text. These notes provide explanations, historical context, and theological insights to help readers better understand the meaning and significance of the verses.

  3. Concordance: Many reference Bibles include a concordance, which is an alphabetical index of important words found in the Bible. This tool allows readers to locate specific verses and passages related to particular themes or topics.

  4. Maps: Reference Bibles frequently contain maps and illustrations to provide geographical context for the events described in the Bible. These maps can help readers visualize the locations and journeys of biblical figures.

  5. Glossary: Some reference Bibles include a glossary that defines and explains key terms, names, and concepts found in the Bible. This can be especially helpful for readers who may not be familiar with certain biblical terminology.

  6. Introductions: Many reference Bibles include introductions to each book of the Bible. These introductions provide information about the authorship, historical background, and key themes of the book, helping readers approach the text with a deeper understanding.

  7. Topical Index: Some reference Bibles have a topical index that organizes verses and passages by subject matter, making it easier for readers to find relevant biblical content on specific topics.

  8. Appendices: Reference Bibles may also include appendices that offer additional resources, such as charts, timelines, and essays on various aspects of biblical interpretation and theology.

  9. Translation: Reference Bibles are available in various translations, including popular versions like the King James Version (KJV), New International Version (NIV), and others. The choice of translation can impact the readability and understanding of the text.

  10. Denominational Variations: Reference Bibles may have variations tailored to specific Christian denominations, incorporating commentary and notes that align with particular theological perspectives.

In summary, reference Bibles are designed to assist readers in studying and understanding the Bible more deeply. They offer a range of helpful features, including cross-references, study notes, concordances, maps, and more, to aid in biblical interpretation and research. The specific features and content can vary among different reference Bibles, catering to the needs and preferences of different readers and denominations.

Below you can find our editor's choice of the best reference bibles on the market
  

The New Strong's Expanded Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible

Thomas Nelson

Based on 3 reviews Check latest price

Product features

Use with Any Modern Bible Translation

The New Strong's Expanded Exhaustive Concordance can be used with any modern Bible translation. Though all words that are indexed and referenced are specifically for the King James Version, proper names include variant spellings so it can be used profitably with any translation, including:

  • NIV
  • NASB
  • ESV
  • NRSV
  • NKJV
  • and more

James Strong and His Landmark Concordance

Dr. James Strong (1822-1894) was professor of exegetical theology at Drew Theological Seminary, and spent more than thirty-five years preparing his landmark concordance and its revolutionary numbering system. Originally assembled without the aid of computers or other electronic devices and based on the King James Version of the Bible, Strong's has stood the test of time. First published in 1890, Strong's concordance remains the most widely used concordance and dictionary of Bible words more than 135 years after its initial publication.

Today's readers will experience Strong's>The New Strong's Expanded Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible contains a complete numbering system, technical precision, the addition of Vine's Dictionary, cross-references, frequency counts for all Hebrew/Aramaic and Greek words, and more.

NLT Thinline Reference Holy Bible (Red Letter, LeatherLike, Earthen Teal Blue, Indexed): Includes Free Access to the Filament Bible App Delivering Study Notes, Devotionals, Worship Music, and Video

Tyndale House Publishers, Inc.

Based on 379 reviews Check latest price

Dake's Annotated Reference Bible-KJV

Dake Publishing

Based on 493 reviews Check latest price

NIV, Super Giant Print Reference Bible, Leathersoft, Brown, Red Letter, Comfort Print

Zondervan

Based on 3 reviews Check latest price

Dake Annotated Reference Bible-KJV-Large Print

Dake Publishing

Based on 863 reviews Check latest price

KJV, Deluxe Reference Bible, Super Giant Print, Leathersoft, Burgundy, Red Letter, Comfort Print: Holy Bible, King James Version

Thomas Nelson

Based on 932 reviews Check latest price

A Complete Bible Reference Study Library (4 in 1): [Illustrated]: KJV Bible with Strongs markup, Strongs Concordance & Dictionaries, Lexicon Definitions, and Bible word index

Based on 338 reviews Check latest price

ESV Large Print Thinline Reference Bible (Black)

Crossway

Based on 91 reviews Check latest price

Product features

More ESV Large Print Thinline Reference Bibles

The ESV Large Print Thinline Reference Bible combines the popular ESV Thinline Bible features with larger 10.5-point type and cross-references in a highly readable Bible at close to 1 inch thin.

NLT Large Print Thinline Reference Holy Bible (Red Letter, LeatherLike, Aurora Cranberry, Indexed): Includes Free Access to the Filament Bible App ... Notes, Devotionals, Worship Music, and Video

Tyndale House Publishers, Inc.

Based on 335 reviews Check latest price

KJV Cross Reference Study Bible―Sage Songbird

Barbour Bibles

Based on 22 reviews Check latest price

NIV, Reference Bible, Deluxe Single-Column, Premium Goatskin Leather, Black, Premier Collection, Art Gilded Edges, Comfort Print

Based on 43 reviews Check latest price

Product features

What makes NIV Premier Collection Bibles different?

  • Hand-bound in a supple goatskin leather cover
  • Smyth-sewn for flexibility and durability
  • Art gilt edges, with gilt line and perimeter stitching
  • Three satin ribbon markers, each 3/8-inch wide
  • Premium European Bible paper, 36 gsm
  • Generous yapp
  • Exclusive Zondervan NIV Comfort Print typeface

Goatskin Cover

Hand-bound in a supple goatskin leather cover and raised hubs with specific editions. Premier Collection Bible covers are beautiful, easy to hold, flexible and long-lasting.

Thick Paper and Comfort Print Typeface

Featuring the exclusive Zondervan NIV Comfort Print typeface, these Premier Collection Bibles are printed on premium European Bible paper, 36 GSM. All of which is designed to reduce eye strain and improve the reading experience.

Art-gilt edges and satin ribbons

Art-gilt edges and three double-sided satin ribbon markers, each 3/8-inch wide, all contribute to the elegance of Premier Collection Bibles.

Gilt line and perimeter stitching

An art gold line and perimeter stitching around the edge of the cover provide beauty and longevity.

Edge lined with reinforced end papers

All Premier Bibles have an edge-lined cover as well as reinforced end papers. This particular binding method securely attaches cover to the Bible text block adding to the longevity of the Bible.

Smyth-sewn and overcast stitching

The text block of Premier Collection Bibles is Smyth-sewn. All NIV Premier Bibles (excluding the NIV Heritage Bible) also incorporate overcast stitching in the front and back for added strength, flexibility and durability.

NKJV, Reference Bible, Classic Verse-by-Verse, Center-Column, Leathersoft, Brown, Red Letter, Comfort Print: Holy Bible, New King James Version

Thomas Nelson

Based on 202 reviews Check latest price

Product features

NKJV, Verse-By-Verse, Center-Column, Reference Bibles

With the NKJV , Center-column Reference Bible from Thomas Nelson, you get the full text of the Holy Bible in the trustworthy New King James Version, presented in a tried-and-true format: classic verse-style Scripture layout for easy navigation and more than 72,000 cross-references conveniently located in the center column.

Indexed Editions Available

A thumb indexed Bible features round cut-outs in its page edgings to help readers easily locate specific books in the Bible.

Easy-to-read NKJV Comfort Print fonts

Exclusively designed to reflect the character and history of the New King James translation, NKJV Comfort Print is an exclusive new family of fonts expertly designed to allow your eyes to relax as they flow smoothly along each line of text.

Smyth-sewn binding lays flat in your hand or on your desk

A method of book binding stitching groups of folded pages together using binder thread, Smyth-sewn bindings are associated with durability and quality. Our Bibles are designed to stand up for a lifetime spent in the Word.

72,000 Plus References

The thousands of biblical citations offer you a deep and thorough study into the connectivity of the holy Scriptures.

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