Life Application Study Bible NIV

If you compare the NIV to these versions or to the word-for-word translation in an interlinear, you will notice it often differs significantly. And when does, it will either be because the NIV is not translating words found in the Hebrew and Greek texts, or the NIV is adding words not found in the original texts. And even worse, these added words are not offset from the original God-inspired words by being placed in italics like the NASB and KJV do.

A simple example of the former can be seen in Joshua 1:8. In this verse, the NASB has 50 words while the KJV has 48 words, but the NIV only has 30 words. You don't need to be a Hebrew scholar to figure out that the NIV has left out quite a bit here! And a simple example of added words not being indicated can be seen in 1Cor 7:9. The NIV adds the words "with passion" at the end of this verse without any indication it has done so. Altogether, there are probably thousand of added and omitted words in the NIV. To me, this indicates serious problems with the NIV.

I discuss in further detail the problems with the NIV and similar versions in my book Differences Between Bible Versions.


Pictures good, theology bad   January 28, 2002
Tamara (Middleton, WI United States)
7 out of 17 found this review helpful

The Good things about this book are the maps, timelines, and in some cases, the introductions. Each page is about half scripture and half commentary(except in the psalms and proverbs, where there is less commentary). This book not a very good place to study the Old Testament, being simplistic in it's interpretations and sometimes downright false. It says things like "Reuben slept with his father's wife" and "Tamar was a shady character" which thousands of years of Jewish wisdom say are not true. If you want to study the Old Testament, check out "Bible for the Clueless but Curious", or some other source. The notes in the New Testament are helpful when describing historical habits, but is not convincing in truth. All in all, reading this bible(NT+comm.) has convinced me that I could never be a Christian, which I doubt was the authors' intent.


I didn't buy it.   March 1, 2000
Jon (Mobile, AL)
13 out of 184 found this review helpful

I've never really been a fan of The Bible, and The Student NIV is no exception. I really can't fathom what makes it such a great literary work when it has a lacking plot, indecipherable narratives, bad POV changes, and a terribly disconnected ending. I mean, New Jerusalem? Who would buy that? And doesn't one find the idea of streets paved with gold to be outdated? Another thing, the switch from the Jews to the Christians is a bit murky. I can't see one guy (albeit a cool dude like J) coming to save the world from an end that the world can save itself from.

Isn't the Bible just a bad mythological misconception of historical occurances around Macedonia in 4000 B.C.? I'm amazed that such a large cult following has developed from the very idea! Perhaps one shouldn't be so sloppy in choosing a cult (remember Jonestown,) but Christianity could really use a better book.

I, for one, wasn't impressed.


Is this Study Bible right for you?   April 30, 2004
37 out of 59 found this review helpful

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Is this Study Bible right for you?
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Choosing a Bible is very personal and often emotional decision. There are so many different Study Bibles because each takes a different approach.

The Life Application Study Bible has earned a wide following with its excellent charts, diagrams, and tables.

Other Study Bibles such as the NIV Study Bible attempt to be as factual as possible in their commentary. Its study notes try to explain references and historical context. They do not attempt to apply God's message to your life. They try to provide facts to help you build your own personal relationship with God.

The LA Study Bible's dust jacket claims something very different from the rest:

"...Its notes not only explain difficult passages and give background information about bible life and times, but they go a step further - they also show how God's Word speaks to every situation and circumstance of your life..."

If you want to consider a variety of opinions, you might consider doing an Amazon search in Books for "William Barclay." His books often present a number of opinions, often from opposing points of view. The LA Study Bible viewpoint is sometimes one of the most extreme.

If you want to be told one perspective to apply to your life, the LA Bible may be perfect for you.

If you want to find your own personal relationship with God, you might want a more objective and informational commentary such as the NIV Study Bible or other Study Bibles.

The NIV Study Bible might also be one to consider if you want a basic Subject Index or Concordance included. The NIV is also available in a rugged hardcover version like a college textbook or a less expensive paperback version. The LA Bible's dust jacket may not hold up as well to wear and tear. Also the NIV Study Bible has twice as many study notes and footnotes.

Whatever you decide, the most important thing is to read any Bible!