When it comes to investing in a new Bible, several factors influence the decision, including the translation, paper, cover, and construction. Another important factor is the layout. Thirty years ago, most Bibles looked basically the same—two columns separated by cross-references. Today, however, there are many layouts to help encourage Bible reading and study.
Large Print
Large-print Bibles have been around for decades to help visually impaired Bible students. For those who need larger text, these Bibles are indispensable. However, larger print requires more pages, which means thicker, heavier books. Publishers have tried to accommodate by using thinner paper and larger dimensions, but this leads to delicate pages and bulky, awkward sizes. People with visual impairments have to decide what factors to sacrifice or use a page magnifier.
Wide Margin
Wide-margin Bibles also have a long history. These Bibles offer more white space around the text block on each page. Bible marking studies effectively use this space. Preachers and teachers often use the margins to put notes or outlines for speaking. Some publishers even add lines to the margins so readers can “journal” or chronicle their reading experience. Because there is not a high demand for wide-margin Bibles, the selection is limited.
Paragraph Style
For hundreds of years, publishers versified Bibles, meaning each verse began on a new line introduced by the verse number. It was great for finding a verse quickly, but many readers felt the interruption ruined the flow of the text. Publishers responded with paragraph-style text blocks that kept the flow of the passage and put the verse numbers in the text.
In recent years, some publishers have taken it a step further and introduced “Readers’ Bibles,” where they set the text in a single, page-width column, and remove the verse numbers. It reads more like a novel and minimizes distractions. This is a great way to engage with the text in private reading, but it is more difficult to use in class or assemblies trying to follow a preacher since there are no verse numbers.
Cross-References
Most Bible readers appreciate the cross-reference system supplied by many publishers. References lead readers to other passages that connect to the one they are reading. Usually, a reference letter appears in the text which corresponds to the same letter in the reference space, usually a center column reference, which has the references listed in a narrow column dividing two columns of text. Some Bibles relegate the references to the bottom of the column or page, or with some versified Bibles after each verse, called “in-text references.” These references can be a little distracting, but most find them helpful.
Choose a Bible layout conducive to reading at home. Those who like to curl up with a good book should look into a Readers’ Bible. Those wanting to get down and dirty, and wrestle with the text, ought to consider a wide-margin Bible or a Bible with extensive references. A Bible’s layout ought to entice people to read it.
Preaching Minister