What is Your Bible Like?

25th March 2024

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There is only one Bible: one message, which is inspired by God.

The first part, the Old Testament, was written mainly in Hebrew on scrolls. The second part, the New Testament, was written in Greek. Few of us can read ancient Hebrew or Greek, so we have versions in English. Nowadays there are many English translations – some more accurate than others. Obviously it’s better to use an accurate translation. The quotes below are from the English Standard Version, which is the version used in the Glad Tidings magazine.

Bibles vary in their appearance. Some are austere black leather with gilded pages, some are bright and colourful and scattered with pictures. Inside, they have different paper quality, font and page layout. Some have extra information added by the translators, for examplemarginal notes, cross-references, translation notes or a concordance. Some have maps; some have commentaries, which may be of varying quality. But what does your Bible look like?

Well, what does your favourite armchair look like? It is unlikely to be in the same pristine condition as when it was new. Although you have looked after it, it possibly looks a bit worn and even maybe in need of some repair. While well-loved, it is probably obvious that it has been much used.

So, what does your Bible look like?

The Bible makes awesome claims. Time and time again a message or warning starts with words like, “Thus says the Lord.”

And its authority and power are second to none:

Knowing this first of all, that no prophecy of Scripture comes from someone’s own interpretation. For no prophecy was ever produced by the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit (2 Peter 1:20-21).

As for you, continue in what you have learned and have firmly believed, knowing from whomyou learned itand how from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness,that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work (2 Timothy 3:14-17).

The word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart (Hebrews 4:12).

A Bible is precious so it should be cherished, but used. As someone once said, “A Bible that is falling apart is owned by someone who is not.”