Best Study Bibles For Young Adults – 8 Great Choices!

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best study Bibles for young adults

Introduction

As we have promoted many times on this site, we encourage our readers of any age, beginners or advanced, to have a Bible (or Bibles) that they will read and study because God’s word is of ultimate importance as we participate in everyday life. Life is too hard if you don’t have the fundamental instructions found in Biblical principles. However, even more so, we can trust the Bible to help us focus on our faith journey on what is most important—a relationship with Jesus Christ.

In previous posts we have looked at several study Bibles for women and study Bibles for men, However, here we want to take a look at some of the best study Bibles for young adults. While some of our recommendations may overlap with those earlier lists, this guide is tailored specifically to the unique needs and challenges faced by young adults.

However, here we want our aim to be more pointed at young adults and their particular needs.

Why Study Bibles Matter for Young Adults

A good study Bible provides not only the Biblical text but also insights, commentary, and study tools to help young readers grow in their faith. Whether you’re just beginning your faith journey or looking to deepen your relationship with Christ, a study Bible can guide you with clarity and wisdom.

Our Top Pick for Young Adults

If you’re short on time, let’s cut to the chase. Our top recommendation for an all-around study Bible for young adults is the Life Application Study Bible (New Living Translation). This Bible stands out for its easy-to-read modern language, practical commentary, and tools that make Biblical principles applicable to everyday life.

It is highly recommended for an all-around good Bible in which to explore God’s word, get relevant insights, and give some great commentary and spiritual guidance along the way.

1. Life Application Study Bible

The Life Application Study Bible (with several versions available) is one of the best choices for young adults starting their Bible study journey. Its modern yet faithful translation ensures that the message of the Bible is clear without compromising the integrity of the text.

Key Features of the Life Application Study Bible:

  • Practical Notes and Commentary: Detailed study notes help bring Biblical stories and principles to life.
  • Multiple Versions Available: I am fond of the NLT and NIV, but you can find this Bible in versions like the NASB, NKJV, and KJV.
  • User-Friendly Format: Available in various sizes, colors, and print formats, including large print editions.

For first-time study Bible users, the Life Application Study Bible is an excellent companion for understanding scripture and applying God’s Word in everyday life.

Where to Buy:

This Bible is widely available, with various bindings and editions. Click below or your local Christian bookstore for the latest prices and options.

Sale
NLT Life Application Study Bible, Third Edition (LeatherLike, Black/Onyx, Red Letter)
  • English (Publication Language)
  • 2496 Pages – 05/04/2021 (Publication Date) – Tyndale House Publishers (Publisher)

The Life Application Study Bible comes in quite a few versions of the Bible, various colors, plus regular and large print.

The Advantages of a Study Bible For Young Adults

The Bible in its most basic form is incredible, can change your life, and give you a deeper understanding of life in general. It can point you to joy and freedom in Christ in your everyday life and teach you how to let the Holy Spirit work in you.

It can help every person regardless of race, creed, color, or cultural background. The Biblical advice found within the pages of this incredible book can encourage you and provide you with a firm foundation. If you apply the Bible knowledge that you attain and apply God’s word in your daily life, you can be transformed!

So, any Bible can help you do those things. However, a study Bible can even be a greater help. For those who are young adults, more than likely you have many, many years ahead to apply God’s word.

best study Bible for young adults

Don’t Wait to Start Your Bible Study Journey

As a young adult, there’s no better time than now to dive into the study of God’s Word. Too often, people delay serious Bible study until later in life, missing out on years of spiritual growth and insight. By starting now, you’ll set a strong foundation for navigating life’s challenges with wisdom and faith.

The Unique Benefits of Study Bibles

Study Bibles offer an array of tools that make engaging with scripture more accessible and meaningful. These resources can bring the text to life in ways that a standard Bible may not:

  • Detailed Book Introductions: Understand the purpose, context, and themes of each of the 66 books in the Bible.
  • Verse-by-Verse or Chapter-by-Chapter Notes: Gain deeper insight into passages with explanations that clarify their meaning and relevance.
  • Comprehensive Concordances: Quickly look up words or topics and see where they appear throughout scripture.
  • Scholarly Commentary: Learn from respected pastors, theologians, and teachers whose insights enrich your study.
  • Historical Maps and Visuals: Visualize Biblical times and places with maps, charts, and timelines that provide context to the text.

For many young adults, these added features are incredibly encouraging, helping them connect with scripture in a more profound way. While every Bible is a treasure—being God’s very Word—study Bibles offer extra guidance to help you apply Biblical truths to your daily life.


Why Young Adults Can Greatly Benefit from a Study Bible

A study Bible offers valuable resources for readers of all ages, but it is especially impactful for young adults. This stage of life is filled with critical decisions and challenges—choosing a career path, building relationships, and shaping your values. The wisdom found in God’s Word can guide you through these pivotal moments.

By using a study Bible, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of scripture and how it applies to your unique journey. As you uncover God’s plan for your life, you’ll find strength, encouragement, and clarity to navigate both joyful moments and difficult seasons. With insights from study tools like commentary, notes, and context, you’ll be equipped to live a life rooted in faith and purpose.

Consider the Bible Translation that You Want

Unlike only a few decades ago when there were only a few English translations from which to choose, today there are quite a few good ones. One of our favorites here at LivingPraying.com is the New Living Translation (NLT). It is one of the new translations, easy to read, and accurate to the original text.

Other very fine translations you may want to consider are the New International Version (NIV), the New American Standard Bible (NASB), the Christian Standard Bible (CSB), the New King James Version (NKJV), and of course, the one we counted on for several centuries, the King James Version (KJV).

If you want to read the Bible in chronological order, we would suggest the Chronological Life Application Study Bible. We would encourage you to have a regularly formatted Bible to go along with it. However, it’s actually very exciting and motivating to read through the Bible in a chronological fashion.

So, here are some great choices in a study Bible for young adults.

2. CSB Tony Evans Study Bible

After years and years of Christian service as one of the most recognized pastors in America, Tony Evans put his heart and soul into the making of the CSB Tony Evans Study Bible. Along with the full text of this CSB translation of the Bible, you will benefit from the many years of study, the preaching, and even the hand-written notes that Dr. Evans collected over the years.

best study Bibles for young adults

Extensive study notes are placed right alongside the CSB text that will help you understand God’s word in a fresh and exciting way.

Along with that, you will also benefit from: 

  • As a very special feature, you can access over 150 videos that include some of Dr. Evans’ sermons, his devotionals, and other teachings via QR codes.
  • There are 40 inspirational articles included.
  • Dr. Evans includes 50 “Kingdom Living Lessons” in this Bible.
  • 60 Great “Questions & Answers” from Dr. Evans.
  • A total of 140 of Dr. Evan’s “Hope Words.”
  • A special section that includes key Biblical term definitions, charts that help explain doctrinal & theological concepts, & other assets to help you understand scripture
  • Includes a Bible Reading plan
  • Includes a Biblical Concordance
  • Beautiful full-color maps of the Biblical lands
  • Employs a two-column format
  • The binding is Smyth-sewn and has a ribbon marker

The Tony Evans Study Bible would certainly be one of the best study Bibles for young adults and is good for beginning readers and long-term, serious readers.

3. The Quest Study Bible – NIV

The NIV Quest Study Bible has been a favorite of many for quite some time.

The first Quest Study Bible began in 1989 when Zondervan publishers and Christianity Today joined forces to develop a Bible in the NIV version that would answer challenging questions people were confronted with when they read through the scriptures. In subsequent releases of the Quest Study Bible, the notes were updated to make sure that the quest bible will stay relevant and current for today’s readers.

The Quest Study Bible includes:

  • Complete and accurate text of the New International Version (NIV) Bible
  • It employs over 7,000 notes insightfully arranged in a custom question-and-answer style.
  • It has almost 350 articles that interestingly investigate some of the most asked questions concerning the Bible.
  • Also included are introductions of each book of the Bible. These answer questions about each particular book – Who Wrote it? Why was it written? What to look for in that book?
  • Includes an index of the articles and a subject index that is expanded.
  • It is fashioned in a single-column Scripture text format and is laid out in two-color page designs that are very modern.
  • It includes over 150 charts, maps, and timelines, of Biblical events.
  • A reading plan that has 3 individual choices to follow
  • Includes an NIV Dictionary-Concordance
  • The nice Leathersoft cover will lay flat when it is opened.
  • Thumb indexings make it much easier to find the books of the Bible.

Exclusive Zondervan NIV Comfort Print® typeface that is 9.9 pt.

The Quest Study Bible is a great choice for young adults and other age groups as well. It’s a study Bible that will help you in your personal walk with God. It will also be a great help if you are a part of small or large group Bible studies. It’s a great Bible for those who are in or going into young adulthood.

Study Bible Especially For Women

4. The Woman’s Study Bible NIV

For women to receive God’s truth for harmony, hope, and transformation, The Woman’s Study Bible from Thomas Nelson has thousands of verse commentary notes written by women, particularly for women.

Over 80 women from various ethnic, denominational, educational, and professional backgrounds contributed to The Woman’s Study Bible. It is built around the entire text of the New International Version – NIV of the Bible. It’s a great Bible for a women’s Bible study group, home study, and many other applications as well. It’s a very nice NIV study Bible for ladies!

Here are some of the great features in the Woman’s Study Bible:

-Exquisite full-color artwork throughout

– Detailed biographical depictions of biblical women.

– Comprehensive verse-by-verse analysis notes

-More than 300 thematic articles in-text

-Insightful articles are written by women who are regarded as theological authorities

-Outlines and introductions for each book of the Bible

– Hundreds of maps, charts, timelines, and family trees with full-color text.

-Words from godly women in history

-Maps of the biblical era on full pages -Topical index and concordance

-Easy-to-read print size of 10.5 points

-Millions of pages of in-depth verse-by-verse study notes

The NIV Woman’s Study Bible this Bible serves to combine reliable scholarship and can be greatly helpful in your spiritual development. This study Bible is very relevant to women who are young adults and older.

PHOTO and LINK of NIV Woman’s Study Bible

5. The Every Man’s Bible

We would list The Every Man’s Bible as a VERY good choice in men’s study Bible that fits well for those in the young adult category. The Bible is the answer to every problem a man faces. This study Bible takes a male-centric approach to spiritual and life challenges, demonstrating how Scripture is applicable at every stage of a man’s life, from early adulthood on up.

The popular Every Man’s Bible was created to assist men in learning what the Bible has to say about the issues confronting men and to help them develop a fuller, richer connection with Jesus.

The distinctive qualities of this Bible are as follows:

-Thousands of notes on subjects specific to men, such as pride, courage, temptation, image, and leadership.

-Profiles of both famous and infamous Biblical characters;

50 unique topic features that will help give men much-needed insight into the message of the Scriptures of both famous and infamous Biblical characters;

-Expert advice, synopses of books in one sentence, charts, relationship notes, and a topical index.

Input From Many Scholarly Teachers and Pastors

Also in this Bible are the wise words of many following outstanding Christian leaders including:  David Jeremiah, Stephen Arterburn, Dallas Willard, Michael Youssef, Stephen Broyles, Gordon MacDonald, John Fischer, Greg Laurie, Tony Evans, Bill McCartney, Chuck Swindoll, Chuck Smith, Jr., Henry Blackaby, Leighton Ford,  J. I. Packer, Tony Dungy,  James Robison, Don Everts,  Joe Stowell, Gary Rosberg, Michael Youssef, Stuart Briscoe, and Ken Gire. 

The notes and features were all created with males in mind.

All in all, this is a popular and well-put-together study bible that serves well for young adult men.

6. ESV Study Bible

The ESV Study Bible stands as The ESV Study Bible stands as one of the top scholarly Bible translations today. a testament to the deep and profound understanding of the scriptures. With this Bible, you’re also diving into a sea of knowledge and insights provided by a diverse ensemble of 95 leading Bible scholars and teachers from around the globe. This team has dedicated its expertise to making the ESV Study Bible an enriching experience for its readers.

The English Standard Version (ESV) prides itself on being an “essentially literal” translation. With its “word-for-word” accuracy, it strikes a balance between contemporary English while ensuring literary brilliance and profound depth of meaning.

Here are the features that make the ESV Study Bible stand out:

  • Rich in Content: Comes with 20,000 study notes that provide invaluable insights into the scriptures.
  • Cross-References: An astounding 80,000 cross-references guide readers through related scriptures, deepening understanding and connection.
  • Informative Charts & Articles: Features over 200 charts and 50+ articles that elucidate various biblical concepts.
  • Visual Treat: 240 full-color maps and illustrations, giving readers a visual understanding of biblical events and locations.
  • Top-Notch Material: Premium goatskin cover that adds to the luxury of this Bible.
  • Durable and Elegant: High-quality European Bible paper, art gilding, and four ribbon markers make it not just a Bible but a keepsake.
  • Size & Font: Convenient size of 6.5″ x 9.25″ with single-column Bible text in 9-point type, while the double-column notes are in 7-point type.
  • Presentation: Classic black letter text.
  • Binding: Features a durable Smyth-sewn binding, ensuring it can be passed down through generations.
  • Guarantee: Comes with a lifetime guarantee, a testament to its superior quality.

Whether you’re a casual reader, a devout believer, a student, or a teacher, this Bible caters to everyone. It’s designed for those who seek a personal bond with God, desires to participate actively in worship, or aim for in-depth study and scripture memorization.

Other Great Options for a Young Adult Study Bible

7. The NKJV Study Bible

It almost goes without saying that The New King James Study Bible, Full Color Edition is a great and trustworthy resource as you explore God’s Word, having sold more than 2 million copies. With over 1 million words of original content written by leading evangelical experts, this stunning full-color Bible offers a comprehensive study tool.

The New King James Version is a fine Bible translation with accuracy and clarity, together with more than 1,000 articles, notes, word studies, photographs, illustrations, maps, and other resources. Those things make this Bible an ideal choice for assisting you in engaging and comprehending Scripture in-depth.

best study Bibles for young adults

The NKJV Study Bible has many features. These are just a few!

-It is beautiful throughout in full color.

-There are more than 250 images and illustrations of significant sites, objects, and works of art.

-Special study aids to better comprehend, enjoy, and apply what you read:

-Background knowledge, historical context, and content summaries are all provided in great detail in book introductions, book outlines, and timelines.

-Over 850,000 words of insightful analysis are provided in 15,000 study notes at the bottom of the page.

-Strong’s numbers and 345+ word studies provide an understanding of the meaning of the ancient Greek and Hebrew terms.

-Understanding of the historical setting of Scripture is deepened by 150+ Bible Times and Cultural comments.

-110+ Articles that elaborate on and clarify important biblical ideas

-Easy-to-use indexes and concordances that help you quickly locate what you’re looking for

-Concordance that has over 6000 terms with 37,000 verses

8. NLT Chronological Life Application Study Bible

If you want to read the Bible in chronological order, we would suggest the Chronological Life Application Study Bible. We would encourage you to have a regularly formatted Bible to go along with it. However, it’s actually very exciting and motivating to read through the Bible in a chronological fashion.

The gorgeous full-color Chronological Life Application Study Bible offers a new perspective on God’s Story and a tried-and-true method for putting it into practice. In a chronological Bible experience. Travel through the 10 eras of Bible history to get a greater comprehension of God’s Word. Features fresh information on Bible history and geography as well as Life Application notes and features from the popular Life Application Study Bible.

This is a great, fun, and informative way to read and study the Bible. We would encourage you to have and use a regularly formatted Bible as well, However, the experience of reading the Bible in a chronological fashion with all of the study helps in the Life Application Bible is a great combination.

Conclusion

A good Bible translation, whether it is categorized as a study Bible or not is worth everything. For us to have so many choices of translations and versions of God’s word, it’s incredible.

It is our prayer that you will choose a Bible for your own. Our main hope and prayer would be that you read it, study it, and fill your minds and hearts with the precious and everlasting word of God, the Bible.

About the author

2 responses to “Best Study Bibles For Young Adults – 8 Great Choices!”

  1. shinga Avatar
    shinga

    it is grateful to study the bible

    1. Brian Sloan Avatar
      Brian Sloan

      I am too. We are blessed with God’s word.

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