12 of the Best Study Bibles for Women

If you are wanting to dig deeper into God’s Word and develop your relationship with God then a Study Bible is your best resource. But, what are the best study Bibles for women? I’ve got a number of great options for you today!

Best Study Bibles for Women

We are blessed with a huge variety of Bibles in the English language, so deciding on which one, or ones, you are going to use can be daunting. There are different translations, Study Bibles, Devotional Bibles, Journaling Bibles, Life Application Bibles, and then there are Bibles dedicated to different audiences – women’s Bibles, teen bibles, student bibles. 

Here, we are focusing on the best Study Bibles for Women, but before we head to the book shelf let’s discuss a few questions.

What is a Women’s bible?

A women’s Bible contains the same Biblical text as other Bibles of that translation, but will have additional notes and articles written for, and often by, women. They will often highlight woman in the Bible and give insights into how we can relate to and learn from these women.

What version of the Bible is the best?

There are a number of different versions of the Bible in the English Language. Before deciding upon which Bible translation is best for you, we need to determine our purpose in reading the Bible and which version is best suited to that purpose.

• Some Bible versions are considered to be more ‘word-for-word’ literal translations, these are good for in-depth Bible studies and word studies. 
• Other Bible versions are focused more on translating the meaning of the text, these are good for a broader understanding.

I like to use the ESV for Bible Study and the CSB when reading longer passages.

There may be a version that you are familiar with (the one that is used at your church, for example) that you want to keep using but check where it is placed on the scale and that you are using it appropriately. You may want to then get another version to accompany it. Reading a less familiar version can also give you a greater insight.

Use this diagram to help you learn about the different translations.

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What to look for in a study bible

As well as choosing a translation, there are some other factors to look for when choosing a Study Bible:

• Book Introductions (with information about the author, audience, date, purpose and outline etc.)
• Footnotes (depending on the purpose of the Study Bible these footnotes will contain information: historical, cultural and original language insights; or application: relating the text to your life)
• Cross-referencing with relevant verses from elsewhere in the Bible
• Concordance of where to find specific words
• Maps and Charts
• Character Studies

What are the Best Study Bibles for Women?

What are some good study Bibles? Below you will find a variety of translations and different focuses for study – some are specifically for women, one is for teachers, others more for application and devotional reading; but all have the same purpose: to draw you to a deeper understanding of God and his Word.

Further Reading: Bible Study for Beginners; How to Understand the Bible for Beginners

NIV Women’s Study Bible

The New International Version is a popular translation that balances literal translation with understanding the meaning. The NIV Women’s Study Bible features topical articles relevant to women written by women and over 100 character studies of women in the Bible. It comes in hardcover and cloth over board designs.

CSB study Bible for women

The Christian Standard Bible is another balanced translation. It is very readable while not losing any of the original meaning. The CSB Study Bible for Women contains word studies, a comprehensive concordance and character references of every women mentioned in the Bible (including the un-named ones!). Here I’ve included the  CSB Study Bible for Women hardcover version and the CSB Study Bible for Women kindle version which I purchased about a year ago. A kindle study Bible is a great option as it is not so expensive or bulky! This is now my go-to version when I want to read a large section of text to get the overall meaning.

English Standard Version

The ESV is a more literal translation than the ones we have mentioned so far. It is the one I use when I am doing in-depth study or a word study. The ESV Study Bible is a great study Bible for serious Bible students or teachers as it contains over 20,000 footnotes and 80,000 cross-references as well as charts, articles and maps. A different option for women is the ESV Women’s Devotional Bible  which includes daily devotions and would be a a great daily study Bible for women. While it is not technically a ‘study Bible’ it does have book introductions, character studies and a dictionary of key terms. This Bible would make a great gift.

Women’s Study Bible Large Print

The size of the print may be another factor you consider when selecting a Study Bible! The Study Bible for Women, NKJV Large Print Edition contains everything you would expect from a Study Bible (book introductions, concordance, word studies) as well as articles on Biblical Womanhood, and messages for application. The Amplified Study Bible, Large Print aims to enhance understanding through the translation itself, as well as extensive footnotes, a topical index, maps and theological content.

NLT Life Application Study Bibles

The NLT Life Application Study Bible is the Number 1 best selling bible and would be a great study bible for beginners. The New Living Translation is more focused on meaning than a literal translation. The NLT Life Application Bible has introductions to each book, plenty of maps and charts, cross-referencing, concordance as well as character studies and footnotes to help with application to your own life. The  NLT Chronological Life Application Study Bible is another option you may consider to enhance your Bible Study. This Bible is arranged in chronological order, divided into ten sections of Biblical History. It contains the features of the Life Application Study Bible with additional timelines, photographs and historical and geography features. Though these are not aimed at women (I could not find a women’s Life Application Study Bible) they would still be a great resource.

The Busy Mom’s Bibles

Now for some Bibles that are specifically aimed at busy mums/moms! The Busy Mom’s Bibles come in NIV and KJV translations. These Bibles contain devotions on motherhood, marriage and other relevant topics. The devotions are designed to take a short time, with options for adding more to your quiet time.

Standard Lessons Teacher’s Study Bible

And finally I have a Study Bible especially for you Sunday School teachers and home group leaders! In the Standard Lessons Teachers Study Bible, KJV you will not only find the usual reference material like maps, cross-referencing and a concordance, but will also get extra resources to help with your teaching, like questions and discussion points, and a pronunciation guide so you can get those tricky names right!

Best Study Bible for Women Summary

Which Study Bibles have you used? What do you think are the best Study Bibles for Women?