13 of the best Journaling bibles
Bible journaling has become popular lately, and a wide range of journaling Bibles are now available. But which one is right for you? Hopefully, this post will help you choose, and inspire you along the way!
Best Journaling Bibles
What are journaling Bibles?
Journaling Bibles are designed for note-taking and creativity. You don’t need a separate notebook or have to scribble tiny writing into a small space on the end of the page.
They don’t usually come with as much information as a Study Bible, but instead have space for your own reflections.
Bibles for journaling usually come with thicker margins, sometimes lined for your own notes, and sometimes containing Bible verses. They are often made with thicker paper than normal Bibles so that they are easier to write on and won’t bleed through.
I’ve separated my choices into two categories – ones designed for note-taking and ones for the more creative, arty people!
Benefits of using a bible journal
There are a number of benefits to using a Bible for journaling:
- You can take better notes, and refer back to them easier.
- You can be more creative
- They help you to stay focused in your study
- They are much more personal
- They motivate you to study and dig deeper into the Bible
Things to Look for when choosing a bible journal
The first thing to consider when choosing any Bible is the translation, which you can find out more about in my post Which Bible Translation is Best. Then consider the audience that the Bible is aimed at. Some are designed for women or youth, some contain devotionals or reference material.
Now you need to think about what type of journaling Bible you are after. Is it simply for note-taking or do you want a colouring Bible?
Finally, you will need to check out the quality of the paper, font size and size of the margins.
Now let’s look at the best Journaling Bibles on offer! I’ve picked a selection below and you can also check out the Journaling Bibles at Christianbooks.com
This post contains affiliate links, which means that for each purchase made I receive a small contribution at no extra cost to you. For more information please see my policies page.
Journaling Bibles
Note-taking Bibles
The ESV Journaling Bible has two columns of text and two-inch lined margins for your notes. Choose from a variety of decorative covers. The ESV Single Column Journaling Bible has the same two-inch lined margins and thick paper, but the text is in one easy-to-read column. The NIV Beautiful Word Bible is the most popular NIV Journaling Bible. It also has a single column with a large margin but has a larger font than the ESV (9.5 rather than 7.5). It includes 600 verse illustrations and comes with peel and stick Bible book tabs. The Beautiful Word Bible also comes in a colouring edition.
The NASB Artisan Collection Bible has thick paper and a large, faintly lined margin perfect for note-taking or art. The text is in two columns with size 8 font. It is also available in NIV and NRSV. The NIV Journal the Word Reference Bible also has thick paper and lined margins. It has one column of size 9 font. One extra feature I like about this Journal Bible is that it has cross-references. The CSB She Reads Truth Note-taking Bible includes devotionals, timelines, maps, book overviews as well as wide, unlined margins for your own notes or art.
Colouring Bibles
Colouring Bibles are similar to note-taking Bibles except they also contain illustrations to colour. Adult colouring is more than just a great hobby. When applied to Bible verses it is a great way to help memorise verses and meditate on Scripture.
The first colouring Bible journal was the NLT Inspire Bible. It contains over 400 illustrations to colour, including full-page Bible verses. The single column and wide margin also give space for your own note-taking or creativity. The NIV Radiant Virtues Bible focuses on the virtues of faith, hope and love, with devotionals and reading plans as well as colouring pages and space to record your own reflections. The Enduring Word ESV contains more than 350 hand-drawn illustrations to colour as well as a two-inch ruled margin.
The KJV My Promise Bible includes illustrations and verses to colour as well as wide, lined margins for your notes. It comes with Bible tabs and colouring stickers, and would make a great gift. The ESV My Creative Bible, which also comes in the KJV, is full of illustrations and verses to colour, as well as a two-inch lined margin for your notes. It also contains devotions and profiles on women in the Bible. The Illustrators Notebook Bible has one column of text and a large space for colouring or note-taking.
Spiral-bound
To finish off this round-up I’ve got a rather unique Bible – it’s spiral bound!
The Illustrating Bible is specially designed for journaling with its thick, large square pages and extra-large 3.75-inch margins. The single-column, size 8 font is also easy to read. This edition is the CSB, but it is also now available in the NIV. The Illustrating Bible is also available from DaySpring.
If you prefer, you can also get just the Gospels or Psalms and Proverbs.
Other Resources
To go with your journaling Bible you will also need some pens! Amazon has a great selection of Bible pens and highlighters designed for use on Bible paper so they won’t bleed through the page. Also, check out the great Journal starting kits which include stickers or stencils as well as a variety of pens.
Now all that is left if for you to choose which one! Happy Bible Journaling!
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