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NIV Women of Faith Study Bible
Women of Faith Study Bible offers a feminine perspective on an age-old text. In numerous places, the editors insert interpretations that celebrate and elevate women's status in the Bible. "Some have said that in times when men are spiritually weak God uses women instead," the editors write in the Book of Samuel. "It is probably more accurate to say the deeds and faith of women are simply more apparent in those times. For the Lord gives gifts and callings to all people."
In the opening pages readers will find a "Weekly Studies Index" that references the Old and New Testaments with metaphorical themes such as "Uncharted Waters," "Are You a Bush or a Tree?" and "Jars of Clay." It also offers almost 80 full-page "Character Sketches" that profile women from the Bible, such as "Eve, Mother of Discontent," "Jezebel--Bent on Evil," and "Noah's Wife: Along for the Ride or a Partner in Adventure?" (The latter sketch tries to imagine the thoughts and actions of this almost invisible wife: "Perhaps she resented all the extra work Noah's obsession caused.") Other features include a timeline of women in the Bible, a genealogy of Jesus, and a dictionary of biblical terms.
One disappointment is the thin paper stock, limiting its shelf life and making it fragile for a daily reader. Fortunately, the 13-page spread of full-color maps is printed on heavy stock paper. --Gail Hudson
2088 pages, Paperback
Published March 1, 2001
54 people are currently reading
125 people want to read
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* They are officially published under that name
* They are traditional stories not attributed to a specific author
* They are religious texts not generally attributed to a specific author
Books whose authorship is merely uncertain should be attributed to Unknown.
See also: Anonymous
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
December 29, 2012
This review assumes that you are religious in some faith and looking to study the Bible. I’m planning another post later to explain why I think every writer should read the Bible, but that is not my point of this review. Nor will I be trying to convert anyone to Christianity; your religion is your business and I don’t want to force my religious preference on anyone. That being said, if you are a Christian and particularly a woman who is struggling to balance her religious role with her family and professional life I believe this is the study guide for you.
What makes this Bible unique is that it provides introductions to each book of the Bible outlining the author, history, key topics, and the role women played in that book. The left and right margins are filled with explanations of passages, religious hymns and poems, and additional reference materials. I found the text in the margins very helpful and looked forward to turning the pages to see what the commentary would be.
For those who keep a diary and journal this may be the perfect companion as it asks some very thought provoking questions to deepen your faith and expand your understanding. For those who want to read the Bible in a year this study guide offers weekly essays that reference passages that answer some of the toughest questions Christians ask themselves about God and the church.
There were only two things I found lacking in this study guide but neither will truly prevent you from enjoying and learning the Bible. First, I wish this book has Jesus’s words in red text. I have always found that a helpful highlighting in a Bible. Second, I discovered that many of the map references are incorrectly labeled throughout the book. There are several maps in the back of the book that provide excellent references for Jesus and the Apostles travels, but unfortunately the references often list the wrong map number. Fortunately, all the maps have titles, so just look at the titles and you’ll find the map you want. (Note: I bought my version in 2002 so later printings may have fixed the map references.)
I have to say that this is one book which is better appreciated the slower you read it. I started this book in May of 2002. It has taken me ten years to finish reading the Bible cover-to-cover. I’m proud to say I finished it and I feel that I have gotten more out of this study guide than I ever hoped to discover when I started. If you are looking to read the Bible I recommend this printing and hope you find everything you are looking to find.
What makes this Bible unique is that it provides introductions to each book of the Bible outlining the author, history, key topics, and the role women played in that book. The left and right margins are filled with explanations of passages, religious hymns and poems, and additional reference materials. I found the text in the margins very helpful and looked forward to turning the pages to see what the commentary would be.
For those who keep a diary and journal this may be the perfect companion as it asks some very thought provoking questions to deepen your faith and expand your understanding. For those who want to read the Bible in a year this study guide offers weekly essays that reference passages that answer some of the toughest questions Christians ask themselves about God and the church.
There were only two things I found lacking in this study guide but neither will truly prevent you from enjoying and learning the Bible. First, I wish this book has Jesus’s words in red text. I have always found that a helpful highlighting in a Bible. Second, I discovered that many of the map references are incorrectly labeled throughout the book. There are several maps in the back of the book that provide excellent references for Jesus and the Apostles travels, but unfortunately the references often list the wrong map number. Fortunately, all the maps have titles, so just look at the titles and you’ll find the map you want. (Note: I bought my version in 2002 so later printings may have fixed the map references.)
I have to say that this is one book which is better appreciated the slower you read it. I started this book in May of 2002. It has taken me ten years to finish reading the Bible cover-to-cover. I’m proud to say I finished it and I feel that I have gotten more out of this study guide than I ever hoped to discover when I started. If you are looking to read the Bible I recommend this printing and hope you find everything you are looking to find.
May 24, 2012
What a beautiful Bible this is! Easily I can see this being a perfect gift or personal Bible for any special woman in your life. There are so many elements within these pages in addition to the Scripture written in the New International Version translation that make this a sure keeper and a great tool for every day devotion.
My version of this delightful Bible is hardcover and the imagery sets a mood for me very well. The calming blues, sage green and a lilac lavender shade are a calm vision by sight and opening the pages to a beautiful green and black/purple/blue text in a great font is only the beginning. I'm not sure what the fonts are exactly, but they are really beautiful fonts that are quite attractive to the eye. I can easily spend hours reading the text.
Part of what makes this such a great Bible in addition to it's beauty are the features. Including a descriptive book introduction at each book of the Bible and 52 Bible Studies that delve into the scriptures. These studies are set up to easily be used individually or as a group and makes Bible study for one whole year easy and right at your finger tips. One of my favorite part of these Bible Studies is that they are actually on the same open page range of the main scripture referenced. Unlike it some Bibles where the studies are just inserts. Then when there are additional scriptures to look up there is a page number as well as the reference book and chapter.
There are also "Character Sketches" throughout that really bring the women of the Bible to life examining their lives and showing them as examples of living life in the light of God. This is also made whole by "The Women in Jesus' Family Tree" found in the beginning of the appendixes that shows these special women in a near time-line as given in the scriptures through Matthew. Other study helps found in the appendixes are the generic color maps you often find in Bibles as well as a Bible concordance, a center-column reference system and two of my favorite extras... There is a page that lists Jesus and New Testament Women giving the woman's name, a sentence of what happened and the scripture reference and my top favorite thing a Dictionary of NIV Terms.
In the actual meat of the pages there are two beautiful additions. I mean beautiful in the context that the font and colors and sometimes images literally are pretty but also the verbiage and meanings are also elegant and captivating. These features are Study Notes and Quotes. The Study Notes are really the "backbone of the NIV Women of Faith Study Bible". There are almost 1700 study notes on specific verses and passages of Scripture bringing the details and events alive and off the page. Dealing with real and intimate issues found in everyday life and your walk with Christ. The Quotes are just gorgeous words on the page brought from 18th century hymn writers to 14th century mystics, poets, essayists, and so many more women that have been recording their lives and walks with Christ over the years. Such encouragement can be found in these little columns that makes them a great addition to the scriptures.
All and all this book is an encourager. It's a devotional. A Bible Study. Then it's a Bible of scripture itself. There is so much within these pages that really helps to guide any Women of Faith into a greater and stronger bound with Christ. Starting with a special presentation page including a page that allows the owner of the Bible to personalize her story and experience with her walk with Christ and ending with whatever feature and extra you choose. Really this Bible could please anyone.
I love the font, I love the features. I truly and earnestly love this Bible. This Bible is published through Zondervan Publishers, although it is a Women of Faith Study Bible as in the Women of Faith conference group from Thomas Nelson. Through and through the message is that God loves you - regardless of where you are in life. My version is a gorgeous hardcover edition, but you can also find this Bible in the perfect version for your "woman of faith" in a gorgeous paperback, bonded leather including Violet or Black and also as Italian Duo-Tone in a vibrant Meadow Green.
*Thanks to Beth Johnson of Zondervan for providing a copy for review.*
My version of this delightful Bible is hardcover and the imagery sets a mood for me very well. The calming blues, sage green and a lilac lavender shade are a calm vision by sight and opening the pages to a beautiful green and black/purple/blue text in a great font is only the beginning. I'm not sure what the fonts are exactly, but they are really beautiful fonts that are quite attractive to the eye. I can easily spend hours reading the text.
Part of what makes this such a great Bible in addition to it's beauty are the features. Including a descriptive book introduction at each book of the Bible and 52 Bible Studies that delve into the scriptures. These studies are set up to easily be used individually or as a group and makes Bible study for one whole year easy and right at your finger tips. One of my favorite part of these Bible Studies is that they are actually on the same open page range of the main scripture referenced. Unlike it some Bibles where the studies are just inserts. Then when there are additional scriptures to look up there is a page number as well as the reference book and chapter.
There are also "Character Sketches" throughout that really bring the women of the Bible to life examining their lives and showing them as examples of living life in the light of God. This is also made whole by "The Women in Jesus' Family Tree" found in the beginning of the appendixes that shows these special women in a near time-line as given in the scriptures through Matthew. Other study helps found in the appendixes are the generic color maps you often find in Bibles as well as a Bible concordance, a center-column reference system and two of my favorite extras... There is a page that lists Jesus and New Testament Women giving the woman's name, a sentence of what happened and the scripture reference and my top favorite thing a Dictionary of NIV Terms.
In the actual meat of the pages there are two beautiful additions. I mean beautiful in the context that the font and colors and sometimes images literally are pretty but also the verbiage and meanings are also elegant and captivating. These features are Study Notes and Quotes. The Study Notes are really the "backbone of the NIV Women of Faith Study Bible". There are almost 1700 study notes on specific verses and passages of Scripture bringing the details and events alive and off the page. Dealing with real and intimate issues found in everyday life and your walk with Christ. The Quotes are just gorgeous words on the page brought from 18th century hymn writers to 14th century mystics, poets, essayists, and so many more women that have been recording their lives and walks with Christ over the years. Such encouragement can be found in these little columns that makes them a great addition to the scriptures.
All and all this book is an encourager. It's a devotional. A Bible Study. Then it's a Bible of scripture itself. There is so much within these pages that really helps to guide any Women of Faith into a greater and stronger bound with Christ. Starting with a special presentation page including a page that allows the owner of the Bible to personalize her story and experience with her walk with Christ and ending with whatever feature and extra you choose. Really this Bible could please anyone.
I love the font, I love the features. I truly and earnestly love this Bible. This Bible is published through Zondervan Publishers, although it is a Women of Faith Study Bible as in the Women of Faith conference group from Thomas Nelson. Through and through the message is that God loves you - regardless of where you are in life. My version is a gorgeous hardcover edition, but you can also find this Bible in the perfect version for your "woman of faith" in a gorgeous paperback, bonded leather including Violet or Black and also as Italian Duo-Tone in a vibrant Meadow Green.
*Thanks to Beth Johnson of Zondervan for providing a copy for review.*
December 27, 2023
I read this not as a religious person, but as someone who was interested in reading what was actually written in the bible. It is a women's study bible highlighting various women throughout with full pages of character studies, thoughts, and possible reasons of why these women did what they did.
There are also 52 weekly studies with more in-depth lessons pertaining to what was read that week, and asks the reader questions that may strengthen their faith. At the end of each weekly study it indicates where to find the next one. This NIV bible is easy to read, and has plenty of study notes and writings by various women of faith on each page.
**FYI-- This bible does not contain a daily reading list** I went online and found a daily reading guide that sorted the chapters into chronological order of events which I personally was looking for.
There are also 52 weekly studies with more in-depth lessons pertaining to what was read that week, and asks the reader questions that may strengthen their faith. At the end of each weekly study it indicates where to find the next one. This NIV bible is easy to read, and has plenty of study notes and writings by various women of faith on each page.
**FYI-- This bible does not contain a daily reading list** I went online and found a daily reading guide that sorted the chapters into chronological order of events which I personally was looking for.
December 23, 2019
Easy to read and understand. Enjoyed the relatable notes. Also enjoyed reading the biographical sketches of women in the Bible.
December 17, 2023
My favorite!!!!
Read
May 24, 2012This will surely touch all women .. This Study Bible is especially aimed at the christian females. It has touching ,and inspirational things added in along with easy reading to understanding Gods word. I recomend it to All Females.
Currently reading
May 24, 2012One of the best insprational and touching Study Bibles I have come across. I highly recommend this to all women. It is especially written for christian females. Easy to read and understand. It has inspirational and touching additions that makes it a 'must have' for any woman! I read it daily!
May 24, 2012
I love this bible for so many reasons. I love the indepth studies of women throughout the bible and the quotes by christian women writers who know the word of God and bring alot of truth to the passages they write about. The language of the NIV is also very poetic and great to read.
May 24, 2012
WONDERFUL! I love all the study notes, character sketches and inspirational quotes! And I love how the lessons of the bible are still relevant in our time today...this bible definently shows that! Highly Reccommend it!
January 10, 2020
Great way to understand what you are reading!
May 24, 2012
January 2010: I am reading through the Bible in one year. Join us here: http://365truthblog.blogspot.com.
12/31/10: I DID IT! And it was fabulous.
12/31/10: I DID IT! And it was fabulous.
May 24, 2012
I really enjoy this Bible... it is chock full of helpful insight and wonderful study guides... it is a must have in ur collection of Bibles... at least 4 me..
July 10, 2012
I love the lay-out and the simplicity of this Bible. And as always, the NIV is wonderful!
Currently reading
May 24, 2012Can never read the Bible too many times! I like the devotions in this one.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews