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NIV, Quest Study Bible, Hardcover, Blue, Comfort Print: The Only Q and A Study Bible
The Bestselling NIV Quest Study Bible Answers Thousands of Your Questions About the Bible. Get answers to the Bible questions you have... and questions you haven’t yet pondered! The NIV Quest Study Bible features over 7,000 notes written in an engaging question and answer format that give insight into the common, uncommon, and sometimes perplexing passages from the Bible. You will have the opportunity to consider questions like “Why did God send angels to Jacob?," "What prevents God from hearing our prayers?," and "Why does God test us?” as you explore God’s Word using the many study helps. The only question and answer Bible is now available with exclusive Zondervan NIV Comfort Print ® for smooth reading. Expertly designed specifically to be used for the New International Version (NIV) text, Comfort Print offers an easier reading experience that complements the most widely read modern-English Bible translation. The original Quest Study Bible was conceived in 1989 when two publishing companies, Zondervan and Christianity Today International, worked together to develop a Bible that would answer the challenging questions that arose as people read Scripture. Focus groups around the United States evaluated the usefulness of potential study Bible features and helped select the features that would be included in this Bible. Then, more than 1,000 people received passages of Scripture and were asked, “What questions do you have about this portion of the Bible?” Their responses helped determine what kinds of questions the notes would answer, helping to create a resource that answers the questions that real people have asked about the Bible. Notes have been updated in subsequent releases to ensure that this Bible stays relevant and current to modern readers. One of the best ways to learn is to ask questions as you study. The NIV Quest Study Bible guides you in that endeavor with thousands of questions you're likely to want answers to, including the top 100 most-asked questions about the Bible. Dive in to discover that you're not the only one with questions - and finally get the answers you've been looking for.
1984 pages, Hardcover
Published August 27, 2019
30 people are currently reading
28 people want to read
About the author
Zondervan
1,676 books100 followersZondervan is an international Christian media and publishing company. Zondervan is a founding member of the Evangelical Christian Publishers Association (ECPA). They are a part of HarperCollins Christian Publishing, Inc. and has multiple imprints including Zondervan Academic, Zonderkidz, Blink, and Editorial Vida. Zondervan is the commercial rights holder for the New International Version (NIV) Bible in North America.
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
November 13, 2022
3/5
A light Study Bible, that’s confused and too light.
This review hurts.
First, let me get something out of the way, I do fellowship with someone on the NIV committee.
Second, this was the first bible I ever purchased. When I had an urge to read the bible I watched Mike Winger’s series on translations, “The Good, the Bad, the Ugly,” and then settled on the NIV mainly because it is the best selling. /Wisdom of Crowds/ and all that. I started reading Proverbs and was bored and then a Ten Minute Bible Hour video suggested I read John, Acts, and then Romans. Between Acts and Romans I believed.
So this is the bible I was reading when I was saved. But it is not the bible I read during my first or second read through of the bible. I don’t remember when I switched but by the time Covid happened and I was memorizing scripture and I had switched to the CSB and then consulting either a more literal translation or the NLT when I was stuck on something. For my third reading of Scripture I decided to read this and all the notes.
On the NIV.
I loved the translation. I really wished people would not call it the non-inspired version, I was saved while reading it. Secondly I think the NIV fulfills their translation goal. They have succeeded in translating the bible into “natural English”.
The NIV part of this bible I would give a 5/5.
Of course there are some things I would suggest be changed in future.
1. God’s name should be in the old testament, it is in the original manuscripts.
2. When the old testament is quoted in the new, the reference to YHWH’s name should be changed to “LORD” or referenced in the foot note. (LSB & NLT use LORD in the text, and LSB references YHWH’s name in the footnote.)
3. The NIV should have conventional measurements inside the text, either metric or imperial for everything, and the literal measurement inside the footnote. It mostly does the opposite unless a large sum of money is being referenced.
4. I would not give the NIV to a new believer. It is too churched. I’ll give one example, the Greek word sarx translated as flesh. Mainly in Romans 7 but also in other epistles. In the NIV there is a foot note saying “Sarx in this context means sinful nature.” Well why not just translate sarx as sinful nature? This comes up often, I knew what the NIV meant most of the time, because I had been through the bible twice before and had worked things out and by now understand most Christian idioms. But the NIV is loaded with them, and the QSB is not enough to bridge the gap.
Seriously that’s it. The NIV is an excellent piece of work. The only reason I don’t use it for memorization is because the CSB’s diction is just so beautiful. Seriously, while the CSB is slightly more ‘literal’ its their diction and word order choice which has made me pick it, especially in the Psalms. But the NIV is well done and reads just like a normal English piece of writing.
Now, the QSB part of the bible.
If you have seen a screen shot of the QSB is it is more like a light study bible. There are answered questions in the margin and a small handful of articles but it is not on the same level of the most study bible’s which are really more or less entire commentary’s embedded with the bible.
To put things in perspective, word counts:
NIV: ~770k words.
QUEST NIV: ~2,000k words.
ESV Study Bible: ~3,000k words
MacArthur NASB Study Bible 2006ed: ~2,400k words
(Word count on non-checked conversions from electronic copies)
The problem with the QSB is:
1. The layout overly limits difficult sections. This is really evident in Revelations, and the entirety of 2nd Peter needs to be laid out again.
2. QSB does not do enough to bridge the gap between an un-churched new convert and the NIV.
3. QSB is prophetically confused. This is the worst part. In attempting to balance out too many theological views when dealing with the old testament prophets and with revelation in such a limited space the notes create more confusion than they solve. Some notes are even contradictory. Even worse some sections in the old testament where a Disposationalist would say this points to the kingdom or to the tribulation there is no comment at all. Since the layout -- margin notes only -- limits the volume of information, they should have picked a one theological point of view and acknowledged others in a brief article.
4. The QSB does a very poor job of pointing forward toward Christ and the new testament when reading the old.
5. There are no markings to illustrate when a verse has a note. I’ve noticed this disturbing trend before. Are people scared of foot notes. Considering QSB’s the margin only note format causes the note to be on different page quite often, two ages away rarely, and in three instances before the note, this in not acceptable. I have no problem reading and ignoring foot notes if I choose depending on my purpose in reading, but if it I want to read every note this is really annoying.
The QSB excels in the narrative sections mainly because the notes cover what one would learn if someone followed cross references.
And that’s the problem. I think as a first bible I would have preferred the NLT with just a good set of cross references and gotquestions.org when I’m stuck.
Eventually I’ll read other study bibles:
- MacArthur’s because I have referenced it so much.
- Scofield because it is considered a classic.
- The NIV is so good it has made me consider someday getting the Thompson especially since their new lay out is fantastic.
Still I learned a lot, the QSB is God’s word faithfully reproduced. But an English reader is spoiled with both bible translations and study bible options. I couldn’t in my mind give this bible more than three stars in good concious.
Some miscellanea.
I purchased the hard back (it is sewn) version and after reading through once it is already falling apart. I don’t think it is poor construction but I didn’t know why bible bindings are typically leather or leather like. When there are ~2,000 pages cloth over board doesn’t cut it. The maps in the back are already starting to fall out.
Except for the maps I didn’t use any of the Quest study helps in the back.
The Zondervan 2k/Denmark NIV font is fantastic. I prefer 2k/Denmark’s Bible Serif, but the NIV font is so close to the font I read on my ereader -- Dejavu Serif Condensed -- I found it a joy to read. The NIV typeface is so solid and normal one could underestimate the beauty. Much like the translation itself.
A light Study Bible, that’s confused and too light.
This review hurts.
First, let me get something out of the way, I do fellowship with someone on the NIV committee.
Second, this was the first bible I ever purchased. When I had an urge to read the bible I watched Mike Winger’s series on translations, “The Good, the Bad, the Ugly,” and then settled on the NIV mainly because it is the best selling. /Wisdom of Crowds/ and all that. I started reading Proverbs and was bored and then a Ten Minute Bible Hour video suggested I read John, Acts, and then Romans. Between Acts and Romans I believed.
So this is the bible I was reading when I was saved. But it is not the bible I read during my first or second read through of the bible. I don’t remember when I switched but by the time Covid happened and I was memorizing scripture and I had switched to the CSB and then consulting either a more literal translation or the NLT when I was stuck on something. For my third reading of Scripture I decided to read this and all the notes.
On the NIV.
I loved the translation. I really wished people would not call it the non-inspired version, I was saved while reading it. Secondly I think the NIV fulfills their translation goal. They have succeeded in translating the bible into “natural English”.
The NIV part of this bible I would give a 5/5.
Of course there are some things I would suggest be changed in future.
1. God’s name should be in the old testament, it is in the original manuscripts.
2. When the old testament is quoted in the new, the reference to YHWH’s name should be changed to “LORD” or referenced in the foot note. (LSB & NLT use LORD in the text, and LSB references YHWH’s name in the footnote.)
3. The NIV should have conventional measurements inside the text, either metric or imperial for everything, and the literal measurement inside the footnote. It mostly does the opposite unless a large sum of money is being referenced.
4. I would not give the NIV to a new believer. It is too churched. I’ll give one example, the Greek word sarx translated as flesh. Mainly in Romans 7 but also in other epistles. In the NIV there is a foot note saying “Sarx in this context means sinful nature.” Well why not just translate sarx as sinful nature? This comes up often, I knew what the NIV meant most of the time, because I had been through the bible twice before and had worked things out and by now understand most Christian idioms. But the NIV is loaded with them, and the QSB is not enough to bridge the gap.
Seriously that’s it. The NIV is an excellent piece of work. The only reason I don’t use it for memorization is because the CSB’s diction is just so beautiful. Seriously, while the CSB is slightly more ‘literal’ its their diction and word order choice which has made me pick it, especially in the Psalms. But the NIV is well done and reads just like a normal English piece of writing.
Now, the QSB part of the bible.
If you have seen a screen shot of the QSB is it is more like a light study bible. There are answered questions in the margin and a small handful of articles but it is not on the same level of the most study bible’s which are really more or less entire commentary’s embedded with the bible.
To put things in perspective, word counts:
NIV: ~770k words.
QUEST NIV: ~2,000k words.
ESV Study Bible: ~3,000k words
MacArthur NASB Study Bible 2006ed: ~2,400k words
(Word count on non-checked conversions from electronic copies)
The problem with the QSB is:
1. The layout overly limits difficult sections. This is really evident in Revelations, and the entirety of 2nd Peter needs to be laid out again.
2. QSB does not do enough to bridge the gap between an un-churched new convert and the NIV.
3. QSB is prophetically confused. This is the worst part. In attempting to balance out too many theological views when dealing with the old testament prophets and with revelation in such a limited space the notes create more confusion than they solve. Some notes are even contradictory. Even worse some sections in the old testament where a Disposationalist would say this points to the kingdom or to the tribulation there is no comment at all. Since the layout -- margin notes only -- limits the volume of information, they should have picked a one theological point of view and acknowledged others in a brief article.
4. The QSB does a very poor job of pointing forward toward Christ and the new testament when reading the old.
5. There are no markings to illustrate when a verse has a note. I’ve noticed this disturbing trend before. Are people scared of foot notes. Considering QSB’s the margin only note format causes the note to be on different page quite often, two ages away rarely, and in three instances before the note, this in not acceptable. I have no problem reading and ignoring foot notes if I choose depending on my purpose in reading, but if it I want to read every note this is really annoying.
The QSB excels in the narrative sections mainly because the notes cover what one would learn if someone followed cross references.
And that’s the problem. I think as a first bible I would have preferred the NLT with just a good set of cross references and gotquestions.org when I’m stuck.
Eventually I’ll read other study bibles:
- MacArthur’s because I have referenced it so much.
- Scofield because it is considered a classic.
- The NIV is so good it has made me consider someday getting the Thompson especially since their new lay out is fantastic.
Still I learned a lot, the QSB is God’s word faithfully reproduced. But an English reader is spoiled with both bible translations and study bible options. I couldn’t in my mind give this bible more than three stars in good concious.
Some miscellanea.
I purchased the hard back (it is sewn) version and after reading through once it is already falling apart. I don’t think it is poor construction but I didn’t know why bible bindings are typically leather or leather like. When there are ~2,000 pages cloth over board doesn’t cut it. The maps in the back are already starting to fall out.
Except for the maps I didn’t use any of the Quest study helps in the back.
The Zondervan 2k/Denmark NIV font is fantastic. I prefer 2k/Denmark’s Bible Serif, but the NIV font is so close to the font I read on my ereader -- Dejavu Serif Condensed -- I found it a joy to read. The NIV typeface is so solid and normal one could underestimate the beauty. Much like the translation itself.
November 13, 2021
This was my first study Bible that I actually used while I was still young in the faith. The margins are loaded with comments in a Q&A fashion that makes it very easy to read. These notes are particularly helpful for difficult passages for both individual study and small group discussions.
After about 15 years the spine of my Bible broke and decided to get a different one as my daily Bible. But I still keep this one on a shelf and am grateful for the blessings it has brought me over those years.
After about 15 years the spine of my Bible broke and decided to get a different one as my daily Bible. But I still keep this one on a shelf and am grateful for the blessings it has brought me over those years.
September 29, 2019
This Bible is unlike any other Bible I have ever had. I feel like this Bible gives the answers to questions that we've had or didn't even know we had and opens up our understanding of the Bible in new ways.
The biggest different in this Bible is that on the sides of each page, there are questions we might ask about the Scriptures we are reading with he answers to these questions. I really like this because it explains things in depth in a way that is understandable and memorable.
I also love that the print is easy to read and doesn't strain my eyes. There is an extensive index by subject, a concordance, dictionary and bright, colorful maps to add to your study experience. There really is a lot packed into this Bible!
Another thing I liked is that the paper quality is excellent especially for someone like me who likes to highlight and make notes in her Bible. The highlighting didn't go through onto the back of the page and I saw no shadowing from my hand-written notes.
This Bible would be great for anyone but especially a new Christian would love having so many of their questions answered as they are reading their Bible. This would be an invaluable tool for getting a clear understanding for them without having to write their questions down and asking someone later. This lets anyone get the answers they need immediately!
I highly recommend this Bible as it's easy to read and gives so many extras in one Bible! I give it 5 stars.
*This Bible was provided to me by Bible Gateway. I am a member of Bible Gateway Blogger Grid. I received a copy of this Bible to review but I was not financially compensated in any way. The opinions expressed are my own and are based on my observations while reading this Bible.
The biggest different in this Bible is that on the sides of each page, there are questions we might ask about the Scriptures we are reading with he answers to these questions. I really like this because it explains things in depth in a way that is understandable and memorable.
I also love that the print is easy to read and doesn't strain my eyes. There is an extensive index by subject, a concordance, dictionary and bright, colorful maps to add to your study experience. There really is a lot packed into this Bible!
Another thing I liked is that the paper quality is excellent especially for someone like me who likes to highlight and make notes in her Bible. The highlighting didn't go through onto the back of the page and I saw no shadowing from my hand-written notes.
This Bible would be great for anyone but especially a new Christian would love having so many of their questions answered as they are reading their Bible. This would be an invaluable tool for getting a clear understanding for them without having to write their questions down and asking someone later. This lets anyone get the answers they need immediately!
I highly recommend this Bible as it's easy to read and gives so many extras in one Bible! I give it 5 stars.
*This Bible was provided to me by Bible Gateway. I am a member of Bible Gateway Blogger Grid. I received a copy of this Bible to review but I was not financially compensated in any way. The opinions expressed are my own and are based on my observations while reading this Bible.
May 29, 2023
Beyond insightful. Will never stop re-reading.
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews