A New Bible Worth Your Shelf: Thoughts on the SBL Study Bible

Every so often, a new resource comes along that feels like it’s been designed just for communities like ours. The SBL Study Bible is one of those tools—a thoughtful, scholarly, and genuinely helpful companion for anyone trying to read and understand the Bible more deeply.

Rooted in a Solid Translation

This Study Bible is built on the updated edition of the NRSV, the New Revised Standard Version. If you’ve been around Commons for a while, you’ve probably heard me mention this translation before. It’s been my go-to for both study and devotional reading this past year, and I continue to be impressed by it.

The NRSV has always aimed for a balance of readability and fidelity to the original texts. It leans more literal than the NIV, yet remains accessible. The updated edition makes two particularly meaningful changes: first, it minimizes gendered language where it's not theologically or contextually necessary—important given that Hebrew and Greek are gendered languages but English is not. Second, it shifts toward people-centered language, referring to individuals before their conditions. These changes aren’t just linguistic preferences; they help shape a more inclusive, respectful way of engaging Scripture—and each other.

Neutral Ground for Deep Reading

One of the standout features of the updated NRSV—and the SBL Study Bible in particular—is its commitment to neutrality. Published by the Society of Biblical Literature, a non-creedal academic organization, this Bible isn’t trying to push a specific theological agenda. That’s refreshing. Unlike translations like the ESV, which can reflect more conservative theological biases, the SBL Study Bible invites you to read first, interpret later. It trusts the reader.

This neutrality opens up space. Whether you’re Jewish, Catholic, Protestant, or somewhere in between—or beyond—it encourages you to encounter the text as it is, not as someone else wants it to be.

Tools for the Journey

The SBL Study Bible shines in its accessibility. At the bottom of each page, you’ll find cross-references—like a map pointing you to other parts of the Bible where themes or phrases echo. These aren’t always easy to catch on your own, so having them right there is invaluable.

You’ll also find rich introductory essays at the start of the Bible, the New Testament, and each book. These aren’t dry academic overviews; they’re clear, concise, and offer real insight into what you’re about to read. As you go, there are maps, images, and little inset articles that help bring the world of the Bible into focus.

Someone emailed me recently asking for a good commentary. And while I love commentaries—I own a lot—they're expensive and often focus on just one book of the Bible. For most people, a full set is out of reach. That’s where the SBL Study Bible steps in. No, it won’t replace in-depth commentaries, but it offers a fantastic starting point for reflection and understanding. If you're ready to dive deep into a single book, I’m always happy to recommend specific titles. But if you're looking for a single volume to guide you as you read, this is it.

A Library Between Two Covers

This Bible is hefty—literally. It’s a big book, and it includes not just the Old and New Testaments but also the apocryphal and deuterocanonical books. These writings weren’t included in the Protestant canon, but they’ve long been considered valuable by the wider church. Including them here is a gift, especially for those coming from traditions where they might have been overlooked.

And yes, you can get it in paperback, hardcover, or even on Kindle. Though for this particular resource, I’d steer you toward a physical copy. Being able to flip through, scan the page, and see footnotes and cross-references at a glance makes a big difference.

A Worthwhile Investment

For around $50–60, this is a remarkable resource. It’s not a commentary set, but it’s close. It’s a trustworthy guide, a portable library, and a doorway into deeper understanding. If you're part of the Commons community—or just someone looking for a better way to read the Bible—this might be the best Study Bible available today.

Pick it up. Make room for it on your shelf. And let it be a companion on your journey of faith.