How Many Different Types of Bibles are There?

There is no one kind of Bible.

When it comes to the Bible, there's an incredible variety all over the world. And no, I'm not counting books called "The Soup Bible" or the "Bake Your Own Sourdough Bible". I'm talking about the Bible. The Holy Bible. The foundational text for Christians all across the planet.

The Bible speaks to a range of denominations, languages, age groups, and personal preferences. Let's explore the fascinating world of Bibles!

First, let's look at the different types of Bibles you might read depending on what kind of Church you attend.

Different Bibles by Denomination

Christian denominations often have distinctive Bibles that reflect their theological perspectives and traditions. Here are the three main types of Bibles across denominational lines:

• Protestant Bibles: These are what most people might think of when you say The Bible. The Protestant Bible has 66 books, starting with Genesis and ending with Revelation. Popular translations include the King James Version, the New International Version, and the English Standard Version.
• Catholic Bibles: These include the Deuterocanonical books, often referred to as the Apocrypha. Catholic Bibles have a total of 73 books. The 7 additional books in Catholic Bibles are: Tobias, Judith, Baruch, Ecclesiasticus, Wisdom, First and Second Maccabees and also the Greek additions to Esther and Daniel.
• Orthodox Bibles: These Bibles, used by Eastern Orthodox Christians, include books not found in the Catholic or Protestant canons, such as 3 Maccabees and Psalm 151. Orthodox Bibles often feature upwards of 75 books. The Septuagint (LXX) is a significant ancient Greek translation often used.

Each of these types of Bible offers different ways of understanding Christianity's history.

But it's not only the number of books that determines the different types of Bibles. The translation of these books led to an explosion in the different types of Bible in the world.

Different Bible Translations

Few people alive today speak Aramaic and Greek and Hebrew. So, naturally, some help is required. The Bible has been translated to be accessible to as many people in the world as possible.

Let's break down the numbers:

• English Translations: According to the Bible Project, there are over 900 English translations of the Bible! Each aims to cater to various reading preferences. You can find Bibles from the poetic cadence of the King James Version to the contemporary language of The Message.
• International Translations: The Bible has been translated into over 3,000 languages worldwide (for reference, there are about 7000 spoken languages in the world - so we aren't even halfway done!). This monumental effort meant that people from many cultural backgrounds are able to read and understand the Bible.

These translations range from 'word-for-word' to 'thought-for-thought' translations. Essentially, taking you from accurate to understandable. These all provide a range of options for readers to choose based on their needs and preferences.

But this all relates to the types of Bibles grown-ups read. What about the younger generations?

Different Types of Bibles for Children

Introducing children to the Bible can be a delightful experience with the right version. Children's Bibles are designed to be engaging and understandable for young minds. Here are some popular types of Bibles for children:

• Picture Bibles: These are filled with colourful illustrations and simplified text, perfect for younger children.
• Storybook Bibles: These focus on the narratives within the Bible, retelling stories in an accessible and exciting way.
• Devotional Bibles for Kids: These include age-appropriate devotions alongside the biblical text, encouraging daily reading and reflection.

Children's Bibles often feature interactive elements, such as puzzles, activities, and questions. More modern Bibles will link to online resources with QR codes and YouTube playlists.

Both of these are considered Bible features, which leads us to the final way that you can discover different types of Bibles.

Different Bible Features

Modern Bibles come with a variety of features designed to enhance the reading and study experience. Some make the text easier to see and some open up the world of God's word. Here are some notable types of Bible features:

• Study Bibles: These include extensive notes, maps, charts, and articles to help readers gain deeper insights into the text. Examples are the NIV Study Bible and the ESV Study Bible.
• Journaling Bibles: These Bibles feature wide margins or dedicated spaces for readers to write. This could be notes, reflections, or prayer. Whatever your heart desires. The ESV Journaling Bible is a popular choice for journalers.
• Devotional Bibles: These Bibles structure the text around a reading plan. A great way to make sure you read every day. Examples include the NIV Women's Devotional Bible and the Life Application Study Bible.
• Parallel Bibles: These present two or more translations side by side for comparison. This allows readers to see how different versions interpret the same passages.

These features cater to various reading styles and spiritual practices. They are also a great aspect to consider when buying a gift Bible.

To help you find your perfect Bible (without needing to remember the different types of Bibles), we've made an easy-to-use Bible Finder.

It's the perfect way to find the right Bible every time.