Study Bibles are special editions of the Bible written specifically for students of the Bible. Study Bibles provide scholarly information designed to give the reader context and a more complete understanding of God’s Word. Scholarly information can come in several forms, from annotations that explain complex passages, articles, and biographies of key characters, illustrations and other visuals, and more.
With this in mind, the editors at Lord’s Library have compiled this list of the best NLT study Bibles (New Living Translation) to consider. The one that is right for you will largely depend upon which features are most important. Each listing includes author and publisher information, some basic facts about the version, and links to any alternative versions that may be available.
Note: We only included the best NLT study Bibles (New Living Translation) with a 4-star or better rating and a minimum of 175 reviews. Titles are organized by the total number of reviews at the time of our publication.
The Best NLT Study Bibles (New Living Translation)
Every Man’s Bible: New Living Translation, Deluxe Explorer Edition
Author/Publisher: Stephen Arterburn
Material: Imitation leather
Key Features:
- Book introductions and 44 charts
- Men, Women, and God features that focus on important relationships
- Someone You Should Know profiles of men in the Bible
From the publisher: “This study Bible deals with sensitive topics men need to address, and it talks about struggles that many men confront. In this Bible for men, there are thousands of notes on topics ranging from work, intimacy, and competition to taking risks, managing money, and raising children. Every Man’s Bible provides useful insights on how to live a godly life as a man in all of the various roles that he takes on, written by the bestselling author of The Every Man Series, Stephen Arterburn.”
NLT Chronological Life Application Study Bible
Author/Publisher: Tyndale
Material: Hardcover
Key Features:
- 10 chronological sections
- Section introductions and timelines
- Archaeological notes and photographs
From the publisher: “The stunning full-color Chronological Life Application Study Bible is a refreshing way to experience God’s Story and a trusted way to apply it to life. Journey through the 10 eras of Bible history in a chronological Bible experience and gain a deeper understanding of God’s Word. Includes Life Application notes and features from the best-selling Life Application Study Bible as well as new features on Bible history and geography.”
NLT Teen Life Application Study Bible
Author/Publisher: Tyndale
Material: Hardcover
Key Features:
- 1,504 pages of book introductions
- Study notes
- Real-life stories of teens
From the publisher: “Tyndale’s Teen Life Application Study Bible is here to help teens find relief, comfort and peace. The only teen Bible based on today’s #1-selling study Bible, the Teen Life Application Study Bible is packed full of notes and features designed to meet the challenges and needs of today’s high school students. This New Living Translation Bible combines traditional study-Bible features like book introductions, notes, person profiles, and maps with application-oriented features focusing on choices, real-life issues, and stories of actual teens. This NLT Bible helps teens understand and apply God’s Word to all areas of their lives and encounter God in an authentic way.”
NLT Life Application Study Bible
Author/Publisher: Tyndale
Material: Hardcover
Key Features:
- More than 10,000 Life Application notes
- Over 100 Life Application profiles of key Bible people
- Introductions/overviews for each Book of the Bible
From the publisher: “Now thoroughly updated and expanded, offering even more relevant insights and spiritual guidance for applying God’s Word to everyday life in today’s world. With a fresh two-color interior design and meaningfully updated study notes and features, this NLT Bible will help you understand God’s Word better than ever. This study Bible for women and men answers real-life questions and provides practical yet powerful ways to apply the Bible to your life every day.”
NLT Girls Life Application Study Bible
Author/Publisher: Tyndale
Material: Hardcover
Key Features:
- More than 800 Life Application notes
- Interactive journaling
- 8 Foundations for Your Faith sections
From the publisher: “This New Living Translation Bible includes over 800 Life Application notes plus other features and Foundations for Your Faith sections all intended to help girls grow in their Christian faith. The eight full-color and fun sections are designed to help girls learn more about the Bible, understand the Bible’s big story, meet Jesus, know what it means to follow him, learn how to share their faith with others, and gain practical faith and relationship skills that will help them live out what they believe.”
NLT Red Letter Study Bible
Author/Publisher: Tyndale
Material: Hardcover
Key Features:
- More than 300 theme articles
- 25,000 study and textual notes
- More than 220 charts and illustrations
From the publisher: “Explore the Scriptures with almost 50 of today’s top evangelical scholars, including Daniel Block, Barry Beitzel, Tremper Longman, John N. Oswalt, Grant R. Osborne, Norman Ericson, and many more. Every feature in the NLT Study Bible has been created to do more than just impart information. Ask questions, and the NLT Study Bible gives you both the words and the world of the Bible. Seek deeper understanding, and find the meaning and significance of Scripture, not just facts. Knock on the door of God’s Word, and see what doors are opened to you.”
Illustrated Study Bible NLT
Author/Publisher: Tyndale
Material: Hardcover
Key Features:
- Photos and illustrations
- Infographics
- Integrated full-color maps
From the publisher: “The Illustrated Study Bible brings Scripture’s message to life by giving readers an entirely new visual study experience. Hundreds of information-rich windows to the Bible world instantly communicate foundational truths and complex information in an understandable, compelling way for today’s visual generation. The Illustrated Study Bible empowers readers to draw closer to God by opening their eyes to Scripture’s living, powerful message.”
The Swindoll NLT Study Bible
Author/Publisher: Tyndale
Material: Hardcover
Key Features:
- Book introductions that answer key questions
- Application articles of important passages
- People profiles with lessons from key figures
From the publisher: “The Swindoll Study Bible offers the best of Chuck Swindoll’s wit, charm, pastoral insight, and wise biblical study directly to you as you study God’s Word. Chuck’s warm, personal style comes across on every page, and his informed, practical insights get straight to the heart of the Bible’s message for the world today. Reading each part of this NLT study Bible is like hearing Chuck speak God’s Word directly to your heart. It will both encourage readers’ faith and draw them deeper into the study of God’s Word.”
NLT Thinline Reference Holy Bible (Red Letter, Brushed Pink)
Author/Publisher: Tyndale
Material: Imitation leather
Key Features:
- Words of Jesus in red
- Thousands of cross-references
- Tyndale verse finder
From the publisher: “The new Tyndale classic NLT Thinline Reference Bible, Filament-Enabled Edition has readable text, an attractive layout, and cross-references in a thin, easy-to-carry size. And while it has the same low price as basic text-only Bibles, the NLT Thinline Reference offers much more. It not only features a bold new design and the trusted and much-loved New Living Translation (NLT) but also includes the groundbreaking Filament Bible app. This app enables you to use your mobile phone or tablet to connect every page to a vast array of related content, including study notes, devotionals, interactive maps, informative videos, and worship music.”
NLT Boys Life Application Study Bible
Author/Publisher: Tyndale
Material: Hardcover
Key Features:
- Foundations for Your Faith sections
- Interactive journaling
From the publisher: “This study bible is a must-have foundational resource for boys. The Boys Life Application Study Bible is filled with faith and character-building features that help boys understand the Christian faith so they can boldly live knowing the who, what, when, where, and why of the Bible. They will also learn who they are in Christ and their place in God’s story. The features meet them right where they are, offering wisdom and insight that speak directly into their lives. The full-color Foundations for Your Faith sections address a number of significant topics that parents prayerfully want their sons to know and understand during these formative years.”
NLT Parallel Study Bible, TuTone
Author/Publisher: Tyndale
Material: Imitation leather
From the publisher: “Now you don’t have to choose between context and application. Expository study notes help you understand the Bible like a 1st-century believer. Number one–selling Life Application notes help you apply its truths in a 21st-century world. This Bible recognizes that Bible application is best done with a thorough knowledge of historical and literary context. The NLT Study Bible is excellent at establishing this base. The Life Application Study Bible content can then guide the reader in concrete steps toward application.”
Africa Study Bible, NLT
Author/Publisher: Oasis International
Material: Hardcover
Key Features:
- Over 2,600 notes that explain the Bible
- Touchpoints, Proverbs, and Stories for an African perspective
From the publisher: “The Africa Study Bible brings together 350 contributors from over 50 countries, providing a unique African perspective. It’s an all-in-one course in biblical content, theology, history, and culture, with special attention to the African context. Each feature was planned by African leaders to help readers grow strong in Jesus Christ by providing understanding and instruction on how to live a good and righteous life.”
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