Bibles are very personal items. And, there is no one-size-fits-all. I’m so thankful that there are dozens of Bible options so that everyone has the opportunity to find the right one for herself.
We received these books for free as a member of the Bible Gateway Blogger Grid. #BibleGatewayPartner
First, this Bible is beautiful. My daughter’s and my favorite colors are blue and purple, so this couldn’t have been any better.
Since I became an adult and began purchasing my own Bibles, I’ve always used the New International Version (or NIV).
The New International Version (NIV) is the most widely read Bible translation in contemporary English. From the very start, the NIV sought to bring modern Bible readers as close as possible to the experience of the very first Bible readers: providing the best possible blend of transparency to the original documents and comprehension of the original meaning in every verse.
And, the accurate, readable, and clear New International Version (NIV) text makes the Bible accessible and easy to read for kids.
When I received the package, I showed it to my daughter and sat down with her to go through it. She was both surprised and excited to hear that this beautiful book was hers, that she could write in it, that she could draw in it, and that it was designed to make it easy for her to do her own Bible study.
It was a bonus that we have the same Bible, so we can still study and discuss together. This will give my daughter and me something to do together. We’ve never had the same Bible or the ability to work through Bible verses using the same tool.
The colors, fonts, and layout are beautiful! This makes all the difference. We will never have the chance to think that reading and studying this classic book will be boring.
Now, let me tell you what we think of these Bibles.
First, I’d like to mention that I always purchase a Bible specially designed for women. Why? Because I feel it better fits me and others agree!
What obstacles do women face in reading the Bible?
What is Bible verse mapping?
Verse-mapping is a method of studying the historical context, transliteration, translation, connotation, and theological framework of a verse in the bible. (Source)
I remember participating in a Bible study with my former pastor’s wife. She showed us how to really dig deep into Bible study, focusing on one book, then one verse, then just individual words. I really enjoyed that and have gotten away from it. That’s why these products came right on time!
About the Bible Verse Mapping Bible
In the NIV Verse Mapping Bible, author Kristy Cambron expands her verse mapping curriculum series to include verses from the entire Bible, showing you how to compare Bible translations, pick out meaningful words, and delve into the true meaning of each verse using starter verse maps and prompts. Verse mapping will help you study the historical context, transliteration, translation, connotation, and theological framework of a verse. This unique study technique includes exploring Hebrew and Greek word studies, finding connections in Scripture, comparing Bible translations, and learning as much as you can from your time in God’s Word.
Verse mapping involves five steps:
- Choose: Select a verse and write it out.
- Compare: Record this verse in two or three other Bible translations and underline important words that are the same or different between translations.
- Research: Look up the Hebrew or Greek meaning for the underlined words and record it.
- Consider: Ask questions of the verse. Imagine what it would be like to have experienced what’s happening. Read the verses surrounding this verse and use other study tools to dig even deeper, if you prefer.
- Apply: What is God saying to you? How does this verse relate to your life today?
I’m a very process-oriented thinker (and my daughter is, too!), so having this all laid out is super helpful. And, it’s a bonus to have this dedicated journal to accompany my study.
NIV Verse Mapping Bible Features:
- Full text of the New International Version (NIV) Bible
- Guided instructions on how verse mapping works, how to start, and how to get the most from mapping
- 350 partially completed verse maps with pre-selected verses in multiple Bible translations and helpful Hebrew or Greek word studies
- Includes directions on how to use the Reverse Interlinear feature on BibleGateway.com to research the Greek and Hebrew translations for these 350 verses for free
- More than 70 blank verse maps for inductive Bible study journey
- 66 book introductions
- Topical index
- Satin ribbon marker
- Cloth over board cover lays flat when open (this makes it easy to stay focused while studying, so the book doesn’t close on its own!)
About the Bible Verse Mapping Bible Journal
I’m a lifelong learner. One of the reasons I love physical books, especially self-help or spiritual ones is that I get to interact with the text. I can circle words that stand out to me, take notes, and highlight. With the journal, I can expand on that.
The Verse Mapping Journal opens the door to a brand new way to study and read Scripture on your own, following your own inspired study path.
The journal includes instruction, 50 blank maps (that’s enough to do an in-depth study nearly every week), suggested verses to map with Topical Map Journeys, and a Destination Tracking chart to see where your maps have taken you and the revelations Scripture has provided over the course of your journaling expedition, the Verse Mapping Journal offers both biblical study technique and the freedom to hear from the Holy Spirit in your study time like no other Bible study tool available.
Why do girls need their own version of the Bible?
I “grew up in the church” and have fond memories of attending church with both of my grandmothers, then with my mom. In the ’80s and early ’90s, there weren’t a lot of accommodations to make church fun for kids. There wasn’t a children’s church at any of the churches I attended. And, my first Bible was the King James version. This was not much fun to read (to me)!
Fast forward 24 years, when I became a parent and thankfully there were intentional experiences designed for kids. So, it only makes sense there would be Bibles specifically designed for kids and for girls (or boys).
Having tools designed for your needs makes learning scripture easier and way more fun.
About the NIV Verse Mapping Bible for Girls
At the time this post was published, my daughter is 11.
A wonderful way for parents and daughters to dig deeper into God’s Word together, the NIV Verse Mapping Bible and NIV Verse Mapping Bible for Girls give readers the Bible study tools they need to better understand Scripture. Girls will find verse maps partially completed with a preselected verse in multiple Bible translations to help them begin their Bible study journey.
Verse mapping involves five steps:
- Choose: Pick a verse and write it out.
- Compare: Record this verse from two or three other Bible translations and underline important words which are the same or different between translations.
- Research: Look up the Hebrew or Greek meaning for the underlined words and record it.
- Consider: Use the senses to uncover new meaning in the verse: What would it look, feel, smell, taste, or sound like to have experienced what’s happening? Read the verses surrounding this verse. Use other study tools to dig even deeper, if you prefer.
- Apply: What is God saying to you? How can you apply this verse to your life today?
Features:
- Full text of the accurate, readable, and clear New International Version (NIV)
- Guided instructions on how verse mapping works, how to start, and how to get the most from mapping
- Matching verse maps in the girl’s and adult’s Verse Mapping Bibles
- 350 partially completed verse maps with preselected verses in multiple Bible translations and helpful Hebrew or Greek word studies
- Free directions and study tools on BibleGateway.com
- 70 blank verse maps for girls to try it on their own
- 66 book introductions
- Presentation page
- Topical index
- Beautiful interior pages
Our favorite features of the Verse Mapping Bible
Thinking back to my first experience with Bible verse mapping, I’m happy to report that this Bible’s design lays out a very easy framework for even a girl to study this way.
The framework includes prompts and space to fill in the following:
- Verse
- Design
- Develop
- Actions
- Outcome
At the beginning of each book, there’s an introduction and summary. This includes:
- author
- date written
- where the events take place
- themes
- introduction to the book
When I initially showed my daughter her new Bible, I pointed out that if she ever has trouble finding a book, that there’s an alphabetical index at the beginning of the Bible for her to use.
The framework includes prompts and space to fill in the following:
- Verse – Select and write your verse(s) to map.
- Design – Write your verse(s) in 2-4 different translations. Pick out important words or phrases that stand out.
- Develop – Look up important words or phrases in Hebrew/Greek. Write down definitions, synonyms, and root words. Discover and note underlying meaning in verse(s).
- Actions – Research and document what tells the story in this verse(s) through the people, places, and context referenced. Draw connections to other concepts in Scripture.
- Outcome – Document what you’ve learned in a 1-2 sentence summary of the mapping journey, making it the anchor to life application.
Here’s where you can find the Verse Mapping Bible for yourself or an important young lady in your life along with the journal:
- NIV Verse Mapping Bible: Find Connections in Scripture Using a Unique 5-Step Process
- NIV Verse Mapping Bible for Girls
- Verse Mapping Bible Study Journal
Related Posts:
- 3 Things You Should Know About Bible Study
- The benefits of joining a Community-Driven Church
- 3 Ways to Strengthen Family Relationships
We received these books for free as a member of the Bible Gateway Blogger Grid. #BibleGatewayPartner
