Back in the fall of 2015, I received a brand new NIV Bible for Women published by Zondervan, in exchange for my review. I had very good intentions, but there were many interruptions and I failed to complete it in a timely manner. Things have settled down a bit, and I’m finally sharing my review.
Why a Bible for Women?
There are plenty of Bibles around in numerous translations, so why do we need a Bible specifically for women? Can’t they find what they need in any Bible?
Yes, of course we can find answers when we read most any translation of the Scriptures, but the NIV Bible for Women takes it a step further. In the Welcome section we find these words,
This Bible was designed to help you develop or strengthen a daily time with God. There are 260 devotions, which can be read Monday through Friday for an entire year. Also included are 52 Myths, one for each weekend of the year.
Devotions and Myths
The devotions are interspersed throughout the Bible near the corresponding Scripture passage. We all at one time or another deal with feelings of fear, anxiety, learning to live by faith, and many more. These issues and many others relevant to women today are addressed. Reflection questions and suggestions for prayer are included at the end of each devotion.
Consequently, having the devotions near the corresponding passages is a big plus.
After reading the Scripture, you can go right to the devotion. This will help you take more time to reflect on what you have read. By reading and praying you may find a way to apply it to your life.
The 52 Myths each show us how believing them can impact us adversely. Using stories based on true events, the authors identify these lies from the world. Then they show us how we can combat them with the truth found in Scripture.
The authors are women who often use illustrations from their own lives. You’ll find words written by Christine Caine, Michelle DeRusha, Marlena Graves, Kathy Khang, Shelly Miller, Idelette McVicker, Shauna Niequist, Tsh Oxenreider, Lysa TerKeurst, Naomi Zacharias and many more.
Other Observations
At the back of the Bible you will find a Table of Weights and Measures. There is also an index for acknowledgments and a section of short bios of the contributors. Finally there is a topical index and a lined section for notes or journaling.
The New International Version is an easy-to-read translation, so I thought it was a good choice for this devotional Bible. The print is a bit lighter than what I am used to but is adequate, especially with good lighting. The devotions were very well written and heartfelt, as were the myth sections. There is definitely something for each of us women. Reading these stories of others we remember we are not alone.
I hope you will check out the NIV Bible for Women. If you are looking for something to help you dig deeper into Scripture, you won’t be disappointed.
You will find courage and empathy as you read the words of these women and will see that the Bible does have answers for life.
I’m linking up with: #TuneInThursday, #LMMLinkup, #DanceWithJesus, #FreshMarketFriday, #TeaAndWord,
I enjoyed my Women’s Devotional Bible that is New Living Translation. I’m not using it this year, but I used it for many years. I can totally see the reason to have a Women’s Bible. I really enjoyed the Devotions in mine. Thanks for sharing your review!
Thanks for visiting, Rosanna. I’m glad you enjoyed your Women’s Devotional Bible. It’s interesting to see what others think and how the Scriptures have helped them.
Blessings to you!
Dear Gayl,
This sounds like a wonderful study Bible. I really like the NIV translation best also. I think it’s so good to read the other translations, and to get a different feel for the meaning of words, especially with a paraphrase such as The Message, but I seem to always come back to the NIV for my foundation. What a blessing to have so many women sharing their thoughts alongside God’s Word! Thanks for this good review! Blessings, love and hugs to you!
Dear Bettie,
Yes I like to read other translations, too. I haven’t read much of The Message but we do have a copy now, so I plan to read more.
Thanks so much for visiting, dear friend. Blessings, love and hugs right back to you! xo
This sounds really neat, Gayl – thanks so much for sharing at #TeaAndWord!
Thanks for visiting, Meghan! I hope you have a great week.
Blessings to you!