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In a hurry? The Hosanna Revival NLT Notetaking Bible is our most popular journalling Bible for good reason. See it here →
A journalling Bible is a Bible with space built in for writing.
That space might be a wide margin running down each page. It might be blank pages interleaved opposite the text. Or it might be printed lines next to the Scripture, as in the Hosanna Revival notetaking range.
The format has become one of the most popular in Bible publishing. And it's easy to see why. Many readers want to do more than read their Bible. They want to respond to it.
This guide explains the main types, helps you work out which suits how you read, and points you to the best editions we stock.
Not sure where to start? Our Bible Finder tool asks a few simple questions and points you straight to the right Bible.
The three main types
Wide-margin Bibles
These are the most traditional format. The biblical text sits in a narrower column. A generous margin, typically an inch or more, runs alongside it.
You write in that margin as you go. A cross-reference. A prayer response. A question to come back to.
Wide-margin Bibles suit readers who journal in short bursts rather than at length. They also look and handle like a standard Bible, which many people prefer.
The ESV Wide Margin Reference Bible is one of the most respected editions in this format. It's available in top-grain leather and goatskin leather, and it's built to last.
Interleaved Bibles
These go further. A full blank page is bound opposite each page of biblical text. You get as much space for writing as there is Scripture.
It's a different experience entirely. Almost like keeping a journal and a Bible as a single bound object.
Interleaved Bibles tend to be heavier. They're better suited to a desk than a bag. The ESV Journalling Bible (Interleaved Edition) in natural leather is a fine example. The paper handles ink well, and the binding is built for regular, serious use.
Notetaking Bibles
This is the format that has grown fastest in recent years. Instead of blank space, these editions provide printed lines, either in wide margins or on facing pages.
Notetaking Bibles are lighter and more portable. They're easier to bring to church or a Bible study group.
Hosanna Revival's NLT Notetaking Bible range is the standout here. Available in a range of beautifully made cloth-over-board covers, including the Adelaide, Coram, Shiloh, Versailles, and Marlo themes, they've become hugely popular. They also make a thoughtful gift.
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Browse our full range of journalling Bibles
Which translation should you choose?
Most major translations have at least one journalling edition now. You're unlikely to have to compromise on the version you use.
That said, a few pairings are worth knowing about. You can read all about them, or check out our comparison table below:
ESV has the widest selection of journalling and wide-margin editions. The ESV Single Column Journalling Bible is a particularly clean format. One column of text per page gives the layout a more open, generous feel.
NIV is the translation most widely used in UK churches. This makes the NIV a solid choice. It's available in hardcover and leathersoft, with red-letter text. There's also an NIV edition designed specifically for verse mapping, with extra-wide margins and dedicated verse-mapping pages.
NLT pairs well with the Hosanna Revival notetaking format described above. If you want a Bible that's both beautiful and easy to read, the NLT notetaking range is worth a close look, particularly for devotional use.
NKJV has fewer journalling editions than the above. But the NKJV Interleaved Bible Journal Edition is well-made. It suits readers who prefer the King James tradition in modernised language.
KJV readers are well served by the KJV Loose-Leaf Bible. Pages can be removed and replaced. You can journal on individual pages away from the Bible, then return them. It suits a particular kind of journaller.
Not sure which translation is right for you? Our guide to the most popular Bible translations can help. Or use the Bible Finder for a personalised recommendation.
What to look for when you choose
Paper weight
This matters more than most people expect.
Thin Bible paper bleeds through easily. That's a problem if you're using felt-tip pens, brush pens, or highlighters. Editions designed for journalling generally use heavier, cream-toned paper.
If you plan to use pens rather than pencil, check the paper specification before you buy. Our guide to the best pens and highlighters for Bible journalling covers this in detail.
Binding
A journalling Bible gets used differently from a reading Bible. It's opened flat. Held in one hand while you write with the other. Left open on a table.
A lay-flat binding makes a real practical difference. Genuine leather and cloth-over-board covers both hold up well to regular use. Bonded leather is less durable over time.
Size and portability
Wide-margin and interleaved Bibles tend to be larger and heavier than standard editions.
If you want to carry your Bible to church, a notetaking Bible or a compact wide-margin edition may suit you better. If it's mainly for home use, size matters less.
Lined or blank margins
This comes down to preference.
Blank margins offer more freedom. Sketching, verse mapping, and longer prose all work well. Printed lines give a tidier result and suit readers who write in sentences rather than draw.
A note on creative Bible journalling
Some readers use their journalling Bible for written notes and reflections. Others take a more visual approach: watercolour, hand lettering, washi tape, and illustrated responses to passages.
If you're drawn to the creative end, the NLT Inspire Colouring and Journalling Bible is worth looking at. It includes illustrations that can be coloured alongside the text, and extra-wide margins throughout.
For those just starting out, our guide on how to start Bible journalling: 7 ideas for beginners is a good place to begin.
Not sure whether a journalling Bible is what you need? Our guide to journalling Bible vs study Bible: which is right for you? sets out the differences clearly.
Browse our full range of journalling Bibles or explore by translation: NIV · ESV · NLT · KJV · NKJV
If you aren’t sure which Bible to get, there are a few ways we can help.
- Try the Bible Finder: We’ve put together a simple way to filter down to the perfect Bible for you. Just choose a translation, pick the features you want and select a comfortable text size. You can try the Bible Finder here.
- Read more from the Blog: We are always adding new guides, insights and articles that explore ways of understanding the different Bibles available today, as well as how to make your decision. Read our Bible posts today
- Read our Book: Over the years, we’ve explored hundreds of topics and questions about knowing which Bible to get. We’ve compiled all that information into an easy-to-read eBook that is completely free to download. Download our book “How to Choose Your Bible” today.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a journalling Bible and a study Bible?
A study Bible is packed with explanatory notes, cross-references, and commentary — it's designed to help you understand the text. A journalling Bible gives you space to write your own responses, prayers, and reflections. Some editions combine both, but most are one or the other. If you're not sure which you need, our guide to [journalling Bible vs study Bible] explains the difference in full.
Which journalling Bible is best for beginners?
The Hosanna Revival NLT Notetaking Bible is a good starting point. It's lightweight, well-made, and the NLT is one of the most readable translations available. The printed lines give a gentle structure that many beginners find helpful.
Will pens bleed through a journalling Bible's pages?
It depends on the pen and the paper. Most journalling Bibles use heavier paper than standard Bible editions, but thin felt-tips and brush pens can still bleed on some. Ballpoint pens and finer-tipped pens are generally safe. Our guide to [the best pens and highlighters for Bible journalling] has more detail on this.
Can I get a journalling Bible in my preferred translation?
Most major translations now have at least one journalling edition. ESV, NIV, NLT, NKJV, KJV, and CSB all have options available. The table above shows the best edition for each translation.
What does "interleaved" mean in a Bible?
An interleaved Bible has a blank page bound opposite each page of biblical text. This gives you a full page of writing space for every page of Scripture — roughly twice the writing space of a wide-margin edition. Interleaved Bibles tend to be thicker and heavier, so they're best suited to home or desk use.
