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For the person in your life who loves to dig deep into Scripture, a Study Bible is more than just a book—it's a treasure chest. It’s a complete library of wisdom, history, and theology, all designed to illuminate the Word of God. Giving a Study Bible for Christmas is a powerful way to honour their passion and equip them for an even deeper faith journey.
But with so many incredible options available, choosing the right one can feel like a serious undertaking. How do you find the perfect match for their study style?
To help you find a gift that will be cherished and used for years to come, we’ve curated this guide to the 5 best Study Bibles. From the definitive scholarly resource to the ultimate guide for practical application, this list has the perfect edition to place under their tree this Christmas.
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The best Study Bibles to give for Christmas are the ESV Study Bible for unparalleled academic depth, the Hosanna Revival Bethany Theme Study Bible for a visual appealing gift, the NLT Life Application Study Bible for practical wisdom, the CSB Study Bible for balanced modern scholarship, and the NASB MacArthur Study Bible for detailed theological commentary.
1. The ESV Study Bible
Best for: The Ultimate Scholar
If you are buying for a pastor, a theology student, or simply someone who wants the most comprehensive resource available, the ESV Study Bible is the undisputed champion. It is a monumental work of scholarship, containing over 20,000 notes, 50 articles from leading theologians, and hundreds of charts and maps. It is less a Bible with notes and more a complete theological education in a single volume.
- Why it makes the list: For its sheer depth, academic rigour, and authority, it is widely considered the best study Bible ever created.
- Features:
- Unmatched, in-depth study notes.
- Robust articles on systematic theology and biblical ethics.
- The highly respected, literal ESV translation.
Buy the ESV Study Bible ▸
2. The Hosanna Revival Bethany Theme ESV Study Bible
Best for: Personal Engagement and Aesthetic Design
For many readers, the Bible they choose needs to be more than just a functional text—it needs to be beautiful and inviting. Hosanna Revival is known for creating stunning Bibles with custom art that encourages you to pick up the book every day. The Bethany Theme, with its blue with gold butterfly cover art and rich colours, inspires a sense of joy and personal ownership. Paired with the highly respected English Standard Version (ESV) translation, this edition perfectly blends scholarly accuracy with delightful, modern aesthetics.
Why it makes the list: It excels at making the Bible feel personal and encouraging creative engagement, turning it into a truly cherished object that you are excited to carry and use.
Features:
- Beautiful Cover Art: Unique, inviting designs that transform the Bible into a piece of art.
- High-Quality Materials: Often features premium covers, foil stamping, and thick paper.
- ESV Text: The trusted and accurate English Standard Version translation.
Make it a Complete Gift: Pair this Bible with the mathcing Bethany Journal for a beautiful and practical study set.
Buy the Hosanna Revival Bethany ESV Study Bible ▸
3. The NLT Life Application Study Bible
Best for: Practical, Everyday Faith
The single most common question readers have is, "What does this passage mean for my life today?" The NLT Life Application Study Bible is laser-focused on answering that question. Its extensive study notes are not just about historical context; they are about practical, real-world application. Paired with the warm and easy-to-read New Living Translation (NLT), this is the perfect gift for someone who wants to bridge the gap between ancient wisdom and their daily life.
- Why it makes the list: It is the bestselling study Bible in the world because it excels at making the Bible relevant and applicable.
- Features:
- Over 10,000 "Application Notes" to help you live out God's Word.
- Character profiles and timelines.
- The exceptionally readable NLT text.
Buy the NLT Life Application Study Bible ▸
4. The CSB Study Bible
Best for: The Modern, Balanced Student
The CSB Study Bible is a fantastic all-rounder that pairs the modern, highly readable Christian Standard Bible (CSB) translation with excellent, up-to-date scholarship. It features extensive study notes, articles, and word studies that are both academically solid and easy to understand. It’s a brilliant choice for someone who wants a fresh, reliable resource that sits perfectly between the academic depth of the ESV and the practical focus of the Life Application Bible.
- Why it makes the list: It’s a wonderful, fresh, and reliable resource that offers a perfect balance of scholarship and readability for today's church.
- Features:
- A clear and readable modern translation.
- High-quality study notes, word studies, and photos.
- Beautifully designed and easy to navigate.
Buy the CSB Study Bible ▸
5. The NASB MacArthur Study Bible
Best for: The In-Depth Theologian
For the reader who trusts and appreciates the deep theological teaching of Pastor John MacArthur, this is the ultimate study tool. The MacArthur Study Bible contains nearly 25,000 detailed, verse-by-verse explanatory notes written by MacArthur himself. It is paired with the New American Standard Bible (NASB), which is renowned for being the most literal English translation. This is a gift for the serious student who wants to understand the text with doctrinal precision.
- Why it makes the list: It offers a comprehensive and coherent theological framework from one of the most trusted Bible teachers of our time.
- Features:
- Thousands of detailed notes from John MacArthur.
- The highly literal NASB 2020 translation.
- An almost 200-page topical index.
Buy the NASB MacArthur Study Bible ▸
A Study Bible is a gift that keeps on giving, providing fresh insights and a deeper love for God's Word with every turn of the page. By choosing one of these trusted editions, you can give a truly meaningful and faith-building gift this Christmas.
Looking for more ideas? Explore our Ultimate Christmas Bible Gift Guide for recommendations for everyone on your list.
Still not sure which Bible is right? You can learn more in our complete, free 97-page ebook, 'How to Choose Your Bible'.
