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In the margins of my old high-school notebooks are doodles of all kinds - most of which got me into trouble as they were neither French verbs nor diagrams of oxbow lakes. Now, however, doodling in the margins of books (well, Bibles) is actively encouraged thanks to Bible journaling.
But what is a Journaling Bible?
Halfway between a journal and a Bible, Journaling Bibles feature wide margin spaces for writing, illustrating and note-taking. They will also often feature thicker paper and illustrations to colour in as well. This new vein of the Bible encourages readers to be inspired, be creative, and to read its pages in their own unique way.
For anyone curious about creative Bible reading, or destined to be a doodler, here are our top picks of the Journaling Bibles available today.
1. NLT Inspire Colouring Bible
Halfway between a Bible and an Adult Colouring Book, this is a journaling Bible for anyone who wants to relax into God’s word. With intricate line images to fill in, as well as wide margins for notes and drawings, this is the ideal gift for anyone with an artistic eye. There is also a new range of Inspire Bibles that celebrate the inspiration of the Psalms and come in a luscious purple binding.
2. Hosanna Revival NLT Notetaking Bible: Marlo Theme
Taking beautiful Bibles to the next level, any of Hosanna Revival's gorgeous Notetaking Bibles could have made this list. For sheer popularity and style, the NLT Marlo edition has proved to be the flagship journaling Bible for Hosanna Revival.
3. NIV I Am So Many Things Journaling Bible
With illustrations by Thea Muir, this Journaling Bible in the NIV text is an ideal and encouraging all-family Bible. It has the space to explore the Bible together and a selection of unique images from Thea Muir that help you see stories from the Bible in a vibrant new way.
4. ESV Single Column Journaling Bible
Sometimes there just isn’t enough space to jot down everything you find in the Bible. Some verses contain another Bible’s worth of depth alone. Giving readers as much space as possible, this Single Column Bible is all about making room for you. Its super-wide margins allow you to write to your heart's content.
4. ESV Illuminated Bible, Art Journaling Edition
A premium Journaling Bible, the Illuminated ESV includes over 500 hand-lettered illustrations in gold ink, as well as a generous space for notes and designs of your own. Ideal for anyone with fine artistic sensibilities and an eye for the beauty of God’s word
See the beauty of the Bible anew with the NIV Beautiful Bible that uses stunning illustrations to enrich your time in God's word. Bringing in elegant hand-designed images to complement the translation, this edition strives for beauty on every page.
6. NIV Journalling Bible Illustrated by Hannah Dunnett
Sometimes it takes a spark to ignite a fire of imagination, and the images in this NIV Journaling Bible are just that spark. Created by artist Hannah Dunnett, the bright and exciting images in this Bible invite you to push out in Bible-inspired creativity. A new edition is available now.
A whole new way to do Bible journaling. The verse-mapping Bible gives you the space to examine closer than ever before the verses of God’s word. With this, you can break apart a single verse to see all the many truths, references, links, and depths contained within. Like having the key to a treasure chest, this new way of journaling helps you focus in one place, and find things you never knew you could before. The perfect way to read the Bible with depth and thoughtfulness.
Ready to get going on Bible journaling? There are great resources available to help you dive into creative Bible reading - from high-quality colouring pencils by Veritas, to stickers tailor-made for placing in your Bible. There is also a guide to expressing yourself through Bible journaling, Art of Bible Journaling.
Or check out our guide to Bible Journaling Supplies that will help you flourish.