Trustpilot
We have all been there. The clock strikes midnight on New Year’s Eve, and we make a silent promise: "This is the year I’m going to read my Bible more."
It is a noble ambition. But often, by the middle of February, that enthusiasm begins to fade.
Why?
Usually, it isn’t a lack of discipline; it’s a lack of direction.
At Eden, we have found that reading becomes a joy rather than a chore when you read with a specific desire in mind. Instead of just asking, "How much should I read?", try asking, "What do I want to get from the Bible in 2026?"
When you align your Bible with your goal, you are far more likely to stick with it. Whether you are looking for inspiration, deep understanding, or a moment of calm, there is a specific edition designed to help you get there.
In short:
How to Choose the Right Bible for Your 2026 Goals
To succeed in your Bible reading for 2026, match your Bible edition to your primary spiritual goal. If you want inspiration, choose a Journaling Bible for creative reflection. To understand deep theology, select a Study Bible with commentary. For personal connection, a Life Application Bible offers practical advice. If you need to slow down, a Large Print Bible reduces eye strain and improves focus. Finally, to complete the whole text, a One-Year or Devotional Bible provides a structured daily plan.
1. "I Want to Be Inspired by the Bible"
The Aim: Creative Reflection
The Best Bible: Journaling Bibles
For many of us, reading text on a page isn't enough; we need to interact with it. If you find your mind wandering while you read, or if you feel the urge to respond to what God is saying, 2026 might be your year for a Journaling Bible.
These editions feature extra-wide margins, thick paper, and sometimes pre-drawn illustrations. They invite you to write prayers, draw, or make notes right next to the verses that speak to you. It turns passive reading into an active conversation with God.
2. "I Want to Understand the Bible"
The Aim: Deeper Knowledge
The Best Bible: Study Bibles
Perhaps you read the Bible and often think, "I know what this says, but what does it actually mean?"
If your goal for 2026 is to grasp the history, context, and deeper theology of scripture, you need a Study Bible. Think of it as having a theologian sitting next to you as you read. These Bibles are packed with footnotes, maps, character profiles, and introductions that unlock the "why" and "where" behind the text.
3. "I Want to Connect with the Bible"
The Aim: Better Practical Living
The Best Bible: Life Application Bibles
It is one thing to know the history of ancient Israel; it is another to know how that applies to a Tuesday morning in Manchester.
If your desire is to bridge the gap between the ancient world and your modern life, a Life Application Bible is your best guide. These are designed specifically to answer the question, "So what?" The notes focus less on academic theology and more on practical wisdom, helping you apply biblical truth to your work, family, and relationships.
4. "I Want to Slow Down with the Bible"
The Aim: Finding Rest and Focus
The Best Bible: Large Print Bibles
In a world of scrolling screens and small fonts, our eyes (and our minds) are often tired. If you want your Bible reading to be a sanctuary, a place of rest rather than strain, consider a Large Print Bible.
This isn't just about eyesight; it’s about pacing. Larger text forces the eye to move more slowly and allows the brain to process words more gently. It creates a reading experience that feels less like studying a textbook and more like savouring a letter.
5. "I Want to Complete the Bible"
The Aim: Growing Discipline and Structure
The Best Bible: Devotional and One-Year Bibles
If your 2026 goal is the big one, reading the entire Bible from cover to cover, do not try to do it without a map.
One-Year Bibles break the text down into manageable daily portions (often mixing Old Testament, New Testament, Psalms, and Proverbs). Devotional Bibles offer short, daily readings paired with encouraging thoughts. These tools remove the decision fatigue of "what should I read today?" and keep you moving forward, one day at a time.
Still Not Sure Which Path is Yours?
Choosing the right Bible is a big decision, but you don’t have to guess. We have built a simple tool to help guide you to the perfect match.
Try the Eden Bible Finder Here
Let 2026 be the year you don't just own a Bible, but truly enjoy it.
Not sure which Bible is right for you? You can learn more in our complete, free 97-page ebook, 'How to Choose Your Bible'.
