Are study Bibles helpful? What is a study Bible?

TL;DR:

A study Bible combines Scripture with commentary to help you understand context, theology, and application. While helpful, it should never replace the Holy Spirit’s guidance or your own careful discernment of God’s Word.

what does the bible say?

A study Bible combines Scripture with commentary to help readers understand context, theology, and practical application. While these resources can clarify difficult passages and provide helpful insights, they are not a replacement for the Holy Spirit, who guides believers in understanding God’s Word (John 14:16-17). Wisdom and discernment are crucial, as human authors—even scholars—can make errors or introduce personal biases (Proverbs 3:5-6). The Bereans provide a biblical example of verifying teaching against Scripture, reminding us to test study Bible notes carefully (Acts 17:10-12). Study Bibles should supplement personal Bible study, not dominate or replace it, and notes must always be weighed against the truth of Scripture. Some study Bibles target specific audiences, but the most reliable are produced by teams of orthodox scholars to minimize individual bias. Ultimately, a study Bible is a helpful tool for deeper study, but true understanding comes from prayerful reliance on the Holy Spirit and disciplined engagement with God’s Word.

from the old testament

We must apply biblical wisdom when discerning the content of study Bibles (Proverbs 3:21-22). Commentary should be based on biblical fact.
Proverbs 3:5-6 says, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.” We must trust in what God says, not what the author of our study Bible says or what we want a passage to mean.

from the new testament

Whether reading a regular Bible or a study Bible, if we have put our faith in Jesus Christ as Savior, the Holy Spirit is active and with us (John 14:16-17). He can unfold the Word of God in ways no human author can. We should not be distracted from our relationship with God by the notes and commentary in a study Bible.
When Paul and Silas preached to the Bereans, they thoroughly examined the Scriptures to verify what Paul and Silas were saying was true. We can take this same approach when using a study Bible (Acts 17:10-12).
We should carefully exegete the Scriptures within their original context. Second Timothy 2:15 says: “Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth.” A study Bible should aid in this pursuit, not distract from it.

implications for today

Study Bibles can help unfold context, offer insight, or explain theology. However, introducing a person's thoughts or "take" on Holy Scripture can also be dangerous. Notes in a study Bible are not inspired and should be examined against the veracity of Scripture just as any other material. It can become easy to rely heavily on the study notes to the exclusion of learning how to study the Bible for oneself. Without proper discernment and diligence, we may find ourselves following the study Bible's notes rather than seeking God through prayer and relying on the Holy Spirit.

Some study Bibles are tailored to certain groups, such as study Bibles for women or study Bibles for teens. Be careful about such resources. But the Bible was for all people at all times. Generally speaking, the most reliable study Bibles are those produced by a team of orthodox scholars because teams can dilute the personal bent of individual theologians. Whether we use study Bibles or not, our aim should be to properly exegete Scripture within its original context.

understand

Study Bibles are Bibles with theological commentary.
Study Bibles can help readers better understand Scripture.
A study Bible is not a substitute for biblical discernment, which relies on the Holy Spirit’s guidance.

reflect

What study Bibles or other extra-biblical resources have enhanced your study of Scripture?
When using a study Bible, how can you ensure that you continue to practice appropriate biblical discernment?
How do you go about choosing a study Bible? What do you look for?

engage

How can we discern whether a study Bible’s commentary aligns with the truth of Scripture without relying solely on the notes?
How might study Bibles that target specific audiences unintentionally shape or limit our understanding of God’s Word?
How can we use study Bibles for discipleship while keeping the focus on the Holy Spirit’s guidance rather than human interpretation?