The Four Best Lutheran Study Bibles to Consider for 2024

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The editors at Lord’s Library have compiled a short list of the best Lutheran Study Bible versions to consider.

Study Bibles are special editions of the Bible written specifically for students of the Bible. Study Bibles provide scholarly information designed to give the reader context and a more complete understanding of God’s Word. Scholarly information can come in several forms, from annotations that explain complex passages, articles and biographies of key characters, illustrations and other visuals, and more.

With this in mind, the editors at Lord’s Library have compiled this list of the best Lutheran study Bibles to consider. The one that is right for you will largely depend upon which features are most important. Each listing includes author and publisher information, some basic facts about the version, and links to any alternative versions that may be available.

Note: We only included the best Lutheran study Bibles with a 4-star or better rating and a minimum of 100 reviews. Titles are organized by popularity (the total number of reviews) at the time of our publication.

The Gospel

The Best Lutheran Study Bibles


Luther’s Small Catechism with Explanation

Author/Publisher: Martin Luther

Material: Hardcover

Key Features:

  • Six Chief Parts of Christian Doctrine
  • Narrative and reflective elements
  • Explanations section

From the publisher: “Students of Lutheran theology look to Luther’s Small Catechism for a concise presentation of the Six Chief Parts of Christian Doctrine written by Luther, and an explanation of Luther’s Small Catechism for further clarification and study. The new narrative and reflective elements of the explanation section will appeal to those who want to learn more about Lutheran doctrine.”


The Lutheran Study Bible

Author/Publisher: Concordia Publishing House

Material: Hardcover

Key Features:

  • Luther’s Small Catechism
  • One-year and three-year lectionaries
  • Articles and introductions to Biblical books and topics

From the publisher: “The Lutheran Study Bible is the first Bible in English to be developed with notes that are distinctively Lutheran. Notes were prepared by theologians and pastors from more than 20 Lutheran church bodies. Current scholarship, insights from Church Fathers, and rich devotional commentary help both new and mature Christians learn about God’s Word.”


Lutheran Study Bible-NRSV

Author/Publisher: Karoline M. Lewis

Material: Hardcover

Key Features:

  • NRSV translations, introductions, notes, and articles by  theologians
  • Unique Lutheran insights

From the publisher: “This exciting new Bible features the NRSV translation as well as introductions, notes, and articles written by over sixty Lutheran pastors and teaching theologians. This resource is designed to invite readers to experience the Bible and its message through solid background material, unique Lutheran insights, and opportunities for faith reflection. Reader-friendly, inviting, and engaging, this is the perfect study Bible for youth and adults.”


The Lutheran Study Bible – Compact

Author/Publisher: Concordia Publishing House

Material: Paperback

Key Features:

  • Portable size
  • More than 26,500 study and application notes
  • More than 90,000 cross references to Bible passages

From the publisher: “The world’s most popular and widely used Lutheran Study Bible! Engage in devotional, Christ-centered Bible reading and study with the distinctive, comprehensive notes and practical application of The Lutheran Study Bible.”


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Timothy Andrew

Timothy Andrew

Tim is the Founder of Lord's Library. He believes the Bible commands us to minister "as of the ability which God giveth" (1 Peter 4:11). Tim aspires to be as The Lord's mouth by "taking forth the precious from the vile" (Jeremiah 15:19) and witnessing The Gospel of Jesus Christ (1 Corinthians 15: 1-4) to the whole world.

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