The Amplified Bible was produced as a joint project between Zondervan and The Lockman Foundation. The first edition of the Amplified Bible was published in 1965, mostly as a revision of the ASV Bible of 1901. The goal of this paraphrase is to “amplify” Bible text by using additional wording alongside a system of punctuation and other typographical features that bring out a clearer meaning to the Bible.
With this in mind, the editors at Lord’s Library assembled this list of the best Amplified Bibles to consider. The one that is right for you will largely depend on your level of Bible study and the influence of your Christian church denomination. Each listing includes author and publisher information, some basic facts about the edition, and links to any alternative versions for effective comparison.
Note: We only included the best Amplified Bibles with a 4-star or better ranking and a minimum of 500 reviews. We ranked them according to different buyer motivations like most popular, top-rated, and best value. We also included a Best of the Rest section with additional titles listed below.
The Best Amplified Bibles
Most Popular: Amplified Holy Bible, Large Print, Hardcover
Author/Publisher: Zondervan
Material: Hardcover
Key Features:
- Unique system of punctuation, italics, references, and synonyms
- Ribbon marker
- 12-point type size
From the publisher: “This updated, large print edition of the Amplified Bible includes more amplification in the Old Testament and refined amplification in the New Testament. Additionally, the Bible text has been improved to read smoothly with or without amplifications, so that the text may be read either way. It’s the same feel and style of study material that you love, now with even clearer wording for deeper understanding.”
Top-Rated: KJV, Amplified, Parallel Bible, Large Print, Leathersoft, Tan/Burgundy, Red Letter
Author/Publisher: Zondervan
Material: Imitation leather
Key Features:
- Double-column format
- Translation prefaces
- Words of Jesus in red
From the publisher: “The timeless beauty of the King James Version Bible is placed next to the wealth of amplifications and alternate renderings found in the Amplified Bible (2015 version) to help you achieve greater understanding in your Bible reading. This unique parallel Bible pairs this with the timeless, classic and beloved language of the King James Version in a large print format that is easy for people of all ages to read.”
Best Value: Amplified Outreach Bible, Paperback
Author/Publisher: Zondervan
Material: Paperback
Key Features:
- Compact, portable size
- Durable, flexible softcover binding
- Double-column format
From the publisher: “This updated Amplified Bible includes more amplification in the Old Testament and refined amplification in the New Testament. Additionally, the Bible text has been improved to read smoothly with or without amplifications, so that the text may be read either way. It’s the same feel and style of study material that you love, now with even clearer wording for deeper understanding.”
Best Side-by-Side Bible: KJV, Amplified, Side-by-Side Bible, Hardcover, Red Letter Edition
Author/Publisher: Zondervan
Material: Hardcover
Key Features:
- Double-column format
- Translation prefaces
- KJV Concordance
From the publisher: “If you want to read the iconic grandeur of the King James Version Bible side-by-side with the wealth of amplifications and alternate renderings found in the Amplified® Bible, then you’ll love the KJV and Amplified Side-by-Side Bible. By setting these two versions together, this Bible allows you to instantly compare these two Bible versions. The Amplified Bible also prioritizes authenticity but, to improve accessibility, it augments the text with a wealth of explanatory alternate readings and amplifications.”
The Best Amplified Bibles – Best of the Rest
Amplified Bible
Author/Publisher: Lockman Foundation
Material: Hardcover
Key Features:
- Unique system of punctuation, italics, references, and synonyms
- Introductions and outlines for every Bible book
- Bible reading plan
From the publisher: “No working knowledge of Greek or Hebrew is required—just a desire to know more about what God says in his Word. With its unique system of brackets, parentheses, and italics, the Amplified Bible defines and expands key words and phrases right in the text. Verse by verse, the deeper meaning behind the message of Scripture unfolds as you read. This Bible features other study tools to help you to more clearly understand God’s Word.”
KJV, Amplified, Parallel Bible, Large Print, Bonded Leather, Black, Red Letter
Author/Publisher: Zondervan
Material: Leather
Key Features:
- Double-column format
- Words of Jesus in red
- Cover lays flat when open
From the publisher: “Now the updated Amplified translation is even easier to read and better than ever to study and understand. It includes more amplification in the Old Testament and refined amplification in the New Testament. Additionally, the Bible text has been improved to read smoothly with or without amplifications, so that the text may be read either way. It’s the same study material that Amplified readers love, now with even clearer wording for deeper understanding.”
KJV, Amplified, Parallel Bible, Large Print, Hardcover, Black, Red Letter
Author/Publisher: Zondervan
Material: Hardcover
Key Features:
- Double-column format
- Translation prefaces
- Words of Jesus in red
From the publisher: “Now the updated Amplified translation is even easier to read and better than ever to study and understand. It includes more amplification in the Old Testament and refined amplification in the New Testament. Additionally, the Bible text has been improved to read smoothly with or without amplifications, so that the text may be read either way. It’s the same study material that Amplified readers love, now with even clearer wording for deeper understanding.”
Amplified Holy Bible, Large Print, Bonded Leather, Burgundy
Author/Publisher: Zondervan
Material: Leather
Key Features:
- Presentation page
- Ribbon marker
- Cover lays flat when open
From the publisher: “Now the updated Amplified translation is even easier to read and better than ever to study and understand. It includes more amplification in the Old Testament and refined amplification in the New Testament. Additionally, the Bible text has been improved to read smoothly with or without amplifications, so that the text may be read either way. It’s the same study material that Amplified readers love, now with even clearer wording for deeper understanding.”
NIV, KJV, NASB, Amplified, Parallel Bible, Hardcover
Author/Publisher: Zondervan
Material: Hardcover
Key Features:
- Side-by-side format
- Double-column width
- 7.8-point type size
From the publisher: “Compare and contrast four popular Bible versions side-by-side: the authenticity and accessibility of the accurate, readable, clear New International Version; the iconic grandeur of the King James Version; the structural insights of the New American Standard Bible (1995 text); and the explanatory alternate readings of the Amplified Bible (2015 Edition). Passages and verses from these versions are aligned in parallel columns for easy comparison and study.”
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