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 Catholic 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 Catholic study Bibles with a 4-star or better rating and a minimum of 100 reviews. Titles are organized by the total number of reviews at the time of our publication.
The Best Catholic Study Bibles
Ignatius Catholic Study Bible: New Testament
Author/Publisher: Curtis Mitch
Material: Hardcover
Key Features:
- Extensive study notes
- Topical essays and word studies
- Commentaries
- New Testament book outlines and introductions
From the publisher: “The only Catholic Study Bible based on the Revised Standard Version 2nd Catholic Edition, the Ignatius Catholic Study Bible New Testament brings together all of the books of the New Testament and the penetrating study tools developed by renowned Bible teachers Dr. Scott Hahn and Curtis Mitch. This volume presents the written Word of God in a highly readable, accurate translation, excellent for personal and group study. Extensive study notes, topical essays and word studies provide fresh and faithful insights informed by time-tested, authentically Catholic interpretations from the Fathers of the Church and other scholars.”
The Catholic Study Bible
Author/Publisher: Donald Senior
Material: Hardcover
Key Features:
- 15-page glossary of special terms
- Complete Sunday and weekday lectionary readings
- Full-color Oxford Bible maps
From the publisher: “This landmark resource, the first fully based on the authoritative NABRE translation, contains the trustworthy study notes, expanded essays, and informational sidebars which have guided and informed students and general readers for 25 years. In this new edition, which comes in a protective slipcase, one third of the Reading Guide materials are new, and all of the other Guides have been reviewed and revised by their original authors.”
Little Rock Catholic Study Bible
Author/Publisher: Catherine Upchurch
Material: Hardcover
Key Features:
- Expanded essays
- Articles and graphics
- Key symbols for identifying important information
- Colorful maps, timelines, and photographs
From the publisher: “Open the Little Rock Catholic Study Bible and feel at home with the Word of God. Through accessibly written information and engaging visuals that highlight and clarify significant areas of Scripture, readers will easily gain an understanding of these ancient texts that can be carried into today’s world. Using the authorized translation in the New American Bible Revised Edition, this lasting volume is ideal for both personal use and group Bible study.”
Catholic Scripture Study Bible: RSV-CE Large Print Edition
Author/Publisher: Gail Buckley
Material: Imitation leather
Key Features:
- 76 full-color inserts
- Biblical apologetics by Jim Burnham of San Juan Seminars
- Topical index with more than 130 topics
- 1,100 Biblical references
From the publisher: “The Official Catholic Scripture Study International Bible! Gail Buckley founded Catholic Scripture Study International after converting to Catholicism in 1994. The CSSI Program provides any individual, parish or group an inspiring and in-depth Bible study that is completely faithful to the Magisterial teachings of the Catholic Church.”
The Book of Genesis: Ignatius Catholic Study Bible
Author/Publisher: Scott Hahn
Material: Paperback
Key Features:
- Ample notes on each page
- Interpretations from the Fathers of the Church
- Topical essays
- Word studies and charts
From the publisher: “Based on the Revised Standard Version – Second Catholic Edition, this 14th volume in the popular Bible study series leads readers through a penetrating study of the Book of Genesis using the biblical text itself and the Church’s own guidelines for understanding the Bible. Ample notes accompany each page, providing fresh insights and commentary by renowned Bible scholars Scott Hahn and Curtis Mitch, as well as time-tested interpretations from the Fathers of the Church.”
Catholic Bible, Personal Study Edition
Author/Publisher: Oxford University Press
Material: Hardcover
Key Features:
- Callouts on the Biblical text
- Reading Guide
- Section introductions
- Introductory essays on a variety of titles
From the publisher: “The Personal Study Edition, now available in the NABRE translation, is ideal for beginners, whether it’s used within the context of the Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults or other such parish-based scripture education programs. It provides a wealth of background information in a single volume that informs readers without overwhelming them.”
Saved: A Bible Study Guide for Catholics
Author/Publisher: Father Mitch Pacwa
Material: Paperback
From the publisher: “In this Bible study, Fr. Mitch Pacwa guides us through Catholic teaching on salvation, as found in Scripture. With his characteristic wisdom, he tackles tough topics and questions, including grace and free will, repentance and faith, the role of the sacraments, and the necessity of good works.”
The Gospel According to Matthew: Ignatius Catholic Study Bible
Author/Publisher: Scott Hahn
Material: Paperback
Key Features:
- Topical essays that explore major themes
- Word studies that explain the background to important Bible terms
- At-a-glance charts
From the publisher: “Based on the Revised Standard Version-Catholic Edition, this volume leads readers through a penetrating study of the Gospel of Matthew, using the biblical text itself and the Church’s own guidelines for understanding the Bible. Ample notes accompany each page, providing fresh insights and commentary by renowned Bible teachers Scott Hahn and Curtis Mitch, as well as time-tested interpretations from the Fathers of the Church. These helpful study notes make explicit what St. Matthew often assumes.”
Exodus: Ignatius Catholic Study Bible
Author/Publisher: Scott Hahn
Material: Paperback
Key Features:
- Topical essays that explore major themes
- Word studies that explain the background to important Bible terms
- At-a-glance charts
From the publisher: “Large format, featuring large text size and additional margin space for personal annotations! The larger format enhances both individual and group study. Based on the Revised Standard Version – Second Catholic Edition, this volume leads readers through a penetrating study of the Book of Exodus using the biblical text itself and the Church’s own guidelines for understanding the Bible.”
The Acts of the Apostles: Ignatius Catholic Study Bible
Author/Publisher: Scott Hahn
Material: Paperback
Key Features:
- Topical essays that explore major themes
- Word studies that explain the background to important Bible terms
- At-a-glance charts
From the publisher: “Based on the Revised Standard Version–Catholic Edition, this volume leads readers through a penetrating study of the Acts of the Apostles, using the biblical text itself and the Church’s own guidelines for understanding the Bible. Ample notes accompany each page, providing fresh insights and commentary by renowned Bible teachers Scott Hahn and Curtis Mitch, as well as timetested interpretations from the Fathers of the Church.”
Daniel: Ignatius Catholic Study Bible
Author/Publisher: Scott Hahn
Material: Paperback
Key Features:
- Topical essays that explore major themes
- Word studies that explain the background to important Bible terms
- At-a-glance charts
From the publisher: “The 16th volume in the popular Bible study series leads readers through a penetrating study of the Book of Daniel using the biblical text itself and the Church’s own guidelines for understanding the Bible. Ample notes accompany each page, providing fresh insights by renowned Bible teachers Scott Hahn and Curtis Mitch, as well as time-tested interpretations from the Fathers of the Church.”
Ignatius Catholic Study Bible: Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and Song of Solomon
Author/Publisher: Scott Hahn
Material: Paperback
Key Features:
- Topical essays that explore major themes
- Word studies that explain the background to important Bible terms
- At-a-glance charts
From the publisher: “Based on the Revised Standard Version — Second Catholic Edition, this 15th volume in the popular Bible study series leads readers through a penetrating study of the Books of Proverbs, Ecclesiastes and Song of Solomon using the biblical text itself and the Church’s own guidelines for understanding the Bible. Ample notes accompany each page, providing fresh insights and commentary by renowned Bible teachers Scott Hahn and Curtis Mitch, as well as time-tested interpretations from the Fathers of the Church.”
The Gospel of Luke: Ignatius Catholic Study Bible
Author/Publisher: Scott Hahn
Material: Hardcover
Key Features:
- Topical essays that explore major themes
- Word studies that explain the background to important Bible terms
- At-a-glance charts
From the publisher: “Based on the Revised Standard Version – Catholic Edition, this volume leads readers through a penetrating study of the Gospel of Luke, using the biblical text itself and the Church’s own guidelines for understanding the Bible. Ample notes accompany each page, providing fresh insights and commentary by renowned Bible teachers Scott Hahn and Curtis Mitch, as well as time-tested interpretations from the Fathers of the Church.”
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