The editors at Lord’s Library evaluate the best parallel Bibles based on popularity, ratings, and value.
Parallel Bibles enable the reader to benefit from multiple different Bible versions, all inside the cover of a single title. Parallel Bibles let you compare Scripture from multiple translations with ease for effective study, and typically align verses in a comparative layout. Many parallel Bibles include features like translation prefaces and varying column styles depending on your preferences.
With this in mind, the editors at Lord’s Library assembled this list of the best parallel 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 parallel Bibles with a 4-star or better ranking and a minimum of 250 reviews. We ranked them according to different buyer motivations like most popular, top-rated, and best value.
The Best Parallel Bibles
Most Popular: NIV, NKJV, NLT, The Message, Contemporary Parallel Bible
Parallel Comparing: NIV, NKJV, NLT, The Message
Author/Publisher: Zondervan
Material: Hardcover
Key Features:
- Complete text of each included translation
- Footnotes and subject headings for each version
- 7.7-point type size
From the publisher: “This Bible lets you benefit from the rich nuances offered by different versions of Scripture. Each two-page spread contains a complete Scripture portion from four popular Bible translations for easy comparison and study. Passages and verses from these four translations are aligned in parallel columns for easy study, making this parallel Bible a valuable resource for gaining insight into Scriptural truths and bring new meaning to your Bible study.”
Top-Rated: KJV, Amplified, Parallel Bible, Large Print, Leathersoft, Tan/Burgundy, Red Letter
Parallel Comparing: KJV, Amplified
Author/Publisher: Zondervan
Material: Imitation leather
Key Features:
- Double-column format
- Translation preferences
- 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: NIV, KJV, Parallel Bible, Large Print, Hardcover
Parallel Comparing: NIV, KJV
Author/Publisher: Zondervan
Material: Hardcover
Key Features:
- Foreward by Charles Stanley
- Double-column format
- Concordance
From the publisher: “With a special introduction from beloved pastors Charles Stanley and Andy Stanley, this NIV/KJV Parallel Bible combines the bestselling modern English Bible translation—the New International Version—alongside the treasured King James Version. This parallel Bible makes it easy to compare the two translations in one reading. This side-by-side Bible makes it easy for you to gain inspiration from the distinctive nuances of each translation. Because of its unique layout, this Bible is an excellent resource for students, pastors, and Bible readers of any age.”
NIV, KJV, NASB, Amplified, Classic Comparative Parallel Bible
Parallel Comparing: NIV, KJV, NASB, Amplified
Author/Publisher: Zondervan
Material: Hardcover
Key Features:
- Each two-page spread contains Scripture from each version
- Double-column format
- 7.7-point type
From the publisher: “When you don’t want to lose anything in the translation, the Classic Comparative Parallel Bible is a tool that lets you explore all the rich nuances of meaning in the Bible’s text without having to learn the original Biblical languages. It sets four popular versions side-by-side for you to compare and contrast: the authenticity and accessibility of the New International Version; the iconic grandeur of the King James Version; the structural insights of the New American Standard Bible; and the explanatory alternate readings of the Amplified Bible.”
KJV. Amplified, Side-by-Side Bible, Red Letter Edition
Parallel Comparing: KJV, Amplified
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.”
KJV. Amplified, Side-by-Side Bible, Red Letter Edition
Parallel Comparing: KJV, NLT
Author/Publisher: Tyndale
Material: Hardcover
Key Features:
- Side-by-side format
- Index to Bible promises
- 365-day reading plan
From the publisher: “The People’s Parallel Bible lets you read two of the most powerful translations of God’s Word in one quality Bible edition. Now you can compare the time-honored King James Version with the clear and accurate New Living Translation. Get a fuller sense of the meaning of the passage by reading both a dynamic and a more literal translation. Conveniently designed in a side-by-side format, the People’s Parallel Bible allows you to quickly read identical passages in both translations on the same page.”
NIV, NKJV, NLT, The Message, Contemporary Comparative Parallel Bible, Burgundy
Parallel Comparing: NIV, NKJV, NLT, The Message
Author/Publisher: Zondervan
Material: Bonded leather – Special Edition
Key Features:
- Footnotes and subject headings for each version
- Bonded leather cover lays flat when open
- 7.7-point type
From the publisher: “The NIV/NKJV/NLT/The Message Contemporary Comparative Parallel Bible lets you benefit from the rich nuances offered by different versions of Scripture. Each two-page spread contains a complete Scripture portion from four popular Bible translations for easy comparison and study. Passages and verses from these four translations are aligned in parallel columns for easy study, making this parallel Bible a valuable resource for gaining insight into Scriptural truths and bring new meaning to your Bible study.”
NIV, The Message, Parallel Bible, Large Print, Bonded Leather
Parallel Comparing: NIV, The Message
Author/Publisher: Zondervan
Material: Bonded leather – Special Edition
Key Features:
- Double-column format
- Ribbon marker
- Bonded leather cover lays flat when open
From the publisher: “If your translation of choice is the New International Version (NIV), and if you appreciate The Message for the freshness and insight it brings to your reading of the Bible, then you’ll love the NIV/The Message Parallel Bible. By setting these two versions together, this large print parallel Bible allows you to instantly compare the NIV, today’s most popular modern-English Bible translation, and Eugene H. Peterson’s bestselling paraphrase, The Message.”
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