If you buy only 1 book to begin 
studying the Bible, buy the NIV Study Bible first:

NIV Study Bible
About $40.
(at Christianbook.com):

If you don't like my first pick, run out (or click out of this web site)  and buy either of my other two favorites as your first book (at Christianbook.com):

KJV Open Bible 
Expanded Edition 
About $28. 

Life Application Bible
About $40.

About the New American Standard Bible (NASB) in Study Bible format.

 Description: NIV Study Bible -- Comprehensive study notes with understandable NIV Bible text make this your best first Study Bible.  

 

Can I Mix and Match my favorite Bible Translation and my favorite Bible Study notes?


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The New International Version (NIV) is one of the best overall modern translations, but it's the study notes of this gold mine that you need!  For King James (KJV) lovers, the KJV Open Bible Expanded Edition is the first  book for you.  All notes are written to show application to your life.  The New Living Translation is the easiest to understand translation/paraphrase.  

Buy NIV Study Bible (at Christianbook.com)

Buy KJV Open Bible 
Expanded Edition (at Christianbook.com)

Buy Life Application Bible  (at Christianbook.com)