Without consultation, plans are frustrated,
But with many counselors they succeed. Proverbs 6:22
Typically, I prefer a purer reading experience, such as a basic reference edition with fewer distractions, and as a result, I’ve never been a fan of Study Bibles. I always found the additional study aids more of a hindrance than a benefit. However, there are times when I need more context to understand specific passages. This is where a good study Bible becomes a much-needed resource, and the Life Application Study Bible (LASB) fills that need better than most.
There are over 10,000 Application notes. The notes help make scripture more relevant and assist you in applying scripture to your daily life. Approximately 75% of the notes are application leaning, with the remaining being various explanatory notes.
Example note types: from the book of Mark: Left – Application/ Right – Explanatory.
Study Features
The LASB uses several formats to make the message and historical setting of Scripture accessible to modern readers.
Book introductions for every book. The book introductions are divided into different forms, such as Timeline, Vital Statistics, Overview, Blueprint, Megathemes, and Map.
The Timeline establishes dates and historical context; Vital Statistics summarizes essential facts; the Overview presents the book’s content; the Blueprint outlines its structure; Megathemes identifies its central themes; and the Map highlights important locations.
Book Outlines are listed before each book. The outline has three levels of headings marked by letters and numbers and appears as additional section headings throughout the text.
Over 100 key Character Profiles are located throughout the text, highlighting key people, noting their strengths and weaknesses, and other facts.
More than 500 Intext maps and charts. Maps and charts are located in the introductions and are placed near relevant portions of scripture to aid in comprehension by giving you a visual of the locations. Basically, the Life Application Study Bible includes a built-in Bible Atlas. In addition, there are approximately 16 full colored maps located at the back.
Cross References are placed inside the inner margins and located close to relevant verses. Textual Notes for the NLT are located at the bottom of the text; however, the only notes in the KJV are archaic word definitions, which appear rather extensive. For instance, I counted approximately 95 word definitions in the book of Galatians.
Section Headings: are printed in a darker font in italics, which identify the subject of passages throughout the text. The numbers accompanying the headings in the Gospels are coded to a list of the Harmony of the Gospels. Also included is a Harmony for the books of Kings and Chronicles.
Master Bible Index and Dictionary Concordance. The Index in the back allows you to locate pertinent information throughout this edition by giving verse numbers and page locations. The Dictionary Concordance defines words and gives verse locations.
Construction and Layout
Both the hardcover and softcover editions lie reasonably flat near the front and back. The single-column, paragraph-style biblical text is paired with cross-references in the inner margin, while the generously sized outer margins keep the page from feeling crowded. Study notes are arranged in two columns below the main text. The biblical text is listed at 8.5 points; the notes and references appear to be approximately 5–6 points.
Color and Printing
This is primarily a two-color edition, although three colors when the red words of Christ are included. Black is used for the biblical text, with green accents in the NLT and blue accents in the KJV. Lighter accent shades distinguish diagrams, charts, and other boxed material, while darker shades emphasize numbers, headings, and selected text. The subtle palette adds visual interest without becoming distracting. The printing is dark and consistent in both editions. In the KJV edition, the red-letter text appears redder than pink.
Dimensions of the softcover: Textblock: 9 1/8” x 6.5” x 1-13/16”, Outside: 9.5” x 6 ¾” x 2”.
Paper, Print Size, and Durability
The paper, printing, and construction are comparable to those of most study Bibles, but the Application Study System and page design distinguish this edition. The third edition has a sewn text block that feels durable and comfortable in the hand. Although I like the paper’s appearance and texture, the small type and limited opacity are my chief concerns.
Heavier, more opaque paper with better line matching could reduce show-through, and using a brighter white paper might improve contrast. In addition, Tyndale could refine the typeface, much as Thomas Nelson and Zondervan have done with their Comfort Print designs. For comparison, the LASB uses an 8.5-point font, while Thomas Nelson’s Comfort Print is 9 points.
Personally, I would prefer larger type for easier reading. Although Tyndale offers large-print editions, I find them too thick for convenient carrying.
Front Matter and Back Matter
Front matter: Presentation page; Family tree; Personal Memories; Title and Copyright pages; Contents; Books of the Bible; Note to Readers; NLT or KJV Translation Introduction; NLT Bible Translation Team; Contributors; “Why the Life Application Study Bible Is Unique”; and an overview of the LASB’s features.
Back matter: Table of weights, measures, and coins; Christian worker’s resource; 365-day reading plan; Master Index; indexes to charts, maps, and character profiles; Dictionary Concordance; and Bible maps.
The softcover uses imitation leather with vinyl liners and end sheets. Its appearance resembles genuine leather and compares favorably with similar editions, although it does not feel like real leather. The hardcover includes attractive decorative paper liners. The softcover has only one thin ribbon marker, while the hardcover has none.
Conclusion
The Life Application Study Bible is probably my favorite study edition. If I could own only one study Bible, this would likely be my choice. It offers a useful range of material, and the notes strike an effective balance between practical application and explanation. The LASB provides a structured overview of Scripture that can benefit both seasoned readers and those beginning to explore the Bible. This edition serves as an invaluable resource for learning and applying biblical principles. In summary, owning the LASB is equivalent to having access to a team of Biblical counsellors.
The Life Application Study Bible contains the Old and New Testaments, and it’s available in multiple translations: NLT, KJV, NIV, and NKJV (Large Print). It can be purchased here:
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