You’ve heard many Bible stories hundreds of times, but how many behind-the-scenes details are you missing? Sometimes a little context is all you need to discover the rich meaning behind the stories of Scripture. That’s what the Cultural Backgrounds Study Bible provides.

Every page is full of expert insight into the customs, culture, and literature of Bible times. These fascinating explanations will serve to clarify your study of the Scriptures, reinforcing your confidence and bringing difficult passages of Scripture into sharp focus. Then discover new dimensions of insight to even the most familiar Bible passages as you take a behind-the-scenes tour into the ancient world.

Look Inside

Watch the video below for a quick glimpse at how Cultural Backgrounds Study Bible works in the app. This video talks specifically about the NIV version, but we also offer an NKJV version and an NRSV verison.

What’s Inside?

The Bible was originally written to an ancient people removed from us by thousands of years and thousands of miles. So, the Scriptures include subtle culturally based nuances, undertones, and references to ancient events, literature and customs. They were intuitively understood by those who first heard the Scriptures read. For us to hear the Scriptures as they did, we need a window into their world.

The Cultural Backgrounds Study Bible, with notes from Dr. John H. Walton (Wheaton College) in the Old Testament and Dr. Craig S. Keener (Asbury Theological Seminary) in the New Testament, brings to life the ancient world of Scripture for modern readers.

  • Targeted book introductions explain the context in which each book of the Bible was written
  • Insightful and informative verse-by-verse study notes reveal new dimensions of insight to even the most familiar passages
  • Key Old Testament (Hebrew) and New Testament terms are explained and expanded upon in two helpful reference features
  • Over 300 in-depth articles on key contextual topics
  • 375 full-color photos, illustrations, and images from around the world
  • Dozens of charts, maps, and diagrams in vivid color

Context Changes Everything

Next watch this video of John Walton, the Old Testament editor! Then you’ll understand the passion held by the editors for the context of the Bible.

Get It Today

Eager to learn about the cultural backgrounds of the Bible? Then get this study Bible today!

5 Comments

    • Becky Williams

      I purchased this Study Bible, but all I received was the NIV Cultural Background Study Notes and the basic NIV Bible. I feel cheated. It doesn’t look like the pdf example at all.

      • Andrew F.

        Becky,
        The .pdf that David posted is from the print version. The video in this post shows what the electronic version looks like. The content is the same but the layout is different.

  1. What is the best version between elecronic and paper.

  2. Rick Adams

    I have read and now listen to John Walton’s background about the Tower of Babel. I have no idea how one supposed learned man could put the Tower of Babel in context with temple worship. How this could possibly relate to a gathered people that is described in Genises 11 there is no context in which there is a covenant a promis or a future. There is a gathered people that is not being obedient to God in that the are not going out into the world replenishing it . Tether they are staying in one place building a city a tower of bricks. Fact check before misleading.