The Ultimate Bible Study Supply Checklist

Oh, how times have changed! Back in the day when I was surrounded by stacks of Bibles and beautifully bound journals, ready to ship to their new homes, one question kept popping up from my customers: “What pens and pencils do you recommend for my new Bible and journal?” It was a common curiosity, and I loved diving into those conversations, sharing my tired and true favorite recommendations.

Now, as the world has tilted more towards digital realms, and my products have evolved to match, those questions about pens and pencils have become a rare treat. Yet, my enthusiasm for sharing the perfect Bible study supplies hasn't dimmed in the slightest. In fact, I've found that this shift has only deepened my appreciation for those tangible tools that enhance our study experiences. Even in a digital age, there's something irreplaceable about the feel of a smooth pen gliding over paper, or the perfect pencil marking up important passages.

That’s why I’m just as eager to update you on my all-time favorite Bible study supplies. These aren’t just any supplies; they're the tried and true champions of countless study sessions, the ones that have stood the test of time and technology changes.

So, whether you're a digital devotee or a lover of the tangible, I hope you'll find as much joy and value in these recommendations as I have.

Just below, you'll find individual links to each of the products mentioned. However, for your convenience, you can find and shop all of these items together on my Amazon page right here.  

1. Prismacolor Colored Pencils

First up, the Prismacolor colored pencils. Now, these are definitely not cheap, but I think they are well worth the splurge. Seriously. I can't even begin to tell you how much I love these pencils. If you’ve ever wished to add a splash of color to your study sessions, these pencils are your new best friends. They’re not just any colored pencils; they glide on the page like butter and the pigment... oh, the pigment is rich and vibrant, yet gentle enough not to bleed through even the most delicate Bible pages. Perfect for highlighting, underlining, or even doodling in the margins. 

2. Frixion Erasable Pens (Gel and Felt Tip)

Ever jotted down a note and immediately wished you could erase it? I am a terrible speller, and these pens have been a game changer for me. They give me the confidence to write what's in my heart without worrying about mistakes. These aren’t your average erasables; their gel and felt tip options give you freedom to erase cleanly, without tearing the page or leaving ghost marks. 

You might have heard about the ink vanishing if your Bible ends up in a warm spot, such as inside your car, and yes, that's true. The silver lining, though, is that the ink magically makes its comeback once things cool down. Personally, disappearing ink has never been a problem.

3. ESV Large Print Journaling Bible

This is my all time favorite Bible. If you appreciate a bit of extra space and legibility, the ESV Large Print Journaling Bible is a godsend. The margins are generously wide, inviting you to jot down insights, prayers, and reflections. The large print ensures that you’re not squinting to read the scripture, making it a comfortable and accessible option for extended study sessions.

4. NLT Illustrated Study Bible

If you caught my earlier post on why study Bibles usually aren't my go-to, you might be curious about why I'm suggesting one now. Here's the scoop: I treat this Bible as a supplementary tool. My approach begins with direct study, engaging with the scripture on my own, sans commentary. Once I've done that groundwork, I turn to this Bible to deepen my understanding with additional perspectives. And for those of you who thrive on visual learning, the NLT Illustrated Study Bible is a game-changer. It's enriched with maps, diagrams, and illustrations, making the scriptures vibrant and accessible, and transforming your reading experience into something truly dynamic.

5. Bible Tabs

Quick shout-out to my own Bible tabs - yes, they're from my shop, and you can check them out right here. But here's the thing, I've been a fan and user of Bible tabs long before I ever thought about selling them. Flipping through the Bible without them can sometimes feel like navigating without a map, but with Bible tabs, it's a whole different story. These small yet mighty markers are game-changers, saving you both time and the hassle of searching for that specific book or verse. Plus, they’re more than just practical; available in a variety of styles and colors, they let you customize your Bible to reflect your personal taste.

6. Zebra Highlighters

Highlighting key verses is a breeze with Zebra highlighters. They’re specially designed not to bleed through pages, which is crucial for the thin pages of most Bibles. But what I really love about these is that they are dual ended - a traditional highlighter tip on one end and a fine point tip on the other. 

7. 32 lb Paper

This one might seem odd, but if you caught my recent blog post, you're in on my little secret: I adore printing out Bible passages for repeated study. And I always use 32lb paper for this purpose. Why? Because it's thick, feels luxurious, and you can write on both sides without any bleed-through worries. It's the ideal choice for crafting those personal, durable study guides that you'll want to refer back to time and again. I organize all my annotated passages in my Bible study binder, creating a go-to resource that I can reference over and over. (Learn how to set up your own Bible Study Binder here)

8. Papermate Gel Pens

Smooth, reliable, and available in lots of colors, Papermate gel pens are a joy to write with. Now these aren't erasable and might bleed through your Bible pages, so you'll want to test them before you use them in your Bible. Personally, I use them both in my Bible and on my printed Bible text sheets. 

9. Sticky Notes

Never underestimate the power of sticky notes. They’re perfect for jotting down quick thoughts, questions, or cross-references and can be easily placed within the pages of your Bible or journal. They also offer the flexibility to rearrange your notes as your understanding deepens or as you move from one topic of study to another.

10. Journals

A journal is absolutely essential for any Bible study session. Whether you prefer the classic feel of a blank journal, the convenience of a spiral notebook, or the structured guidance of a printable journal from our shop, having a dedicated space to jot down your thoughts and insights is key. Taking notes while you delve into scripture not only helps in retaining information but also allows you to reflect deeper on what you've read, draw connections, and track your spiritual journey over time. So, make sure you've got your preferred note-taking companion ready. It's about creating a personal archive that captures your reflections, questions, and revelations, turning your Bible study sessions into a rich, evolving dialogue with the text.

If you do decide to use any of our printable journals, you'll need a system for organizing them. You can check out my post on setting up your own Bible study binder here. 

Honorable Mention: Chronological Study Bible

Last but certainly not least is the Chronological Study Bible. It's not really a "must have," but it's definitely a "good to have," so I couldn't leave this one out. It offers a unique approach by presenting the Bible’s content in the order the events actually occurred. This perspective can shed new light on familiar stories and offers a fresh understanding of the Bible's narrative flow. It’s an excellent tool for those looking to deepen their understanding of the historical and cultural context of the scriptures. 

Each of these supplies has the potential to enrich your Bible study experience in its own unique way. Whether you lean towards the tactile joy of colorful pencils and pens, the clarity and depth offered by specialized Bibles, or the organizational help of tabs and sticky notes, integrating these tools into your study routine can transform your engagement with the Word in new and meaningful ways. Happy studying!

P.S. I’m dying to know—what’s your must-have Bible study tool? Comment below and let's share the Bible supply love!

If you enjoyed this post and are ready to take your Bible study skills to the next level, we would love for you to check out the Bible Study Collective Membership. Inside you'll get the tools, inspiration, and support you need to be successful as you learn to study, interpret, and apply God's word to your own life. You don't have to do it alone! Learn more here.