10 Best Journaling Bibles 2025 in the United States

The ESV Journaling Study Bible in TruTone over Board, Nubuck Caramel, is a solid choice for anyone looking to combine their faith with creative expression. Its translation into English is accurate and well-regarded, making it accessible for a wide audience. The page layout is designed with ample margins, perfect for those who like to jot down thoughts, reflections, or prayers alongside the text, enhancing the journaling experience.

One of the standout features is the paper quality. It's thick enough to minimize bleed-through from pens and markers, allowing for a variety of writing instruments to be used without worrying about ink seeping through pages. This aspect is crucial for serious journalers who want their notes to last. The cover material, made of imitation leather, offers durability while providing a soft, pleasant feel, which is great for everyday use.

In terms of size and portability, the dimensions of 7.38 x 2 x 8.25 inches and a weight of 3.4 pounds make it relatively easy to carry around, although it might be slightly bulky for some users who prefer something lighter or more compact. However, for those who enjoy using it at home or in a study setting, this size is manageable.

The NIV Journal the Word Bible is a thoughtful choice for individuals who enjoy journaling alongside their scripture study. The New International Version (NIV) translation is well-regarded for its balance of readability and faithfulness to the original texts, making it accessible for a broad audience, including young teens and adults. Its double-column layout enhances readability, allowing users to easily locate verses and take notes on the same page, which is perfect for those who want to reflect on their thoughts or create art beside their favorite passages.

When it comes to paper quality, this Bible is designed for journaling, featuring thicker pages that are less prone to bleed-through, making it suitable for various writing instruments, including pens and markers. The cloth-over-board cover not only adds a touch of elegance but also provides durability, which is great for those who may carry their Bible around for study sessions or church activities.

In terms of size, it measures 7 x 1.4 x 8.35 inches and weighs 2.31 pounds, which strikes a balance between being portable and having enough space for comfortable note-taking. However, it might be a bit heavy for some users who prefer a lighter option for daily carry. While the red-letter feature (which highlights the words of Jesus in red) is helpful for quick reference, some users may find it distracting. Additionally, the hardcover might not be as flexible as a paperback, which can make it a little less convenient for casual reading on the go. The Bible is targeted towards grades 7 and up, which may limit its appeal to younger audiences seeking a more age-appropriate version.

The NIV Journal the Word Bible is well-suited for those who appreciate journaling and taking notes within their scripture reading, combining quality translation and thoughtful design. However, potential users should consider the weight and cover style based on their personal preferences.

The ESV Journaling Bible (Cloth over Board, Flowers) is a beautiful and functional option for those who enjoy combining their Bible reading with personal notes and reflections. Its English Standard Version (ESV) translation is known for its accuracy and readability, making it a reliable choice for study and personal use.

The page layout is designed to leave ample margins for note-taking, which is a distinctive feature for journaling Bibles. The paper quality is generally good but may be on the thinner side, common with many Bibles, which means ink might bleed through with certain pens or markers.

The cover material, cloth over board, adds a touch of elegance and durability, while the floral design makes it visually appealing. In terms of size and portability, this Bible is relatively compact with dimensions of 6.25 x 1.63 x 7.25 inches, and a weight of 2.31 pounds, making it portable enough for daily use and travel. Additional features like the beautiful hardcover and high-quality binding contribute to its durability and aesthetic appeal. However, it does not include extra tools such as a concordance or maps, which some users might find useful for deeper study. This journaling Bible is well-suited for individuals who value a combination of aesthetic appeal and practical functionality in their personal Bible study.