There are several KJV study Bibles to choose from, but the Holman KJV Study Bible stands out for one big reason: it’s full color, with maps and photos right in the text. If visuals help you stay engaged, this is a study Bible worth a close look.
A beautiful, full-color KJV study Bible with notes that make older wording clear.
Best for: KJV readers who learn best with maps, photos and visuals.
Highlights
- About 15,000 study notes
- 141 full-color photos and 59 in-text maps
- 1-year and 3-year reading plans
Watch-outs
- 17th-century language still takes some getting used to
- Full-color pages make it a larger book
At a glance
| Translation | King James Version (KJV) |
|---|---|
| Publisher | Holman |
| Study notes | About 15,000 |
| Essays and articles | About 20 |
| Photos | 141 full color |
| Maps | 59 in-text, plus 8 full-page |
| Charts | 15 |
| Reading plans | 1-year and 3-year |
| Extras | Center-column references, concordance, glossary, ribbon marker, family records |
Book introductions
Every book opens with an introduction page and a matching image. Each one explains the book’s message and purpose, the circumstances of its writing, its contribution to the whole Bible, and an outline of its structure. Whether you’re studying or simply reading, you start each book knowing where you are.
Study notes
Notes run along the bottom of every page and line up with the verses above them. They were written by a team of respected Bible scholars and help explain both the meaning of a passage and its significance for life today, which is especially helpful when the King James wording feels unfamiliar.
Print and paper
Even with all the color and images, the page design never feels gimmicky. The paper is good quality and the print is consistent from page to page, which makes this a Bible you’ll be proud to own and use for years.
What buyers say
What buyers love
- Quality you can feel. Reviewers praise the binding, paper and print.
- Clear explanations. Readers say the notes shed light on passages that once felt obscure, and make familiar ones even clearer.
- Beautiful color pictures. The full-color photos and maps are a favorite.
- A lot for the money. Buyers often call it reasonably priced for how much it includes.
Things to consider
- The KJV itself. The notes help a great deal, but readers new to King James English may still prefer a modern translation.
- Size. With full-color pages and thousands of notes, it's more of a desk Bible than a carry-along.
Who should buy it
A great fit if you
- Love the King James Version
- Learn best with maps and pictures
- Want a reading plan built in
Look elsewhere if you
- Prefer modern English (try the ESV Study Bible)
- Need a small Bible to carry
See how it compares with other options in the 13 best study Bibles compared.
Video walkthrough
Final verdict
If you read the King James Version and want a study Bible that brings it to life, the Holman KJV Study Bible is an easy recommendation. The notes make the language clear, and the full-color maps and photos make it a joy to study.
