The Rainbow Study Bible from Holman takes a different approach to study. Instead of leaning only on notes, it color-codes every verse by theme, so you can open to any page and see at a glance which verses speak about God, love, faith, salvation, family and more. If you’re a visual learner, it’s one of the most practical study Bibles you can own.
A color-coded study Bible that makes finding verses by topic fast and memorable.
Best for: visual learners, new readers and anyone who wants to find verses by theme.
Highlights
- 12 color-coded themes on every page
- 100,000+ cross-references
- A full-page introduction to every book
Watch-outs
- Fewer explanatory notes than a traditional study Bible
- Color on every verse isn't for every reader
At a glance
| Publisher | Holman Bible Publishers |
|---|---|
| Pages | 1,632 |
| Color system | 12 subject headings, 26 categories, 129 sub-topics |
| Cross-references | 100,000+ |
| Concordance | 91 pages |
| Maps | 12 full-color maps with index, plus in-text maps |
| Words of God | Underlined (Jesus, the Father and the Holy Spirit) |
| Extras | Book introductions, translator's notes, 4 pages for notes, ribbon marker |
The 12-color theme system
Every verse is shaded with one of 12 colors, each standing for a theme that runs through Scripture:
| Theme | Color |
|---|---|
| God | Purple |
| Discipleship | Salmon |
| Love | Green |
| Faith | Light orange |
| Sin | Grey |
| Evil | Brown |
| Salvation | Blue |
| Family | Yellow |
| Outreach | Pink |
| Commandments | Green |
| History | Silver |
| Prophecy | Yellow-orange and gold |
The words spoken by Jesus, the Father and the Holy Spirit are also underlined, so they stand out on every page. Because the colors do the sorting for you, you can find verses for what you’re facing right now without flipping to an index.
Study helps
- A full-page introduction for each book of the Bible
- Over 100,000 cross-references in the center column or below the text
- Greek and Hebrew translator’s notes below the last verse on each page
- Full-color illustrations and in-text maps with geographical facts
- A 91-page concordance and 12 full-color maps with an index
Print and binding
The paper is standard study Bible paper with very good color and print consistency, and the black text is sharp and easy to read. Section headings are set in italics. The Leather Touch edition has a smooth imitation-leather cover with perimeter stitching, and there are four pages in the back for your own notes.
Which edition should you buy?
CSB Rainbow Study Bible
The Christian Standard Bible, a modern and readable translation.
Check priceWhat buyers say
What buyers love
- Color coding that helps. Readers say it makes the significance of each verse clearer and verses much faster to find.
- Easy to read and understand. Many find the text easier to follow than other Bibles.
- Useful study helps. Book introductions, cross-references, maps and the concordance all get praise.
- A Bible they look forward to opening. Buyers say the design makes them want to read more.
Things to consider
- Not a notes-heavy study Bible. If you want verse-by-verse commentary, a traditional study Bible goes deeper.
- Lots of color. Readers who prefer a plain page may find colored verses distracting.
Who should buy it
A great fit if you
- Learn visually
- Want to find verses by topic
- Are new to studying the Bible
Look elsewhere if you
- Want deep study notes (try the ESV Study Bible)
- Prefer an uncluttered page
See how it compares with other options in the 13 best study Bibles compared.
Video walkthrough
Final verdict
The Rainbow Study Bible makes Scripture’s big themes visible on every page. For visual learners and newer readers, it’s a joyful, practical way to study, and it makes a wonderful gift.
