The Berean Study Bible: A Critical Review

Introduction

The Berean Study Bible (BSB) is a widely-used study Bible that claims to be "a literal translation of the Bible with a dispensational commentary." However, critics have raised concerns about the BSB's accuracy, reliability, and theological biases.

Accuracy and Reliability

Critics of the BSB point to several instances of questionable scholarship and translation errors. For example, the BSB renders the word "propitiation" in Romans 3:25 as "mercy seat," which is a mistranslation that has serious theological implications.

Additionally, the BSB's commentary often lacks scholarly support and relies heavily on personal opinions and interpretations. This raises concerns about the reliability of the information presented in the Bible.

Theological Biases

The BSB is strongly influenced by dispensationalism, a theological system that divides the Bible into distinct time periods, or "dispensations." Dispensationalists believe that the Bible has a literal, seven-year tribulation period that will be followed by the second coming of Christ and the establishment of an earthly kingdom.

Critics argue that the BSB's dispensationalist framework biases its interpretation of Scripture and leads to problematic conclusions. For example, the BSB teaches that the church is not the fulfillment of God's promises to Israel, but rather a separate entity that will be replaced by Israel during the millennium.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When using the Berean Study Bible, it is important to be aware of its potential shortcomings. Here are some common mistakes to avoid:

• Mistaking the BSB's commentary for Scripture. The BSB's commentary is not part of the inspired text of the Bible and should not be treated as authoritative.

• Failing to consult other sources. It is always wise to consult a variety of sources when studying the Bible, including commentaries from a range of theological perspectives.

• Being influenced by the BSB's dispensationalist bias. Dispensationalism is a complex and contested theological system, and it is important to understand its implications before accepting its conclusions.

  

How to Use the Berean Study Bible Responsibly

If you choose to use the Berean Study Bible, it is important to do so responsibly. Here is a step-by-step approach:

1. Read the Scripture first. Approach the Bible with an open mind and read the passages in their original context before consulting the BSB's commentary.

2. Compare the BSB's translation to other versions. Consult multiple translations of the Bible to ensure that the BSB's rendering is accurate.

3. Consider the BSB's commentary critically. Evaluate the BSB's commentary in light of Scripture and other scholarly sources. Do not accept everything the commentary says as authoritative.

4. Seek advice from trusted sources. If you have questions or concerns about the BSB's accuracy or reliability, consult with a pastor, Bible teacher, or other trusted Christian leader.

Stories and Lessons Learned

Story 1:

A pastor in a small church used the Berean Study Bible as his primary preaching resource. He was convinced that the BSB's dispensationalist framework was the only true way to understand the Bible. As a result, his sermons were often confusing and uninspiring. The congregation dwindled as people grew weary of his narrow and legalistic teaching.

Lesson Learned: Avoiding the pitfalls of biased commentaries and seeking a balanced understanding of Scripture is crucial.

Story 2:

A young Christian woman was given a Berean Study Bible as a gift. She was excited to read it but quickly became discouraged by the BSB's translation of certain verses. She consulted other translations and found significant differences that raised doubts about the BSB's accuracy.

Lesson Learned: Consulting multiple versions of the Bible and being open to considering alternative viewpoints is beneficial.

Story 3:

A group of Bible study leaders decided to use the Berean Study Bible as their primary resource. They found that the BSB's clear and concise format made it easy to use, but they also noticed some theological biases in the commentary. They decided to supplement the BSB with other commentaries from a variety of perspectives to ensure a more balanced understanding.

Lesson Learned: Using multiple resources and being aware of potential biases is necessary for responsible Bible study.

Table 1: Translation Discrepancies

Table 2: Scholarly Reviews

Table 3: User Reviews