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There is something special about writing in your Bible. A date beside a verse that carried you through a hard season. A prayer scribbled in the margin. A small sketch of a lamp beside Psalm 119:105. Journaling Bibles give you room to respond to God’s Word with your hands as well as your heart.
This guide walks through some of the most popular journaling Bibles, explains what to look for in paper and layout, and offers tips for getting started—even if you don’t consider yourself artistic. Remember: the point isn’t to make your Bible pretty. The point is to meet the Lord in His Word and remember what He taught you.
Our Picks at a Glance
- ESV Journaling Bible: classic wide-margin note-taking
- ESV Single Column Journaling Bible, Large Print: larger text with journaling space
- NIV Journal the Word Bible: NIV readers who want to write and reflect
- ESV Illuminated Bible, Art Journaling Edition: creative, artistic Bible journaling
- ESV Journaling Bible, Interleaved Edition: maximum writing space
- CSB Notetaking Bible: budget-friendly journaling in the CSB
1. ESV Journaling Bible
Best for: classic wide-margin note-taking
Crossway’s ESV Journaling Bible is one of the original journaling Bibles and remains a favorite. It features lined margins about two inches wide on the outer edge of each page in a single-column text layout, which reads like a book. The lines make it easy to write neat notes and prayers, and it is available in many cover styles.
Pros
- Lined margins keep notes tidy
- Single-column, readable layout
- Many cover options
Cons
- Thin paper; heavy markers can bleed through
- Text is fairly small
Who it’s for: Note-takers and writers who want a reliable, classic layout.
View ESV Journaling Bible on Amazon
2. ESV Single Column Journaling Bible, Large Print
Best for: larger text with journaling space
This large-print edition offers a noticeably larger font than the original ESV Journaling Bible while keeping lined margins. It’s a good choice if you love the concept but want easier reading during long quiet times.
Pros
- More comfortable font size
- Lined margins
- Thoughtful single-column design
Cons
- Thicker and heavier
- Still requires care with wet media
Who it’s for: Readers who want journaling space without straining their eyes.
View ESV Single Column Journaling Bible, Large Print on Amazon
3. NIV Journal the Word Bible
Best for: NIV readers who want to write and reflect
Zondervan’s Journal the Word Bible offers lined wide margins alongside the readable NIV text. Some editions include space for creative journaling. It’s a well-loved option for women’s Bible studies and personal devotions.
Pros
- Readable NIV translation
- Generous lined margins
- Attractive cover designs
Cons
- Two-column text in some editions feels busier
- Thin paper
Who it’s for: NIV readers who enjoy written reflection more than art.
View NIV Journal the Word Bible on Amazon
4. ESV Illuminated Bible, Art Journaling Edition
Best for: creative, artistic Bible journaling
For those who love to draw, letter, or paint, the ESV Illuminated Bible Art Journaling Edition includes hundreds of illustrations and hand-lettered verses, plus unlined margins for your own creative work. It invites you to slow down and meditate visually on Scripture.
Pros
- Beautiful illustrations to color or trace
- Unlined margins for art
- Encourages meditative reading
Cons
- Paper still thin for watercolor
- Art can distract if you prefer plain text
Who it’s for: Visual and creative worshippers who process Scripture through art.
View ESV Illuminated Bible, Art Journaling Edition on Amazon
5. ESV Journaling Bible, Interleaved Edition
Best for: maximum writing space
An interleaved Bible places a blank page between every printed page, giving you a full page of space for sermon notes, study outlines, or long prayers. Crossway patterned this edition after the interleaved Bible Jonathan Edwards used to record thousands of notes, and it is perfect for a lifetime of study.
Pros
- A full blank page for every page of text
- Ideal for sermon and study notes
- Can become a family heirloom
Cons
- Very thick and heavy
- Not portable
Who it’s for: Pastors, teachers, and dedicated note-takers who want a lifelong study record.
View ESV Journaling Bible, Interleaved Edition on Amazon
6. CSB Notetaking Bible
Best for: budget-friendly journaling in the CSB
Holman’s CSB Notetaking Bible offers lined margins and the readable Christian Standard Bible translation. It’s a solid alternative for readers whose churches use the CSB.
Pros
- Readable CSB translation
- Lined margins
- Often more affordable
Cons
- Fewer cover and size options
- Thin paper
Who it’s for: CSB readers or those wanting a simple, practical journaling Bible.
View CSB Notetaking Bible on Amazon
Buying Guide
Lined or unlined margins?
Lined margins suit writers; unlined suit artists. If you do both, unlined gives more freedom.
Paper and ghosting
All Bibles use thin paper. Use gel highlighters, fine-tip pens like Micron, or colored pencils, and test on a back page first. Avoid heavy markers and thick paint.
Single or double column
Single-column layouts read like a novel and leave cleaner space. Double-column text fits more per page but can feel crowded.
Size and portability
Interleaved and illuminated editions are best left at home. A standard journaling Bible can travel to church and small group.
A simple way to begin
Try the SOAP method for one week: write the Scripture, an Observation about what it says, an Application for your life today, and a short Prayer. Keep it to a few lines in the margin. On days you feel creative, add a small drawing or hand-lettered phrase; on busy days, simply underline one verse and write the date. Consistency matters far more than artistry. Over months, you will build a personal record of how God has spoken and answered.
Supplies to start
A set of non-bleed highlighters, a fine-tip pen, and a clear ruler are enough. Fancy supplies are optional.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a journaling Bible?
A Bible with extra margin space or blank pages for notes, prayers, and art.
Will pens bleed through?
Some can. Gel highlighters, archival fine-tip pens, and colored pencils are safest. Always test on an inconspicuous page.
Is it okay to write in my Bible?
Yes. Many believers have written in their Bibles for generations. The Bible is a tool for meeting God, not an object to keep untouched.
Which journaling Bible is best for beginners?
The ESV Journaling Bible or the NIV Journal the Word Bible—simple, lined, and easy to start with.
A Closing Word
“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path” (Psalm 119:105). A journaling Bible becomes a record of that light shining over the years. Start small: one verse, one line, one prayer. Over time, your margins will tell the story of God’s faithfulness.