Beginner's Guide to Journaling Bibles — What They Are & How to Choose One
# Beginner's Guide to Journaling Bibles
Bible journaling has grown into one of the most popular ways Christians engage with Scripture — combining daily reading with creative expression through writing, drawing, painting, and collage directly in the margins of the Bible.
If you have seen beautiful Bible journal pages on Instagram or in church and wondered how to start, this guide is for you.
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## What Is a Journaling Bible?
A journaling Bible is a special edition of the Bible printed with extra-wide margins — typically 2 inches or more alongside each column of text. These margins give you space to:
- Write prayers, reflections, and personal observations
- Draw or paint illustrations inspired by the passage
- Add watercolour washes, hand-lettered quotes, or verse art
- Paste in stickers, washi tape, or ephemera
- Simply take notes during a sermon or Bible study
A regular Bible has margins too narrow to write in comfortably. A journaling Bible is designed specifically for this purpose.
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## Who Is Bible Journaling For?
Bible journaling is for anyone — artists and non-artists alike. You do not need to be able to draw well to journal in your Bible. Many people simply:
- Underline and annotate with a fine-tip pen
- Colour in pre-printed illustrations (available in colouring Bibles)
- Hand-letter a verse in the margin
- Paste a printed photo or Scripture card
The goal is engagement with God's Word, not artistic perfection.
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## Key Features to Look for in a Journaling Bible
### 1. Wide Margins
The most important feature. Look for at least 2-inch margins. Some editions (like the ESV Single Column Journaling Bible) have margins on one side; others have them on both sides or all four edges.
### 2. Single-Column Layout
Most journaling Bibles use a single column of text rather than the traditional two columns. This gives more visual breathing room and makes the text easier to read alongside your notes.
### 3. Paper Quality (Thickness)
Standard Bible paper (35–45gsm) is very thin and bleeds easily with pens, markers, and especially watercolours. Look for Bibles with thicker paper — 60gsm or higher is ideal. Always test with a light hand or on a backing sheet first.
### 4. Lay-Flat Binding
A good journaling Bible lies completely flat when open, making it much easier to write and draw across the margin and text area. Spiral-bound editions are the flattest; sewn binding also works well.
### 5. Cream vs. White Paper
Cream paper is easier on the eyes and more forgiving for watercolour. White paper shows colours more vividly. Both work — it comes down to personal preference.
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## Best Journaling Bibles Available at Ashabooks
### ESV Single Column Journaling Bible
**Best for:** Serious journalers who want the full Bible text with clean single-column layout
**Features:** 2-inch ruled margins, single-column, smyth-sewn binding, cream paper
**Translation:** ESV (English Standard Version)
This is the classic journaling Bible — preferred by those who want minimal pre-printed content and maximum margin space for their own creative work.
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### NIV Beautiful Word Colouring Bible
**Best for:** Beginners and those who love illustrated art
**Features:** Pre-printed black-and-white line art illustrations throughout (over 500 illustrations to colour), wide margins, single column
**Translation:** NIV
If you are new to Bible journaling and want guidance, this Bible makes it easy. The illustrations are thoughtfully placed beside related passages. Simply pick up coloured pencils or watercolours and begin.
**Also available in:** Beautiful Word Colouring Bible for Girls — a popular gift for teenage girls and young women.
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### The Jesus Bible (Journaling Edition)
**Best for:** Young adults who want to see Jesus throughout Scripture
**Features:** Wide margins, single column, notes from Passion authors, cream paper
**Translation:** ESV or NIV
Combines the Bible journaling format with the "seeing Christ in all of Scripture" editorial lens of The Jesus Bible. Very popular with university students and young believers.
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## Supplies You Need to Get Started
You do not need much to start. Here is a beginner kit:
| Item | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Fine-tip pen | Staedtler Triplus Fineliner 0.3 or Micron 01 |
| Pencil | HB for sketching before inking |
| Highlighters | Zebra Mildliners or Pilot FriXion (erasable) |
| Coloured pencils | Faber-Castell Polychromos or Prismacolor |
| (Optional) Watercolour | Sakura Koi Pocket Set — beginner-friendly |
| (Optional) Washi tape | Any decorative tape from a stationery store |
**Important tip:** Always test any pen or paint on the last blank page of your Bible before using it on a Scripture page. Check for bleed-through.
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## How to Start Your First Page
1. Choose a short passage — a single verse or a Psalm works well
2. Read it slowly and note what stands out to you
3. Write the verse or a key phrase in the margin in your own handwriting
4. Add a simple illustration (a flower, a tree, a cross) or use colour to highlight a word
5. Write a one-sentence prayer underneath
That is all. There is no right or wrong way to journal Scripture. The practice is between you and God.
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## Frequently Asked Questions
**Will watercolour bleed through a journaling Bible?**
Thin Bible paper will bleed. Use a backing sheet (cut card stock to page size and slide it behind the page), keep your brush relatively dry, and use light washes. The Beautiful Word Bible and ESV Journaling Bible have thicker paper that handles light watercolour better than most.
**Can children use a journaling Bible?**
Yes. The Beautiful Word Colouring Bible for Girls (NIV) is designed for young readers. For younger children, we recommend starting with a children's illustrated Bible before moving to a journaling format.
**Is it disrespectful to write or draw in a Bible?**
Many Christians have this concern initially. However, Bible journaling has a long history — believers throughout church history wrote notes in the margins of their Scriptures. Writing and drawing in your Bible as acts of worship and reflection is a well-established devotional practice.
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## Start Your Journaling Journey with Ashabooks
Browse our Journaling Bibles collection — including the ESV Journaling Bible, the NIV Beautiful Word Bible, and the Beautiful Word Colouring Bible for Girls