Unlike most books, the pages of the Bible are incredibly thinner. According to Origami USA, the Indian paper–used to print the bible and other holy books–has a thickness of only 62 microns. Yet, it also has sufficient opacity to prevent words from showing through the pages.
Interestingly, there are a few practical reasons why the Bible pages are thin. One reason is that Bibles are meant to be portable and easy to carry around. With thick and heavy pages, this would not be possible. Plus, more pages can fit into a binding when they are thinner, making it less expensive to produce the Bible.
While it makes sense that the Bible pages are made thin for functional and aesthetic reasons, is buying the Bible still worth the expense? Let’s answer this and other frequently asked questions in the following sections.
Do Many People Purchase the Bible?
Yes, every year, millions of Bibles are sold around the world. The Bible is one of the most popular books in the world. It’s estimated that over five billion copies have been sold since its inception, making it the bestselling book of all time!
There are many reasons why the Bible is such a popular book. Let us take a look at them more closely:
The Bible Is a Source of Inspiration and Hope
The Bible has plenty of verses that give inspiration and hope to other people. For example, Isaiah 40:31 says, “But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” This verse tells us that if we hope and trust in God, He will give us the strength to overcome tough times.
The Bible Is a Guide for Living a Good Life
Another reason why the Bible is the bestselling book of all time is that it serves as a guide for living a good life. The Bible has principles that can help us make wise decisions when facing personal or national challenges. When we follow its teachings, we can experience the joy of living a life that is pleasing to God and beneficial to others.
The ten commandments found in the Bible are a great example. They guide us on how we should live so we can be happy and fulfilled.
The Bible Is Relevant for All Times and Situations
The Bible is also relevant for all times and situations. No matter what happens, we can always find comfort and guidance in Scripture. Some timeless verses in the Bible include the following:
- “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:6-7).
- “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight” (Proverbs 3:5-6).
These verses prove that we always have something to turn to when we need it most. No matter what we face, God is always with us and will never leave us alone.
The Bible Is a Book of Wisdom
One thing that makes the Bible so special is its ability to help us grow in wisdom. We can learn more about God and His ways as we read it. Some verses that give us wisdom include the following:
- Proverbs 16:16-17 says, “How much better to get wisdom than gold! To get understanding is to be chosen rather than silver. The highway of the upright avoids evil.” In other words, the Bible tells us that wisdom is more valuable than money. It’s better to have understanding than to have wealth.
- Proverbs 14:12 says, “There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death.” This verse teaches us that we need to be careful about the choices we make in life. Just because something seems good doesn’t mean it is.
- Proverbs 22:17-19 says, “Incline your ear, and hear the words of the wise, that they may instruct you in the way you should go. Give not your silver to women, lest they be ensnared with their own beauty.” These verses teach us to be mindful of who we listen to and what we give our money to. This way, we avoid getting trapped by our own desires.
Are There Digital Copies of the Bible These Days?
Yes, in addition to physical copies of the Bible, digital versions are accessible through computers, tablets, and smartphones. They often come with additional features, such as audio recordings of the Bible being read aloud, search functions, and more.
Digital copies of the Bible were made because many people want to have the Bible with them at all times. Think of it this way: if you are feeling down, wouldn’t it be great to have the Bible right there with you? A few taps on your smartphone screen let you access the Bible’s most comforting and inspiring verses.
Is It Better To Have a Physical Copy of the Bible or a Digital One?
There are pros and cons to physical and digital copies of the Bible. Physical copies are great because you can hold them in your hands, highlight passages, and easily flip through the pages. However, they can be heavy and difficult to carry around.
Digital copies of the Bible are more convenient because you can access them on your phone or computer, and they often come with additional features. However, some people prefer the feeling of a physical book in their hands.
Ultimately, it’s up to you to decide what type of Bible you prefer. You can even settle for both the physical and digital copy! This way, you can have the best of both worlds.
Do You Need a Bible to be a Christian?
No, you don’t need a Bible to be a Christian. While the Bible is an important book for Christians, it’s not necessary for salvation. This is because Christianity is based on faith, not works. Also, believing that Jesus Christ is the Savior is enough to solidify your faith in God.
However, that being said, the Bible is still a valuable resource for Christians. It contains stories about Jesus and his teachings, which can help Christians learn more about their faith. In addition, the Bible can be a source of comfort and inspiration.
So while you don’t need a Bible to be a Christian, it’s still a good book if you’re interested in learning more about your faith. If you are willing to commit to setting aside enough time each day just to read the Bible, you will gain access to the kind of wisdom and inspiration that comes only from God and His Word.
How Do I Choose a Specific Version of the Bible?
There is no denying that there are plenty of Bible versions to choose from, so deciding which one to purchase becomes difficult. With all the existing versions, it can be tricky to understand which one you must settle for.
If you want to find the best Bible for you, it will undoubtedly take time and effort. Still, you must consider a few factors before purchasing a Bible.
Firstly, you need to determine your ability to understand how the Bible was written. For example, the King James Version is written in Old English, which can be difficult to understand for some.
Then, decide on what type of study you want to do with the Bible. If you want to study the Bible in-depth, then you might want to purchase a study Bible that comes with commentary and analysis from experts in the field. On the other hand, if you simply want to read the Bible for devotional purposes, then any version of the Bible will do.
Are Bibles Expensive?
Bibles can vary in price, depending on the type of Bible you’re looking for. For example, a basic paperback Bible usually costs around $15. However, the price can be much higher if you’re looking for a more deluxe version, such as one that is leather-bound or includes study notes.
Fortunately, there are many ways to get a Bible for free or at a reduced cost. For example, many churches and Christian organizations give Bibles away to people who request them. In addition, many websites sell Bibles at a discount.
If you are comfortable reading the Bible online, there are plenty of websites and applications that let you read it for free. The Word of God should be accessible to everyone, so you shouldn’t have to spend much to get your hands on a copy.
Bottom Line
Bible pages are so thin for several reasons, one of which is to make the Bible lighter to carry around. Since the Bible is such a long book, it would be very bulky if the pages were thicker.
Another reason is that when pages are thinner, more can fit into a binding, making the Bible less expensive to produce.
These days, there are digital Bibles that you can carry around on your phone or other smart devices, and these don’t have pages at all! So if you’re looking for a lighter way to read the Bible, consider one of these options. This way, you can have the entire Bible with you wherever you go without having to lug around a physical copy.
