THE SHORT ANSWER
Check the translation and ISBN, ask about missing pages and notes, and view the volume. A low price means little if the publication does not suit your reading purpose.
Ask for specific photos
Show the title page, colophon, spine and a regular text page. You can deduce more from that than from one cover photo. Ask if it contains names, assignments, underlining or loose pages. For a gift, personal notes from a previous owner can carry more weight than for your own study.
Please note printing and revision
An old cover may contain a different text edition than the latest edition. For example, consider the difference with the NBV21 with the NBV. Study material and supplements may also vary per edition. Therefore, check the details of the item offered, not just the general description that a seller has included.
Rate usability
Does the book open without damage and are the letters easy to read? A damaged back can make daily use difficult. If you have a large study Bible, also ask about the condition of maps and appendices. Compare the total purchase costs with an appropriate new edition. For a rare or valuable old book, expert appraisal makes sense.
Issues to view
Choose based on your own reading purpose and, if in doubt, first look at the interior. These editions match the options above:
Frequently asked questions
Is every old copy the same Statenvertaling?
No, spelling, typesetting and additional content may differ. View the colophon.
Are notes always a disadvantage?
That's personal. Ask in advance how much is in it and view an example.
Topics: Bible choice, What should you look for in a second-hand Bible?
Sources and accountability
For information about translations and editions, we consulted these sources on October 14, 2026:
An addition or correction? Let us know.