This has been a very popular and helpful post to many, so I thought I would give it it’s own page.
Writing in your Bible is something that many people do but few do it judiciously. Many people only mark their Bible according to what they hear from the weekly sermon and after a while they underline or highlight everything making the actual process of marking your Bible pointless. There are many people that do not make any additional marks in their Bible and some even consider it heresy. I believe that if done properly marking in your Bible can be a very useful way to better understand the Word of God.
Wide margin Bibles were made for just such a purpose. They have a wider margin than most Bibles and are usually printed on thicker paper to avoid any bleed through when using pens or highlighters. Even though you don’t have a wide margin Bible you can still underline and make small notes in whatever Bible you own.
So now that you want to write in your Bible, what to use? First I will tell you what not to use. Do not use hi-liters. Aside from looking ugly they are usually too fluid and bleed through to the other side of the page that may make it a bit distracting. After a while the pages look like one big fluorescent stain. The ink in most cases is not of archival quality thus over time the ink will degrade the paper. Dry mark highlighters are nothing more than colored pencils. I do not recommend the use of pencils as they can fade or smudge but more than that, they also damage the paper. Bible paper is thin and if you use a pencil or a even a ball point or roller ball pen you will dent the sheet you are writing on as well as a few pages below. If you have used pens or pencils in the past you will be able to feel the words on the back side of the page you wrote on.
No pencils, no pens, no highlighters… ‘den what? Archival quality pens. These pens are a type of technical pen used by engineers or draftspersons. They are cheaper and more durable than most technical pens and can be found at most art stores as well as large office supply stores. They have a long metal tip with a soft writing nib which is ideal for using with a ruler. The soft nib also helps prevent damaging the paper or denting the pages you are writing on. You have to press really hard to make the sort of indentations you can easily make using a pen or a pencil.
The biggest reason for using an archival quality pen is the ink, or rather the pigment. These pens use pigment ink rather than dye ink. Pigment ink is chemically stable, its pH is neutral, it is non-acidic and non-alkaline so it will not cause the paper to degrade over time. The pigment molecule is also larger than the dye molecule. It will outlast dye ink under extreme sun exposure… not that any of you will leave your Bible open for days at a time the next time you visit the Sahara but at least your notes will not fade. The larger pigment molecule is not just less susceptible to degradation it also helps in preventing bleeding or spreading which is a plus when you consider the thickness of most Bible paper. The pigment stays on the surface of the paper more than dye inks. The stability of the solvent used for the ink will prevent it from bleeding even if you wet the paper, it dries instantly so it is nearly impossible to smudge.
There are three brands of archival quality pens. Staedtler Pigment Liner, Prismacolor Fine Line Marker and Sakura’s Pigma Micron. All are high quality pens available with different sized writing nibs with the Prismacolor and Sakura available in different colors as well. With most publishers using lower and lower quality Bible paper using these pens will help in keeping your notes and markings looking neat. With the thicker paper used in wide margin Bibles I use the 05 size for underlining and the 005 for writing my notes. On thinner paper I wouldn’t suggest using the 05 or anything thicker as it may be too visible from the other side. Stick to using the thinner nibs like an 03. You can also use one color to underline and another to write your notes or you can come up with you own system. I use these with my ESV Deluxe Heirloom Reference Bible which was printed on 27lbs. paper. The 05 is slightly visible from the other side where as my notes using the 005 are barely noticeable.
These pens will be useful for those looking for an alternative to highlighters, pens or pencils. They will help in keeping your markings looking neat and are a great way to help you in your studies of the Word.
Hi Jesus,
Thanks for your blog and for your posts on jmark Bible Design. I have been using the archival quality pens you have recommended and they have been working great. I recently purchased the ESV SCR in calfskin. I am really digging this Bible. I don’t think any other pen would work on this paper except for the ones you recommend. I’m using the brown 005 Pigma Micron. Also, thanks for putting Pastor Gene Cook’s name out there. I have listened to a few of his downloads and have been impressed. I can see why he’s your homey!
I’ve been using the Pigma Micron in Brown with a slightly larger tip sized 01. This article was one of about 2-3 that led me to purchase them and I don’t regret it.
Nathan, Kyle
I am glad that my article was of some help. Thanks for the comments.
Hello,
I received a Cambridge bible for my 8th Wedding Anniversary. I need a pen that will not fade or bleed through the pages and is not visible from the other side. The pages are very thin. I have read about the Pigma Micron 03 and it sounds like it may be the one I need. A friend of mine let me borrow a pen of hers and it was the Pigma Micron 05 and like the information said it can be visible from the other side and it was. The Lord has called my husband to preach the gospel and he preached his first message this past Sunday the 2nd and it was the first time taking notes in my new bible. So it was very special to me. So that is why I am wanting a good pen to take notes of his messages and others.
I was also wanting some prices. I would love a whole pack of them or just see what one would cost. I really enjoyed the information and it was very helpful. Thank you and God bless. Monica Corn
Monica, congratulations on your eight year anniversary!
I use an 03 or 05 only to underline and a 005 for writing notes with. I would recommend you use a color other than black. I am currently using red in Single Column Reference ESV(03,005)
I also would recommend that if you take notes while sitting in church, use a notebook rather than writing notes directly into your Bible. You can then transfer any notes into your Bible at a later time.
Try Blick Art Supplies
http://www.dickblick.com/zz207/02/
Jesus,
I found your blog on blogspot.com when I Googled “pens for writing in Bibles”. Wow! What a great help. I wish I hound found that you moved and all these helpful hints and questions. I just bought the Pigma Micron in 3 colors in 03 (0.35mm). After testing them in my Bible I wish I had read everyone’s experience. I find the 03 good for underlining but a little heavy for notes. I should try the 005 (0.2mm).
I preach and teach out of my Bibles so I’m a little concerned about the 005 being visible at arm’s length so I can see my notes and outline points. Does anyone (Nathan?) have experience with the 01 (0.25mm)? Maybe that would be a good choice for me.
Monica, praise God for your husbands call to preach! Blessed are the feet that bring good news! I’m sure he is honored with your support. Wow! Taking notes on your husbands preaching! Good for you! Oh yeah, on your pens… I found them all over the Internet (www.dickblick.com and http://www.bestpensonline.com) for about $2 each, some sets available but they usually come in several sizes. Shipping is pricey if you are only getting a couple pens though. Try local office supply stores but selection can be limited.
All…. Remember: The grass withers and the flower fades but the Word of God endures forever! Be blessed as you seek and find Him in His Word! Steve
[…] to you. For some additional information on the best pen to use on your bibles pages, check out a wonderful post by Jesus Saenz which details his […]
Hey Jesus. I do a lot of highlighting but don’t know why I haven’t switched from using colored pencils but I will definitely get myself bible hilighter pens like the Zebrite or the ones you mentioned. Thanks for the tip.
Jesus, you wrote:
“I use an 03 or 05 only to underline and a 005 for writing notes with. I would recommend you use a color other than black. I am currently using red in Single Column Reference ESV(03,005)”
I’m interesteds to know does that mean your underlining & writing notes in red? What colour do you mainly use for notes if not black & is teh recc not to use black simply becasue of bleedthrough issues?
Appreciate you thoughts on this matter – thanks
Charlie
i use the red for notes and underlining
Jesus – I’m left handed which causes several problems when taking notes, so can you please tell me how fast does the pigment dye dries? If I write with one of the Sakura Pigma Micron Pens & my hand slides accross the writing (as it does with left-handers), will it smudge? Can you do a quick test for me?
Thanks, Charlie.
you shouldnt have a problem if you use a .03 or smaller
Hey thanks,
We just purchased some from Jo-Ann Fabrics at 50% off – Pigma Micron 005 – which is .20 mm works great with bibles – thanks for your help!
Jeff
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I just received my Pigma Micron pens. I got Black in .05, .03 and .005 and Red in the same sizes. I noticed that the .05 & .03 are slightly visible on very thin Bible paper like in my Zondervan NASB Study Bible and my Ryrie Study Bible. I have not tried them in my better Cambridge and In Touch Calfskin Bibles yet. I guess the .01 would be more visible than the .03 correct? I purchased my pens through Bestpensonline.com
a few cents more for the pens but they will mail the pens USPS if you tell them to. Less than $2.00 postage VS $7.00 for UPS ain’t a bad deal.
[…] The best pen for your bible. […]
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I recently discovered another brand of pigment marker not mentioned above, the Zig Millennium line. It seems to me, after a week or two of use, that they bleed through my Bible paper less than the other brands. The 01 size is ideal for either underlining or margin notes. I don’t know which major dealers sell them, I bought mine from eBay sellers sueker25 and floridakitty73.
To Charlie…I’m also a lefty with smudging issues, and the 01 size dries virtually instantaneously.
Chuck
Excellent post.Follow up the great work,You must definitely have to keep updating your site
This might be the best highlighter for bibles; http://www.copicmarker.com/features_multilinersp.html I am using the yellow multiliner . It uses pigment ink just like the archival pens.
[…] For those wanting to be shown a more excellent way, please read Jesus Saenz’ excellent article on what to use for writing in your Bible. You won’t regret it.] Posted in […]
I found some ZIG Millennium twin pack with a 01 and 05 tips and they seem to be working out in both my Thompson Chain Reference KJV and my Nelson KJV Study Bible. I use the 01 for writing notes and the 05 for underlining. I need to try some of the other brands. May your blessings continue.
I forgot to mention in my post that I found the ZIG pens in the scrapbooking section at the local Walmart for a cost of $2.47 a pack !!
[…] no longer pristine I started looking for good ways to mark it. I bought some pigment pens based on this suggestion. (The 05’s prismacolors are alright though a little thick, even for underlining. I have an […]
Thank you,very helpful info i have just received my new Bible and will follow your advice.My other bibles are markes up and sometimes i can’t see what the verse says besause of the pens i used to underlibe it not to mention.Please continue to share tips that are helpful and can help us preserve opur Bible better.
Which size pens do you think would work best for writing and underlining in a In Touch ministries NASB Bible? I’m really nervous about writing in or underlining in it.
I’m a big fan of marking up biblical text with pencils instead of pens. With a 7B or 8B soft lead pencil (or higher) and very little pressure you can achieve a smooth mark with no page stress. There are soft micro leads available as well for smaller bibles.
As I mentioned on Mark Bertrand’s Bible Design Blog, a pencil’s ability to revise, retract, or repair your edits is perfect for exegesis because you are always approaching the same text from different angles. A pencil and a good eraser allow you to update your train of thought.
I highly recommend a trip to an art supply store and browse the variety of lead and charcoal blend pencils. You may find yourself going “old school” on Scripture.
please i want you to send me some of your pen this is my address.
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Has anyone used the Scofield Study Bible III? If so, any advice on which pen to use.
Thanks
Sure I can help… Actually learned this from this bog site and others when I researched “pens for Bibles”. As others have stated here, use only pigment pens, never any pen with dye-based inks. There are a few manufacturers but I use the Pigma Micron. Use .005 for notes and .01 for underlining.
[…] I thought this deserved a re-post—ever wonder what the best pen is to use in your Bible? This post might help you… thanks […]
fantastic–thanks for posting!
[…] I found the following useful article – found on https://souldesaenz.wordpress.com/what-to-use-for-writing-in-your-bible/ […]
This was an excellent break down of the difference between the inks. I never realized he different inks could actually caused the pages to dissegrate especailly if you have an expensive bible you have to have the right tools of the trade. I also liked the fact that you left some options to further look into by placing the 3 items available.
Thanks for the post
[…] I randomly stumbled across an article called Pens for Bibles the other day. It answers the […]
Jesus, I came back to reread this article/post and still really enjoyed the break down I wish you did more break downs on the bible marking theme.
This was very helpful!! Thanks for the details! Years back I had a set of color pens that were fine point and did not bleed through, have been looking to find them again or something similar.
Pls i want u to send me pens for my bible
Thanks for the info. Found the Zig Millennium line 01 for $1.89 each at markersupply.com.
Jesus,
Your review of the pens is extremely helpful. In the beginning of the blog you commented on how if Bible marking is not studiously done the whole Bible ends up being marked leaving all the marks indistinguishable. Do you have a system that you use for marking your Bible that is helpful?
*****
There is a wonderful FREE booklet available entitled, “How To Study Your Bible.” It contains chapters on how to comprehend and retain what you read in the Scripturews, how to avoid common mistgakes, a unique Bible-reading plan that you can start ANY time of the year, and a whole chapter on HOW TO MARK YOUR BIBLE in a variety of ways. Very comprehensive! I highly recommend you send for a copy today, before they run out. You can request them in a variety of ways:
Phone: (903) 939-2929
E-mail: info@cgi.org
Web site: http://www.cgi.org
*****
Just one problem, Lloyd: they are a cult.
Thank you so much for this article. I just googled “Ink for writing in Bible” and I found this site. I am about to write in our family Bible for the first time and I wanted to use the correct ink. Thanks again for the informative article. I am going today to buy this pen.
Clint Messer
What do you do when you make an error on underlining or when writing your notes? pigma pens are not erasable, are they?
I bought a size 05 (0.45 mm) and it definitely is visible from the other side. I wish I had read this before spending $5 for one pen! I’m hesitant to spend $5 for one with a smaller “nib.” Ball point pens seem to work well enough if you don’t press too hard.
@ Peejay…Correction tape (not liquid) is OK for covering up mistakes, as long as you’re careful not to pull the page as you’re applying it. These tapes are a different shade of white than the pages of most Bibles, though, so keep that in mind.
I accidently ordered the 05-.45mm Has anyone used this size in their Bible? Is it too large?
My Bible must have thinner sheets than you who have posted here. I use the .005 pen, but unless I skim the page when writing or marking, it bleeds through each time. Using a pencil eventually smudges and makes the pages look dirty.
thank you. i wish there’s an erasable Bible pen that’s thin enough.
I have been using the Pigma Micron Pens in several bibles over the last two years with great results. I have a Thinline Reference Bible, and a Thompson Chain Reference. The size pens I use are the 01 and 03 for underlining and the 005 for writing notes. It’s all just personal preference, what looks good to you. Sometimes the 01 just looks so faint and tiny. But if you have small print, that’s what will work best. DickBlick.com is an art supply company and they sell all of these pens and you can buy individually or in sets. I recommend just buying one in each size you are wanting and test driving them to see what size looks best in your bible before you buy a bunch They’re right at $2 each.
I also shade in some passages in my Bible with colored pencils. I use either Prismacolor Premier or Staedtler Ergosoft because they have soft leads that, with light pressure, don’t damage or stretch your paper. They have lots of pigment so that you get good color even when you are using light pressure. The prismacolor I like a little better because of it’s softer lead and tons of colors. I buy these individually at dickblick too.
I have had extremely poor experiences using “Bible highlighters” and I have used lots of different brands. Their leads are often hard and leave dent marks through the paper , but mostly I find that they hardly have any color at all. In addition to the fact that I can barely see the marks, being called “highlighters” is a gimmick. What makes a highlighter is the flourescence. There is nothing flourescent in any of these pencils. You’ll get the same effect, or better from a crayon or pencil.
Ballpoint pens and gel pens – even if you test them and they don’t bleed through and it seems they will work fine – WATCH OUT! – over time the ink begins to penetrate through the paper. I found this out sadly in an extremely expensive Allan’s calfskin bible. Underlining looked great for quite a while, but somewhere around the three month mark I began to notice that I could see the marks through the pages a little and by a year it was so bad that I couldn’t tell which side had been underlined. Just a huge mess. I only do my bible underlining and writing for at home where I can do a good job. I use a clear, flexible plastic card about the size of a playing card to use as a guide for my underlining which keeps everything looking neat and nice.
sorry for the long post!
Have you seen this Journaling Bible?
http://www.JournalBible.com
This has been a great option for me.
The paper is heavy and I have been able to use any pen. Well, anything except a sharpie. That shows through. But no other pen I have used has shown through the paper. L
-___- I’ve bought the pigma micron ones before and they exploded on me after only about a month of use.
[…] Saenz lists some writing implements that may be used for this sort of writing without bleeding through to the next uniquely thin Bible […]
Just a note: I tried Pigma Microns in all of my Bibles & the ink doesn’t bleed through, but shows through BIG TIME. :( Also, I bought Zebra “Zebrite” highlighters and they bled through. :( Just an FYI to pre-purchasers. :) God bless!
[…] a cool blog on what to use to make notes in your Bible:Â https://souldesaenz.wordpress.com/what-to-use-for-writing-in-your-bible/. I’m going to have to get some of these pens.) Share […]
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Thank you so much for your suggestions. This is exactly what I was searching for when I came across your page. I recently tried out a gel highlighter, which seems almost like a dry ink pencil only as a round highlighter. It doesn’t bleed through or wrinkle the paper, but yuck, does it look ugly. I’m going to buy these pens so I don’t bring the Bible or my eyes anymore disgrace.
[…] Pens for Bibles « Soul deSaenzMany people only mark their Bible according to what they hear from the weekly sermon and after a while they underline or highlight everything making the actual … […]
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[…] For many years I never wrote, underlined, or highlighted anything in my Bible. To me it seemed that I was making the decision that those words were more important that the others, and I know that all the words of Scripture (in the original manuscripts) are inspired, intentional, and important. I have gone away from that line of thinking and have been using the inductive study method for a few years now. I use the Staedtler Ergosoft Colored Pencils written up in this article–Bible Marking–for my color marking and underlining, and a 0.7mm pencil for making symbols. For notes in the margin I have used a Pentel 0.5mm liquid gel ink pen, it hasn’t bled through, but I am now going to look for the Pigma Micron pens discussed in this excellent article–What to Use for Writing in Your Bible. […]
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If you are interested there is another make of pigmented pens by the brand Faber Castell. It’s quite useful for people living in Europe as some of the pens talked of above are not available in Europe.
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I have tried the Pigma Micron and they show through on the next page. I need color for the Inductive Bible Study and do not think these would work well.
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Thanks Jesus! I got a new Cambridge Pitt-Minion in ESV and started fresh with a 005 pigma micron. I love it. I need to get a better grasp of their numbering system, and some more colors – I’m only using black right now. I think I’ll get a color pack for using in my new Clarion (single column) KJV. I used to NEVER mark up a bible, but now, it’s kind of like saving special little notes from God to me…. Thanks again!!
Excellent read, I just passed this onto a friend who was doing some research on that. And he just bought me lunch because I found it for him smile Therefore let me rephrase that: Thank you for lunch! “Life is a continual upgrade.” by J. Mark Wallace.
Not to cause an argument, but I use Sharpie Accent Liquid highlighters, and for me they work great! They may occasionally bleed if you don’t dab the ends (i.e. with a tissue or paper towel). But the colors are vibrant. Try them out on a page in the back of your Bible and see if you like them. :-)
Thank you for writing this. What a great help to me.