Who Is This For?
Best For:
Skeptics, atheists, apologetics students wanting to understand critical arguments, comparative religion study.
Not Ideal For:
Devotional reading, worship, those seeking faith-affirming commentary, or balanced scholarly analysis.
Strengths & Limitations
✓ Strengths of the SAB
- Comprehensive critical annotations
- Well-organized category system
- Full biblical text included
- Useful for apologetics study
- Freely available online
✗ Limitations to Consider
- One-sided skeptical perspective
- Lacks scholarly nuance
- Ignores established interpretations
- Not suitable for devotional reading
- May offend religious readers
Overview
The Skeptics Annotated Bible is an annotated edition of the King James Version created by Steve Wells. First published online in 1999 and later in print, it presents the biblical text alongside annotations highlighting passages the author considers contradictory, scientifically inaccurate, violent, or morally problematic from a skeptical perspective.
Want to read the SAB Bible online? Use our Bible search tool to find any verse, or start reading from Genesis.
Notable Features of the SAB
- Color-coded annotation categories
- Complete KJV text included
- Both critical and 'Good Stuff' annotations
- Cross-referenced contradictions
- Free online access
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Skeptics Annotated Bible?
The Skeptics Annotated Bible is an annotated edition of the King James Version created by Steve Wells. First published online in 1999 and later in print, it presents the biblical text alongside annotations highlighting passages the author considers contradictory, scientifically inaccurate, violent, or morally problematic from a skeptical perspective.
How can I read the SAB Bible online?
You can read and search the Skeptics Annotated Bible online for free at Acts1 Family. Use our Bible search tool to find any verse, chapter, or keyword in the SAB translation.
When was the SAB Bible published?
The Skeptics Annotated Bible was first published in 1999. It is classified as a Annotated Commentary translation with a 12th Grade reading level.
Who should use the SAB Bible?
Skeptics, atheists, apologetics students wanting to understand critical arguments, comparative religion study.
How does the SAB compare to other Bible translations?
The Skeptics Annotated Bible (SAB) is a Annotated Commentary translation. Compare it with other versions like the KJV, ASV, or NIV using our Bible comparison tools to find the best translation for your needs.
Read the SAB Online
Search any verse, compare with other translations, or start reading from Genesis.
Start ReadingHistory
Complete History of the SAB Translation
Steve Wells began the Skeptics Annotated Bible project in 1999 as an online resource at skepticsannotatedbible.com. The project grew to include not only the Bible but also annotated versions of the Quran and Book of Mormon. A hardcover print edition was published by SAB Books in 2013, followed by additional editions.
The annotations categorize passages under headings such as Absurdity, Injustice, Cruelty, Intolerance, Contradictions, Science and History, and others. Notably, the project also includes a 'Good Stuff' category highlighting passages the author considers morally valuable. The website has been continuously updated and maintained since its founding.
Translators
Meet the 1 Key Translators and Contributors
Steve Wells
Author/Annotator
American author and skeptic who created and maintains the Skeptics Annotated Bible website. Also author of 'Drunk with Blood: God's Killings in the Bible.'
Textual Basis
Manuscript Sources and Translation Methodology
Uses the complete King James Version text as its base, with original skeptical annotations and commentary.
Reception
Scholarly Praise
"The Skeptic's Annotated Bible provides a systematic categorization of passages under headings such as Absurdity, Injustice, Cruelty, and Contradictions—while notably also including a 'Good Stuff' category."
— RationalWiki, Skeptic's Annotated Bible (2024) [source]
Scholarly Concerns
The annotations present a one-sided skeptical perspective without engaging with scholarly responses to the objections raised, and many 'contradictions' identified have well-established explanations in biblical scholarship.
— Christian Apologetics, Responses to the Skeptics Annotated Bible (2024) [source]
Revision History
View 3 Major Revisions and Updates
- 1999 Website launched at skepticsannotatedbible.com.
- 2013 Print edition published by SAB Books.
- 2020 Updated edition released.
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