Dake’s Annotated Bible: Good or Bad Study Bible?

Dake’s Annotated Bible is almost as controversial as the author. Finis Jennings Dake (1902 – 1987) was ordained a minister by the Assemblies of God in 1927. This ordination was revoked in 1937 because Mr. Dake was convicted of violating the Mann Act. Although he proclaimed his innocence, Finis Dake pleaded guilty to a lighter sentence of six months at the House of Corrections in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

Many critics of Dake’s Annotated Bible based their disagreement with his work on the problems non-charismatics have with those who are called charismatics. The difference in the doctrine of the Gifts of the Holy Spirit has divided the church (for more information on the difference in doctrine, go to “Finis Dake” on Wikipedia. At the bottom of the page, look for the reference section ” external sources”). recommends that you read “Confused Theology” and the answer directly below it).

Regardless of any specific personal problems Dake may have had, there is no doubt that Dake’s Annotated Bible is one of the best study Bibles out there. As a study tool, there are few Bibles that can withstand the 35,000 notes contained in the pages of Dake’s Annotated Bible. Extensive historical and cultural references give the reader excellent insight into the different biblical eras. The print is small to compensate for the large volume of data on each page. Each page consists of four columns. The text of the Scriptures occupies the middle sections. There is a “large print” edition available.

At the end of each book of the Bible there is a brief summary of the specific book and a list of notes to supplement the references within the text and in the reference columns. What makes this study bible stand out from the rest is the easy access to a wealth of information. Anyone who has studied the Bible knows that the deeper you study, the more research material you will need. You could literally find yourself surrounded by books. Having a Bible that provides so many research tools in one volume is extremely convenient. Of course, depending on the level of study, its purpose is not to totally replace individual linguistic tools, concordances, dictionaries or cultural aids. But, Dake’s Annotated Bible can surely stand on its own for in-depth reading.