What do you do with old Bibles?

I'm curious what people have done/would do with old Bibles.
We have one that belonged to my mother in law. It is so old there is no cover (front or back), not only is it missing pages that have fallen out, but some sections entire books are missing.

What do you do when a Bible is so old and falling apart that it can't be passed onto someone for use?

Thinking of how precious the fragments of original scrolls are, I can't bring myself to dispose of even the most severely damaged bible. even if only one verse is left intact.

I still have my original KJV Bible that I bought myself approximately 33 1/2 years ago. The front cover has long since fallen off, and the Bible looks pretty beat up, but I could never bring myself to disposing of it. That Bible got me through a lot of tough times, so it has a lot of sentimental value to me. In fact, there were many times when I literally kissed that Bible because I was so thankful for God's word and what it had done for me that nothing else could have possibly done for me. That said, I did buy another KJV Bible several years ago which is easier to travel with simply because it's in much better shape than my original, but, again, I still have my original Bible.

Technically speaking, my "original Bible" isn't really my "original Bible". When I first got saved, my mother bought me an NIV Bible. I never felt comfortable with that Bible, especially after doing extensive research on underlying texts of the Bible, and I threw that Bible in the trash without any sense of loss or remorse whatsoever. I purchased my original KJV Bible a little less than two months after I was initially given the NIV Bible.

If you had a little extra money you could get it rebound into a new cover.

If an old Bible has served its purpose, I have no problem with throwing it away; however, if it belongs to someone special, or given by someone special, I try to make a work of memorial art out of it. I find a scripture or passage that reminds me of that person, along with a photo and silk flowers, I make a small plaque of remembrance.

One like you speak of, I would keep and pass down to my children. In fact, I do have such a Bible. One given to my mother by her father many, many years ago. It is really old! I keep it wraped and safe to preserve it as best as possible. And, I will pass it on to my daughter when I go home to be with my Lord and Savior.

As for Bibles I no longer read/use because I have a new one, I donate them. Either to my Church, for use by the Congregation, or to places such as Christian Missions, or other Charitable Organizations.

You can even donate them to your local Justice System to be used in jails or prisons.

If its a heavy one you can use it to press flowers
It can be a blessing this way. Then go and buy a nice new one and gift it to someone who doesnt have one

I've kept those that belonged to departed family members. They're in my library.

My old bibles go to the local Goodwill. Not that many to donate so it just makes good sense.

those old worn out Bibles are the most beautiful thing ever you can see the persons hopes and faith shown in all the tears and creases the worn bindings seem as though it’s the footprints of our distant relatives in Christ

over the years when someone has passed I’ve always kept thier bibles I have about 9 now

I even have my grandmothers family Bible printed early in the 20th century

for me they are keepsakes d sometimes I like to search through some of the notes on the margins , sort of can deduce what subjects they were studying and conclusions they noticed sometimes

anyways I just love old worn out bibles to me they are great keepsakes from loved ones who’ve left for home

I like the hand written margin notes too.

amen those are great you can really see what was in thier mind as they studied my grandmas has so many study notes I learned fro. Along the way after I got ahold of it when she passed it’s one of my favorite possessions on earth to be honest

I keep KJVs or give them away. The one I had that was falling apart cos Id read it so much Ive just just in a box keep sake under my bed, I guess to be buried (with me?!)

but other versions its funny Im not too worried about tossing them away though they would probably not be read very much..sorry NIV

Your mother in law was obviously a great woman of faith and that Bible was her treasure

Sentimentality is nice, But God's Written Word transcends that tattered copy.

God's Word will not disappear if you replace the unusable copy with a new one. If it were the Ark of the Covenant, I would say different, for it was not printed in a book factory and it is an original and God gave specific commands about it.

We are not to live under fearful superstitions like the children of the Devil do.

Use it for memorizing scriptures.

For example, if you wanted to memorize the entire chapter of 2 Peter 1 you could tear out that page and put it in your wallet.

When you are standing in a long grocery line or in a waiting room, or taking a lunch break, or many other situations, you pull it out and memorize it. Reading each verse several times, then trying to repeat it without looking, until you get stuck and then doing it again until you have it down and move on to the next verse. Soon you will be able to quote that whole passage verbatim.

When you are ready throw that page away and tear out a new page and start working on it.

We're not overly sentimental, but of this you are right.

And no superstitions around/about it in my household.

Just dunno what to do with it right now, and was curious how others may have handled the same/similar situation.

That actually isn't a bad idea. Thanks.

Have a version given to me almost 10 years ago that is in bad shape...smeared, warped, and moldy. Not good I know, just can't seem to rid myself of it.

I guess I have a hard time just tossing it out even though it's beyond "usable" because I find it heart wrenching that here we are talking about replacing Bibles and owning more than one copy, and yet there are places in the world where there is only 1 copy for entire villages, where people are so hungry for the Word and Truth that they'll walk for miles (sometimes a days travel) just to hear a preacher or reading from the Bible.

I do what I'm doing right now.

Let me back up and explain.
I bought special Bibles for daily devotions. The fonts are legible and I like the margin size. While I study, the Holy Spirit reminds me, or just my recall of certain cross references that pertain to that passage. Sometimes He has me open directly to the place even though I don't remember where...then He brings my eyes to focus directly upon the verse. This is supernatural and occurs more often as I seek His will. It is a very emotional experience when I hear from God like this and my heart is overwhelmed with gratitude that He would take time to talk with me this way.. I write the cross references in the margins and any concise note that applies.
I use my Bibles so when they start wearing out, I ask my Father for a replacement. It is very specific and He always provides in an amazing way exactly what I ask for or better. After properly breaking in my new Bible, it is used side by side with my previous daily devotional. I transfer the appropriate cross references and my margin notes that I think will be helpful in the future.

For instance, an early Bible had blank pages in the back by the maps. I used those to record answers to prayers, miracles and notes on wisdom concerning the leadership positions I was given in ministry. I don't believe they were inspired, on the Bible is God breathed, but He provided special wisdom that I needed throughout life to hold meetings and prioritize properly.

When transferring cross references and such to my newest Bible, I go book by book until I get through the entire Bible, checking as I go.
The old ones go to my library when I'm done. Sometimes I refer to them on certain prayers or notes that didn't get transfered. I date the miracles that God performs in my life. One day I plan to publish them in a book. I have some already that are hand written rough drafts. I'm hoping that they will encourage the faith of others and especially my children if I should find that special princess to share my life with.

Use a cedar box.