GRAND RAPIDS, Mich., January 2026 — Zondervan, a division of HarperCollins Christian Publishing, is celebrating a significant milestone for the NIV Application Bible, which has now surpassed 100,000 copies sold since its release just last year. In conjunction with this achievement, Zondervan is also pleased to announce that Dr. Joel Muddamalle will serve as the season two host of the NIV Application Bible Podcast and ambassador for the NIV Application Bible, helping expand its reach and impact among readers, pastors, and church leaders.
The NIV Application Bible brings together the trusted scholarship of the bestselling NIV Application Commentary series—which has sold over 2 million copies worldwide—in a single, accessible Bible designed to help readers understand Scripture in its original context and thoughtfully apply it to their everyday experiences. Notably, the Bible launched exactly 30 years after the release of the first NIV Application Commentary volume, marking three decades of Zondervan’s commitment to bridging biblical meaning and modern life.
“The response we’ve seen to the NIV Application Bible has been incredibly encouraging,” said Melinda Bouma, VP and Associate Group Publisher for Bibles at Zondervan. “Reaching 100,000 copies sold within a year of its release affirms that readers are hungry for Scripture engagement that is both faithful to the text and deeply relevant to our modern world. We’re also thrilled to welcome Joel Muddamalle as our next representative for this Bible; he is a voice who embodies our same commitment to thoughtful, lived theology.”
Built on the award-winning methodology of the NIV Application Commentary series, the NIV Application Bible features thousands of study notes organized around two of the NIV Application Commentary’s core pillars: Original Meaning notes help readers understand the historical, literary, and cultural context of the biblical text, and Application notes guide readers in integrating Scripture into their personal, communal, and vocational experiences. This approach equips readers not only to comprehend Scripture, but to live it out with wisdom and discernment.
Following in the footsteps of bestselling author and Bible teacher Lisa Harper, who served as the first podcast host and ambassador, Joel Muddamalle will help lead conversations that reflect the heart of the NIV Application Bible—exploring how biblical theology intersects with discipleship, culture, leadership, and everyday faithfulness. A theologian, speaker, and respected voice in the church, Muddamalle brings both academic depth and pastoral clarity to the role, making him uniquely suited to engage a broad audience seeking thoughtful engagement with Scripture.
“The NIV Application Bible is designed to help people move from reading Scripture to being formed by it,” said Muddamalle. “I’m honored to partner with Zondervan in inviting readers into deeper reflection on how God’s Word speaks meaningfully into our lives today.”
Available in a range of print and digital formats, the NIV Application Bible continues to serve pastors, students, and everyday readers looking for a reliable and accessible resource for personal study, teaching, and discipleship.
For more information about the NIV Application Bible, visit nivapplicationbible.com, and to watch the podcast, visit nivapplicationbible.com/podcast.
Joel Muddamalle, PhD, is the director of theology and research at Proverbs 31 Ministries and cohosts the Therapy and Theology podcast with Lysa TerKeurst and licensed professional counselor Jim Cress. Joel speaks frequently at churches, conferences, and events and is the author of The Hidden Peace and upcoming new release with Zondervan Reflective, The Unseen Battle. Stay connected with Joel through his social media @muddamalle or online at www.muddamalle.com.
About Zondervan
Zondervan, a worldwide leading Christian publisher of books and Bibles, is part of HarperCollins Christian Publishing, Inc. Its publications include a variety of Bible translations for all ages; books in numerous genres and subject areas; academic and reference works; curriculum resources; and books for children and young adults. Zondervan is based in Grand Rapids, MI. For more information, visit zondervan.com.
About the NIV
The New International Version (NIV) is the world’s bestselling modern-English Bible translation—accurate, readable, and clear, yet deeply faithful to the detail of the original languages. For over 50 years, the Committee on Bible Translation has overseen the work of scholars from around the world to ensure the NIV remains accessible, relevant, and authoritative. Every NIV purchased helps Biblica translate and distribute Scripture to people around the globe. Learn more at thenivbible.com.
To schedule interviews with Joel Muddamalle or for more information, contact:
Serena DeKryger, Manager, Publicity & Reader Engagement at serena.dekryger@harpercollins.com
