As an international missionary, I didn’t get my hands on my copy of the ESV Study Bible until my parents visited earlier this month. I hold it in my hand now, it’s calfskin cover a secret “upgrade” Christmas present from my wife. At over 2,7oo pages, I can’t say I’ve read every word, but I wanted to give you my initial impressions.
Upon holding the ESV Study Bible, it is immediately noticeable just how big it is. Certainly thicker than any other Bible I’ve owned. In fact, it is heavy enough to dissuade some from purchasing it. For those who choose against based on size, I believe they make a mistake. Let me highlight a few reasons why.
Scholarship. This is a study Bible based on the ESV (my preferred English translation) with the notes and articles written by quality scholars and theologians. It is first rate… and for me personally, it represents the kind of information I want in the hands of believers and church members.
Understandable. I’m no genius, nor am I a scholar (just ask my college and seminary professors!). That said, I believe the notes and articles in the ESV Study Bible will be beneficial for literate English speakers. I’m not trying to imply they are simple, they are not. The Bible student better plan to think while reading and studying with this resource. This is, by the way, advisable when reading any version of the Bible. Being the Word of God, I suppose we owe it to Him, and ourselves, to pay careful attention to His Word.
Notes. With 20,000 textual study notes, there are many common questions that will be answered during one’s study with this Bible. Are the notes inspired by God? NO! Are they quality helps in our understanding better the inspired Word of God? Absolutely! The extensive introductions to each book of the Bible are the best I’ve ever seen in a study Bible.
Articles. This unique part of the ESV Study Bible is probably the part that gives the extra weight and most sets it apart from other quality study Bibles. When I was a Pastor, I often thought, “I wish everyone in my Church had access to a good, understandable theological text.” The articles in the study Bible fit the bill! They are understandable but weighty in giving overviews of the Bible, the history of Salvation, Theology, the trustworthiness of the scriptures and others. I believe any church would be blessed with a congregation full of people with this information under their belts.
Maps, Charts and Illustrations. I love charts! I learn well from them and use them in my personal teaching ministry, even in Spanish. This study Bible is filled with charts and full color drawings of important biblical locations. And with a ton of “in text” maps to go along with the maps in the back, one can gather a much better picture of the “where” of the Bible.
Online. At no extra charge, each copy of this Bible comes with a password to use the ESV Study Bible online. At first glance, I thought, “okay, this is a bit cheesy, there are tons of online Bible sites”. Upon further exploration, I have changed my mind. I can read, but also write my own personal notes to the side of the biblical text. And the site remembers. I can highlight specific passages (in various colors). And the site remembers. In this technological age it is pretty cool. Will it change your life? Probably not. Will you use it? I don’t know about you, but I already am.
Even handedness. My biggest concern about this Study Bible was how even it would give treatment to various “difficult” texts. The notes treat Ephesians 1 and 2 Peter 3:9 fairly and, in my opinion, biblically. While I have only read a smattering of the notes, I have looked at several areas where I feared theological bias. So far, my concerns have been unwarranted.
Do you need this study Bible? Absolutely not. This is not the only game in town. That said, it is, in my opinion, the best game in town. Of course, only invest in the ESV Study Bible if you plan to actually read it. May God use it to help many “understand the Bible in a deeper way.”
Filed under: Biblical Encouragement, miscellaneous
You have helped me understand what I have and how to use the Bible you and Jenny gave Mac and me. I do thank you for the Bible and also for this information.
Wow!! I am so in love with you!! One of the things I have always loved most about you is your love for our GOOD GOD and HIS WORD!! Awesome review, by the way! I might have a couple questions for you about how to manage the sheer volume of info. this Bible provides (preferably before tomorrow when I officially dive in to this bad boy)! Fun times!! Love you!!
John, I first read this review when you wrote it back in December and just kind of filed it away as a good recommendation. Well, since we have been here at FPO, I have longed more for God’s Word (more in-depth study and understanding) and I thought about this recommendation once again. I went down to LifeWay and checked it out again, but didn’t want to pay the hefty LifeWay price. So it’s ordered from Amazon and on the way. I pray this will be a tool that helps me to grow in my own commitment to His Word. Also, I pray you are just as excited in February as you were in December about this new tool for growing in your faith!
I’m still enjoying it! I hope you do too.
The main negative I have found is that it is really big and heavy… not good for carrying around. But you can’t have the wealth of information it has on a post it!