ESV Study Bible
The ESV (English Standard Version) Study Bible was first published by Crossway Publishers in 2001. With a 14-member Translation Oversight Committee, more than 50 Bible Scholars, and a 50 plus member Advisory Board the end result was the most comprehensive study Bible ever published. The ESV Bible text is an "essentially literal" translation while the study notes provide a deeper understanding of Scripture. With regards to the doctrinal perspective of the ESV Study Bible it is based upon classic evangelical orthodoxy with historical ties to the Reformation. To read more about how the ESV translation came to fruition Crossway Publishers has a wonderful article entitled 10 Things You Should Know about the ESV Translation. I highly encourage you to take the time to read through this as it gives an excellent overview of why the ESV translation was created. Crossway has many purchase options for their ESV Study Bible. In this review, I am looking at the ESV Study Bible in TruTone Chestnut with Smyth-sewn binding. This particular Bible retails for $79.99.
The ESV Study Bible features:
20,000 study notes
80,000 cross references
200+ charts
50+ articles
240 full color maps and illustrations
Extensive concordance
Extensive introductions to each book of the Bible
Single column page layout for scripture
Study notes are in a double column layout
This particular Bible has a lifetime guarantee. Only available on select Crossway Bibles.
Study Bibles are designed to provide plenty of room for note-taking as well as highlighting. Obviously, some pages will have more note-taking space than others but you will have that with any Study Bible. Since the mid 90's I have been primarily using a NAS (New American Standard) Study Bible. It is so difficult to give up a Bible that has your own notes all throughout. I have been using a hardcover version of the ESV Study Bible when doing Bible study and when I need further clarification on difficult scripture passages. I personally have found the ESV to be preferable to other versions and most definitely the most comprehensive study Bible to date. After receiving the ESV Study Bible in TruTone Chestnut with Smyth-sewn binding I will be retiring my NAS Study Bible forever. I am excited to start adding my own notes as I study, hear God's Word being taught, and grow through my weekly Bible Study. I am grateful for the team of scholars who worked on this amazing ESV Study Bible.
Jerusalem in the Time of Solomon (c. 970-930 B.C.)
" You know that David my father could not build a house for the name of the Lord his God
because of the warfare with which his enemies surrounded him, until the LORD put them
under the soles of his feet. But now the LORD my God has given me rest on every side.
There is neither adversary nor misfortune. And so I intend to build a house for the name of the
LORD my God, as the LORD said to David my father, 'Your son, whom I will set on your
throne in your place, shall build the house for my name.'"
This year in Bible Study Fellowship (BSF), we are studying Israel's history across fifteen books in the Old Testament. From its split into two nations, Israel's exile into Babylon, the many kings and prophets, and how God used the Old Testament to set the stage for the long-awaited Messiah, the books that will be read and be the focus are Isaiah, Micah, Hosea, Joel, Jonah, Amos, Jeremiah, Lamentations, 1 Kings, 2 Kings, 1 Chronicles, 2 Chronicles, Obadiah, Nahum, Zephaniah, and Habakkuk.
The charts of The Divided Kingdom: Kings of Judah/Israel are so helpful. With all of the kings, it can get extremely confusing. Some of the kings reigned for years, while others reigned for only months or days. To be able to see all of the kings for both Judah and Israel listed side by side with reference information is great.
Wow, it is mind-boggling to think about the time that went into cross-referencing the events between books. Again, what a great help while working through some of the more challenging aspects of studying the Old Testament.
The Tabernacle Tent
The illustrations in the ESV Study Bible are amazing. The colors are bold and rich.
The detail is also quite impressive. Exodus 26 gives a very detailed description of the
tabernacle. In the middle of the chapter in the study note section is a wonderful
labeled full-color illustration of the tabernacle tent.
Galilean Fishing Boat
In Matthew 14:22-33 we read about Jesus Walking on the Water.
The boat in the illustration is the type of boat that Jesus and his disciples probably used.
This is based on the remains of a fishing boat found on the shore of the
Sea of Galilee from approximately 2,000 years ago.
This article explains how the Old Testament points to a promised Messiah
and how the New Testament message cannot be separated from the Old Testament.
Herod's Temple Complex g
When the Gospels and the book of Acts refer to entering the temple or teaching
in the temple, it is often not a reference to Herod's temple itself, but rather
to this temple complex, including a number of courts and chambers that surrounded the temple
I did not know this.
The Herodian Dynasty
Maps
I love maps to reference in my Bible. They help me to visualize in my mind where places
were, how far someone traveled, and what the journey would have entailed.
This particular map entitled Nations at Pentecost is incredible. Jews from all over the world
which was what is shown on this map came to Jerusalem to celebrate the annual festival.
Jerusalem is right above Judea on the Mediterranean Sea.
The two competing empires, the Roman Empire (green) and the
Parthian Empire (grey) both came.
Book Introductions
Every book has an extensive introduction. Each books introduction will vary to some degree.
The Introduction to the book of Hebrews includes:
Author, Audience, and Title
Date
Theme
Purpose, Occasion, and Background
Key Themes
History of Salvation Summary
Literary Features
Outline
The ESV Study Bible utilizes a single column page layout for the scripture text.
The study notes at the bottom are in two separate columns.
At the end of the Bible are very helpful articles on the following topics.
God's Plan of Salvation
Biblical Doctrine: An Overview
Biblical Ethics: An Overview
Interpreting the Bible
Reading the Bible
The Canon of Scripture
The Reliability of Biblical Manuscripts
Archaeology and the Bible
The Original Languages of the Bible
The Septuagint
How NT Quotes and Interprets the OT
OT Passages cited in the NT
The Bible in Christianity
The Bible and World Religions
The Bible and Religious Cults
History of Salvation in the OT
Charts and Diagrams Index
Maps Index
Concordance
Daily Reading Plan
Weights and Measures
Colophon
The last pages of the Bible are dedicated to colorful maps.
The Bible includes a brown ribbon bookmark.
The ESV Study Bible is truly a wonderful study Bible. I would highly recommend this
Bible to anyone who is searching for a study Bible. You will not find another study Bible with
this amount of notes, illustrations, maps, charts, and helpful articles. The ESV is written on an
8th-10th grade reading level. The Bible itself is beautiful. The gilding on the edges of the
pages are gold metallic leaf foil. The wording on the spine of the Bible is engraved into the leather.
Disclaimer: I received this in exchange for my honest thoughts.
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