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ESV Study Bible
17-07-2009 | Christchurch Blog | Books | Recommendations »


Reading the introduction to a bible seems a tad redundant at least for a Christian who would rather meditate on the words of God than those of man, but in the case of the ESV Study Bible, it really is the best place to begin. Here is a sampling from page 1:

“The ESV Study Bible was created to help people understand the Bible in a deeper way—that is, to encounter the timeless truth of God's Word as a powerful, compelling, life-changing reality. To accomplish this purpose, the ESV Study Bible combines the best and most recent evangelical scholarship with the ESV Bible text, which, as an “essentially literal” translation, is especially suited for Bible study. The result is the most comprehensive study Bible ever published—with completely new notes, maps, illustrations, charts, timelines, articles, and other features. Created by an exceptional team of 95 evangelical Christian scholars and teachers, the ESV Study Bible contains more than 2 million words of Bible text and insightful explanation and teaching—equivalent to a 20-volume Bible resource library.  The purpose and vision of the ESV Study Bible, then, is first and foremost to honor the Lord: (1) in terms of the excellence, beauty, and accuracy of its content and design, and (2) in terms of helping people come to a deeper understanding of the Bible, of the gospel, and of Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior”.

There are 20,000 in-depth notes, 200 full colour maps and 40 drawings of the temple and the city of Jerusalem etc.

Some of us still use the first bible we ever procured as a Christian but many of us have gone through numerous versions, which now occupy rarely touched shelf space.  I was spoon-fed on the NIV and later tried chewing through the NKJV, largely ignorant of the differing translations until someone mentioned the English Standard Version back in 2004. I instantly liked it but lamented the fact that it had no study notes.  So I resorted to frequently dusting off the other study bibles I owned in search of clarity and illumination that much of the time is peculiarly limited to the minds and research work of great scholars. But no more!  Thanks to the 2009 printing, I have the best of both worlds – a translation I love accompanied by study notes for almost every verse in the bible.  I love it!  It has become my cherished friend in the morning when my brain cells need all the help they can get.  It also comes with 160 additional pages of great articles on Biblical doctrine and ethics as well as an overview of the Canon, reliability of manuscripts and original languages.  Oh, and last but not least, when you purchase a copy, it grants you free and unlimited access to an on-line version so you can have the bible at your fingertips through your phone or computer!

Buy one!  It is a significant investment but one you will treasure for the rest of your life.

Bob.
Bob Mc Can