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NASB, The MacArthur Study Bible

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A classic resource, The MacArthur Study Bible is perfect for serious study. Dr. John MacArthur has collected his pastoral and scholarly work of more than 35 years to create the most comprehensive study Bible available. No other study Bible does such a thorough job of explaining the historical context, unfolding the meaning of the text, and making it practical for your life.

Features

125-page concordance, including people and places More than 20,000 study notes, charts, maps, outlines, and articles from Dr. John MacArthur Overview of Theology Index to Key Bible Doctrines Part of the Signature Series line of Thomas Nelson Bibles

MacArthur Study Bibles sold to More than 1.8 million

13847 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2003

2081 people are currently reading
530 people want to read

About the author

John F. MacArthur Jr.

1,344 books1,915 followers
John F. MacArthur, Jr. was a United States Calvinistic evangelical writer and minister, noted for his radio program entitled Grace to You and as the editor of the Gold Medallion Book Award-winning MacArthur Study Bible. MacArthur was a fifth-generation pastor, a popular author and conference speaker, and served as pastor-teacher of Grace Community Church in Sun Valley, California beginning in 1969, as well as President of The Master’s College (and the related Master’s Seminary) in Santa Clarita, California.

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5 stars
884 (84%)
4 stars
111 (10%)
3 stars
34 (3%)
2 stars
5 (<1%)
1 star
10 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 67 reviews
Profile Image for DevotedToHope.
651 reviews96 followers
December 18, 2024
I am continuing to read the Bible each day.

Additionally, I am reading to the Bible every day using The Shred reading plan. This allows me to mindfully focus and read (and/or listen) to the Bible from Genesis to Revelation every 30 days. Oh, what joy!

I've reached the maximum number of Goodreads re-reads tracking :(
.... but I'm still reading! :)
Profile Image for Jaye Knight.
Author 11 books689 followers
February 16, 2015
I got this Bible as a gift several years ago and have read through it twice. I've gained an incredible amount of knowledge from the notes, especially about the Old Testament.
Profile Image for laurenpie.
406 reviews11 followers
January 1, 2013
Enriching and Trustworthy; NOTE re Large Print edition

John MacArthur's commentary broadens my understanding of scripture and adds instructive historical perspective. At the same time, it helps me to focus on a passage's core spiritual truths and its applications to my life.

I love John MacArthur's sermons (I listen online), and am now thrilled to find this treasure-trove of exposition.

I have both the 2006 NASB "MacArthur Study Bible" and the 2005 "The MacArthur Bible Commentary." I've compared the two in terms of content (not exhaustively, but fairly extensively), and I believe the 2006 study bible DOES have all the same charts, maps and articles of the 2005 commentary, though several have been renamed and moved to a different section or location. Also, the commentary itself seems to be identical between these two works.

LARGE PRINT: I have the large print edition (bonded leather). Both the scripture and the commentary are significantly larger than in the normal print edition, and though the "large-print" commentary isn't AS large as the "large-print" scripture itself, the commentary is still quite a bit larger than it is in the regular print bible and is clearly legible. The scripture font is NOT as large as my other "Giant Print" bible, but is in keeping with "Large Print" expectations.

KINDLE edition warning: The charts and maps are too small to be legible. After attempting to read the commentary on my Kindle for a few weeks, I went ahead and bought the full study bible (hard copy, not Kindle) solely in order to view these charts and maps in larger print.
3 reviews2 followers
March 13, 2008
The Bible is a classic (not to mention the truest words ever written!). This particular publication is great because:
- NASB (New American Standard Bible) is a truer translation (I think) from the original Hebrew/Aramaic and Greek
- Cross-references
- Alternate translations for various words
- Well-written footnotes
- Maps and other reference materials throughout
- I like the leather binding
- It was given to me as a gift from my beautiful wife <3

If you're a bit of a geek like me, then you'll really appreciate the reference materials in particular. They are really helpful for digging in to various themes and concepts to provide a much richer, deeper picture of what is being said in the passages.
Profile Image for Rebekah Boco.
55 reviews1 follower
December 20, 2025
My goal was to read the Bible in a year. There is no way to truly rate the Bible and the older I get, the more I am amazed at how Gods word speaks, moves in my heart, and insights a crazy amount of imagination! I’m so glad I stuck this goal out because it’s truly been one of the most rewarding I’ve done in a long time.
Profile Image for K Nathanael.
8 reviews
February 27, 2013
For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. (Hebrews 4:12 NIV). Great commentary provided by John MacArthur
Profile Image for Caryn Block.
167 reviews32 followers
September 8, 2023
Of course the Bible is 5 stars, that's a given. I'm giving this study Bible 4.5 stars only because I don't hold the same hermeneutic view as JMac (he is Dispensational, I'm Covenantal) therefore his notes were based on his view and I had disagreement with some of his interpretations. With that said, his notes are great and very helpful overall. I'm glad to have spent so much time learning from this great man of God and would highly recommend this translation and study Bible to anyone who wants to grow in their faith.
Profile Image for librarian4Him02.
566 reviews19 followers
December 29, 2020
In 2010, i once again took a journey through God's word. This is something I try to do every other year or so. Each time I gain a deeper understanding of God, HIs plan, purposes, and sovereignty.

In this particular edition, edited by John MacArthur, there are a myriad of maps, diagrams, footnotes, cross references and more to help you learn and understand God's word. If you're looking for a good study Bible, I highly recommend this one.
Profile Image for Marcia.
6 reviews
December 31, 2007
I just finished reading through the Bible in one year. I used this study bible for the adventure. I really enjoyed the study notes in the publication. It clarified verses and content with which I was struggling. I didn't use the Bible reading plan in the book. I used the one from Discipleship Journal so I didn't have to read Job until last--often my hang-up in past attempts.
Profile Image for Dave Ebacher.
4 reviews1 follower
March 18, 2008
Next to the Ryrie NASV, this study bible by Dr. John MacArthur and buttressed by the Master's Seminary, is the finest study bible in current publication. The intros. and notes provide very good historical, cultural and grammatical insights that support the text for faithful application.

One book that I'll never finish reading!

Profile Image for 'ME'  .
5 reviews20 followers
April 11, 2012
MY FAVOURITE BIBLE VERSION!!! and yes John Macarthur's study notes do help but only to a certain point... it is always nice to continue to study and read his and other FULL length Commentaries, i mean to take a bite is nice but to actually sink your teeth into a txt and grasp it in depth is always best! (Calvin and Spurgeon have excellent commentaries!)
Profile Image for Roy.
155 reviews3 followers
February 7, 2014
I enjoy the ministry of John MacArthur and appreciate his passion for God's Word. This edition is in the NASB, a very good Bible translation (perhaps the most literal English translation). The notes are very helpful though I differed with him over his Calvinistic views. However, I do highly recommend this study Bible.
Profile Image for Russell.
30 reviews2 followers
August 17, 2012
This is my favorite translation for study, and my favorite study bible for the notes included... .The only problem with this Bible at all is it is too easy to see through the pages, so it can cause a little eye strain if lighting is not just right....
Profile Image for Joanna.
113 reviews9 followers
February 22, 2015
Great study Bible - excellent scriptural exposition and great "helps" throughout (maps, lists, book introductions, etc.)
1,015 reviews30 followers
December 26, 2024
2024:
Became a pastor
Preached every Sunday
Dad diagnosed with cancer
Kids started jujitsu

God is good.

MacArthur is good, but Wiersbe is a better commentator.
Profile Image for Jean Pierre.
41 reviews2 followers
July 23, 2011
John MacArthur is one of my favorite living theologians today. This study bible has helped me to better understand God's revealed word. MacArthur's study bible is probably one of the most detailed study bibles you will ever come across. He has literally thousands of notes that expound difficult passages. The only issue, if you could call it that, that I have with this book is that he is dispensational so MacArthur does view many passages of Scripture from that framework. Besides that, this is a very good study bible and a must have for any Christian.
1 review1 follower
July 7, 2011
I loved it! I haven't read the entire thing, obviously... I prefer reading the Bible in my mother tongue (Afrikaans), anyway. But whenever I read something I don't understand, I'm able to check this study Bible - MacArthur explains the Bible with the Bible, explaining cultural background where necessary; he doesn't make up his own stories to twist the Bible his way, which is always something I worry about in study Bibles.
Profile Image for So_Unhip_Shan.
171 reviews5 followers
January 18, 2010
This is the version I prefer when studying. I often reference back to other versions, especially NLT, when I am having trouble understaning the concept. This is also the version that I have started using for memorization work. (I don't have the MacArthur Study Bible though, I could not access the exact publication I have even though it is here on goodreads.)
1 review
September 26, 2007
1 Timothy 3:16

"The word of God is living and active, sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates, even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow. It judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.
Profile Image for Denton.
12 reviews2 followers
April 25, 2015
This is my current favorite Bible! I love the NASB text and the study notes are abundant and shed light onto the text. I thank God for John MacArthur!
Profile Image for Eddie.
89 reviews6 followers
April 14, 2008
I have recently stopped using this Bible because I prefer the NKJV. I still use the MacArthur notes though. I don't always agree with John MacArthur but I do like his notes and ideas.
23 reviews11 followers
February 1, 2010
the amount os notes is unsurmmounted by any other study bible thus far.
Profile Image for Kara.
3 reviews
October 3, 2008
Awesome! The best book you'll ever read!
12 reviews
August 13, 2009
A must have Bible. NASB is extremely accurate and is the best english translation that uses minority Greek text.
Profile Image for Brandon Price.
1 review1 follower
Currently reading
May 8, 2011
NASB has been an interesting translation. MacArthur's commentary is excellent.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 67 reviews

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