What do you think?
Rate this book
Apocrypha
New Revised Standard Version - NSRV
This Bible translation is a contemporary revision of the 1952 Revised Standard Version, which was in turn based on the American Standard Version of 1901. The translators of the New Revised Standard Version, or NRSV, published in 1990, took into account the recent discovery of still older biblical manuscripts that were not available to the translators of the RSV. They also examined linguistic features of the text in more depth and considered changes in English usage. Basing their work on the maxim, "As literal as possible, as free as necessary," the translators' desire was to preserve what is best in previous English translations while producing a new one of high quality and enhanced accuracy.
This version includes the deuterocanonical books of the Old Testament.
This version includes the deuterocanonical books of the Old Testament.
ebook
First published January 1, 1989
894 people are currently reading
637 people want to read
About the author
Anonymous
791k books3,367 followersBooks can be attributed to "Anonymous" for several reasons:
* They are officially published under that name
* They are traditional stories not attributed to a specific author
* They are religious texts not generally attributed to a specific author
Books whose authorship is merely uncertain should be attributed to Unknown.
See also: Anonymous
* They are officially published under that name
* They are traditional stories not attributed to a specific author
* They are religious texts not generally attributed to a specific author
Books whose authorship is merely uncertain should be attributed to Unknown.
See also: Anonymous
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 133 reviews
May 13, 2008
pretty good read in the beginning, gets slow for the middle 2000 pages, then gets good again, then has the craziest ending I've ever read
April 30, 2017
An excellent translation of a totally insane book.
March 16, 2011
It seems that all the reviews for this bible are soap box oriented: either digs at the bible in general, or, someone dislikes the version so they are touting about the virtues of the 1611 King James version, etc. This review, however, is based solely upon my observations of the book itself. As such, it will be short, simple, and to the point.
I purchased my copy at a used bookstore. As such, I did not get a dust cover (I hate them anyways) with it, but I did get a bible that had obviously never been used. Many of the pages were still stuck together. I paid only $3 for it, but seeing it and having used it now for 8 months, I happily pay the $22 dollars that Amazon is asking for it now.
This bible is of normal Oxford quality. The pages are reasonably thick, binding is excellent. It is a pretty blue color with gold lettering on the outside, and there is some engraving on the spine (looks like a flame coming off a page)which is a very nice added touch, cosmetically. Print is a very comfortable text size for reading. The maps are more than adequate for a bible at this price.
I was really surprised to see that the Apocrypha was included, especially given its overall dimensions. This is probably the most important feature to me. The bible is small enough to make it feasible to take to church, etc, and with the Apocrypha included, it is very useful.
As I said, I would gladly pay allot more for this bible than what I did. I take it to Sunday school and church, use it mostly in my daily reading and devotion, and also use it along with my bible software when doing comprehensive bible study. This latter application is probably its only weakness, but of course, it is not marketed as a study bible. The footnote system in the NRSV, however, is excellent.
I would highly recommend this to anyone looking for a reasonably sized bible w/Apocrypha, who also wants to have a bible to take with them on the go. If you don't want to spend the money for a leather bound bible, this is a hard bound bible that is cosmetically pleasing and will be useful for many years to come. I've checked, but it does not appear that this volume comes in any other format. It would be great if you could this in a leather bound version.
I purchased my copy at a used bookstore. As such, I did not get a dust cover (I hate them anyways) with it, but I did get a bible that had obviously never been used. Many of the pages were still stuck together. I paid only $3 for it, but seeing it and having used it now for 8 months, I happily pay the $22 dollars that Amazon is asking for it now.
This bible is of normal Oxford quality. The pages are reasonably thick, binding is excellent. It is a pretty blue color with gold lettering on the outside, and there is some engraving on the spine (looks like a flame coming off a page)which is a very nice added touch, cosmetically. Print is a very comfortable text size for reading. The maps are more than adequate for a bible at this price.
I was really surprised to see that the Apocrypha was included, especially given its overall dimensions. This is probably the most important feature to me. The bible is small enough to make it feasible to take to church, etc, and with the Apocrypha included, it is very useful.
As I said, I would gladly pay allot more for this bible than what I did. I take it to Sunday school and church, use it mostly in my daily reading and devotion, and also use it along with my bible software when doing comprehensive bible study. This latter application is probably its only weakness, but of course, it is not marketed as a study bible. The footnote system in the NRSV, however, is excellent.
I would highly recommend this to anyone looking for a reasonably sized bible w/Apocrypha, who also wants to have a bible to take with them on the go. If you don't want to spend the money for a leather bound bible, this is a hard bound bible that is cosmetically pleasing and will be useful for many years to come. I've checked, but it does not appear that this volume comes in any other format. It would be great if you could this in a leather bound version.
August 22, 2023
not enough whales
December 9, 2008
The fact that 80% of Americans believe this book sets the standard for their core spiritual beliefs frightens me.
For those that wish to control people though, this book is perfect: you can find a verse that will justify anything you wish.
One more thing: My bible has the words of Jesus in red. I found it interesting that when Paul was wandering around converting people he started hearing Jesus' voice in his head. Those words were printed in red! Does that mean the crazy guy on the corner who says he talks to Jesus should have his own version of the Bible too? Not to mention what Paul was saying to the Romans was nothing even close to what Jesus said (when he was alive). And that was the foundation for the Roman Catholic church!
I only recommend reading this book on the condition that Holy Blood, Holy Grail be read along with it.
For those that wish to control people though, this book is perfect: you can find a verse that will justify anything you wish.
One more thing: My bible has the words of Jesus in red. I found it interesting that when Paul was wandering around converting people he started hearing Jesus' voice in his head. Those words were printed in red! Does that mean the crazy guy on the corner who says he talks to Jesus should have his own version of the Bible too? Not to mention what Paul was saying to the Romans was nothing even close to what Jesus said (when he was alive). And that was the foundation for the Roman Catholic church!
I only recommend reading this book on the condition that Holy Blood, Holy Grail be read along with it.
Read
February 13, 2024Continuing my policy of not giving star reviews to the foundational texts of human civilization.
August 4, 2011
Always wanted to read the Holy Bible cover to cover, and now I will over the next 34 weeks through Disciple sessions beginning Sep 2010. My good friend asked today, "What's 34 weeks of your time on earth if eternity in Heaven is your reward?" Nodded my head and replied, "That's kind of how I see it." Don't want this left on my bucket list. ;~)
New entry - Well finished the Disciple class in May, and read the Bible essentially cover to cover (not every verse of course). However I still need to read the book of Revelation, and I'm probably half way through it. The group may go on meeting in some manner to continue our journey together. The experience has strengthened my faith as a Christian and helped me understand what I need to do to be a Disciple in my daily living.
New entry - Well finished the Disciple class in May, and read the Bible essentially cover to cover (not every verse of course). However I still need to read the book of Revelation, and I'm probably half way through it. The group may go on meeting in some manner to continue our journey together. The experience has strengthened my faith as a Christian and helped me understand what I need to do to be a Disciple in my daily living.
June 24, 2017
I read the Bible (although admittedly I didn't read the apocryphal/deuterocanonical books) because as an atheist I don't want anyone thinking I disagree with it without having read the entire thing. I want to make informed arguments for being non-religious. I have nothing against religious people; I am against every organized form of religion I have encountered, however, for various reasons.
October 8, 2018
The perfect book to convince you that there is no God. After reading I am convinced Christianity is a cult.
January 22, 2020
Psalm 121
1 I lift up my eyes to the mountains— where does my help come from?
2 My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth.
3 He will not let your foot slip— he who watches over you will not slumber;
4 indeed, he who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep.
5 The LORD watches over you— the LORD is your shade at your right hand;
6 the sun will not harm you by day, nor the moon by night.
7 The LORD will keep you from all harm— he will watch over your life;
8 the LORD will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore
1 I lift up my eyes to the mountains— where does my help come from?
2 My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth.
3 He will not let your foot slip— he who watches over you will not slumber;
4 indeed, he who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep.
5 The LORD watches over you— the LORD is your shade at your right hand;
6 the sun will not harm you by day, nor the moon by night.
7 The LORD will keep you from all harm— he will watch over your life;
8 the LORD will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore
July 9, 2010
Job was so much easier to understand in more or less normal English
December 10, 2024
With God's immense grace, I conclude 2024's reading challenge with this version of the Holy Bible. I loved it. It will probably remain one of my favorite versions.
For the first time in my life, I also read the apocryphal (deuterocanonical) books that're believed to have been written during the so called intertestamental period. Some of them were hard to understand, but many of the books hold amazing insights.
God is good.
For the first time in my life, I also read the apocryphal (deuterocanonical) books that're believed to have been written during the so called intertestamental period. Some of them were hard to understand, but many of the books hold amazing insights.
God is good.
December 15, 2025
Can't wait for the sequel.
Read
October 2, 2025That was a loooong read... Took me 6 month...
August 5, 2025
I am by no means a Christian and read the Bible to better understand Christianity and what exactly my Christian friends believe in. I came away a bit puzzled. If I literally believed everything the Bible says, I would never worship the God that it describes.
Having so many authors, as a book the Bible is a mixed bags. Some of the books are quite inspired, like Ecclesiastes, Deuteronomy, Luke. Others are frankly boring and unimaginative, like most psalms, some epistles and prophets.
The ethics of the Old Testament is pretty abhorrent (which is the main reason why I wouldn't worship the biblical God even if I believed in him). The only quality that it consistently promotes is loyalty to God. The ethics of the New Testament is somewhat more interesting and closer to us, possibly in large part due to it being influenced by the Greek philosophy.
Having so many authors, as a book the Bible is a mixed bags. Some of the books are quite inspired, like Ecclesiastes, Deuteronomy, Luke. Others are frankly boring and unimaginative, like most psalms, some epistles and prophets.
The ethics of the Old Testament is pretty abhorrent (which is the main reason why I wouldn't worship the biblical God even if I believed in him). The only quality that it consistently promotes is loyalty to God. The ethics of the New Testament is somewhat more interesting and closer to us, possibly in large part due to it being influenced by the Greek philosophy.
August 21, 2007
... It gives new life to a human being and teaches why i am in this world. And if so, what is the cause.
HOLY BIBLE gives every solution for any puzzles in life.
Gives numerous solutions in what manner should i behave in this world ,whether i am alone or not it doesn't matter ,
And opposes the formality of short span of life.
And tells , everything demolishes even the world before JOY, TRUTH AND LOVE which comes by HOPE.
Bcz, human is superior of any other species thats why it matters a lot what we are doing.
HOLY BIBLE gives every solution for any puzzles in life.
Gives numerous solutions in what manner should i behave in this world ,whether i am alone or not it doesn't matter ,
And opposes the formality of short span of life.
And tells , everything demolishes even the world before JOY, TRUTH AND LOVE which comes by HOPE.
Bcz, human is superior of any other species thats why it matters a lot what we are doing.
January 2, 2015
Very encouraging. It's been a 3 year journey. The good, the bad, and the ugly.
March 23, 2020
Just the New Testament now. I just finished the New Testament for my class. I've read it several times before, but the course has brought it to life.
Read
April 20, 2025I remember in my younger days watching an episode of Gilmore girls with my mom and sister where one supporting character, Dave, wants to ask another supporting character Lane, to the prom, but is rebuffed by Lane's mother, Mrs. Kim, as he is neither Korean nor seriously Christian. Mrs. Kim presents a riddle to Dave to find the origin of a certain verse.
Dave, earnest to earn Mrs. Kim's approval, proceeds to read the entire Bible in one night, such that he may try to solve the verse's origin. Unable to find it, he confesses to Mrs. Kim that such a verse was not written in the Bible, but was from Shakespeare (Which play or sonnet I do not remember) However she is impressed with Dave's ability to read through the whole book that quickly, and gives Dave her blessing.
Having spent on average 30 minutes each day for the last 47 to read through the Old Testament, New Testament, and the Apocrypha of the Roman Catholic, Greek, and Slavic Orthodox churches, I can say it is certainly feasible that one could finish the full Bible within a day (Had I read it consecutively, I would have had 30 minutes to spare) but Dave would have needed a miracle to read it three times as fast while still comprehending it enough to be able to identify what he was looking for.
Anyway, if you're reading this nonsensical review today (The day it was written, April 20th, 2025) Happy Easter!
Dave, earnest to earn Mrs. Kim's approval, proceeds to read the entire Bible in one night, such that he may try to solve the verse's origin. Unable to find it, he confesses to Mrs. Kim that such a verse was not written in the Bible, but was from Shakespeare (Which play or sonnet I do not remember) However she is impressed with Dave's ability to read through the whole book that quickly, and gives Dave her blessing.
Having spent on average 30 minutes each day for the last 47 to read through the Old Testament, New Testament, and the Apocrypha of the Roman Catholic, Greek, and Slavic Orthodox churches, I can say it is certainly feasible that one could finish the full Bible within a day (Had I read it consecutively, I would have had 30 minutes to spare) but Dave would have needed a miracle to read it three times as fast while still comprehending it enough to be able to identify what he was looking for.
Anyway, if you're reading this nonsensical review today (The day it was written, April 20th, 2025) Happy Easter!
November 25, 2023
I am shameful to admit that it took me like 27 years to read the Bible, at least 7 of which have been conscious efforts, but this year is the year of finishing things and I've decided to do it and it actually happened - thanks be to God is the only thing I can say, I've read it once, it probably won't be the only time, and I still lack knowledge, so this time I will try to go deeper. Either way, I'm glad.
January 20, 2025
Spent this past year reading and studying the Bible cover to cover along with contemporary theological and historical perspectives from The Bible Project scholars among others. Opens the mind to the ancient writings, beliefs and stories of God, the prophets and Jesus. Opens the heart to compassion, freedom and gratitude for the reality of God and the Spirit of Christ surrounding us still today. An incredible journey - and the journey continues.
Currently reading
April 26, 2024No one wise would ever say they've "finished" reading The Bible. But I read and follow Daily Bread devotions/interpretations, daily. Even spending 10 minutes a day can increase one's Biblical literacy significantly within a year. That's a goal worth achieving for believers, literary critics, theologians, divinity students, and more.
March 29, 2023
You never finish reading a Bible. You get to read it over and over again, especially the Psalms, Proverbs and Ecclesiastes for wisdom.
Read
December 31, 2023YYYYEEEEEEESSSSS!!!!!
January 7, 2024
hit me up god +447838157455
August 23, 2024
Very difficult to read 😵💫
Read
January 26, 2025Gonna start saying Truly I tell you…
August 11, 2025
No caption needed.
August 21, 2025
The most auth. vs. with deut. Apcyphical books added!
September 19, 2025
Well, this is Catholicism.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 133 reviews