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NKJV, MacArthur Study Bible, 2nd Edition, Genuine Leather, Black, Thumb-indexed, Comfort Print: Unleashing God's Truth One Verse at a Time
Dr. John MacArthur's exhaustive study notes provide access to over 50 years of ministry to aid in a better understanding of God's word.
Over 2 million readers around the world have had their spiritual lives enriched and their understanding of God’s Word expanded by The MacArthur Study Bible. Drawing on more than fifty years of dedicated pastoral and scholarly work, Dr. John MacArthur’s verse-by-verse study notes, book introductions, and articles display an unparalleled commitment to interpretive precision--with the goal of making God known through His Word.
The MacArthur Study Bible is available in the New King James Version (NKJV). Trusted by millions of believers around the world, the NKJV remains the bestselling modern “word-for-word” translation. It balances the literary beauty and familiarity of the King James tradition with an extraordinary commitment to preserving the grammar and structure of the underlying biblical languages. And while the translator’s relied on the traditional Greek, Hebrew, and Aramaic text used by the translators of the 1611 KJV, the comprehensive translator notes offer important insights about the latest developments in biblical manuscript studies. The result is a Bible translation that is both beautiful and uncompromising--perfect for serious study, devotional use, and reading aloud.
Features include:
Fully redesigned second edition with updated study notes and expanded selection of maps and charts
Bible book introductions provide an overview of the background and historical context of the book about to be read
Nearly 25,000 verse-by-verse study notes for a better understanding of Scripture
190 in-text maps, charts, and diagrams provide a visual representation of meanings, themes, teachings, people, and places of Scripture
Outline of Systematic Theology to guide you to study biblical doctrine in a logical order
Over 72,000 references allow you to find related passages quickly and easily
Concordance for looking up a word’s occurrences throughout the Bible
Bible reading plans to guide you through reading God’s Word daily
Chronology of Old Testament Patriarchs and Judges
Chronology of Old Testament Kings and Prophets
Chronology of the New Testament
Overviews of Christ’s Life, Ministry, and Passion Week
Harmony of the Gospels
Introductions to each major section of Scripture
Index to Key Bible Doctrines
Easy-to-read 9-point NKJV Comfort Print
Over 2 million readers around the world have had their spiritual lives enriched and their understanding of God’s Word expanded by The MacArthur Study Bible. Drawing on more than fifty years of dedicated pastoral and scholarly work, Dr. John MacArthur’s verse-by-verse study notes, book introductions, and articles display an unparalleled commitment to interpretive precision--with the goal of making God known through His Word.
The MacArthur Study Bible is available in the New King James Version (NKJV). Trusted by millions of believers around the world, the NKJV remains the bestselling modern “word-for-word” translation. It balances the literary beauty and familiarity of the King James tradition with an extraordinary commitment to preserving the grammar and structure of the underlying biblical languages. And while the translator’s relied on the traditional Greek, Hebrew, and Aramaic text used by the translators of the 1611 KJV, the comprehensive translator notes offer important insights about the latest developments in biblical manuscript studies. The result is a Bible translation that is both beautiful and uncompromising--perfect for serious study, devotional use, and reading aloud.
Features include:
Fully redesigned second edition with updated study notes and expanded selection of maps and charts
Bible book introductions provide an overview of the background and historical context of the book about to be read
Nearly 25,000 verse-by-verse study notes for a better understanding of Scripture
190 in-text maps, charts, and diagrams provide a visual representation of meanings, themes, teachings, people, and places of Scripture
Outline of Systematic Theology to guide you to study biblical doctrine in a logical order
Over 72,000 references allow you to find related passages quickly and easily
Concordance for looking up a word’s occurrences throughout the Bible
Bible reading plans to guide you through reading God’s Word daily
Chronology of Old Testament Patriarchs and Judges
Chronology of Old Testament Kings and Prophets
Chronology of the New Testament
Overviews of Christ’s Life, Ministry, and Passion Week
Harmony of the Gospels
Introductions to each major section of Scripture
Index to Key Bible Doctrines
Easy-to-read 9-point NKJV Comfort Print
2080 pages, Leather Bound
First published October 5, 1997
1331 people are currently reading
907 people want to read
About the author
John F. MacArthur Jr.
1,344 books1,915 followersJohn 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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Displaying 1 - 30 of 96 reviews
June 10, 2020
This edition is full of good comprehensive study notes. I use MacArthur’s outlines when I set up my own personal in-depth studies. So for me this translation gets used a lot.
July 24, 2013
God has blessed the ministry of John MacArthur in an incredible way. Speaking from my own personal experience, I have been extremely blessed by the rigorous and God-honoring teachings of MacArthur. We live in a day and age in which the supposed mark of a "loving Christian" is "tolerance" and "inclusivism." It seems as though Biblical Orthodoxy is under attack in the evangelical churches! First and foremost, the church must always, without fail, stand upon the unchanging teachings of God, regardless of the cultural environments where we live; then we have the responsibility to transmit the truths of God in such a way that it is understandable to our various cultures. It is my personal opinion that MacArthur has done the first of these tasks with immense precision; also, despite some disagreements from my (one could say) "younger generation," MacArthur's ministry has touched the hearts of countless young people (I am a living example), giving them a passion for God's Word and the furtherance of the Gospel that is so lacking in the church.
My generation is much more "soft," (is maybe the best word) than our elder generation. To many younger people, MacArthur can come off as cruel, heartless, and overly critical of others. In some cases, this is probably a correct analysis of him. However, this does not change the fact that many, many people in the church have a false perception of what "love" means. Being tolerant of sin and telling people that "God is love" is not biblical love at all. If Paul and the apostles were alive today, I have no doubt that he would be writing countless letters to our churches, with words similar to that of his letters to the Corinthians. Thank God that He has raised up men like MacArthur who have fought this pathetically heretical notion that the most loving person is someone who speaks in a tolerant tone of passivity; in all honesty, it would take God raising up millions of men like MacArthur to bring balance to the damage done.
MacArthur is a Calvinist, Cessationist, Dispensationalist, Complimentarian, and holds to Premillennial Pretribulation eschatology. His teachings line up nearly exactly to that of Moody Bible Institute. I do not necessarily agree with him on everything, but I must say that MacArthur provides very honest and convincing notes that will surely make one grapple with passages throughout the Bible. All in all I heartily recommend this study Bible. It will prove to be an invaluable resource in the believer's life, as we seek to be men and women who strive to "accurately divide the word of truth" (2 Tim. 2:15).
My generation is much more "soft," (is maybe the best word) than our elder generation. To many younger people, MacArthur can come off as cruel, heartless, and overly critical of others. In some cases, this is probably a correct analysis of him. However, this does not change the fact that many, many people in the church have a false perception of what "love" means. Being tolerant of sin and telling people that "God is love" is not biblical love at all. If Paul and the apostles were alive today, I have no doubt that he would be writing countless letters to our churches, with words similar to that of his letters to the Corinthians. Thank God that He has raised up men like MacArthur who have fought this pathetically heretical notion that the most loving person is someone who speaks in a tolerant tone of passivity; in all honesty, it would take God raising up millions of men like MacArthur to bring balance to the damage done.
MacArthur is a Calvinist, Cessationist, Dispensationalist, Complimentarian, and holds to Premillennial Pretribulation eschatology. His teachings line up nearly exactly to that of Moody Bible Institute. I do not necessarily agree with him on everything, but I must say that MacArthur provides very honest and convincing notes that will surely make one grapple with passages throughout the Bible. All in all I heartily recommend this study Bible. It will prove to be an invaluable resource in the believer's life, as we seek to be men and women who strive to "accurately divide the word of truth" (2 Tim. 2:15).
July 1, 2014
The Bible is the best book that I own. I mean it! I couldn't imagine a better life book! I love the Lod and this book!
September 11, 2007
There is no doubt that the New Kings James Version is a good translation from the original Hebrew, Greek and the few passages of Aramaic script. So, of course the BIBLE Scripture itself gets 5 stars. I gave this edition 3 stars because of the LARGE "MacArthur" printed before the Study Bible title on the spine, the pronounced authorship credit on the title page and voluminous personal doctrine, opinions and interpretations.
I take minor issue with this edition because the Bible is the Holy Bible, authored by God, with the Divine Holy Spirit's inspiration to the individual book writers... NOT written by or inspired by MacArthur. His name is not only printed first in large type on the binding, suggesting authorship credit (MacArthur's Study Bible) but he also asserts direct and specific "authorship and general editing" on the title page. Worse yet, in both instances his personal name is printed in LARGER, more impressive print than the title name Bible.
Some may point out that, as with many other Bible editions, the use of MacArthur's name was necessary to identify his study guide notes. In this, I agree: then this Bible could have been titled "Study BIBLE" (large print), "Notes by MacArthur" (smaller print.) I take issue, although admittedly minor, with all Bible editions placing any proper name before and/or in larger type than the word BIBLE... ie... Thompson's Chain Reference Bible (which I also use.) Why not, "A Chain Reference BIBLE", "Reference Guide by Thompson"? Even my favorite study Bible, The Archaeological Study Bible, has the study theme in larger, fancier print than the word Bible.
This may seem petty, but we are talking about GOD'S Holy Word! MacArthur's obvious claims to authorship made a negative first impression on me, which gave me pause to consider the motives and inspiration of the study notes. Reading the notes has proved caution was warranted in some instances. Not only do I sense that personal interpretations, doctrines and comments seem to be re-assigning meaning to much of the scripture, but also I found many pages of this rendition have more comments than Bible verses. The Bible stands "flawless" and doctrinally sound on its own, as it was originally inspired. It does not need to be re-written or assigned a doctrine.
That's not to say that those called to teach through study guides, books, etc... and therein offer what is clearly stated as their personal insights, direction and opinions are not important and valuable. Of course they are! It is when those views are possibly presented as an authoritative addendum to God's Holy Word that we should become concerned.
Scripture instructs us not to "judge" one another but charges us with the discipline of discernment. It can be a fine line, and one I do not wish to cross. So, I offer these observations, not in judgment of the subject edition, but as thoughts possibly worthy of review, prayer and consideration.
I do use my MacArthur and humbly suggest others use this edition,(with a cautious eye and much prayer for discernment concerning the notes,) as a beautifully bound Bible in the now accurate NKJV translation... and give God all of the glory and credit of authorship!
I take minor issue with this edition because the Bible is the Holy Bible, authored by God, with the Divine Holy Spirit's inspiration to the individual book writers... NOT written by or inspired by MacArthur. His name is not only printed first in large type on the binding, suggesting authorship credit (MacArthur's Study Bible) but he also asserts direct and specific "authorship and general editing" on the title page. Worse yet, in both instances his personal name is printed in LARGER, more impressive print than the title name Bible.
Some may point out that, as with many other Bible editions, the use of MacArthur's name was necessary to identify his study guide notes. In this, I agree: then this Bible could have been titled "Study BIBLE" (large print), "Notes by MacArthur" (smaller print.) I take issue, although admittedly minor, with all Bible editions placing any proper name before and/or in larger type than the word BIBLE... ie... Thompson's Chain Reference Bible (which I also use.) Why not, "A Chain Reference BIBLE", "Reference Guide by Thompson"? Even my favorite study Bible, The Archaeological Study Bible, has the study theme in larger, fancier print than the word Bible.
This may seem petty, but we are talking about GOD'S Holy Word! MacArthur's obvious claims to authorship made a negative first impression on me, which gave me pause to consider the motives and inspiration of the study notes. Reading the notes has proved caution was warranted in some instances. Not only do I sense that personal interpretations, doctrines and comments seem to be re-assigning meaning to much of the scripture, but also I found many pages of this rendition have more comments than Bible verses. The Bible stands "flawless" and doctrinally sound on its own, as it was originally inspired. It does not need to be re-written or assigned a doctrine.
That's not to say that those called to teach through study guides, books, etc... and therein offer what is clearly stated as their personal insights, direction and opinions are not important and valuable. Of course they are! It is when those views are possibly presented as an authoritative addendum to God's Holy Word that we should become concerned.
Scripture instructs us not to "judge" one another but charges us with the discipline of discernment. It can be a fine line, and one I do not wish to cross. So, I offer these observations, not in judgment of the subject edition, but as thoughts possibly worthy of review, prayer and consideration.
I do use my MacArthur and humbly suggest others use this edition,(with a cautious eye and much prayer for discernment concerning the notes,) as a beautifully bound Bible in the now accurate NKJV translation... and give God all of the glory and credit of authorship!
March 27, 2013
MacArthur's commentary explained things I didn't realize needed to be. I read this version through a very difficult time in my life and finished reading just as Christ roared into my heart, "It is finished." Praise God for His Word Incarnate!
November 30, 2007
I'm a sinner!!! But have been redeemed, Amen
August 12, 2017
God has blessed Pastor John MacArthur with an ability to study His Word and break it down and apply it. There are so many people out there who pick and choose parts of the Bible they like and don't like. But, John MacArthur (and others like him) do their best to teach "the whole counsel" of the Word of God. In a day where so few know or even understand the words of Jesus and the message He preached, Pastor John MacArthur is one of few teaching the practical, applicable message of Jesus Christ or as 'Grace to You'-s motto says, 'Unleashing God's Truth, one verse at a time.' May God continue to bless him and use him and many others like him...
June 4, 2012
John MacArthur's Study Bible in the New King James is the best one I have owned. It is now my number one read and resource for all things in this world and beyond. There are more than 20,000 notes referencing most of the verses in the entire Bible. This gives clarity and perspective to the Bible.
I listen to John's podcasts on my ipod when going for long walks. Each one is 28 minutes and easily downloaded from Grace to You Ministries. There are more than 4,000. A few more download each time the ipod is synced. The titles are easy to read so you can listen to anything of interest.
The NKJV is perhaps the most accurate of the translations available today.
I listen to John's podcasts on my ipod when going for long walks. Each one is 28 minutes and easily downloaded from Grace to You Ministries. There are more than 4,000. A few more download each time the ipod is synced. The titles are easy to read so you can listen to anything of interest.
The NKJV is perhaps the most accurate of the translations available today.
December 29, 2007
This is probably THE BEST study Bible out there! I got it for Christmas, and can't stop reading it! If you want a study Bible that explains things in a literal, historical, gramatical way, get this Bible! There are a lot of more liberal Bibles out there, but this is not one of them! :-)
January 1, 2019
Greatest story ever told. Tomorrow I begin again -- praise God!
December 19, 2025
eu acho que é tipo a quarta vez q eu leio a bíblia nessa versão, e dessa vez fiquei meio triste e melancólico enquanto via o quão frágil como humanos somos, e como vivemos repetindo as mesmas situações em contextos diferentes, mas meio que tudo bem (?)
January 1, 2023
I actually read this and other translations as I read through the Bible to complete within a year. Nothing could be more important to my reading.
May 7, 2025
This is my favorite all time book. A guide to life and blessings. Jesus makes it possible for us to come before God. I am thankful for that! Give it a read you won't be disappointed.
October 9, 2008
As one who believes that Pastor MacArthur is one of the finest Bible expositors in our day, I bought copies of this study Bible for my entire family. My only regret was that at the time it was only in the NKJV, and I prefer the NASB, which they have now come out with.
January 24, 2011
I sometimes disagree with Mr. MacArthur's assumptions, but his insight is usually very helpful.
Read
May 6, 2010This is such a GREAT study Bible!!!!!!!
August 12, 2011
the Best study Bible on the market. Very in-depth and thourough in its commentary. Easy to understand and has excellent Scripture reference and concordance work.
November 23, 2016
An indepth study bible. Footnotes are good. No needless detail. Extras on theology very good, and well indexed. Cannot complain.
July 5, 2020
Having already become an avid Bible reader a few years before, I felt the need to dig deeper and to find some help with putting it all together and with understanding some of those more mysterious passages. John MacArthur was already on my radar due to his sermon and Bible teaching radio program "Grace to You." I'd also read a few of MacArthur's books and found them very helpful in developing the application part of my faith in Jesus. So in 2003 I bought MacArthur's study Bible and dove into the deep end. Great footnotes! The extra information was feast for me. I read and reread over several years. Just for the record though, I do generally caution people not to take anyone's footnotes as being as authoritative as the scriptures themselves! Study Bibles, in general, are there to help you but shouldn't become your sole source of theological understanding or personal application. In addition to reading scripture for yourself with the help of Holy Spirit, seek out various opinions if the passage seems difficult to discern, then come to your own conclusion. To sum up, John MacArthur is very useful, but I don't always agree with his take on passage, as would be so with any commentary author or study Bible editor.
July 26, 2019
I purchased this bible for my husband. The notes are very helpful in referencing. However I came across Luke 16. Above verse 19 a title. The parable of the Rich man and Lazarus. I am not a bible scholar but I was taught that is NOT a parable. I spoke with current pastor, old pastor another Baptist pastor and I searched many other study bibles I have (Ryrie, the Jeremiah, life application) and none of them label that a parable. Jesus specifically names Lazarus. This being said I am now concerned that other notes in his bible may not be on point and I am looking for another for him. It is unfortunate. I asked our Assistant Pastor about the Bible as well and he also doesn’t agree with some of his interpretations. I should have asked before I purchased it for him. It is up to us to use discernment. I just thought I would mention what I ran across. We should always take the word of God as authority over any notes , however notes and headings which can aid are also able to confuse if they are not correct. Perhaps it was a misprint.
August 7, 2022
This is a great study Bible. The notes are helpful, even to people who have a lot of knowledge of the Bible but especially to someone reading the Bible for the first time. It defines so many important terms and gives the reader so much historical background. Remember, even though the notes are helpful they are not a part of inspired Scripture.
I began reading on October 3, 2021 and finished today August 7, 2022. So it took me somewhat over 10 months.
One final thought - The author is listed by Goodreads as Anonymous. However the Bible is inspired by God and most of the human authors are know as well. Dr. John MacArthur is responsible for the notes.
I began reading on October 3, 2021 and finished today August 7, 2022. So it took me somewhat over 10 months.
One final thought - The author is listed by Goodreads as Anonymous. However the Bible is inspired by God and most of the human authors are know as well. Dr. John MacArthur is responsible for the notes.
March 9, 2021
Studying the word of God requires faith, humbleness and a good guidance reference. The first two are provided by the Lord, and the third you can find it accurately through this great work from pastor John MacArthur, who devoted many years into it, with magnificent results that make the reading of the Bible a true delight. Historical references, teological statements and a very precise exegetical framework prevail all over the pages of the Word, providing a gentle and Spirit inspired enlightenment to search deep into this Everlasting Book.
August 29, 2017
It is an amazing book and even though I show that today I finished reading it, I will never stop. I did appreciate the MacArthur version of this Study Bible. I also read many Bible Commentaries as I was going through each book and MacArthur aligned with many of the scholars. I have other Study Bibles, but I prefer this one.
December 10, 2019
amazing dialogue throughout this thoughtful book.
wonderful questions to ask or at least think on.
very empowering perspective.
*disclaimer: as a born from heaven above Christian I would have to disagree regarding the philosophy of gender fluidity.
see the book of Jude please.
wonderful questions to ask or at least think on.
very empowering perspective.
*disclaimer: as a born from heaven above Christian I would have to disagree regarding the philosophy of gender fluidity.
see the book of Jude please.
December 29, 2023
I don't believe that there is a more comprehensive commentary written with the Biblical texts in existence at this time. MacArthur delves into the original wording (Septuagint and Masoertic) and expounds the original context of the words as written at the time.
December 31, 2018
This story gives everything else perspective! God's plan of salvation; the good news!
October 15, 2019
this is absolutely the Greatestttttttt book ever written. never will be anything better. it explains everything you need for eternal life and life in general!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
December 31, 2019
Read cover to cover in 2019! Truly excellent historical context, exegesis and commentary.
February 12, 2020
The Bible is THE book of truth for all eternity. God's love letter to us.
Read it over and over again.
Read it over and over again.
March 12, 2020
Excellent study Bible by one of the better teaching pastors of our time, John MacArthur.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 96 reviews