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Study Bible-ESV
The ESV Study Bible™ was created to help people understand the Bible in a deeper way. Combining the best and most recent evangelical Christian scholarship with the highly regarded ESV text, it is the most comprehensive study Bible ever published.
Created by an outstanding team of 95 evangelical Christian scholars and teachers, the ESV Study Bible presents completely new study notes, maps, illustrations, charts, timelines, articles, and introductions. Altogether the ESV Study Bible comprises over 2 million words of Bible text, insightful explanation, teaching, and reference material-equivalent to a 20-volume Bible resource library all contained in one volume.6.5" x 9.25"
2,752 pages
Single-column Bible text (9-point type); double column-notes (7.25-point type)
Black letter text
Finest quality European Bible paper
Durable Smyth-sewn binding
Lifetime guarantee on materials and binding on all leather and TruTone® Bibles
Free ESV Online Study Bible available with purchase
2752 pages, Leather Bound
First published January 1, 2002
6774 people are currently reading
3303 people want to read
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* 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
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 479 reviews
September 13, 2018
yeah boy, I just read the whole Bible for the first time!!!
October 20, 2023
an infinite number of stars ♾️
God’s word has forever changed me 💗🌸🌷
God’s word has forever changed me 💗🌸🌷
February 11, 2010
I am not a big fan of study Bibles. In fact I'm not even a small fan.
However, this one has blown me out of the water. Full-color maps right alongside the text highlighting the specific places mentioned in that passage, introductions to books that are somewhat concise and yet actually contain useful information, study notes that focus primarily on observing the text - I could go on and on.
Last night I stayed up late reading my Bible. I haven't done that in ages, but it was totally worth it.
Update: I haven't read every study note, but I just finished reading all of the articles. They were quite useful as short, scholarly, yet plainly-written introductions to key topics.
However, this one has blown me out of the water. Full-color maps right alongside the text highlighting the specific places mentioned in that passage, introductions to books that are somewhat concise and yet actually contain useful information, study notes that focus primarily on observing the text - I could go on and on.
Last night I stayed up late reading my Bible. I haven't done that in ages, but it was totally worth it.
Update: I haven't read every study note, but I just finished reading all of the articles. They were quite useful as short, scholarly, yet plainly-written introductions to key topics.
September 13, 2012
From time to time—usually when someone is thinking of buying a new Bible—people ask me to recommend a translation. So, here it is. The English Standard Version (ESV) has been my preferred Bible for preaching and personal Bible reading since its publication in 2001 because it is an “essentially literal” translation that seeks, as far as possible, to capture the precise wording of the original text while retaining the beauty and dignity of the Tyndale-King James legacy of English Bibles. Starting with the 1971 RSV text, a translation team of 95 evangelical biblical scholars carefully weighed each word and phrase against the original Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek, to ensure the fullest accuracy and clarity and to avoid under-translating or overlooking any nuance of the original text. By being as transparent as possible to the original text, the ESV lets the reader see as directly as possible the structure and meaning of the original words of scripture.
Crossway Books has now published the ESV Study Bible, the most comprehensive study Bible ever published—with completely new notes, maps, illustrations, charts, timelines, articles, and other features. It contains more than 2 million words of Bible text and insightful explanation and teaching—equivalent to a 20-volume Bible resource library. The purchase of a print edition of an ESV Study Bible includes a registration code that gives you access to the ESV Online Study Bible. All the ESV text, notes, charts, timelines, maps, articles—all 2 million words—are then accessible via your web browser.
I encourage you to find out more about the ESV at www.esv.org and the ESV Study Bible at www.esvstudybible.org.
Crossway Books has now published the ESV Study Bible, the most comprehensive study Bible ever published—with completely new notes, maps, illustrations, charts, timelines, articles, and other features. It contains more than 2 million words of Bible text and insightful explanation and teaching—equivalent to a 20-volume Bible resource library. The purchase of a print edition of an ESV Study Bible includes a registration code that gives you access to the ESV Online Study Bible. All the ESV text, notes, charts, timelines, maps, articles—all 2 million words—are then accessible via your web browser.
I encourage you to find out more about the ESV at www.esv.org and the ESV Study Bible at www.esvstudybible.org.
May 31, 2020
Is it irreverent to even rate this? These are the very words of life: now and everlasting.
These are the ultimate words of truth, of restoration & hope, mercy & justice, belonging & love.
These words give us language to cry out in confusion and lament and pain, and peace to rest.
These are wise words, that when heeded, produce goodness and beauty.
These words give us a framework and understanding for our questions of why and how.
These words tell us and show us who we are, and where our home is.
These are the words of our salvation, that give us Jesus Christ, who died for us his beloveds, that any who believe will be at home with our loving God forever.
These are the ultimate words of truth, of restoration & hope, mercy & justice, belonging & love.
These words give us language to cry out in confusion and lament and pain, and peace to rest.
These are wise words, that when heeded, produce goodness and beauty.
These words give us a framework and understanding for our questions of why and how.
These words tell us and show us who we are, and where our home is.
These are the words of our salvation, that give us Jesus Christ, who died for us his beloveds, that any who believe will be at home with our loving God forever.
December 17, 2015
Well, I finished my "through the Bible in a year" plan for 2015 about two weeks early. I really enjoyed the ESV Study Bible, and will be using it for years to come. The challenging part for me this year was that I not only read the complete Scriptural text, but also every article and footnote. There are a LOT of study helps in this Bible! As far as my "rating" of 5 stars...this is the Word of God, so how could I give it any less? Read it, learn it, live it!
December 13, 2024
I'm marking this one as finished because I'm NEARLY finished and I WILL finish before the end of 2024. But before Goodreads gets all jumpy about closing up reading challenges, I wanted to mark it as I'm so close. I do try to read the Bible through at least once a year. There have been a few years of late I've only made it through half. This time I lagged behind in my progress because I kept returning to the Psalms.
But you know what? Any way that you slice it, reading any part of it is better than reading nothing at all. It's the most important book you could ever read in your whole entirely life. Whatever time you make for it, and whatever section you dive in to, it promises to offer you life. That's the miraculous beauty of it.
But you know what? Any way that you slice it, reading any part of it is better than reading nothing at all. It's the most important book you could ever read in your whole entirely life. Whatever time you make for it, and whatever section you dive in to, it promises to offer you life. That's the miraculous beauty of it.
May 17, 2023
Best 90 days ever! Scripture is holy and perfect and alive and I am thankful for the gift that it is!! Reading the bible in such a short amount of time allowed to see the big picture of the bible clearly and rejoice in who God is and what He has done. Quite simply could talk about this forever
October 23, 2012
As I prepare for this review I ask myself, “How in the world do you review a Bible?” I’m in a tough spot here because I can’t be neutral in my critique because I can’t criticize the author… That may not turn out well for me. So I have decided to touch on some of the highlights to the newest Study Bible from Crossway Books. The English Standard Study Bible is quite possibly one of the best study Bibles I own. Being a pastor myself, I have my fair share of study Bibles and this one wins hands down. The ESV Study Bible has two things from the start that makes it a great resource. First, I think the English Standard Version is by far the best translation out on the market today. It is easy to read, literal and accurate. This translation was first published in 2001 with over 100 scholars and advisors working together who were committed to “historic Christian Orthodoxy”. Second, a group of 95 well respected scholars and teachers provided the study notes that are in depth and helpful to anyone ranging from pastors to a casual reader of the Bible. General editor is Wayne Grudem, Theology editor is J.I. Packer, O.T. Editor is John Collins and N.T. editor is Tomas R. Schreiner.
Some of the primary features include nearly 20,000 notes, 80,000 cross references, 200 full color maps, 40 illustrations and over 2,500 pages. As you can imagine this Bible is a big book! The best feature I believe is the online ESV Study Bible that Bible owners can access for free. This makes it nice for when you travel and you don’t have the room for this Bible (did I mention it was big?) you can access the same Study Bible online. Of course you can purchase the hardcover version, Genuine or Bonded leather, or even premium Calfskin.
Personally the ESV Study Bible has been a wonderful addition to my resource library. I have had it for a week already and it has been invaluable for my sermon preparations. I would HIGHLY recommend this Study Bible to all Pastors, church leaders and even lay people. So, if you are in the market for a new Bible or you would like to get a Bible filled with helpful resources and insights, then I would suggest you get yourself an ESV Study Bible. You will be glad you did.
Reviewed by Jeff Holton
Some of the primary features include nearly 20,000 notes, 80,000 cross references, 200 full color maps, 40 illustrations and over 2,500 pages. As you can imagine this Bible is a big book! The best feature I believe is the online ESV Study Bible that Bible owners can access for free. This makes it nice for when you travel and you don’t have the room for this Bible (did I mention it was big?) you can access the same Study Bible online. Of course you can purchase the hardcover version, Genuine or Bonded leather, or even premium Calfskin.
Personally the ESV Study Bible has been a wonderful addition to my resource library. I have had it for a week already and it has been invaluable for my sermon preparations. I would HIGHLY recommend this Study Bible to all Pastors, church leaders and even lay people. So, if you are in the market for a new Bible or you would like to get a Bible filled with helpful resources and insights, then I would suggest you get yourself an ESV Study Bible. You will be glad you did.
Reviewed by Jeff Holton
April 8, 2021
I just finished reading through the entire Bible! I praise You, Jesus!! Come quickly!
January 11, 2014
The Positives of the ESV Study Bible
The Maps! If you like maps, this is your Bible. Most Study Bibles have maps, especially in the back of the Book. But, this study Bible is map-paradise. There are maps in the back, but also in the front of each book placing the book in location. Not only that but there are maps in the study notes at the bottom of the page, and they are in color. So, if you are talking about a battle, in the notes there will be a map of the area and arrows showing the movement of each side. If there is a journey, a map will chart the course.
The Charts! I'm a "chart-girl." At least my girlfriend used to call me that. There are charts, charts, charts: genealogies, charts of kings, charts of all the mentions of a word or phrase in a book (such as how many time The Spirit of the Lord is mentioned), charts of percentages, etc.
The Historical/Archaeological Corroboration: Events are put into their historical setting. For example, the book of Nahum is a prophecy against the Assyrians, and the author names the rulers of Assyria with their dates of reign, the affliction they brought against Israel, and the significance historically. The study notes often list archaeological corroboration. For example, in I Kings 14:25-26 the note tells that "a monumental relief of the Bubastite Portal of the main temple of Amon...catalogs, town by town, Shishak's military incursion into Israel and Judah. The Karnak relief provides striking verification of the biblical account."
The literary significance: At the beginning of each book there is a section titled "Literary Features." This section clearly talks about the genre of the book and some literary features employed by the author, holding each book up as some of the world's great literature.
Possible Negatives:
Each book of the Bible has a different author/s for the notes; some authors seem more conservative than others. (This is also one of this Study Bible's great strengths because dozens of theologians are writing in their area of specialization.) For example, there is a note in Genesis arguing that the flood did not have to be worldwide.
Prophecy: Your view of future prophecy may differ. For example, the notes in the book of I Thessalonians do not use the term "Rapture" but instead the "Second Coming of Christ." However, the notes in Revelation do delineate the various viewpoints on end-time prophecy. There are diagrams/timelines showing future events from the various schools of interpretation including Dispensational Premillennialism, Historical Premillennialism, Preterists Schools, Idealist School, etc. Then there are more charts discussing various ideas on the Millennium.
Overall I think this Study Bible is worth it for the maps and charts alone. The colored graphics for the Tabernacle, Solomon's Temple, and Herod's Temple (not to mention of the city of Jerusalem) are outstanding. Even if you disagree on the some of the comments on prophecy, this would be a great reference book to have on your shelf. I thought the notes were very helpful in linking events to their historical setting.
The Maps! If you like maps, this is your Bible. Most Study Bibles have maps, especially in the back of the Book. But, this study Bible is map-paradise. There are maps in the back, but also in the front of each book placing the book in location. Not only that but there are maps in the study notes at the bottom of the page, and they are in color. So, if you are talking about a battle, in the notes there will be a map of the area and arrows showing the movement of each side. If there is a journey, a map will chart the course.
The Charts! I'm a "chart-girl." At least my girlfriend used to call me that. There are charts, charts, charts: genealogies, charts of kings, charts of all the mentions of a word or phrase in a book (such as how many time The Spirit of the Lord is mentioned), charts of percentages, etc.
The Historical/Archaeological Corroboration: Events are put into their historical setting. For example, the book of Nahum is a prophecy against the Assyrians, and the author names the rulers of Assyria with their dates of reign, the affliction they brought against Israel, and the significance historically. The study notes often list archaeological corroboration. For example, in I Kings 14:25-26 the note tells that "a monumental relief of the Bubastite Portal of the main temple of Amon...catalogs, town by town, Shishak's military incursion into Israel and Judah. The Karnak relief provides striking verification of the biblical account."
The literary significance: At the beginning of each book there is a section titled "Literary Features." This section clearly talks about the genre of the book and some literary features employed by the author, holding each book up as some of the world's great literature.
Possible Negatives:
Each book of the Bible has a different author/s for the notes; some authors seem more conservative than others. (This is also one of this Study Bible's great strengths because dozens of theologians are writing in their area of specialization.) For example, there is a note in Genesis arguing that the flood did not have to be worldwide.
Prophecy: Your view of future prophecy may differ. For example, the notes in the book of I Thessalonians do not use the term "Rapture" but instead the "Second Coming of Christ." However, the notes in Revelation do delineate the various viewpoints on end-time prophecy. There are diagrams/timelines showing future events from the various schools of interpretation including Dispensational Premillennialism, Historical Premillennialism, Preterists Schools, Idealist School, etc. Then there are more charts discussing various ideas on the Millennium.
Overall I think this Study Bible is worth it for the maps and charts alone. The colored graphics for the Tabernacle, Solomon's Temple, and Herod's Temple (not to mention of the city of Jerusalem) are outstanding. Even if you disagree on the some of the comments on prophecy, this would be a great reference book to have on your shelf. I thought the notes were very helpful in linking events to their historical setting.
January 17, 2024
When I became a Christian in college, my first Bible was a copy of Good News for Modern Man, a modern English translation of the New Testament. In time, I began to use the New American Standard Bible (NASB). When the New International Version (NIV) came out, I switched over to a study version of the NIV. Over time, I began to tire of it; I thought the study notes dealing with application were too narrowly applied and somewhat forced. Finally, I switched the English Standard Version (ESV) study Bible after it came out. Not only is it an excellent translation of the Bible into modern English, the study notes are excellent. It also seems that most churches are now using the ESV. I have never used the KJV and do not like its archaic language. I do not know when I read through the entire ESV Bible for the first time, but I have read through the entire Bible at least ten times in the last thirty years.
December 31, 2024
*all the stars in the sky because this is my favorite book*
my second time reading the Bible from cover to cover. the first time I read it through in college, the words of God came to life - I finally was understanding the biblical story. this time through, the words of God remained my peace.
So though this time through was full of less surprises than the first, I think it gave me the greatest surprise at all: our unchanging God will never bore me!
a word I’ve been reflecting on through this second journey is fidelity. “faithfulness to a person, cause, or belief, demonstrated by continuing loyalty and support”
God exhibits this to me every day and every day I fail Him in return. At the beginning of the year, this practice felt like a way I was trying to prove my fidelity back to Christ, but here at the end, I can say with confidence that this practice is a balm to my weary soul. He is my source of grace and His words keep that truth of grace alive in my bones.
Thankful, thankful, thankful!
.
my second time reading the Bible from cover to cover. the first time I read it through in college, the words of God came to life - I finally was understanding the biblical story. this time through, the words of God remained my peace.
So though this time through was full of less surprises than the first, I think it gave me the greatest surprise at all: our unchanging God will never bore me!
a word I’ve been reflecting on through this second journey is fidelity. “faithfulness to a person, cause, or belief, demonstrated by continuing loyalty and support”
God exhibits this to me every day and every day I fail Him in return. At the beginning of the year, this practice felt like a way I was trying to prove my fidelity back to Christ, but here at the end, I can say with confidence that this practice is a balm to my weary soul. He is my source of grace and His words keep that truth of grace alive in my bones.
Thankful, thankful, thankful!
.
December 30, 2025
So thankful to have completed my Bible reading plan-even got a bonus day since it’s a leap year.
Come Lord Jesus.
Come Lord Jesus.
December 31, 2025
For the very first time, I read the Bible cover to cover! And what a gift it was. This world is groaning, but I know the savior more because this was his plan all along, and what a special gift and plan it is!
December 29, 2024
my favorite part of reading the Bible in a year is finishing Revelation and then jumping right back into Genesis because it’s actually so full circle to go from the new heaven and the new earth back into the garden 🥹
infinity stars
infinity stars
November 13, 2020
Reading straight through the Bible at an excelerated rate was extremely beneficial. It's almost like this book is inspired...
March 16, 2023
Another cycle of Bible-in-more-than-one-year. In this cycle, and reading it alongside several novels, I developed a new-found appreciation of the Old Testament, as the OT shows and explains better than any fiction and human author the totally depraved human condition. And it goes further than that by consistently assuring the reader that notwithstanding our condition, there will be a glorious ending. How can one not love the OT and see his love therein?
February 7, 2021
I'll start by saying this is one of top study bibles available in the market today, if not the best. It is beautiful in both it's content and quality.
As other reviewers have pointed out, the reviews you see under this item cover a wide variety of ESV Study Bibles by Crossway so it is important to note which bible they are reviewing, or take this into consideration when reading reviews by those who do not mention the specific product they are reviewing. I understand these are all the same "ESV Study Bible", but it could be any number of cover styles, sizes, or even vintages (year published).
I purchased two of these ESV Study Bibles because I, like many of you, had no idea whether to get the personal size or the regular size bible (not talking about the large print version). I love them both, but as you'll see in a bit, I do favor one.
- ESV Study Bible (TruTone, Olive, Celtic Cross Design) March 30, 2018
- ESV Study Bible, Personal Size (TruTone, Brown, Mosaic Cross Design) April 30, 2018
There are a significant number of online reviews regarding the content, translation, and pretty much everything else about the bible - just do a Google search and you'll find them. However, I want to focus on the size diffs.
I felt like the personal size was a perfect fit to carry around. Yes, it is thick, but not too heavy and not too tall to be that noticeable while walking around. The regular size, however, does feel substantially larger in both thickness and height, making it a bit more awkward to lug around. For this reason, if you plan to take the bible with you wherever you go, a point goes to the personal size bible.
The paper in the regular size bible is ever so slightly thicker. This is one of the reasons the regular size bible ends up being noticeably thicker. It makes any bleed-thru almost unnoticeable. In the personal size bible you do see a little of the print from the opposite side of the page, but it's really not that bad, including the beautiful color images throughout.
But now to the big point (pun kind of intended) -- I have good vision, and while I could read the font in the personal size bible, I needed good lighting, the bible needed to be relatively close, and I had to work a bit. It wasn't relaxing. You can do the research to get the actual font sizes, but since this is the regular version simply 'shrunk to fit' the smaller size, it is very small. If you want to simulate the text size, zoom your browser down to about 70% of normal and that's about right (depending on your screen resolution of course).
It's funny because now when I look at the regular size version, the scripture text (the bible itself) actually seems large. But for me, a study bible is very much about the study notes, and in the regular size bible these are a perfect size. As the publishers of this bible say in the intro, the words of God are the most important, so the study text should be smaller. I agree, but in the personal size version of this bible it took some 'work' to read these study notes. The regular sized version is very comfortable and relaxing to read, I can read in lower light with no problem, and I feel like I can hold or set the bible at farther distances away and still very comfortably read the text. Same is true for the references and foot notes, which are so super-small in the personal size that I am less likely to use them than in the regular size version.
Both bibles feel great as you work with them, and also because they are the TruTone covers, they lay flat on the table or in your lap perfectly. The content is similar, but there are a few things omitted from the Personal Size bible. Nothing you can't find on the Crossway online presence (Crossway.org), and it really doesn't take away from the overall bible. For example, there is a reading plan in the regular size but not in the personal size, the concordance is slightly smaller in the personal size, and a few articles are not included in the personal size. I hesitate a bit because I understand this varies depending on the year the bible was produced. a 2011 bible will be slightly different than the 2019 vintage. Part of this is due to the nature of the ESV (there are very minimal updates they do every so often to the translation).
Anyway... You really can't go wrong with either size. If you want more portable and you are comfortable with smaller text then go for the personal size. If you don't mind a larger bible and want a super-comfortable read, then get the regular size. I will note that I do not have the large print version so I cannot speak to how that compares.
In summary, my end goal is to keep the regular sized ESV Study Bible for research and study at home, then get an RL Allan leather-bound 'regular'/non-study bible to carry around with me. If anyone from RL Allan reads this, absolutely, thank you for asking, I would love to review or try one of your bound bibles! Hehe...
Yes we are spoiled in today's world to even have these choices, but I am ok with that, especially if it helps even in the smallest way to share in biblical (or in this case actual bible) - related conversations.
As other reviewers have pointed out, the reviews you see under this item cover a wide variety of ESV Study Bibles by Crossway so it is important to note which bible they are reviewing, or take this into consideration when reading reviews by those who do not mention the specific product they are reviewing. I understand these are all the same "ESV Study Bible", but it could be any number of cover styles, sizes, or even vintages (year published).
I purchased two of these ESV Study Bibles because I, like many of you, had no idea whether to get the personal size or the regular size bible (not talking about the large print version). I love them both, but as you'll see in a bit, I do favor one.
- ESV Study Bible (TruTone, Olive, Celtic Cross Design) March 30, 2018
- ESV Study Bible, Personal Size (TruTone, Brown, Mosaic Cross Design) April 30, 2018
There are a significant number of online reviews regarding the content, translation, and pretty much everything else about the bible - just do a Google search and you'll find them. However, I want to focus on the size diffs.
I felt like the personal size was a perfect fit to carry around. Yes, it is thick, but not too heavy and not too tall to be that noticeable while walking around. The regular size, however, does feel substantially larger in both thickness and height, making it a bit more awkward to lug around. For this reason, if you plan to take the bible with you wherever you go, a point goes to the personal size bible.
The paper in the regular size bible is ever so slightly thicker. This is one of the reasons the regular size bible ends up being noticeably thicker. It makes any bleed-thru almost unnoticeable. In the personal size bible you do see a little of the print from the opposite side of the page, but it's really not that bad, including the beautiful color images throughout.
But now to the big point (pun kind of intended) -- I have good vision, and while I could read the font in the personal size bible, I needed good lighting, the bible needed to be relatively close, and I had to work a bit. It wasn't relaxing. You can do the research to get the actual font sizes, but since this is the regular version simply 'shrunk to fit' the smaller size, it is very small. If you want to simulate the text size, zoom your browser down to about 70% of normal and that's about right (depending on your screen resolution of course).
It's funny because now when I look at the regular size version, the scripture text (the bible itself) actually seems large. But for me, a study bible is very much about the study notes, and in the regular size bible these are a perfect size. As the publishers of this bible say in the intro, the words of God are the most important, so the study text should be smaller. I agree, but in the personal size version of this bible it took some 'work' to read these study notes. The regular sized version is very comfortable and relaxing to read, I can read in lower light with no problem, and I feel like I can hold or set the bible at farther distances away and still very comfortably read the text. Same is true for the references and foot notes, which are so super-small in the personal size that I am less likely to use them than in the regular size version.
Both bibles feel great as you work with them, and also because they are the TruTone covers, they lay flat on the table or in your lap perfectly. The content is similar, but there are a few things omitted from the Personal Size bible. Nothing you can't find on the Crossway online presence (Crossway.org), and it really doesn't take away from the overall bible. For example, there is a reading plan in the regular size but not in the personal size, the concordance is slightly smaller in the personal size, and a few articles are not included in the personal size. I hesitate a bit because I understand this varies depending on the year the bible was produced. a 2011 bible will be slightly different than the 2019 vintage. Part of this is due to the nature of the ESV (there are very minimal updates they do every so often to the translation).
Anyway... You really can't go wrong with either size. If you want more portable and you are comfortable with smaller text then go for the personal size. If you don't mind a larger bible and want a super-comfortable read, then get the regular size. I will note that I do not have the large print version so I cannot speak to how that compares.
In summary, my end goal is to keep the regular sized ESV Study Bible for research and study at home, then get an RL Allan leather-bound 'regular'/non-study bible to carry around with me. If anyone from RL Allan reads this, absolutely, thank you for asking, I would love to review or try one of your bound bibles! Hehe...
Yes we are spoiled in today's world to even have these choices, but I am ok with that, especially if it helps even in the smallest way to share in biblical (or in this case actual bible) - related conversations.
December 31, 2025
my first time reading the Bible in a year! I learned so much but most of all I learned that I have hardly scratched the surface of all that God wants me to know in His word 🥹
October 13, 2017
I had high expectations for this Study Bible after seeing the list of contributors. I've been using it for a few years now, purchasing it shortly after it was first published. Unfortunately I was more disappointed than impressed. The ESV translation is what it is, like it or not. I like it and have been using it for many years now.
The book introductions are pretty solid, but the real let down are the notes throughout each book. They simply weren't as helpful as I was hoping in so many places. Few, if any of the notes deal with the hard passages. And when they do, there is little illumination. The editors seem to have taken a position to avoid taking firm positions on any area of disagreement, outside of the essentials. Overall the text notes are the greatest weakness in this study Bible.
The articles at the end are helpful for the beginning theologian, but are more foundational than insightful.
This is a solid study Bible, though I'm sure there are better ones out there.
Five years later, I don't even use this Study Bible anymore.
The book introductions are pretty solid, but the real let down are the notes throughout each book. They simply weren't as helpful as I was hoping in so many places. Few, if any of the notes deal with the hard passages. And when they do, there is little illumination. The editors seem to have taken a position to avoid taking firm positions on any area of disagreement, outside of the essentials. Overall the text notes are the greatest weakness in this study Bible.
The articles at the end are helpful for the beginning theologian, but are more foundational than insightful.
This is a solid study Bible, though I'm sure there are better ones out there.
Five years later, I don't even use this Study Bible anymore.
December 24, 2025
Working through the ESV study Bible in daily readings this year has been a joy! The study notes are extremely thorough and helpful. There are diagrams, tables and pictures that help with historical and grammatical reading of the text and help with understanding difficult passages. The Bible does a great job of presenting all of the primary different interpretations of difficult texts (such as premillennialism, amillenialism and postmillennialism) and does so unbiasedly and in a way that paints the best arguments of each, which I really appreciated. This allows for further study of these types of things in more depth outside of the Bible if one wishes to reach a more firm conclusion.
Overall this is my favorite study Bible and one I will return to again and again.
Overall this is my favorite study Bible and one I will return to again and again.
December 31, 2020
One of my goals for 2020 was the read the whole Bible in a year. I completed this goal in November! I couldn't have done it without the Read Scripture app – a beautiful resource with videos that helped me understand the context, daily text reminders to read my Bible, and a beautiful design that tracked my progress. I highly recommend the app and loved how accessible it made the entire experience! In-depth study leads to more insight, but I'd always wanted to read the Bible in its entirety for the big picture. I'm so happy that I've finally done it!
December 15, 2021
My year through the ESV bible is completed 16 days early. I don't know when my baby is coming so I wanted to get this finished before he comes.
This is the second time I have finished the Bible. It is a different translation than what I read last year. I like this one a little bit better than the NIV. I plan on going through the CSB next year but I don't know how that will go with a baby.
This is the second time I have finished the Bible. It is a different translation than what I read last year. I like this one a little bit better than the NIV. I plan on going through the CSB next year but I don't know how that will go with a baby.
February 13, 2020
Yep. Still a five-star read.
December 31, 2021
I don’t think I need to review God’s word.
December 31, 2023
Completed a one year project! Love this study bible.
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February 1, 202330 day shred !! how cool & epic & daunting & long & sweet. just read the whole bible for the first time & gotta say might be my favorite book …
December 28, 2020
Finished the McCheyne Bible reading plan (alongside my church family) for 2020! One of my biggest accomplishments for this year! It felt like crawling at times but the spiritual discipline is rewarding. It's easy to swing into legalism with a daily plan, but this is a good article on the intention of McCheyne when he put together the plan (https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/ar...)
An excerpt:
*Read in more places than one. Thus, a historical piece and a devotional psalm, a piece of a gospel and a piece of an epistle.
"Read with parallels. Either 2 or 3 verses. Or the most difficult parts, or the most interesting.
*Read whole books. A whole epistle, or little prophet, and trace and overlook the divisions into chapter and verse.
*Try to understand. Ask where you do not.
"Pray before and after. In devotional parts, turn every verse into a prayer."
What I really appreciated about this hefty reading plan (you read an OT chapter, an NT chapter, and a Gospel or Psalm everyday) is to be able to see the redemptive history of God's salvation plan pieced together and the threads of Biblical theology woven throughout that binds the Bible together as one God-breathed book.
I started listening to an audio Bible (do consider a lifetime purchase of the Dwell app) on my drive to work, which worked well for the OT narrative passages but didn't sink in well for the Psalms & Proverbs.
An excerpt:
*Read in more places than one. Thus, a historical piece and a devotional psalm, a piece of a gospel and a piece of an epistle.
"Read with parallels. Either 2 or 3 verses. Or the most difficult parts, or the most interesting.
*Read whole books. A whole epistle, or little prophet, and trace and overlook the divisions into chapter and verse.
*Try to understand. Ask where you do not.
"Pray before and after. In devotional parts, turn every verse into a prayer."
What I really appreciated about this hefty reading plan (you read an OT chapter, an NT chapter, and a Gospel or Psalm everyday) is to be able to see the redemptive history of God's salvation plan pieced together and the threads of Biblical theology woven throughout that binds the Bible together as one God-breathed book.
I started listening to an audio Bible (do consider a lifetime purchase of the Dwell app) on my drive to work, which worked well for the OT narrative passages but didn't sink in well for the Psalms & Proverbs.
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