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Crossway ESV Bible Atlas
Capitalizing on recent advances in satellite imaging and geographic information systems, the Crossway ESV Bible Atlas offers Bible readers a comprehensive, up-to-date resource that blends technical sophistication with readability, visual appeal, and historical and biblical accuracy.
All the key methods of presenting Bible geography and history are here, including more than 175 full-color maps, 70 photographs, 3-D re-creations of biblical objects and sites, indexes, timelines, and 65,000 words of narrative description. The atlas uniquely features regional maps detailing biblically significant areas such as Egypt, Mesopotamia, Italy, and Greece. It also includes a CD with searchable indexes and digital maps, and a removable, 16.5 x 22-inch map of Palestine.
This carefully crafted reference tool not only sets a new standard in Bible atlases but will help ESV readers more clearly understand the world of the Bible and the meaning of Scripture.
All the key methods of presenting Bible geography and history are here, including more than 175 full-color maps, 70 photographs, 3-D re-creations of biblical objects and sites, indexes, timelines, and 65,000 words of narrative description. The atlas uniquely features regional maps detailing biblically significant areas such as Egypt, Mesopotamia, Italy, and Greece. It also includes a CD with searchable indexes and digital maps, and a removable, 16.5 x 22-inch map of Palestine.
This carefully crafted reference tool not only sets a new standard in Bible atlases but will help ESV readers more clearly understand the world of the Bible and the meaning of Scripture.
352 pages, Hardcover
First published June 10, 2010
45 people are currently reading
137 people want to read
About the author
John D. Currid
39 books14 followersDr. Currid has been part of the RTS Faculty for 20 years, serving as both Chair of the Biblical Studies Division in Jackson and Professor of Old Testament in Charlotte. Prior to coming to RTS, he served as Associate Professor of Religion at Grove City College. He is currently an adjunct faculty member at the Jerusalem Center for Biblical Studies in Jerusalem, Israel. Dr. Currid serves as Project Director of the Bethsaida Excavations Project in Israel (1995-present). He lectures and preaches in many countries including Russia, Ukraine, Great Britain, Australia, and Brazil.
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
November 15, 2024
I’m a sucker for a good topographical map.
September 28, 2025
Crossway sent me a copy of the "Crossway ESV Bible Atlas" in exchange for an honest review.
The world in which the events of the Bible takes place is very different from our own. As students of God's word, it's our responsibility to study the history and context so we can be faithful in our reading. This is an amazing resource to aid in this task. It's chock full of high-quality maps and valuable history. It covers controversies and ambiguities where necessary (the date of the Exodus, for example). Altogether, this is an amazing resource for the library of any serious student of Scripture!
The world in which the events of the Bible takes place is very different from our own. As students of God's word, it's our responsibility to study the history and context so we can be faithful in our reading. This is an amazing resource to aid in this task. It's chock full of high-quality maps and valuable history. It covers controversies and ambiguities where necessary (the date of the Exodus, for example). Altogether, this is an amazing resource for the library of any serious student of Scripture!
April 22, 2024
Never underestimate the help of a good atlas when reading the Bible! Biblical authors assume our knowledge of their geography more often than we realize. Thus, resources such as this are indispensable for thorough engagement with the text.
April 11, 2018
10/10 (exceptional): A wonderful Bible atlas, beautifully produced and very well written. As with most high-quality Bible atlases, there is far more than just maps, and the commentary matches the high standards of the cartography. If you only buy one Bible atlas, I would certainly recommend this one — even over the Carta Bible Atlas.
May 7, 2024
With over 175 full-color maps, the Crossway ESV Bible Atlas provides rich insight into the historical geography of the biblical world from before Abraham to Jerusalem in the New Testament. In addition, 70 photographs and fascinating 3-D re-creations of biblical sites and objects are included. In the Appendices and Indexes section of the book, readers will find timelines, a family tree, lists, and five indexes. What struck me most about the book was its size and weight. Dimensionally, the book is 9" x 1.4" x 11.75" and weighs 5.13 pounds. It is not a book that you will want to carry around, but rather a book that you'll keep at home or where you study or work. In terms of quality, the book is exceptional. The book is bound in a thick hardcover and has semi gloss cardstock pages. There is a special bonus included with the book! An access code that is included in the book allows you to download all of the maps and illustrations in this Atlas. The Crossway ESV Bible Atlas is divided into four parts:
Introduction and Overview of the Biblical World
Historical Geography of the Biblical World
Regional Geography of the Biblical World
Appendixes and Indexes
As I read Part 2: Historical Geography of the Biblical World, I was fascinated by the highlighted section titled A Garden in Eden. Learning about Eden's geographical landscape and seeing a map of the large geographical area Eden spanned was shocking. As Scripture records, God plants in Eden a garden which He will name the Garden of Eden. Still, the mystery remains. Where exactly was Eden located? Many ideas have been proposed.
The six-tiered Solomonic gateway at Megiddo. It is incredible that partial structures built between 970 and 930 B.C. still stand. I'm amazed at the intricate stonework. Imagine what stories those walls and paths could tell if only they could talk.
The Crossway ESV Bible Atlas contains many amazing illustrations, including this depiction of Jerusalem in the Time of Jesus. The various locations highlighted in the illustration are fascinating to read about. Due to movie and picture influences, I had a totally different mental picture of Golgotha. Of all places, Golgotha was located on a hill overlooking a quarry. It was located outside the second wall of the city. A mere 300 yards from Jerusalem was the Garden of Gethsemane!
Jerusalem and events during the Passion Week are depicted in these illustrations. By using scripture references, the author walks readers through each illustration. The first illustration depicts Jerusalem at the Time of Jesus. You can use the illustration to track as you read the text and scripture references. In the second illustration, you can see where the Last Supper may have been observed. It then shows the route Jesus and his disciples would have traveled across the Kidron Valley to the Garden of Gethsemane. The third illustration is entitled Jesus' Arrest, Trial, and Crucifixion. After our Lord's arrest, it depicts where he would have been taken. Six stops are highlighted:
Jesus' arrest in Gethsemane to Annas who sent him to Ciaphas, the high priest.
Jewish leaders appealed to Pilate to have Jesus put to death.
Pilate sent Jesus to Herod Antipas.
Herod Antipas questioned Jesus but rendered no judgement and sent him back to Pilate.
Pilate ultimately sentenced Jesus to be crucified.
Jesus was taken to Golgotha and crucified.
Elevation maps of many regions in the biblical world can be found in Part 3: Regional Geography of the Biblical World.They are incredible maps. It includes a six-page map of Jerusalem in New Testament Times.
Introduction and Overview of the Biblical World
Historical Geography of the Biblical World
Regional Geography of the Biblical World
Appendixes and Indexes
As I read Part 2: Historical Geography of the Biblical World, I was fascinated by the highlighted section titled A Garden in Eden. Learning about Eden's geographical landscape and seeing a map of the large geographical area Eden spanned was shocking. As Scripture records, God plants in Eden a garden which He will name the Garden of Eden. Still, the mystery remains. Where exactly was Eden located? Many ideas have been proposed.
The six-tiered Solomonic gateway at Megiddo. It is incredible that partial structures built between 970 and 930 B.C. still stand. I'm amazed at the intricate stonework. Imagine what stories those walls and paths could tell if only they could talk.
The Crossway ESV Bible Atlas contains many amazing illustrations, including this depiction of Jerusalem in the Time of Jesus. The various locations highlighted in the illustration are fascinating to read about. Due to movie and picture influences, I had a totally different mental picture of Golgotha. Of all places, Golgotha was located on a hill overlooking a quarry. It was located outside the second wall of the city. A mere 300 yards from Jerusalem was the Garden of Gethsemane!
Jerusalem and events during the Passion Week are depicted in these illustrations. By using scripture references, the author walks readers through each illustration. The first illustration depicts Jerusalem at the Time of Jesus. You can use the illustration to track as you read the text and scripture references. In the second illustration, you can see where the Last Supper may have been observed. It then shows the route Jesus and his disciples would have traveled across the Kidron Valley to the Garden of Gethsemane. The third illustration is entitled Jesus' Arrest, Trial, and Crucifixion. After our Lord's arrest, it depicts where he would have been taken. Six stops are highlighted:
Jesus' arrest in Gethsemane to Annas who sent him to Ciaphas, the high priest.
Jewish leaders appealed to Pilate to have Jesus put to death.
Pilate sent Jesus to Herod Antipas.
Herod Antipas questioned Jesus but rendered no judgement and sent him back to Pilate.
Pilate ultimately sentenced Jesus to be crucified.
Jesus was taken to Golgotha and crucified.
Elevation maps of many regions in the biblical world can be found in Part 3: Regional Geography of the Biblical World.They are incredible maps. It includes a six-page map of Jerusalem in New Testament Times.
March 24, 2022
It's a fantastic thorough bible atlas. It's really fun to follow along with the maps when listening to an Audio Bible. It really helps you get your head around the geography and for an audio-visual learner like myself it can really help with comprehension and to a certain extent, retention. It's also not solely geography, it has a bunch of information regarding the ancient societies that surrounded the Israelites, as well as the Israelites themselves. That information being things like cultural architecture, diagrams of Jerusalem with it's changes over time, roads, fortresses, raids, battles and etc. Also it's worth mentioning that this contains some of the information in the ESV Study Bible and sometimes goes into more detail. It's a bit easier to read said information as well because the structure and nature of the pages are different.
Overall while it can be on the pricey side I would recommend this over the NIV Zondervan Bible Atlas simply due to the comprehensiveness of the work. Ultimately it would be good to have both if you can afford it.
I'm so grateful that God has allowed us to exist in a time period where such good work is produced and that it's available for us to learn both of Him and what He has brought to pass. Think about how much work went into something like this and all of the events that coincided to be able to make it happen. The Israelites, Romans, Greeks and Medieval European scholars could only dream of a work like this.
God bless.
Overall while it can be on the pricey side I would recommend this over the NIV Zondervan Bible Atlas simply due to the comprehensiveness of the work. Ultimately it would be good to have both if you can afford it.
I'm so grateful that God has allowed us to exist in a time period where such good work is produced and that it's available for us to learn both of Him and what He has brought to pass. Think about how much work went into something like this and all of the events that coincided to be able to make it happen. The Israelites, Romans, Greeks and Medieval European scholars could only dream of a work like this.
God bless.
September 22, 2010
"Crossway ESV Bible Atlas" is a Bible atlas. The lovely, full-color photographs of the regions, city ruins, and archaeological artifacts were one of the strongest points of this atlas. I also loved the full-color artist reconstructions of various buildings and places based on archaeological findings or the descriptions in the Bible. These illustrations included: ziggurats; Ur at the time of Abram; the Tabernacle; Jericho; Jerusalem at the time of David; Jerusalem at the time of Solomon; Solomon's Temple; the city of Nineveh; Jerusalem at the time of Hezekiah; the city of Babylon; Zerubbabel's Temple; Jerusalem at the time of Nehemiah; at time of Jesus: Jerusalem, the Temple Mount, the Temple, a fishing boat, Golgotha and temple mount, and a tomb; at the time of Paul: Philippi, Corinth, Ephesus, Rome, and the synagogue at Gamin.
There were also 3D "viewpoint" maps, like what Abraham would have seen of the Jordan Valley when Sodom, Gomorrah, and the other two cities were destroyed. Since the elevation was indicated with similar shades of green, some of these 3D Old Testament maps required some studying to understand. However, the New Testament 3D maps used more colors and so were easier to "see."
The maps were mainly flat maps (no elevation given) that showed the cities, rivers, and known ancient international and intra-national roads with the biblical movements indicated over them. Overall, the maps effectively conveyed the information when combined with the text in the captions. However, the underlying features (roads and rivers) were indicated with a gray dotted or solid line. While most movement was indicated with an easy-to-spot red line, for wars the opposition's movement was indicated with a blueish-gray line (solid or dotted) that was at hard to quickly distinguish from the numerous similarly-colored roads and rivers.
As for the text, it was well-written and informative. The first section of the atlas gave an overview of the biblical world. It covered the physical features of the main regions in Israel, temperature and rainfall, what various regions produced, vegetation, roads, and archaeological dig sites. It also gave the Hebrew calender with when the rainy periods, harvest times, grazing & shearing times, and feasts occurred.
The second section gave a survey of biblical history. It had maps showing various movements, events, and wars. The text gave a summary of the biblical events using archaeological findings and extra-biblical sources to supplement the descriptions and to tell what was happening during the same period in the other lands mentioned in the Bible. The atlas had a sizable section describing the inter-testament period and also contained information on the period after Paul--the Jewish War and the Bar Kokhba Revolt. It ended at 135 AD. I found this additional information very interesting.
This second section started with trying to identify the location of the Garden of Eden. It didn't mention the Flood or other early biblical history but began with describing the various "archaeological periods" that the authors believed occurred during Genesis 1-11. They started with "The Paleolithic Period (Pre-10,000 B.C)," so they apparently believe the earth is older than 10,000 years old.
For those who care, the authors have Abraham placed at about 2000-1550 BC, which they place in the Middle Bronze II period and align with the Middle Kingdom and Second Intermediate Period in Egypt and the Third Dynasty in Ur. They placed the Exodus from Egypt during the Late Bronze period and during the New Kingdom's 18th and 19th Dynasties in Egypt. They placed Joshua beginning his conquest of Canaan at probably 1200 B.C. and as causing the break between the Late Bronze period and Iron Age. David was dated at 1010-970 B.C.
For much of the early Old Testament, I don't agree with how the authors aligned these archaeological periods and outside rulers to the Bible accounts, but I still found much of the information useful once converted to the alignment I use.
The third section of the atlas was a series of elevation maps (with cities, rivers, and roads indicated) for all the areas talked about in the Bible. These were most useful when combined with the index in section four.
The fourth section contained the authors' timeline of Biblical history with rulers from Egypt, Palestine, and Mesopotamia aligned on it. There was a list of the Kings of Israel and Judah with the dates they ruled; a chart of the Herodian Dynasty; a place-names index to find cities on the maps in the second section; a place-names index to find cities on the maps in the third section; an index of known biblical sites; a general index; and a scripture references index.
On the inside of the back cover, there's a CD-ROM in a cardboard holder and, in a cover-sized pouch behind that, a nice 16.5 x 22-inch map of Palestine. When I put the CD-ROM in my computer, the content didn't automatically install or open. (I use Windows Vista.) So I used Explore to view the disk contents. You can click on ESVAtlas-Historical-Maps_1.html to get a clickable index of the digital maps to then view the maps using a web browser. Or you can explore the map folder and open the pictures in an your favorite image-viewing program. I also installed the ESV Atlas Search Center. Once installed, I couldn't get the program to work. No matter what I tried--map/caption name, verse reference, city name, etc.--I got back an error page. The digital maps were web resolution but fairly large and--so I've heard--are easy to use in a PowerPoint presentations.
Overall, there were a lot of very nice features in this atlas. In my opinion, its unique and strongest points are the photographs, artist reconstructions, and information given on the inter-testament, new testament, and after events. I liked the maps a little better in "Zondervan Atlas of the Bible, Revised Edition," but both altas' had their own strong points. I liked and would recommend both of them.
I received this book as a review copy from the publisher.
There were also 3D "viewpoint" maps, like what Abraham would have seen of the Jordan Valley when Sodom, Gomorrah, and the other two cities were destroyed. Since the elevation was indicated with similar shades of green, some of these 3D Old Testament maps required some studying to understand. However, the New Testament 3D maps used more colors and so were easier to "see."
The maps were mainly flat maps (no elevation given) that showed the cities, rivers, and known ancient international and intra-national roads with the biblical movements indicated over them. Overall, the maps effectively conveyed the information when combined with the text in the captions. However, the underlying features (roads and rivers) were indicated with a gray dotted or solid line. While most movement was indicated with an easy-to-spot red line, for wars the opposition's movement was indicated with a blueish-gray line (solid or dotted) that was at hard to quickly distinguish from the numerous similarly-colored roads and rivers.
As for the text, it was well-written and informative. The first section of the atlas gave an overview of the biblical world. It covered the physical features of the main regions in Israel, temperature and rainfall, what various regions produced, vegetation, roads, and archaeological dig sites. It also gave the Hebrew calender with when the rainy periods, harvest times, grazing & shearing times, and feasts occurred.
The second section gave a survey of biblical history. It had maps showing various movements, events, and wars. The text gave a summary of the biblical events using archaeological findings and extra-biblical sources to supplement the descriptions and to tell what was happening during the same period in the other lands mentioned in the Bible. The atlas had a sizable section describing the inter-testament period and also contained information on the period after Paul--the Jewish War and the Bar Kokhba Revolt. It ended at 135 AD. I found this additional information very interesting.
This second section started with trying to identify the location of the Garden of Eden. It didn't mention the Flood or other early biblical history but began with describing the various "archaeological periods" that the authors believed occurred during Genesis 1-11. They started with "The Paleolithic Period (Pre-10,000 B.C)," so they apparently believe the earth is older than 10,000 years old.
For those who care, the authors have Abraham placed at about 2000-1550 BC, which they place in the Middle Bronze II period and align with the Middle Kingdom and Second Intermediate Period in Egypt and the Third Dynasty in Ur. They placed the Exodus from Egypt during the Late Bronze period and during the New Kingdom's 18th and 19th Dynasties in Egypt. They placed Joshua beginning his conquest of Canaan at probably 1200 B.C. and as causing the break between the Late Bronze period and Iron Age. David was dated at 1010-970 B.C.
For much of the early Old Testament, I don't agree with how the authors aligned these archaeological periods and outside rulers to the Bible accounts, but I still found much of the information useful once converted to the alignment I use.
The third section of the atlas was a series of elevation maps (with cities, rivers, and roads indicated) for all the areas talked about in the Bible. These were most useful when combined with the index in section four.
The fourth section contained the authors' timeline of Biblical history with rulers from Egypt, Palestine, and Mesopotamia aligned on it. There was a list of the Kings of Israel and Judah with the dates they ruled; a chart of the Herodian Dynasty; a place-names index to find cities on the maps in the second section; a place-names index to find cities on the maps in the third section; an index of known biblical sites; a general index; and a scripture references index.
On the inside of the back cover, there's a CD-ROM in a cardboard holder and, in a cover-sized pouch behind that, a nice 16.5 x 22-inch map of Palestine. When I put the CD-ROM in my computer, the content didn't automatically install or open. (I use Windows Vista.) So I used Explore to view the disk contents. You can click on ESVAtlas-Historical-Maps_1.html to get a clickable index of the digital maps to then view the maps using a web browser. Or you can explore the map folder and open the pictures in an your favorite image-viewing program. I also installed the ESV Atlas Search Center. Once installed, I couldn't get the program to work. No matter what I tried--map/caption name, verse reference, city name, etc.--I got back an error page. The digital maps were web resolution but fairly large and--so I've heard--are easy to use in a PowerPoint presentations.
Overall, there were a lot of very nice features in this atlas. In my opinion, its unique and strongest points are the photographs, artist reconstructions, and information given on the inter-testament, new testament, and after events. I liked the maps a little better in "Zondervan Atlas of the Bible, Revised Edition," but both altas' had their own strong points. I liked and would recommend both of them.
I received this book as a review copy from the publisher.
March 26, 2020
One of my all-time favorite Bible atlases (coming in second right after Zondervan Atlas of the Bible With Poster ). It doesn't have many photos, but the maps are wonderful quality. Best of all - it comes with a CD that has digital copies of the all the maps. I find that indispensable as I teach!
August 31, 2020
Great maps
September 1, 2020
Sadly some typo errors in text
Very informative, however some typo errors etc.... . Stop the book being 5 stars. Would like to see it corrected
Very informative, however some typo errors etc.... . Stop the book being 5 stars. Would like to see it corrected
November 12, 2023
I found much joy in reading this book. It is a beautifully printed book with many images and maps. There is a massive geographical and historical gap between us and the Old Testament/New Testament writers. You will be greatly enriched by taking time to learn the geography, climate, and other various information about the location where the Bible stories were based in.
May 3, 2024
This book is good, and I would absolutely hand it to any lay person who wants a concise survey of biblical history and geography. But I also think it's a bit of a "jack of all trades, master on none" sort of book. It's as detailed an introductory survey of 2,000+ years of history might reasonably be expected to be. All but the final chapter are concise and focused, detailing specific periods. Currid's archeological background shines through clearly in the descriptions of interesting building projects, many of which have accompanying photos or illustrations. And many of the maps are easy to read and informative.
But none of these things is done that well. The descriptions of building projects are, strictly speaking, unnecessary in a book like this. I have a feeling they are the reason some of the historical survey is briefer than I'd like, even for an introductory survey.
Some maps are better than others. Some of them feel like the maps in the back of my bibles -- overloaded with information so that I struggle to digest any of it. It would have been nice if these were split into multiple images. This is actually more a latter-half-of-the-book problem, as the early chapters have things like 12 maps in a row showing average rainfall in Palestine, which are interesting but probably not needed. I would have liked more big-picture political maps -- even better if these could be full-page spreads. There are a lot of little maps throughout the book that I would have liked to see in more detail. There are also all these CGI topographical images that, personally, I did not find very informative -- or pleasing on the eye, for that matter.
I don't mean to sound overly negative. I did actually appreciate this book, and I will absolutely continue to use it for reference. I would recommend it to any layperson who finds biblical history hard to follow and doesn't want to read a 600+-page tome.
Upon a second reading, I pretty much stand by all of the above. But I would like to put more stress on the usefulness of the book. It's not perfect, but it's the best resource I've personally come across.
But none of these things is done that well. The descriptions of building projects are, strictly speaking, unnecessary in a book like this. I have a feeling they are the reason some of the historical survey is briefer than I'd like, even for an introductory survey.
Some maps are better than others. Some of them feel like the maps in the back of my bibles -- overloaded with information so that I struggle to digest any of it. It would have been nice if these were split into multiple images. This is actually more a latter-half-of-the-book problem, as the early chapters have things like 12 maps in a row showing average rainfall in Palestine, which are interesting but probably not needed. I would have liked more big-picture political maps -- even better if these could be full-page spreads. There are a lot of little maps throughout the book that I would have liked to see in more detail. There are also all these CGI topographical images that, personally, I did not find very informative -- or pleasing on the eye, for that matter.
I don't mean to sound overly negative. I did actually appreciate this book, and I will absolutely continue to use it for reference. I would recommend it to any layperson who finds biblical history hard to follow and doesn't want to read a 600+-page tome.
Upon a second reading, I pretty much stand by all of the above. But I would like to put more stress on the usefulness of the book. It's not perfect, but it's the best resource I've personally come across.
November 30, 2012
The ESV Bible Atlas is, simply put, a must have resource for any Biblical and Ancient Near Eastern scholar. Many Bible Atlas' as I have found provide either expert analysis with poor visual content or excellent visual analysis with little-to-no content. Finally, the ESV atlas does both.
I have poured hours into the atlas, watching on the map as Israel rises and falls to the (divinely inspired) geopolitical events that transpired to leave her without a home. As any competent hermeneutical scholar will emphasize, profitable Bible reading without an awareness of the social, geopolitical, and cultural backgrounds leaves one unable to extract from the texts either understanding or application. The ESV atlas helps tremendously in this respect.
Lastly, that the Crossway publishers approved the distribution of electronic forms of its content is a testament to their commitment to encourage and enable sound biblical scholarship and instruction. I have used the content to teach both high school students and adults.
I have poured hours into the atlas, watching on the map as Israel rises and falls to the (divinely inspired) geopolitical events that transpired to leave her without a home. As any competent hermeneutical scholar will emphasize, profitable Bible reading without an awareness of the social, geopolitical, and cultural backgrounds leaves one unable to extract from the texts either understanding or application. The ESV atlas helps tremendously in this respect.
Lastly, that the Crossway publishers approved the distribution of electronic forms of its content is a testament to their commitment to encourage and enable sound biblical scholarship and instruction. I have used the content to teach both high school students and adults.
September 2, 2010
Love this one by Currid, too. It contains geographic, cultural, and archeological information on the Near East throughout Biblical history. This will be a wonderful resource for years to come.
June 29, 2012
Simply a fantastic resource for understanding the historical, political, and geographic background in both the Old and New Testament. Very well done.
May 8, 2013
Best Bible Atlas out there! Essential to understanding the Bible
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews