ESV MacArthur Study Bible

by Anonymous, John F. MacArthur Jr. (editor)

For years, the spiritual lives of countless men and women all over the world have been strengthened with the help of The MacArthur Study Bible. This all-in-one spiritual library contains Dr. MacArthur s personal study notes below the full-length Bible text. Virtually every Scripture has a matching study note with detailed information, explanation, and helpful insight. The notes are based on Dr. MacArthur s verse-by-verse approach to the Bible and nearly forty years of careful study. His goal is to let the Bible speak for itself nothing more, nothing less.

For the first time, The MacArthur Study Bible is available in the English Standard Version (ESV). An essentially literal translation, the ESV Bible combines word-for-word accuracy with readability, literary excellence, and depth of meaning. More than 100 of the world s leading Bible scholars and teachers were involved in its creation. Timeless, trustworthy, and relevant, the ESV has become the fastest-growing Bible translation and the trusted choice of millions of Bible readers, students, teachers, and preachers worldwide.

The ESV MacArthur Study Bible is an essential resource for growing Christians. It can transform your personal time in God s Word by clarifying difficult passages, bringing unseen cultural and historical details to life, and helping you understand and apply biblical truth.

* Complete ESV Bible text

* Nearly 25,000 explanatory notes from Dr. John MacArthur

* Bible text in 8.7 point type, 7.6 point study notes

* More than 140 two-color maps, charts, timelines, and illustrations

* Complete introductions to each Bible book

* Concise articles on How We Got the Bible and Introduction to the Bible

* 80,000 cross-references

* An extensive concordance

* A section of full-color maps

* Bible reading plans

* Crossway s lifetime quality guarantee on all leather and TruTone editions

Genres: Christian, Reference, Christianity, Theology, Religion, Nonfiction, Christian Living

2144 pages, Leather Bound

First published August 10, 2010

About the author

Books can be attributed to "Anonymous" for several reasons:

* They are officially published under that name
* They are traditional stories not attributed to a specific author
* They are religious texts not generally attributed to a specific author

Books whose authorship is merely uncertain should be attributed to Unknown.

See also: Anonymous

Reviews

[David Clouse · Rating 5 out of 5]

Surprise surprise, five stars. Well well well, what to say about the Bible? Any review I leave will feel like an understatement so I'll just acknowledge it will fall short and be content with making it somewhat succinct.

For the Old Testament, one of my first loves when I became a Christian. It is filled with stories and events that are moving, crazy, but also realistic (most of the time). The themes they carry, the lessons to be learned, the knowledge to be gained, immense. Most importantly, it shows God trying time and time again to connect with people who turn from Him. To make ways to enter into relationships with Him. To rescue them from brokenness, slavery, oppression, and delusions. He lovingly sends prophets and priests and kings to correct and restore His people, and these three roles culminate in Jesus.

Jesus radicalizes the entire world when he hits the scene. The love that he brings to sinners, the anger he brings for those who are unrepentant and evil, the justice He ultimately promises, it's what we all need and want. We desire to be fully loved and fully known by someone and we find that in Christ. We find an overabundance of grace that we could never believe or imagine in His death, burial, and resurrection on our behalf. But we also find what we all inherently desire as well, justice for evil. We can't help but see a completely messed up world and people and we desire justice for people that abuse power, trust, and relationships, and while Christ offers an undeserving grace to us all, He also by no means will clear the guilty. If you don't come to know Christ personally, there will be a day of judgement where you will stand trials for the works that you've done in life. On that day, no man or woman will be able to stand, except those that have already died and been raised again by Christ as a new creation and were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit who is the guarantee of our inheritance. We can all freely have a relationship with the Creator of the universe who loves and knows us more than anyone ever could, but only through repentance and belief in Christ.

The Bible is a work of art but more than that, it is the very Word of God Himself, revealed to mankind so that we may know, once and for all, how to find relationship with Him again. If anyone would ever want to talk about the Bible or Christianity, please don't hesitate to reach out. I'd love nothing more, even if you completely disagree with it all.

[Christopher · Rating 4 out of 5]

My old NIV Bible, which I had had since high school, was coming apart and I got this for my birthday last year from my grandparents. After having followed through with (most of) my scheduled year-through-the-Bible, I can give a full account of what I think of this MacArthur Study Bible. I've split my review into two, one encompassing the ESV language and the other encompassing John MacArthur's study notes that accompany this Bible.

ESV Language Review:
I had wanted to switch to the ESV Bible because my church pastor was using it for his sermons and, after some online research, I liked it's goal of a near-literal translation in modern Eglish along the same lines as the KJV. The ESV style language certainly feels like it is lifted out of the original Hebrew and Greek into modern English. It feels as though the translators really hit their goal of a literal, word-for-word translation. And yet, the grammar can be a little clunky. There were times, when comparing a verse to the NIV, where the NIV was easier to say and/or memorize. Still, I would definitely choose the ESV language over the NIV for any mature, adult Christian. A young Christian may want to stick with the NIV before transitioning to this.

MacArthur Study Notes Review:
I also wanted a study Bible to help focus my devotional times and to add clarity to Bible pasages I normally don't understand. I've used John MacArthur's study guides in the past and liked what I read. The study notes in here went well beyond my expectations. It has notes on the history of the Bible, on the basic tenants of Christianity, a year-through-the-Bible outline, and so much more. And the in-text, verse-for-verse notes were quite illuminating. But the concordance and dictionary in the back are pretty short and lackluster, and some people won't agree with everything MacArthur has to say (ex. opponents of the Young Earth Biblical view of history, that the Earth's lifespan from creation to today is only about 10,000 years, will have issues with his notes on Genesis). Still, this is an invaluable resource for mature Christians who have been reading their Bible's diligently for a while and want to deepen their knowledge of the Bible and Christianuty.

Summation:
The ESV language is great if a little clunky at times and the verse-for-verse in-text study notes, along with all the accompnaying notes on the history of the Bible and Christian theology, are excellent even if you won't agree with everything Mr. MacArthur has to say. Mature Christians will cherish this Bible for a long time.

[Светлана · Rating 4 out of 5]

I didn't know much about John MacArthur except that he was Calvinist, so I was skeptical when a friend gave me this Bible. I knew that I would disagree with some of his theology. But this study Bible gives a lot more than just theological notes. What I really lacked was historical context for confusing passages, and that is a strength of this study Bible.

I often read a $2 NKJV that has 5 years of my underlines and scribblings, but I have several study Bibles, and after reviewing all of them on certain Scriptures, I am pretty sure this one has had the clearest book introductions and most helpful in-text commentary.

On ESV:
I can also say that the ESV probably cannot be beaten for combining readability and a straightforward translation. The only thing that keeps me in the NKJV is those moments when the KJV/NKJV literally translates a Hebraism or idiom, whereas any modern version interprets it for you, leaving slightly less dirt in which to dig for buried treasure.

[Rachel Baker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Are you even allowed to rate the BIBLE less than 5 STARS???

I'm a little embarrassed to say that I'm 31 years old and have never entirely read the Bible cover to cover. There have been several years of attempts and failures, many single-book studies, but I set a goal in January that THIS was going to be the year. Every word. Genesis to Revelation.

I followed the YouVersion App - The One Year Bible Reading Plan. I did enjoy it and felt the selections were in no way random. It was very intentional the way they lined up the corresponding Old and New Testament stories/prophesies/references for you to read all in the same day. BUT I will probably try a different approach for this next time.

It feels a little silly adding THE BIBLE to my Goodreads lol, but this was such a huge accomplishment for me, I think it deserves the spot.

[Michael · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love reading this version of the Bible (ESV). Many of the difficult passages are refreshed by this translation. I look forward to doing it again in the near future.

[Becky · Rating 5 out of 5]

First sentence: In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth.

I'm just a girl who can't say no when it comes to buying MacArthur Study Bibles. But I finally, finally finished one cover to cover.

I chose to read the ESV MacArthur Study Bible for the Bible in 90 Days project. I started reading December 25, 2019. I finished March 23, 2020. For those reading this in the future, the world has changed in that short length of time.

I chose to read the kindle version of the book. Mainly I chose the e-book version--even though I own both print and ebook--because the font size in the print is super-tiny for my eyes.

I loved the ability to highlight! I never, ever, ever do this in print Bibles. So that was a nice surprise bonus to using the e-book.

I mainly read in the evening--though sometimes the afternoon--with my tea time.

I would like at some point to see Crossway publish a large print edition of this. Though at this time it's been so many years since this was first released, I find that a bit unlikely!!! If they do make it large print. I would like to see the font size of the text be at least 11 to 12 point font and and the study note font size be at least 9 to 10. That's a laughable dream since most large print bibles--even large print study bibles--feature the "large font" text size about 9.5 to 10 and the study note size at 8 or 8.5. Laying flat is a must. I do have the NASB MacArthur large print--the text runs hard and fast into the margins. There is no place that it actually opens and lays flat where you can read the inner column of text.

So I would recommend this one to those looking for a study Bible. If you have bad eyesight, I'd recommend the e-book version.

[Leland · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is so rewarding to have read the complete Bible for the first time, I really cannot believe I did. I started on a 90 day plan and even though I got behind, I still proceeded everyday to the next reading regardless of how much I missed. This got me committed to the goal and in the habit of reading.

The good part about reading the Bible is having had read it, the bad thing is trying to do it in a book like way, from beginning to end in a time limit, limits the amount of time one can reflect on the content and the Bible is so full of content and reflection.

I will probably focus next on just reading the New Testament in 90 days. it's worth the effort if you do it - regardless of your time to accomplish it.

[Garrett · Rating 1 out of 5]

New York Times Bestseller that most people never finish.

John MacArthur’s notes stare at the obvious contradictions within the text like one would stare at a man beating you over the head with a baseball bat while simultaneously saying that man is a genius that has never played baseball. As a study into the mental gymnastics that one will go to defend their beliefs, it’s utterly fascinating. While MacArthur clearly states the gospel writers never acknowledge who is actually writing them, he goes to great lengths to rhetorically theorize how they in fact did write them without providing any evidence of substance. While acknowledging that there are other gods and religions, MacArthur states how they must all be “demons” and “false gods” which he uses as justification for god’s commandment to the Israelites to lay waste to men, women, and children of other cities and countries.

MacArthur’s further explanation for the suffering or pain of anything “other” than the modern evangelical would be laughable if the threat didn’t feel so real. Anything standing in opposition is a “satan” translating to “adversary.” If you’re a pagan, you’re a satan. A fortune teller? Satan. A pagan god? Satan. From another city? Satan. Gay? Satan. A woman with an opinion? You guessed it, Satan. When every enemy is labeled Satan, it’s hard to believe that the so-called demonic threat is real or actually a threat. Instead what we can infer is an imagined threat labeled on the “other” in order to preserve piety and self serving superiority. This allows MacArthur’s Christian to be justified in his hatred and prejudice for all who don’t believe like him.

If you’re going to read a study bible, I recommend going with one that can stand more objectively.

[Mallory Kennedy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Infinity stars ⭐️

If you know me, you know I’m on Old Testament girl (hi, context strength ��), and I always will be. But reading the Bible chronologically has just been a life-changing experience for me. A big part of my testimony is having to rely on the Lord for things I’m not meant to understand. Knowing the Lord has given me all I need, reading it, understanding the big picture and focusing on God throughout it, has been healing and comforting to my little heart that gets trampled by doubt and fear so easily.

I finished by God’s grace through my own pace and determination (again, couldn’t have done it without God for the willpower, Jesus giving me hope, and the H.S. helping me see God and not myself!!!) I’d like to thank TLC and the Bible Recap for getting me through the tough days— (speaking to my boy John because I think Revelation did actually give me a miniature panic attack before I really dug in.)

If you haven’t read the entirety of the Bible, you’re missing out!!!!

[Valerie Bryand · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reading the whole Bible over the course of two months was a difficult but worthy endeavor. I learned so much about the overarching themes within that have been impossible for me to see by reading only snippets at a time - which has been my habit for my entire adult life. Noticing Jesus throughout the Old Testament and learning about God's character and plan for humanity was sweet and encouraging for my soul. I highly recommend this for all Christians but especially those who grew up in the church knowing the stories well but maybe missing the cohesiveness of the entire book.

[Wallace · Rating 4 out of 5]

The John MacArthur Study Bible meets the English Standard Version translation! ... and it is a useful association! Let me say a few things separately about the translation and the Study Bible.

The English Standard Version (ESV) translation is the 'newest' English version of the Bible. It has largely replaced the NIV in its use and seems at present to be the preferred version used in most major Christian publishing houses. The ESV is not a new translation but a thoroughgoing revision of the now antiquated Revised Standard Version (RSV), which was loved by academics. Annually I read through a different version every 7 or 8 years and this year (2022) it was the turn of the ESV. I found it to be OK, but not as inviting to read as my previous Bible, the NIV (2021). Consequentially, I give it only a 4-star rating.

I have been using the John MacArthur Study Bible for almost 20 years, but in the New King James Version (NKJV), so I am fully familiar with its layout and content. While I still consider it to be one of the best Study Bibles, the reader should be aware that it is dispensational in its eschatology and Calvinistic in its soteriology. The footnotes at the bottom of the page are more extensive for the New Testament than for the Old Testament, which probably reflects MacArthur's preaching focus. There are numerous tables, and charts which are clear and helpful. I consider the MacArthur system of notes 5-star.

The MacArthur Study Bible can be obtained in the NKJV, NIV, NASB, and ESV. This a high 4-star read!

[Alyssa Kessler · Rating 5 out of 5]

I would highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a detailed study Bible. The ESV is alreasy a great translation, and the detailed notes in this Bible bring further clarity and context to God's word. MacArthur includes very detailed book introductions, providing historical background and theological outlines, and addresses difficult-to-interpret passages. Often the notes that go along with the text will be longer than the section of scripture they discuss, demonstrating how much detail MacArthur gives in his commentary.

[Lauren · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finally! For many years I have tried and failed to read the Bible in a Year. This time with the encouragement of Pastor Pat Nemmers at Saylorville Church I used the Five Day Bible Reading Plan by Lower Lights Publications and read the entire Bible in a year! I loved how the reading plan coordinated stories and chronology as well as alternated Old Testament, New Testament and regularly included the Psalms and Proverbs. www.FiveDayBibleReading.com

[Matthew Hall · Rating 5 out of 5]

quality minded and easy to that i to read yet, intellectually rewarding. Really good O.T Torah and N.T. Gospel, Epistles,and Letters To The Churches.The best edition of the Bible for me I find it readable and easy to see thematic ideas in different chapters, and decide on what books I want to read within, all while enjoying what I'm reading much more than in any other edition I have read. I am reading the NASB edition of this MacArthur edition.

[M.L.S. Weech · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reading scripture regularly is pretty much the most critical way to grow in the spirit. This time through, I still focused on just reading through. I read the notes, which were helpful, but only now after another read-through of the Bible am I starting to truly study. A full reaction to appear on my blog in time.

[barbara mullin · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of two study Bibles recommended

John MacArthur or C. Ryrie study Bibles were recommended by my church in ESV & I really liked MacArthurs. I onIy wish i had gotten the large print ...

[Daenel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I finished the Bible in 90 Days Challenge in 87 days!!!!

[John Funderburg · Rating 5 out of 5]

"All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work."

[Silvia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beyond Excellent

[David Hamilton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Two things:
1 - I am KJV nerd, and the KJV remains my preferred translation (poetry!). However, the ESV is also a solid translation and comprises only a few differences based on the fact that more of the original scriptures have been found since the KJV was created, so there is additional clarity. Nothing changes the Christian doctrine or theology, to be clear. ESV is easy to read and understand, like the NIV.

2 - This study bible, as far as study bibles go, is thorough. MacArthur is a wonderful teacher and preacher, and he brings his years of experience to bear on understanding the bible. I compare this study bible to that of Spurgeon and others, and this is far and away more robust. As with others, it has the detailed maps and highlights of key passages, but it contains a whole lot more and is designed to be a lifelong study guide. I appreciate his dedication to the scriptures as they were written, reminding me that the grass withers and the flowers fade, but the word of God remains forever.

[Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

After several years of doing Bible reading and study in various ways, I determined to read the entire Bible this year. I very much enjoyed reading all the Old Testament stories in the ESV as they came alive in a way that reading KJV did not. That's also true of the stories of Christ and the theology of the Pauline epistles. The ESV is very readable and yet still retains the dignity of the KJV. The MacArthur notes were very helpful.

Reading the Bible through in a year is a worthy goal and good for Christians to accomplish once in awhile. The downside to doing Bible reading that way is that, with a set goal of what must be accomplished each day, I found it very easy to just read words, and let my mind wander. This was especially true with books like Jeremiah and Ezekiel, which are difficult to follow anyway. So, though I'm glad to have read through the entire Bible this year, I will probably revert to previous Bible study habits in the future.

[Nevin · Rating 1 out of 5]

This review is a retaliation against John MacAuthor as a teacher and a hypocrite in failing to holding his staff accountable for their actions, and refusing to his power as a pastor as God intended. He creates a systemic stagnation that empowers the adultery, pedophile, and relational abuses in his ministry and congregation, doing more damages to the victims.

You have the credentials of a Pharisee and your Leaven is not welcomed in this book.

[Brian Allen · Rating 5 out of 5]

The ESV is one of the best Bible translations we have access to. For those looking for a great Bible to use as a study Bible and to read as a way of spending time with God, I highly recommend the ESV.

[Evan Staffieri · Rating 5 out of 5]

The absolute must have study Bible!

[Byron Flores]

This is very good resource to really go deeper to the Scriptures. It is very recommended.

[Becky · Rating 5 out of 5]

Always perfect.

[Ben Boudreau · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent

[Margie B’s Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Bible will always get a 5 star review. Although I do not subscribe to all of McArthur’s commentary in this Bible, it is overall a good study Bible.

[Laurie Hetherington · Rating 5 out of 5]

The greatest book ever written

[Hanna Kanso · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kind of embarrassed by how long this took me to get through but first read through is done! Nothing left to say other than God is too good!