Since its first publication in the United Kingdom in 1990, the New Revised Standard Version of the Bible has established itself as one of the finest modern translations of the biblical text ever produced. Already extensively used in theological faculties in major universities and colleges, this version is not only ideal for academic work but also lends itself perfectly to liturgical worship, group Bible study in parishes, and personal reading. The work of Anglicization has been undertaken with considerable care in Britain, with the full support, encouragement and active participation of leading academics from the USA, who were responsible for the original work of translation. By this means the foundational scholarship which undergirds the NRSV has been safeguarded, but enhanced for readers in the United Kingdom, and other countries where Brtitish usage is preferred. The changes made to the text do not impair the translation, but rather ensure that the meaning is immediately clear for the reader. This has particular implications for the use of the NRSV in public worship, where the natural flow of language is vitally important. Equally the use of unfamiliar phrases will no longer interrupt the reader's concentration in personal use, nor will such matters distract users in study groups.
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.
It seems that all the reviews for this bible are soap box oriented: either digs at the bible in general, or, someone dislikes the version so they are touting about the virtues of the 1611 King James version, etc. This review, however, is based solely upon my observations of the book itself. As such, it will be short, simple, and to the point.
I purchased my copy at a used bookstore. As such, I did not get a dust cover (I hate them anyways) with it, but I did get a bible that had obviously never been used. Many of the pages were still stuck together. I paid only $3 for it, but seeing it and having used it now for 8 months, I happily pay the $22 dollars that Amazon is asking for it now.
This bible is of normal Oxford quality. The pages are reasonably thick, binding is excellent. It is a pretty blue color with gold lettering on the outside, and there is some engraving on the spine (looks like a flame coming off a page)which is a very nice added touch, cosmetically. Print is a very comfortable text size for reading. The maps are more than adequate for a bible at this price.
I was really surprised to see that the Apocrypha was included, especially given its overall dimensions. This is probably the most important feature to me. The bible is small enough to make it feasible to take to church, etc, and with the Apocrypha included, it is very useful.
As I said, I would gladly pay allot more for this bible than what I did. I take it to Sunday school and church, use it mostly in my daily reading and devotion, and also use it along with my bible software when doing comprehensive bible study. This latter application is probably its only weakness, but of course, it is not marketed as a study bible. The footnote system in the NRSV, however, is excellent.
I would highly recommend this to anyone looking for a reasonably sized bible w/Apocrypha, who also wants to have a bible to take with them on the go. If you don't want to spend the money for a leather bound bible, this is a hard bound bible that is cosmetically pleasing and will be useful for many years to come. I've checked, but it does not appear that this volume comes in any other format. It would be great if you could this in a leather bound version.
The fact that 80% of Americans believe this book sets the standard for their core spiritual beliefs frightens me. For those that wish to control people though, this book is perfect: you can find a verse that will justify anything you wish. One more thing: My bible has the words of Jesus in red. I found it interesting that when Paul was wandering around converting people he started hearing Jesus' voice in his head. Those words were printed in red! Does that mean the crazy guy on the corner who says he talks to Jesus should have his own version of the Bible too? Not to mention what Paul was saying to the Romans was nothing even close to what Jesus said (when he was alive). And that was the foundation for the Roman Catholic church! I only recommend reading this book on the condition that Holy Blood, Holy Grail be read along with it.
Always wanted to read the Holy Bible cover to cover, and now I will over the next 34 weeks through Disciple sessions beginning Sep 2010. My good friend asked today, "What's 34 weeks of your time on earth if eternity in Heaven is your reward?" Nodded my head and replied, "That's kind of how I see it." Don't want this left on my bucket list. ;~)
New entry - Well finished the Disciple class in May, and read the Bible essentially cover to cover (not every verse of course). However I still need to read the book of Revelation, and I'm probably half way through it. The group may go on meeting in some manner to continue our journey together. The experience has strengthened my faith as a Christian and helped me understand what I need to do to be a Disciple in my daily living.
I read the Bible (although admittedly I didn't read the apocryphal/deuterocanonical books) because as an atheist I don't want anyone thinking I disagree with it without having read the entire thing. I want to make informed arguments for being non-religious. I have nothing against religious people; I am against every organized form of religion I have encountered, however, for various reasons.
1 I lift up my eyes to the mountains— where does my help come from? 2 My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth. 3 He will not let your foot slip— he who watches over you will not slumber; 4 indeed, he who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep. 5 The LORD watches over you— the LORD is your shade at your right hand; 6 the sun will not harm you by day, nor the moon by night. 7 The LORD will keep you from all harm— he will watch over your life; 8 the LORD will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore
With God's immense grace, I conclude 2024's reading challenge with this version of the Holy Bible. I loved it. It will probably remain one of my favorite versions.
For the first time in my life, I also read the apocryphal (deuterocanonical) books that're believed to have been written during the so called intertestamental period. Some of them were hard to understand, but many of the books hold amazing insights.
I am by no means a Christian and read the Bible to better understand Christianity and what exactly my Christian friends believe in. I came away a bit puzzled. If I literally believed everything the Bible says, I would never worship the God that it describes.
Having so many authors, as a book the Bible is a mixed bags. Some of the books are quite inspired, like Ecclesiastes, Deuteronomy, Luke. Others are frankly boring and unimaginative, like most psalms, some epistles and prophets.
The ethics of the Old Testament is pretty abhorrent (which is the main reason why I wouldn't worship the biblical God even if I believed in him). The only quality that it consistently promotes is loyalty to God. The ethics of the New Testament is somewhat more interesting and closer to us, possibly in large part due to it being influenced by the Greek philosophy.
... It gives new life to a human being and teaches why i am in this world. And if so, what is the cause. HOLY BIBLE gives every solution for any puzzles in life. Gives numerous solutions in what manner should i behave in this world ,whether i am alone or not it doesn't matter , And opposes the formality of short span of life.
And tells , everything demolishes even the world before JOY, TRUTH AND LOVE which comes by HOPE.
Bcz, human is superior of any other species thats why it matters a lot what we are doing.
I remember in my younger days watching an episode of Gilmore girls with my mom and sister where one supporting character, Dave, wants to ask another supporting character Lane, to the prom, but is rebuffed by Lane's mother, Mrs. Kim, as he is neither Korean nor seriously Christian. Mrs. Kim presents a riddle to Dave to find the origin of a certain verse.
Dave, earnest to earn Mrs. Kim's approval, proceeds to read the entire Bible in one night, such that he may try to solve the verse's origin. Unable to find it, he confesses to Mrs. Kim that such a verse was not written in the Bible, but was from Shakespeare (Which play or sonnet I do not remember) However she is impressed with Dave's ability to read through the whole book that quickly, and gives Dave her blessing.
Having spent on average 30 minutes each day for the last 47 to read through the Old Testament, New Testament, and the Apocrypha of the Roman Catholic, Greek, and Slavic Orthodox churches, I can say it is certainly feasible that one could finish the full Bible within a day (Had I read it consecutively, I would have had 30 minutes to spare) but Dave would have needed a miracle to read it three times as fast while still comprehending it enough to be able to identify what he was looking for.
Anyway, if you're reading this nonsensical review today (The day it was written, April 20th, 2025) Happy Easter!
I am shameful to admit that it took me like 27 years to read the Bible, at least 7 of which have been conscious efforts, but this year is the year of finishing things and I've decided to do it and it actually happened - thanks be to God is the only thing I can say, I've read it once, it probably won't be the only time, and I still lack knowledge, so this time I will try to go deeper. Either way, I'm glad.
Spent this past year reading and studying the Bible cover to cover along with contemporary theological and historical perspectives from The Bible Project scholars among others. Opens the mind to the ancient writings, beliefs and stories of God, the prophets and Jesus. Opens the heart to compassion, freedom and gratitude for the reality of God and the Spirit of Christ surrounding us still today. An incredible journey - and the journey continues.
No one wise would ever say they've "finished" reading The Bible. But I read and follow Daily Bread devotions/interpretations, daily. Even spending 10 minutes a day can increase one's Biblical literacy significantly within a year. That's a goal worth achieving for believers, literary critics, theologians, divinity students, and more.
i am gonna review what ive read of it as i go along because 1) will help me keep track 2) im really funny
no blasphemy here idk what ur talking abt, also if anyone actually sees this review please dont take it seriously, i'm certainly not. this is abt my personal enjoyment not abt theological quality or smthn
OLD TESTAMENT exodus: fun in the beginning esp if you have the songs from the prince of egypt in ur head while reading, great quotes to come out of this book, very much the old testaments' old testament, once theyre in the desert things get a bit dull and repeated 8/10
leviticus: this is where the pentateuch becomes unintelligible to me, v much all seemed the same from here, take the drudgery of the end of exodus and just make it a whole book. its v much just loads of rules tenuously fashioned into a narrative by seasoning them with some characters. 3/10
numbers: more of the same, not bedtime reading if you actually want to get anything out of this, and i was using it for bedtime reading 3/10
deuteronomy: i literally could not name one thing that happens, more of the same, actually, i think moses dies. did they cross the big river (a reprise of the red sea thing) in this one or numbers? i think this one. 5/10
joshua: joshua, moses' successor, mercilessly kills whole cities. except rahab and her family cos she sold her city out lmao. very difficult to reconcile this one with jesus' teachings, im glad its not my job. overall, it was hard to read this and be on the israelites' side. but it wasnt just a law book, so much easier to read. 6/10
judges: v interesting stories. also icl samson brought that on himself. you're telling me you wife was literally asking how to kill you (and you knew she *actually* wanted to kill you) and it only takes three times for you to break down and tell her. then ur like 'oh that horrid nagging woman, she wouldnt stop asking, what was i to do??' just doNT TELL HEr??? 5/10
job: beautiful, in my top five books for sure, stunning, just,, yes. spiritually enriching, 10/10
psalms: very good, though some are quite uh, interesting morally. i always feel strange reading a few, cos i dont actually want my enemies' children to be fatherless street urchins despised by all etc etc. but as with everything in this amazing book, if you cant personally take much from it its always great for learning about how other people have felt and such. some psalms def do follow a line of 'ughh god its so hard yk cos everyone says im such a loser :( cos like, im just the best at keeping ur laws, and i always be prayin and giving you the best offerings :((( and theres all these people getting on me but like their offerings arent nearly as good as mine and theyre like totally unpious and the real losers. but they keep running their mouths abt me anyway can you like, destroy them and send them down into sheol and eradicate their blood line and starve them and hate them :( yeah i hate to ask but yk im just ur guy yk could you do that
song of solomon: an enduring image of what its like to be human and in love 10/10
isaiah: i've read bits and pieces, 7/10
proverbs: apart from the beginning where its a hot topic cos christians point to the personification of wisdom as an image of christ, very boring. well, at one point i laughed cos it said 'may your wifes breasts always satisfy you' and im a kid. but yh this is becoming long to get through. i dont feel any sentimentality for the narrator 5/10
Ezekiel: metal af so far, LOVE the beginning with the angels, sick, 9/10
NEW TESTAMENT
matthew: very good, beatitudes, excellent 9/10
mark: reading this will give you whiplash, the very definition of fast paced, have read twice, 8/10
luke: still havent read it UPDATE!! i read it, have forgotten a lot of my opinion now but v much enjoyed, im liking this jesus fellow, who would have thought... uhh 9/10 i suppose? also in the bleak midwinter is my fav carol so obviously i love the nativity bit :3
john: very good, tbh the NT is overall a lot more readable and enjoyable to the average joe, ofc this makes sense when you keep in mind that a lot of the OT was like, history of the nation as written by scribes and stuff whatever im writing this late. anyway, very fun to read, very mysterious, deals with much more complex ideas than the other gospels which essentially go like 'jesus healed this person, then he healed this person, then he said a parable' but also part of me loves that rustic mark feeling 9.5/10
letters and such: the genuine letters of paul- very good, very interesting and fun, also amazing to have the mans correspondence with random early christians preserved to this day, theyre profoundly human 8/10. hebrews - LMAO imagine thinking this was by paul, ur funny, its very good tho. hebrews is the john of the epistles iygwim.