Tuesday, November 4, 2008

The ESV Study Bible

It's a best seller. The industry marvels at this new study Bible's sales. The ESV is a new "essentially literal" translation of the Bible. I read through the entire Bible every year, usually following the plan found in the "Daily Bread" devotional that we hand out in church. In 2006, I used the ESV translation for this, so I know it well. At one point, I wondered about changing the Bibles in the church from NIV to ESV. 

So, if you're looking for something new, then join me in getting this new study Bible. I'll probably use it for my reading through the Bible in 2009. When I use a study Bible, I also read through all the notes. For three different years, I've used the Spirit of the Reformation Study Bible (NIV) for this. I highly recommend it, although reading through all its notes everyday will be overwhelming for most people.

November 4th is election day, but it also is a good time to start thinking and planning for your Bible reading in 2009. Have fun with this. I always do. Nothing beats a brand new Study Bible! 

11 comments:

Anonymous said...

Is there any way I can take a look at this Study Bible on Friday, Sat or Sunday night to see if it is something I would be interested in? I need to read something with more theology; I loved those classes when I was studying to be a Deacon with the Nazarene Church. I need something less pedestrian to hold my attention. I do not to come across snooty, but this is one of the main reasons why I have not read the Bible throughout a complete year.

PS thanks for the definition in Psalm 145.

John said...

I'll have it at the church for you to peruse.
Thanks,
John

Anonymous said...

I have the ESV. It's my favorite. We have alot of different versions ranging from the popular to the annoyingly obscure. I love exegesis and Bible study but my Greek is shaky and my Hebrew is essentially non-existent. The ESV is perfect because it is as close to the original as I can get. I also use alot of commentaries and a website called Christian Classics Ethereal Library. The Word has so much depth, so much truth to mine. It is so ALIVE! God is so good to us that He would give us this gift.

John said...

Hi Lynn:

I get regular e-mails from CCEL too: a wealth of information and insight. I post the link for it.

Amen. The Word is deep, living, a gift ...

Anonymous said...

Pastor John, what is the difference between the Spirit of the Reformation Study Bible and the New Geneva Study Bible (or Reformation Study Bible, I can't remember the new name) if any? Our personal church history is not in the reformed tradition so any help in this area would be very very welcome. Thanks much!

John said...

OK, there are actually 3 such Bibles. It started with "The New Geneva Study Bible" in the NKJV (Thomas Nelson 1995). Then, I think, R.C. Sproul broke off from the rest of that crew and made "The Reformation Study Bible" in the ESV (Ligonier/P&R 2005). Between the two, the crew left by R.C. made "The Spirit of the Reformation Study Bible" in the NIV (Zondervan, 2003).

Some of the SAME NOTES are in all three of these Bibles!!!

It's like a soap opera. How can it be otherwise? There are people involved. You know how people are.

Anonymous said...

lol..
Thanks for the clarification and background info on the three versions. I am from an Arminian background & the nuances of reformed theology are still beyond me. I have read some Calvin, sproul, and struggle through MacDonald yet appreciate his take on faith and imagination. I "get" Edwards & really love John Piper. I'll go to B/N and go through the notes of the three versions to see which one is easier for me to understand. Thanks again!

Anonymous said...

As long as they all are consistent in their content, they are ahead of most other soaps!

Lynn said...

hi...well i looked at the three versions (Geneva, Reformation, Spirit of the Reformation). My head hurts and now i have a list of questions...aargh...

Eileen said...

Pastor John,
What do you think of "The Essential Study Bible Contemporary English Version.
I was at the book store today and they did not have the EVS. I do want to have a better understanding of Scripture and I thought this Bible may help.
Thanks
Eileen

John said...

Hi Eileen:

Actually, I'm not that crazy about the CEV. I have many Bible products that use it because when they first came out with it they marketed it heavily. It is too far from the original for study purposes, I think. The ESV Study Bible I keep talking about will be available at the little Goodwill bookstore. Furthermore, any Bible or related product you want but can't find, we can probably get for you. Thanks! A better understanding of Scripture is a great thing to want.