Looking for a Good Study Bible [Justin]
I’m in the market for a good study bible. I’m interested in the ESV, as I’ve heard good things about it. I like the NIV but have trouble reading it freshly, since it’s the version I’m most familiar with, and we already have a decent hardcover NIV Study Bible. I really like the NRSV, but have had trouble finding one with study notes. On the other hand, a lot of study bibles have two tiny columns of text that are so narrow they’re difficult to follow.
I want something in leather, something that will stay open by itself and has some heft without being overly bulky, and that has reasonably wide columns and generally good typography. Preferably NRSV or another good translation, with study notes. Any recommendations?


RC Sproul is coming out with an ESV Study Bible…just a heads up…not sure where or to purchase it yet…
I would suggest the Nave’s Study Bible. Unfortunately, it’s been out of print for about 20+ years. It came out a year before Thompson’s Chain Reference. The hardback pubished by Baker in the 70s can usually be found for a decent price through Amazon or other places. It has the KJV with alternate reading notes from the ASV and the RSV when they differ from the KJV. Has excellent study notes and cross-references. Dictionary/Concordance/Index. Outlines. Maps. Gazetter. And most of all, if you love the KJV, but have trouble with the wording, it has a huge glossary explaining all those words. You cannot go wrong with this Bible, and it is worth the search.
Just a note, I asked the publishers about an ESV study Bible and they said it is in the works scheduled for release in early 2005. This is one I’m looking forward for. I love the ESV.
A good runner up would be the Open Bible. Not alot of notes on the pages, but excellent study helps.
The Reformation Study Bible - ESV is can be purchased at Amazon.com The price is $44.09. It will be published by Presbyterian & Reformed Publishing in March 2005. The ISBN number is:0875527876
THERE’S ONLY ONE TRUE BIBLE AND THAT’S KJVERSION. THANK YOU DONNA
So were the Bibles before and the ones after the KJV not true?
…nothing good can come of such a discussion, or rather: no discussion can occur along such topical lines when framed in such a manner and in such a setting…
Oh, my apologies. It was an honest question…
(backs away)
No personal offense intended, Andy. I almost fired off a snide comment in response to the above post myself. But then the Great Baptism Post Debacle of 2004 came to mind, and I backed away too!
I guess I missed that. My apologies to you and Donna — and the crew here at RC.
No offense taken, doc.
For the NIV I would recommend the Spirit of the Reformation Study Bble, NASB— NSAB Study Bible, ESV — Reformation Study Bible, NKJV — Reformation Study Bible, NRSV — either Life Application Bible or Harper Collins Reference….
Augsberg Fortress Press has an excellent NRSV Study Bible, they call it the Student Bible.