I just learned that in honor of the ESV Study Bible being named the 2008 ECPA Book of the Year, Crossway is offering a 35% discount on all editions, now through April 8th. They are also selling access to the online edition as a separate product for $19.95 (this comes free with the purchase of a print copy).
I’m also going to reproduce my thoughts on the ESV Study Bible from the comment section of yesterday’s post for the benefit of my readers.
Reader Question: The ESV is my preferred version, but I’ve held off on the study bible because I don’t know the theological bent of the notes. Do they reflect Reformed understanding? I have the Reformation Study Bible in ESV, which I enjoy, but I’ve had a couple of people recommend the ESV Study Bible. However, they haven’t all been from folks who have what I would consider an informed understanding.
My Answer:
I had the Reformation Study Bible in ESV before the ESV Study Bible, and the ESV Study Bible far outshines it. I’m thoroughly reformed, too.
The contributors to the ESV Study Bible tend to be reformed and the notes tend that direction, but they try to be fair and balanced and give the other view in certain passages (like Revelation, for intstance). But the quality of all the maps and diagrams is quite first class, with color, and more. The fact that its so popular is a good thing, really. The contributors are all conservative, so no egalitarian views on women and ministry, and no playing loosey-goosey with inerrancy.
They include notes by Vern Poythress on a history of salvation overview for each OT book. It includes notes by Leeland Ryken on the literary features of each book. They include a mini systematic theology. Mark Dever gives the plan of salvation, John Piper speaks to prayer and Bible study.
I could go on and on, but I think you’ll find this study Bible superior to anything you’ve ever seen. Personally, I was a little let down with the Reformation Study Bible. The notes were good and all, but I was hoping for more. The ESV Study Bible gives me more. Not that it’s perfect, I would like to see Vern Poythress’ History of Salvation notes (not the book overviews) in the text rather than in the back of the Bible as an appendix. One can’t have everything, I guess.
My first reaction to the reader question was… why? But, since we can’t have notes that are unbiased as to world view…I suppose it is a good thing to know…*: ) Reading God’s Word isn’t quite like watching Fox News…giggling just a bit.
I agree with your point for the most part, Nancy. I am glad the ESV Study Bible is broad enough in its notes to be used by Christians of more than one stripe/flavor/denomination. It’s needed.
I’ve always been nervous about using a bible with any kind of notes or ‘extra-scriptural’ content. I know it’s plain to see which is scripture and which is not, but whether consciously or not, I think the reader will be tempted to place a ‘higher’ authority on the extra words. I’ve read that the early versions of KJV had included commentary which turned out to be highly influential. I’ve actually always wanted a study bible, but I’m nervous about the commands not to add anything to the book (of Revelation – as a principle.)
Leon,
The Geneva Bible was the most popular English translation in the 1600s, until the KJV 1611 slowly outpaced it. That Bible was known for its many study notes, which helped people understand the Scripture. It did much to help advance the Reformation.
Study notes are a tool, and they are clearly marked as notes. If you don’t use study notes, then you will still be influenced in your study by someone. When the pastor preaches, hopefully he’s studied. And what he says it not simply Bible verses. Pastors are actually called to teach. They must be “apt to teach” or as the Greek word means, “able to teach”.
The beauty of a study Bible is it helps equip a believer to read the Bible meaningfully on his own. It can answer questions and help guide someone in understanding the main point of the passage. This in no way should replace meditating or reading the actual text of Scripture. You are definitely correct there, but I don’t think this is an addition of the kind Revelations warns against.
Blessings in Christ,
Bob Hayton
The concern about distraction from the notes is quite cogent. I use a Bible without notes for my personal reading. I only use my study bible, as well as other study helps, if I am trying to figure out one question, or get insight into a difficult passage. If I try to do general reading from a Bible with notes, I can’t help but look at them, and have my understanding colored thereby.
Thanks Bob and Chris, I was hoping for just this kind of thoughtful response. I think I must be easily distracted, as I really like Chris’s idea about having one with no notes for general reading, and another with with for getting some possible prescriptions for perplexing passages. But I’m kind of wondering wouldn’t a commentary be the same sort of thing? I suppose the content in the Reformed Study Bible is not available separately?
Oh, sure, I have a couple of commentaries. Matthew Henry’s is by far my favorite. The difference is the amount of depth. The study bible notes are incidental, while the commentary goes on at length. The study bible also enables me to work with just one volume in hand, rather than a separate bible and commentary. The commentary is also rather bulky for carrying to men’s bible study. And last and least, the commentaries are generally in other versions, primarily KJV, while the study bible enables me to continue in the version to which I am accustomed. There’s a project for some enterprising theologian: adapting Matthew Henry’s commentray, which is public domain, to the ESV.
Greetings!
The ESV is one of my favorite versions on my desk. I would like to recommend to everyone the Geneva 1599 which if available in print from Tolle Lege Press (www.tollelegepress.com). This study Bible has been updated in word spelling only and contains the margin and foot notes of Reformers including Calvin, Knox, Whittingham and others. Personally, I find the Geneva more accurate in many verses than other translations. But I encourage all to read as many versions as they can afford (pew Bibles are cheap…).
In HIS Service
Pastor Steve