Customer Reviews

1599 Geneva Bible

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3 star:		(4)
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It's wonderful to finally have a genuine Geneva Bible reprinted in modern typeface that is actually portable. It is my favorite Bible version and I've owned quite a few different reprints of this Bible over the years in various formats. Of the versions that have been reprinted, this is the most portable and complete version available with the notes of the Genevan Reformers included. The leather is supple and soft (mine is a limited edition calfskin version), and the type is dark on white india paper and very easy on the eyes.

However, as great (and historic) as the reprinting of this classic work is, there are a few things that keep it from being as perfect as it could have been:

1) It has a cross on the cover (limited calfskin edition, not sure about hardcover). But not only that, it is a Celtic cross, which legend tells us was a blending of the Roman Catholic cross and the Solar Cross, introduced by Saint Columba in order to help pagans ease their way into Christianity by linking the symbol of the cross with the symbol of their sun-god Taranis. A variation of this cross has since been adopted by neo-facists in Europe. So what's this doing on my 1599 Geneva Bible? The Reformers would be turning over in their graves. They fought hard to rid the church of religious icons such as these. A cross is simply out of place on the Bible of the Reformers and Puritans and goes against the grain of what they taught and practiced. Bad choice. Very bad choice. Guess I need a cover to hide the cross which sort of defeats the purpose of a soft, supple calfskin leather cover. What's worse on my Bible is that the cross isn't centered on the front. It's about 1 cm to the right of center, and slightly crooked. I would have preferred nothing at all on the cover instead of a crooked Celtic cross. And I'm Scottish!

2) The notes, while great, are very difficult to reference. In the original Geneva Bible, the editors used lowercase letters of the alphabet, from a to z, to indicate a note; and the note was in the margin near the verse so you didn't lose your place in the text. It is very easy in an original Geneva Bible to glance at the superscript reference letter, scan for that letter in the margin next to the verse, and read the note for that reference. After reading the note, which was sometimes long, you could glance back at the text, and continue where you left off. Simple. Unfortunately, in this reprint the publisher opted to put the notes at the bottom of the page, broken down by chapter/verse, using reference numbers within each verse that restart from 1 each time within each verse. So you have some thirty something superscript number 1's within the biblical text on each page of this Bible. So, for example, if you're reading Hosea 7:1, in order to read the reference note for this, you have to make a mental note of the chapter and verse you are on, as well as the superscript reference number for this note, then scan the bottom of the page until you find the corresponding chapter and verse, find the corresponding number within that chapter and verse, and then read the note. Then you have to find where you left off in the text above...let's see...where's note 1...oh yes, there are 30 of these little 1's throughout the text! It's even worse if there are two identical verse numbers from two different chapters on the same page...I find myself inadvertently reading the note for the wrong chapter/verse combination. The note referencing clearly wasn't thought through in this release, and it's a shame because it really is a hindrance to Bible study by causing you to memorize 3 things, chapter, verse, and annotation number, before you can find and read the note. By then your mind has probably wandered from the text. It may seem like not such a big deal, but in actual practice, it's very cumbersome and unintuitive. In the original Geneva, you only had to remember one letter, and once you finished, you could use that letter to find your spot back in the main text. Simple and effective, and shows that the Reformers were concerned with the details.

3) I bought the limited edition calfskin leather version (only 500 hand-numbered volumes were produced). The original color appeared black in the original advertisement so I was excited to be getting this reissue in black calfskin leather. However, when it finally arrived, I was surprised to find that they released it in an ugly puke-tan leather with a large gold cross emblazoned on the front. I fully expected it to be black (and cross-less) based on the photos and would have preferred it to remain that way.

4) I'm extremely concerned about the integrity of the source text that was used for this version, as well as the proofreading that was done before publishing this Bible. It appears they rushed to publish it, errors and all. I've only read 6 chapters so far and already found 3 mistakes: 1) In Luke 15:30 this version has "devoured thy good with harlots" but the original 1599 Geneva Bible that I own says "devoured thy goods with harlots", which makes more sense. If you look at digitized copies of the Geneva Bible online, they contain the same error. Over the years I've come across several errors in the standard digitized versions of the Geneva Bible, so I fear that these same errors have been replicated in this release. It is likely that Tolle Lege used the extant digitized 1599 text as a base text without checking whether that text was indeed true to the original. But the next error I found boggles my mind. 2) In 2 Peter 3:16 this version has "among the which some things are hard to be understand..." whereas the original 1599 Geneva (both online and in the copies I own) has "among the which some things are hard to be understood...". The word "understand" doesn't even make sense, and how this could have slipped past a proofreader is beyond me. 3) In 1 John 2:5 this version has "hereby we know that ye are in him" but the original 1599 Geneva Bible says "hereby we know that we are in him." Big difference in the meaning between these two verses. This version implies that we can know whether other people are saved or not. This error is not in the 1599 Geneva version I own, or the versions online, only in this version. I remember having the same issues with the Modern King James version that was released in the early 90's. It was riddled with errors like "Cod" instead of "God" making it basically useless since it couldn't be trusted. I guess it goes to show that you can't rely on computer software to proofread copy and grammar. This is a major concern and from what I've seen so far in only 6 chapters, it's not looking very promising as an accurate copy of the original Geneva Bible.

5) After two days of owning it my Bible is already falling apart (limited calfskin version). The glue that holds the vinyl to the leather front cover is already coming apart...about an inch and a half at the corner...and I've hardly used it. This is unacceptable in a Bible at any price, let alone $300. I'm not sure if the quality of the hardcover is similar to the calfskin version.

This is the most compact Geneva Bible you can hope to find on the market today. And that's why it's unfortunate there are so many issues with it. Initially I gave this Bible a 5 star rating, but after 2 days of owning it, I have to retract my rating. At the most I'd give it 3 stars, but due to the textual and grammatical errors, I simply cannot recommend it. I was going to buy 4 other copies for members of my family, but now there's no way I will. I suggest holding out until Tolle Lege comes out with a second edition in 2007 - or even the third edition. They've started to fix the grammatical errors and list them on their site - hopefully they'll also fix the quality control issues.

This is the translation of the Bible that told millions of beaten down and enslaved English common folk that freedom from tyranny and opression was God's plan for their lives. This is the Bible that eventually put an end to Feudalism in Europe, strenghtened Puritans, Quakers, and came to America on the Mayflower. This was the first Bible published in the language of the common people, the first Bible to contain commentary and verse numbers, and the first Bible written in English from Greek and Hebrew texts available from Constantinople, not from the Latin Vulgate. The dynamite in this Bible, is the almost 1/3 length of commentary. The Church of England and King James were so upset they determined to create a new translation. They called it the King James version. They choose to use language so formal and grand, even by the standards of those days, that the common people would find difficult to understand. The Geneva Bible was found seditious by it's insertions of commentary that spoke directly about the priesthood of lay believers, the church as naturally anti-oligarchy, and setting forth some other ideas considered anarchy by the King, but meaning freedom to the masses who read it. Commentaary reflects the ideas of Wyclif, the Lollards, and is also heavily Calvinistic. As orthodox, I do not align myself with on any of the 5 main doctrines of Calvinism, but as an American who reads the scriptures daily, it is profoundly moving to read what the Pilgrims were reading when they boarded the Mayflower, not to mention what the Quakers read as they denounced war and violence. The text is highly readable and will remind you of the New Living Translation of the Bible.

Important facts to remember about this Bible. The refomation was strong in England and the Lollards were a lay group of huge influence that had to go underground. English Christian theologians, not Catholics and not Anglicans, fled in huge numbers to Geneva for freedom. Geneva was not part of Switzerland at that time because Geneva was its own city-state. Tyndale's translation of the Bible into English in 1525 lead to his death. The Geneva Bible was printed 1560-1644. The King James version was published in 1611. The Geneva Bible was against the law to own. The Anglican Church, officially breaking from Rome in 1534, was not the first protestant or only reformist activity going on in England. But it did do did it's best to squelch all other reform and seize control of the people thourgh torture, cruel death, and other punishments barbaric and inhumane in Jesus name.

I give this version on of the Bible a strong BUY recommendation. It is amazing and your faith in God and His overarching plan to free men from sin and hatred will be strengthened. Love one another!

I was reading a previous user's comments about this Bible and I truly am not sure why he has such a problem with this Bible. I have been a proud owner of the Limited Calfskin Leather edition since Christmas and have used it quite often. The issue of that commenter's Bible falling apart after two days of use are unfounded from my own experience with the same Bible. After almost two months of use, my Bible still looks brand new. It has worn in well for more ease of use, but still looks like it was just purchased. I have come across a few owners of the leather editions and they haven't had a problem with their Bibles holding up. I imagine that one commenter's problems is a rare exception or he dropped it. They are just, too well put together. The calfskins are hand-sewn.

The notes are extremely useful and easy to use. It is wonderful to be able to know what John Calvin, John Knox, Miles Coverdale, William Whittingham, Anthony Gilby, and other reformers thought about the exact verse I am reading. The system by which you use the notes is quite simple. Say you are reading John 3:16 and you come to the first note in that verse, you go to note 3:16(1). That seems simple enough and it allows you to go back to the exact spot you left off at.

I've seen the facsimile versions of the Geneva Bible and they don't even come close to this edition. The legibility and readability of this edition is so far above any other version of this Bible there is no reason to even try to compare. There have also been concerns about textual errors, but Toll Lege Press has acknowledged and fixed them in the printings following the first.

As you can tell, I am in love with my Geneva Bible. It is easy to read and the use of extensive notes makes it such a pleasure to use. I didn't even go into how amazing it looks. My best friend wants to know when she can get one. From what I understand, it's about to go to it's 3rd printing because it sells out as soon as a printing is done! I now know how lucky I am to have gotten mine! How is that for a well regarded product?

After reading all your comments I was troubled not knowing what to do to buy it or not,however I bought that bible hopping that they had fixed the problems you mentioned in your comments.Today after a couple of weeks I received my bible in Greece and I am really exited!!this copy is the new "fixed "the same with the one that the editor sales in his site at [...] ,no spelling problems no biding problems!it is awesome!!I ordered the genuine leather edition.Concerning the typing it is very very good no problem at all!if you have no problem with your eyes I think you will enjoy every day study.The type point I think is 8.
BUY THAT BIBLE AS SOON AS POSSIBLE!!!!!!!!!!!!

I bought this because I was curious to know more about the Geneva Bible. I knew it predated the King James Bible and was the one that the Puritans in England and America preferred. This one from Tolle Lege had updated printing and spelling, and also included the original study notes, so I purchased it.

Basically, it is more of a historical or curiosity seeker's bible, in my opinion. The Bible and notes are both written in old English and difficult to understand, very similar to the KJV. I appreciate learning more about the Reformer's notes and undestanding of Bible passages, but I can buy modern English books that do a better job. There are no cross references or concordance, which I miss, but understand that the "real Geneva" did not have these and this is a copy.

THis Geneva copy is based on the same general manuscript family as the KJV, which I appreciate. The translation is quite literal but not as fluid as the King James. I did find some passages in the Geneva to be easier to understand than the KJV, but still a long ways from modern bibles.

The print is fairly small and the binding and pages average.

I realize that the Geneva had a great impact on God's people during a very dark period and rejoice that it made such an impact. It will no doubt make an impact on anyone today who choses to read and study it, as will any copy of God's word since it God is not bound to any one translation. I would just rather personally use a more modern bible as my study bible; this one is good for comparison and history but not devoted reading because of the language problem. It was great in its day, as was the KJV, but is more of a historical novelty now.

I received this Bible as a gift 3 years ago. The 1599 Geneva is my favorite translation. I wanted a leather cover, since durability has been an issue with other binding types such as hardcover, paperback of course, and worst of all, bonded "leather." After you've put a few years worth of notes in the margins, the Bible becomes even more special to you, and then to have it fall apart is a major inconvenience. If anything ought to be made very durable, it ought to be a Bible.

Not long into my use of this Bible, the endpapers were already peeling off. The stitching is also visible, which means it won't be long now before the threads start cutting into the fine paper and I start losing pages. Not a total heartbreak, as the margins are too narrow to be of much use for writing notes in the margins. The pages are yellowing.

But, the leather cover I wanted is still in fine shape with no scarring and few signs of wear, which is remarkable considering what Bibles go through around here, being stuffed into computer bags, backpacks, etc. The spine is impressively firm: the spine endings are only beginning to bend after three years.

Some interesting artwork from the original translation is included, along with a place to record births, deaths, and marriages, plus a family register in the front. This version includes the original footnotes.

I'm glad to have 1599 Geneva back in print, but I'd like it to last me a long time.

Update: We noticed something that is probably a misprint. Matthew 24:15 should read:

When ye therefore shall see the abomination of desolation spoken of by Daniel the Prophet, standing in the holy place (let him that readeth consider it.)

But this translation reads David instead of Daniel. The cross reference notation (g) does still point to Daniel 9:27, however.

Having purchased the third printing of the hardcover 1599 Geneva Bible I am impressed. The type is a bit small but that's about the only weakness to this Bible. The notes are clear, concise and Biblical (Calvinistic- they are synonymous). Some Christians will be surprised when they read some of the notes. Such teaching is rare these days. There is no fluff in these superb study notes. The hardcover Bible is well bound and the paper is opaque. There are not as many cross references in this Bible as new Bibles as it was a relatively new thing at the time. I like it too because it sounds like the Bible should- clear, precise and reverent (not like the breezy familarity of say "The Message"). It's a welcome addition to my library and I enjoy it daily.

I was very glad to receive my copy of the genuine Leather GB. However, I don't read it. The print is so tiny that it gives me a headache. I wish Tolle Lege would publish a Large or Giant Print edition. And I'm willing to bet I am not the only person thinking along these lines.

The Geneva Bible has a unique place in history. It is some times called the "Breeches Bible". That term comes from the reference in Genesis 3:7 where it says that Adam and Eve clothed themselves in "breeches" made from fig leaves. It is the product of Protestant scholars who had taken refuge in Geneva, Switzerland during the reign of Queen "Bloody Mary" of England (1553-1558). It is also known as the Bible that the Pilgrims brought to America. It is older than the King James Version and is considered by some to be more "Protestant" than the King James Version.

Everyone in my family has had a copy of this bible since it was available for purchase. Our copies have held up very well, even with extensive use. The overall quality has been outstanding. For those interested in reading the apocrypha, the bible comes with a copy of it in Adobe Reader format (.pdf) on a CD. This is a great way to do it because you have access to the apocrypha (like the original 1599 Geneva Bible), but it is separate from the text so it doesn't get confused with the inerrant word of God. This is especially important because this bible makes for an excellent daily reading bible. Overall this bible is typeset very well, previous comments have noted some errors, but this is not uncommon for a first printing and it does not negate the value of this bible.
Summary: A piece of Christian History, A piece of American History, an excellent daily reading bible and a quality printing.