Customer Reviews

Holman Illustrated Study Bible-HCSB

5 star:		(13)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

The HOLMAN CHRISTIAN STANDARD BIBLE has become our favorite version in teaching and preaching. My wife and I have been doing Bible studies in prison ministry since 2003 and have used many versions of the Word: NIV, ESV, NKJV, and finally settled on the New International Readers Version as one which was easy to understand, clear, and faithful to the text. Then we found the Holman Christian Standard Bible.

This version fulfills everything we are looking for: accuracy of the text, ease of use and understanding (I would say it is written at a high school reading level), and faithfulness to the meaning of the passages. For example, the healing scriptures of Isaiah 53, 1 Peter 2:24, Matthew 8:17 are all present and clear.

Some of the other modern versions seem to lose the power and authority of the Word as they try to be easily understood in plain English, not Holman. Holman does not take liberties with the authority of the Word, richness of the language, nor many of the key doctrines of the Old and New Testament. I found it to be reliable, articulate and a solid reference.

I highly recommend it for personal devotion, sermon preparation and study, and Bible study with a group. The illustrations are clear, colorful, and helpful. The maps are very well-done and useful. I like the tabs because my memory isn't what it was once. All in all, the Holman Standard is an exceptional Bible and available in a wide range of prices and features.

I really love this Bible. First off, the translation is great -- simple modern English, with no liberties taken in the translation. None of this gender-neutral stuff like the TNIV. Secondly, the Bible is very well put together. The bonded leather cover is of the heavy top-quality variety. I have difficulty distinguishing it from the Holman cowhide leather editions. And lastly, the study information is great. They introduce the chapters and explain how the old and new testament chapters work together to form the basis of the Christian Bible. No hesitations -- buy it. This is a thick Bible. If you're looking for something thinner go with the Holman CSB ultrathin bibles -- they are awesome too but no study notes. And again, very well built.

The page layout is very easy to read. All the historical, archeological etc. information given at the beginning of each book is great background info on the book and author. The photos, diagrams, maps and other illustrations are a wonderful, colorful addition that brings the Bible to life. I did find one page that was about 1/16th of an inch narrower than the other pages. It is heavy to hold and makes my wirsts tired, so I prefer to set it on a table when reading.

Purchased for gifts for Christmas. The only thing on earth that we can hold in our hands right now that is Eternal is God's Word! Everyone who recieved the Bible loved it. I have one which is a blessing to me. I would recommend this Bible to anyone who is looking for a good study Bible.

When we are lost and can't find our way we use a map. We are lost and can't find God - use His map the Bible and He will lead you home!

Buy it; give it; read it; I give it 5 stars

This is one of my favorite Study Bibles I occasionally take to church. I like the unique single paragraph format, the large red letter text and the illustrated pictures really helps make the Scriptures come alive. I highly recommend it.

I purchased this Bible to supplement my KJV and NIV. It has become my primary Bible. My favorite features:

- Lots of pictures. The pictures are very helpful when I'm discussing scripture with my kids.
- I like the translation. It's easy to read and is consistent with the ideas in my KJV, NIV, NASB, and ESV versions. When my Greek improves, I'll comment on how it lines up with the Greek.
- Nice study aids such as time lines, charts, tables, etc. are appropriately placed in the text.
- Pages hold up nicely to being highlighted with dry highlighters. The paper is thin enough so that the Bible is not excessively large or fragile, but substantial enough that it holds up well under frequent use and study. I have the Bible in a cover, so I can't comment as to how durable the cover is. Also, I'm very careful with my books, so your mileage may vary.

Overall, I'm very pleased.

The Illustrated Holman Study Bible in a Bonded Leather,Thumb Indexed format is hard to put down.Pages are filled with maps,colour photos and fascinatingly intricate diagrams.This is one Bible you will read.The notes are primarily textual HCSB notes but there are also explanatory inserts throughout the text as well as comprehensive introductions to each book. I would think a young person(or someone visually oriented) would cherish the Illustrated HCSB just for the illustrations alone,but the text is very readable,like the NIV but more literal in the fashion of the NASB.As far as the Bible quality,excellent!The leather is very durable,the binding is tight (smyth sewn?)and the paper is non-bleed thru of very fine quality.I am thinking this edition is out-of-print as it is getting a bit hard to find,though at the time of this review it was still available on Amazonmarketplace at good prices.Though not overly academic,it is wonderful in it's ability to work with images integrated into the text.I know of no other Bible that does this so well.Good job,Holman!Prov.2:1-11

If you like a lot of background information about what you're reading in different parts of the Bible, this study Bible is a good one to purchase.

It's the Word of God... The book is very well put together with great study materials. The Holman Christian Standard version is easy to read and understand. This book is a great addition to the Christian's study library.

I really like this HCSB version. It's very attractive and easy to read. Love the version as well. Only thing I miss is the "Life application" I get from my NIV. I still use that for deeper reading but I like this for church and daily reading.