Customer Reviews

Listener's Bible-ESV

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

 

 

We are very fortunate to have an edition of the English Standard Version read by Max McLean. The ESV is arguably the finest modern translation, combining accuracy in translation and beautiful english--very rare among current offerings.

As to the reading itself, Max is more understated in his reading of the ESV than in other versions I have heard--and I appreciate it. I have a hard time listening to over-dramatized readings of the Bible. There is background music, but it is pleasant and stays well in the background; I don't find it distracting at all.

Overall I am delighted to have this audio Bible and recommend it to you without reservation.

Max McLean's voice takes a little while to get used to. I'll be honest, at first it kind of annoyed me. But to have my favorite Bible version (ESV) in audio makes up for any personal issues I may have with the reader's voice. In fact, after getting used to some of his mannerisms, I appreciate the way that he reads. He reads slowly, which I have read some others complain about. But the way that he reads allows the listener to contemplate and think about what is being heard. In my opinion, the reader is very effective.

In case you might be wondering how you will use this product, let me tell you how I use them. I have put the mp3-format audio files on my iPod and use them for half of my read-through-the-Bible program. I never want to have my only regular exposure to the Bible in audio form and not in written form. So I am always reading/listening from different portions of the Bible at the same time. The way I have it set up, I will read through the Bible at least once in a year and listen through the Bible at least once in a year. I listen while I walk or jog in the morning. If that doesn't give me enough time it is very easy to listen in the car as well. I love listening aloud with my wife because it gives us the opportunity to be exposed to the same scripture at the same time.

These are just suggestions which I hope are helpful. Do it however you like. I do strongly recommend, nevertheless, that you make an audio Bible of whatever your version-of-choice is (I commend the ESV to you for many reason, contact me if you'd like guidance in this) a regular part of your Bible reading time. Inform your conscience with the Word. Why listen to the radio and inform your worldview from a worldly view. Let's fight hard to have God's perspective shown to us in His Word our perspective. The only way that I know to do that is to be prayfully and humbly exposed to massive amounts of Scripture. This is one tool to help you in that regard. I hope this helps.
-Jacob Hantla

This year I went back to school. I wanted to see what Seminary would be like, and so I found myself enrolled in Old Testament 1 and quickly learned that the reading pace that I had been accustomed to would have to change. Picture this: Week 1, Genesis. Week 2, Exodus and Leviticus. Week 3, Numbers and Deuteronomy, etc, etc. With The Listener's ESV Audio Bible, however, reading at this pace was not only possible, it was enjoyable. I have found that my favorite way of reading large sections of the Scripture is to listen to Max reading through the Audio Bible while I simultaneously scan the pages of text with my ESV study bible. I find that the Audio Bible "pulls me through" the long sections of Scripture and that I retain much more through having two channels of exposure - eyes and ears. Using both really helps things to sink in. I am also an owner of Max's original NIV MP3 Bible, and I would say that in comparison, his rendition of the ESV is slightly less dramatic, which I enjoy more. If you are debating on which translation to purchase, a good chapter to compare them by is Genesis 7, where Max is very dramatic in the NIV but more reserved in the ESV. I prefer the ESV, and I am 100 percent satisfied with my purchase. May the grace of God through Jesus Christ be yours who reads this.

I generally have a difficult time reading ANYTHING as either my mind begins to wonder or I grow weary and fall asleep. Having the ability to listen to Max McLean's narration of the Bible has been a true blessing.

I first listened during my many hours of daily driving. I was surprised at how much scripture I was able to retain from simple passive listening.

I then began to read along at home while listening to the CDs. I began to memorize various passages of scripture with seemingly little effort.

I am now reading along with the narration and completing the entire New Testament once a week! Not only is my comprehension of God's Word vastly increased, but I receive new insights each week.

I can't even begin to tell you all of the amazing, life-changing aspects that are taking place in my life right now as a result of this product.

This Listener's Bible is a must have for you!

In my humble opinion, this is the best audio Bible on the market. Max McLean is a wonderful narrator, and to have this available in the ESV is a real blessing. Now, if only the quality of ESV print Bibles would improve."

Max McClean is great. He reads the Bible as if he is the author. Max McClean put emphasis and emotion throughout the Word. Very enjoyable. It really helps me in Bible study to be able to listen to a whole letter or at least several chapters at one time--and read with passion. Thankfully, in his enthusiasm he avoids undue overdramaticism. I really appreciate his work.

Be blessed,
--Jeffrey

This was a gift to me by a member in my congregation. Previously they had given me the NT as well. I've already started using this product daily. At the time of this review, Amazon's price was almost $14 lower than the discount Christian book sites I checked. So this is a great place to buy this item.

First let me say that the CD packaging is solid. Leather case, with easy access sleeves that are durable.

Second, the version that is read here is the finest available in English in my opinion. I came to this conclusion after carefully comparing it to the Greek New Testament for about a year, my own translation work from sermons last year, and about 7 other English translations (including the NIV, NLT, NAS, NKJV, KJV. The ESV maintains a tight mirror image to the original text, yet it sounds like a pleasant English. For more on this, you may wish to read my review on the ESV Outreach Bible here on Amazon.
If you have access to them, ask any Greek scholar about the ESV and I think you will find they give it extremely high marks. So I prefer this audio bible mainly because it is the ESV. On to less important details...

The CD labels and finishing quality are fine. No problems.

A few CD's had data read problems with feeding the track labels to Windows Media Player. One cd I was able to get it to load onto itunes, and then it worked on Windows Media Player after I loaded it onto itunes. On another cd that didn't work, so I had to type in the track titles manually. I was unable to get five of the 62 cds to load the info labels on the tracks. The actual tracks played just fine. I don't know if it was from my software, my cd drive or the product.

Otherwise, the product is flawless. A light touch of music in the background is not irritating and is soothing/meditative. The Max McLean speaks at a 'walking pace' throughout, which I find very pleasant.

I saved this onto my Windows media player, and then whatever passage I am preaching on that week I simply load onto my MP3 device so I have the scripture right there. I highly recommend this product.

Other ways this product can be used include listening while working out (I find the music background helps a bit). Also, it is good for a family devotional primer or even for use in a congregational setting. I often use it in a leaders meeting or in a small group meeting.

I bought this set of CDs for my mother's birthday gift, she is 84. She adores it! Max McLean does a wonderful job of reading the Bible. The reading is a bit dramtic but not unattractively so. There is faint music in the background but it doesn't intrude as so often happens. Having the whole Bible on CD has many wonderful uses. We listen to it while driving, when we can't sleep at night, when we are working on projects, when we want to know how to say different names or places. It allows you to hear a large amount of scripture in context. It doesn't replace raading the Bible or Bible study, but it certainly is a great addition to it. I, also, have found the English Standard Version to be wonderfully accurate in its translation.

If your car is a little "low tech" and cannot play MP3s on a CD, then this is a great product. There are a very large number of CDs but the case is very sturdy and keeps the 60+ CDs you are not using at the moment in good shape. The audio quality is great and despite Max McLean's unusual accent, I find his delivery and the slight background music to be excellent.

At the time of this writing, I am just over halfway through this Audio Bible and I just had to get on here and write a review for it. Max Mclean does an EXCELLENT job of narrating the Word of God! This ESV audio Bible is an awesome resource to have. Listening to Max has added a whole new depth to my understanding of the Bible. There is nothing like going on a long car ride while listening to God's Word, it provides time to just soak it in and marvel at the Bible's wonderful, unmatched, and infinitely terrific truths. Max's voice is alive and powerful in his presentation. I recommend this Audio Bible to everyone I can. I say with confidence, if you purchase it, you wont be disappointed!