Customer Reviews

The Literary Study Bible: ESV - English Standard Version

5 star:		(18)
4 star:		(7)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

While Study Bibles may be some help in gaining an understanding of the Bible (The MacArthur Study Bible: Revised & Updated Edition and The Reformation Study Bible: English Standard Version would be two examples of good study Bibles that will tend to give you verse-by-verse helps), they can also, I think, tend to take the place of prayer and honest work in the text to find meaning. Sometimes it seems the footnotes in those study Bibles can, for the reader, take on more authority than the text. For that reason, I have often suggested that you stay away from making a Study Bible the Bible you use for your study.

However, I have been using the ESV Literary Study Bible as I've been working through the Old Testament and have found it to be a different sort of study Bible. Rather than commenting verse-by-verse, it's goal is more to help the reader understand how what they are reading fits into the context of the book and ultimately of the Bible. It is very much an overview study Bible, helping to illuminate the author's overall intent in writing the book. The goal is to help the reader gain an understanding each book as a piece of literature and not a bunch of separate verses devoid of context (unfortunately this is often how the Bible is used).

The Literary Study Bible gives an outline of each book of the Bible, a literary introduction and general introduction to the book as a whole, and short section-by-section comments to help situate a passage of scripture into the flow and content of the book.

This Study Bible is very much unlike any other study Bible I've seen and recommend it, particularly for reading through big chunks of Scripture trying to get a birds-eye view of it. You can go to esvliterarystudybible.org and get a free month trial to browse the online version of it before you buy.

After using this Study Bible daily for about 6 months, I highly recommend it, not in that I necessarily agree 100% with everything it says, but in that it truly is a resource well designed to help the reader better understand all of Scripture for himself.

I have owned thirty or more bibles in my life and each has met it's end not long after it's purchase. I believe that this bible, though not your typical study bible because it lacks cross references and a concordance, brings me to the place with the Lord that I have longed to be for years and have searched for within the covers of many a good study bible and one-year bibles. I have to give much praise to the ESV translation for it's accuracy and beauty. The scriptures seem to have such a reverence and spirit-filled essence that delivers God's word deeply to the soul. I have to commend the authors of this great work for their book introductions which are like none other. I have such a great understanding of a book before reading it's pages as well as having a paragraph or two of explanation usually before each chapter that offers just enough information to give great insight as well as focus on where the book is going. This has been a bible I actually look forward to reading because of this extraordinary feature. I have felt too bogged down reading study bibles with endless notes that take away from scripture reading but also have tried reading bibles with no notes at all and have found myself to be a little lost at determining a books direction. This bible fits that gap for me in that it's just enough information as it keeps me so focused and excited to read what is next! I hope they come out with a leather version soon with markers. Also the year reading plan is unlike any I've ever seen, it's really incredible! Buy and see for yourself. I didn't expect this bible to deliver this much punch at all. It's a great package.

First things that I don't like: I agree with another reviewer - the font is too small. Seeing the verse numbers is difficult for me. (Yes, I wear reading glasses but still!) Also I don't like the paper used at all. It's the wrong color and it doesn't like to be handled. I read my bible alot - and I write and highlight. The paper just doesn't hold up. Now the things I like: I love the reader's format - and the reflection of a literary perspective...it's different from my other study bible that references and cross-references. So it does what I hope - gets me out of a technical study of God's word and into a more relational/reflective time when I'm reading the Bible. I'm glad I've added this bible to my library. I don't know how long it will last though as I'm seeing the pages in the chapter I'm studying with my small group crinkle and appear more worn out than my 6 year old bible.

With all the recent flurry of news, updates and excitement regarding the forthcoming ESV Study Bible, I wanted to draw your attention to the other ESV Study Bible, The ESV Literary Study Bible and give you all six reasons why it will have a prominent place on my shelf, and why you should consider it as well.

1. Readability: The Literary Study Bible formats the text so that it reads like most other books, longer lines straight across the page. I have found that this makes reading the Bible at breadth easier, or at least more manageable. For class this past semester, I had to read through all of the Prophetical books and the Gospels. I tried reading them with my regular ESV, and then the Literary Study Bible, and found that what I read in the Literary Study Bible, I retained more readily and the effort seemed not as labor intensive.

2. Usefulness: The readability aids in its usefulness - as like most of us I'm sure our struggle is not in the reading of 1-2 paragraphs, but in entire books and sections of the Bible - but it has other features that make it more useful. The sections that begin every book lay out the main themes of the book, overall flow and structure, as well as your regular Bible introduction information. The 3-5 minute investment before each book really pays off, again in retention and in following the train of thought of the Biblical author. It really helps you as the reader understand what's going on, without giving you all the answers. Its a great tool for getting into the Bible yourself.

3. Leland and Philip Ryken: The father and son team on this Study Bible is certainly worth the price of the book. Both of these men bring a much needed emphasis on understanding the Bible with its literary aspects, as well as its theological, historical and moral aspects. It is not overstated to say that if you can understand the literary aspects of the text, then you are closer to the central message of the text, and the Ryken's bring this out in a way that is helpful, though not overdone.

4. Structure: In addition to the intro sections, each book features breaks in the text that lay out and help identify significant aspects of the upcoming text. This is absolutely great for gaining a sense of the overall argument or flow of a book.

5. The Ryken's: `Nuff said. But you should definitely check out the Leland Ryken article in the book Preach The Word. It alone is well worth the price of that book! I'll actually have something up on the blog about that book in a couple of weeks.

6. Literary Focus: I hinted at this already, but one of the most beneficial things I've learned while in seminary is to see and study the Bible within its literary dimensions. So often we take for granted that the Bible is a communication act where a human author wrote these pages to human audiences. Sure this was superintended by the Supreme Author, but we will fail to truly grasp the full force of the text if we never consider the literary dimensions involved in human communication that comprise the Bible. The ESV Literary Study Bible is an invaluable resource in assisting us as pastors and teachers of God's Word in gaining such an understanding, and that is why I will continue to use it even after the launch of the New ESV Study Bible coming out this Fall.

I have been very pleased first of all with the ESV version of Scripture used. I believe it brings together the positive elements of both the NIV and NASB.

The Literary Study Bible is very clear in its introduction that it is intended to be a Bible that gives depth and insight into the different types of literature that the Bible contains thereby giving the reader purpose and understanding in reading. It is not intending to be an in-depth commentary. If more historical and cultural notes had been added, they would be pulling away from the purpose of this study Bible.

I am a teacher, and I find that as I am reading many of the Old Testament books especially, the editors use good pedagogy (teaching tactics) to draw the reader into the main ideas they are about to encounter in the text. This helps the reader to read with purpose.

I have grown through reading and studying different cultural and historical study Bibles, but this Literary Study Bible has helped me to connect with Scripture on an emotional and asthetic level more deeply than I had before. It draws out the beautiful stories in Scripture. (Who knew that I would enjoy reading Ezra?)

As for the size of the text, the color of pages, and the durability of the paper used, I have not had any problems. For me, these things pale in comparison with the special experience of reading Scripture with this perspective.

The Literary Study Bible is an excellent Bible and one of the better ones I own. I will say its designed to be the best Bible possible for people who wish to study the Bible as literature, a large area of study by Leland Ryken, the author of most of the notes. The notes help you see the Bible from a literary perspective and the whole thing tries for an "old book" feel with the manila paper. Its very readable and well-bound. This is the main idea. The Literary Study Bible fills a much-needed niche and will be your Bible of choice when you just want to READ long blocks of text without getting bogged down in little cross references and side notes. This Bible makes reading the Bible fun.

One of the biggest things this Bible does is axe the section headings! This is such a wonderful choice. It lets you read uninhibited by "stopping points." The Bible wasn't written with little headings and shouldn't be read with them. Don't automatically stop unless the section you're trying to read is actually done. Sometimes the headings simply aren't helpful or misdirect your interpretation of the point of the passage.

The short of this: This won't be your "main Bible" because of its size and lack of references. At this price, certainly buy the hardcover, but make sure you buy an ESV Study Bible on your shelf too. The ESV Study Bible is your best all-around desk study Bible.

It's probably best to give you all a list of what is great about this book and what can be improved.

Pros:
-Silky, opaque paper. It makes the pages a delight to turn.
-Sewn binding. This will probably last longer than me, and it also lies flat on the table.
-Large print
-No stupid section headings. It wasn't in the real Bible and it prevents people from reading before "Therefores." They should be left out of every Bible.
-Black letter. Every word of the Bible is important and the inspired word of God, not just the direct quotes of Christ.

Cons:
-Literary theme a little targeted.
-I don't like the font. Its readable, but I would prefer a crisper serif instead of the swoopier chosen. It fits well with the theme, but I don't prefer it.
-Manila paper not a great color, but fits the theme as before.
-Lacks cross references and similar tools if you assume that a "Study Bible" automatically has these. If you don't mind, its not a con!

This Bible is different than any of the other Bibles you own. It is, to use the words of the editors, "a literary guide to the entire Bible," using the English Standard Version. This means that the purpose of The Literary Study Bible is to explain the literary forms used by the biblical authors so the reader can get a better handle on what is being said.

I've been reading from this new study Bible and carrying it to church and Bible study with me since November, and I like it. (Except for the cover. The book jacket and the book cover look the same, and I prefer plain covers on my Bibles so I don't look so much like I'm packing a children's Bible.)

I've had a nagging feeling that I haven't been paying enough attention to the literary features of the Bible. The Literary Study Bible has proven to be an excellent way for me to start giving literary form it's rightful place in my Bible study. Here are some of the features in this Bible that make it useful for this purpose:

* A helpful introduction that explains to the reader what it means that the Bible is literature, how to approach the Bible as literature, what fallacies are commonly held about a literary approach to the Bible, what are some of the literary features found in the Bible, and how to make the best use of The Literary Study Bible.

* Fewer footnotes. For the most part, it is missing the historical, cultural, theological, and language notes that you may have become accustomed to in a study Bible. Yep, you'll have to find these things somewhere else. That half of every page isn't taken up with verse by verse footnotes to interrupt the flow of reading makes it easier to focus on the literary features.

* Several pages of introduction to each book of the Bible. These introductory notes give a short overview of the book; an introduction of the book from a literary perspective, discussing things like the story line of the book, the theological themes, and the literary intentions; an outline of the book; and a paragraph that explains where the book fits within the master story of the Bible.

* No cross references, except for those that place an Old Testament quote found in the New Testament, or those that give parallel passages in the synoptic gospels. This helps to keep the reader from being sidetracked, since there are few rabbit trails to follow.

* A single-columned and paragraphed format, like most books. This, too, make for better flow while reading.

* A short lead-in commentary at the beginning of each passage. This heading commentary tells the reader what to watch for in the passage that follows.

* A helpful glossary of literary terms at the end.

The Literary Study Bible is a needed addition to my Bible library. I wouldn't want it to be my only Bible, since there are a few features that I like for more in-depth Bible study that aren't included, like maps and historical and cultural notes. However, except for the attention-grabbing cover, it'd make a very good primary Bible.

The Literary Study Bible, edited by Leland Ryken and Philip Graham Ryken is an ESV translation. It introduces the reader to the literary techniques used in different parts of the Bible and helps the reader better apply literary analysis to understand the Bible.

This does not mean that the Bible is reduced to a piece of literature. The Bible is THE piece of literature, and my impression so far is that the editors are treating it with the proper respect and authority. But by defining and pointing out the literary techniques used, it can aid the reader's understanding.

The Literary Study Bible is set up as a reader's Bible. It is printed in single column, paragraph format. There is an introduction to each book, and there are short introductions to the sections, but there are not a lot of distracting footnotes. This Bible is designed to be read, which is something most of us need to be doing more of. Footnotes and cross referencing certainly have their place, but during sustained reading, the footnotes often become so distracting that they pull me away from the Word.

The ESV, like the NASB, is a word for word translation, but it is much more understandable. I am very pleased with it.

There are only a couple of drawbacks to this Bible. I would like it if the font was a bit larger. It's not terribly small, but just a bit larger would make for easier reading. I also would have chosen a different paper. The paper is a cream color, most likely to cut down on glare, but I think it's a bit too yellow.

Those are only minor quibbles, though. I am very happy with this Bible overall and am pleased to recommend it.

The format is more like a novel written in paragraph form, rather than columnar format which many Bibles use. As such, it reads more like an unfolding story, much more cohesive. The language of the ESV is our modern everyday English, but remains an accurate translation of the Hebrew and Greek of the original texts, not a paraphrase based on the interpretation of the translator/paraphraser. I found the reading so far to be more interesting and compelling than reading the Bibles I have used in the past. Suitable for any reading level. I highly recommend this version for anyone from the first time reader to the advanced student of the Bible.

Having been a fan of the ESV since the beginning, I was eagerly awaiting an ESV Study Bible from Crossway. And though this isn't a "Study Bible" in the verse-by-verse sense, the Ryken's have put together a wonderful resource. By helping you understand the literary context of each book, chapter, etc. this Study Bible will help you dig into and understand Scripture in a whole new light.

On average, there's supplementary text from the Ryken's at the start of each chapter (sometimes more, sometimes less). My only disappointment with this Study Bible is that there isn't more of this material. However, that's not reason enough for me to give this Bible less than five stars - I highly recommend it.