Customer Reviews

The MacArthur Study Bible: Signature Series Edition

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

This review pertains to the Signature Series Calfskin (ISBN: 071801099X).

The MacArthur Study Bible provides solid, conservative notes and helps in a Bible featuring the New King James Version (NKJV), a reliable, readable translation from good underlying texts.

Unfortunately, Nelson is probably the worst American bible publisher in terms of production quality (processes and materials). Practically nothing they produce is signature bound (smyth-sewn) and if you get a year of heavy use out of one of their bibles before the pages begin falling out, you are most fortunate. I was very excited when I discovered this edition was going to be released in the Signature Series-I have a KJV Study Bible in the Signature Series and it is excellent all around.

For some reason Nelson has chosen to use the same cheap Bible paper in the MacArthur SS as they do in all their other editions. It has a glossy sheen to it and throws considerable glare when read under an artificial light. I can't use a Bible with this paper, which means Zondervan and Nelson are out as publishers for me. My KJV Study Bible SS uses a fine French paper which is wonderful and I don't know why Nelson didn't use a quality paper in this "Nothing has been spared" bible-surely paper is a significant component. I really believe this represents an ethical problem for Nelson as they are charging $199 (MSRP) for this Bible and only giving you a calfskin cover for that price. It seems unconscionable to me. Also, the binding itself is defective as there is significant "puckering" of the paper at the point where the paper is sewn together. When you turn the pages they "crinkle" and have to be adjusted before they settle-absolutely inexcusable in a Bible at this price!

At any rate I will be sending this Bible back and won't be buying any Thomas Nelson products anytime soon.

I had despaired of finding a study Bible with quality leather until I saw this one. The price of this Bible is well worth the cost because it is virtually impossible to find a quality leather study bible with fine binding for less than $100. I was so exited to have found his, and thrilled with what I received. Not only is the leather and binding excellent, but the notes are nearly verse by verse. He is scholarly, his notes are fabulous, text includes subtitles, key words are bolded in his notes, and chapter outlines are very well done, which I find very helpful, especially in some of the Old Testament. The font is also very easy on the eyes; even the notes have a good font-not small. This one is nearly like a Bible and commentary 'rolled into one'.This is a NKJV Bible, which is my favorite translation.This is a 'black letter' edition rather than Christ's words in red, which is fine with me, but mention this to give as many details as possible for those considering purchasing this 'work of art'. After reading his book 'hard to believe', I was sold on him. Some were upset that He espouses a cessationist view (many gifts of the spirit ceased)but his cessationist view seems to me to be a moderate one. While I am a moderate non-cessationist, any study Bible reflects the author's opinion, and he presents his opinions well. This is hands down the best study Bible I have ever seen. I would give anything to meet this fabulous servant of God who knows what it means to 'take up your cross and follow Him'.

The MacArthur Study Bible provides solid, conservative notes and helps in a Bible featuring the New King James Version (NKJV), a reliable, readable translation from good underlying texts.

Nelson Publishers has chosen to use sub-standard materials in the production of this signature series bible. I have yet to see a single product they produce that is signature bound (smyth-sewn) and if I get 6 months of moderate use out of this bible before the pages begin falling out, I will be amazed! I was truly looking forward to receiving this signature series edition and was very disappointed when I received it.

Nelson has chosen to use sub standard materials and questionable workmanship (cheap) in their MacArthur Signature Series Bible. The paper has a glossy sheen and difficult to read under an artificial light. "Nothing has been spared" Well I disagree. The paper is cheap, the workmanship is sub-standard, and in my opinion many corners were cut in the production of this product.

In addition, the binding is defective and there is significant crumpling of the paper where the paper is sewn into the binding. When you turn the pages they crumple and must be adjusted before they settle Moreover, over 130 pages had actual creases in them-absolutely inexcusable in a Bible at this price!

I will be returning this Bible. Shame on you Thomas Nelson Publishers

I bought this Signature Series MacArthur Study Bible because it was only $99 at the Bible bookstore I was browsing at (regular price 199.99!!!). I saw on the shelf right next to this Signature Series Bible the cheaply constructed regular edition Macarthur Study Bible in "Genuine Leather" on sale for $89!! So I went for the Signature Series version and paid 10 bucks more. While this Signature Series edition of the Macarthur Study Bible is not worth the full $199.99 price tag, I still believe it will certainly last longer than the non Signature Series edition.

The good thing here is that the pages are sewn in and bound in signatures and not glued in single sheets like the regular editions that fall out after a year of use. The black calfskin cover is nice and supple and will withstand years of handling if taken proper care of. Surprisingly, the paper quality is not what you would expect in a Bible of this price. I was expecting Oxford Bible India Paper durability but it seems Thomas Nelson did it to us again and lowered the standard for the sake of profit. However, in all fairness the paper quality is still better than that you would find in the cheaper versions available. I do not recommend writing notes in the margins, as it will probably bleed through.

It seems insane that nowadays you have to pay 200 bucks just to get a halfway decent Study Bible that will last longer than a year or two. At one time the quality you find in the Nelson Signature Series was the common industry standard for all Bible publishers. They felt they had a moral obligation to the public to produce quality long lasting Bibles. It is a shame that we have now allowed the worst aspects of American Capitalism to affect the quality of the Bibles available to the populace. I wonder how the CEOs of Thomas Nelson, Zondervan, World, etc. sleep at night knowing how much they cheat their consumers every day?

I gave this Bible 4 Stars minus one for paper quality. All in all still a nice bible....but not for $199.99.

Reading the two 1 star reviews stimulated me to write my own. The MacArthur Study Bible, Nelson Signature Edition, is two inches thick and weighs three and a half pounds. The black calfskin cover is beautiful and even though the Bible is so large and heavy it opens flat and feels like liquid in your hands.

While it is true that there is a puckering where it is sewn I expect that is due to the thickness of the text block. Mine has a copyright date of 1997 and was printed in the USA. The paper is beautiful too. It is fine, as Bible paper should be, but does not show too much bleed through of the text on the opposite side of the page. There is some but not bad.

As for durability. Mine has held up well but I have to say that I don't take the 3 1/2 pound Bible to Church with me. I carry a personal size edition for my out of the house use. That is also a NKJV Nelson Signature and it is still going strong after years of toting and reading. I can't speak for all of those that were made. There are many like it and this one is mine, and I'm very happy with it.

John Macarthur is probably one of the greatest bible expositors of our time. I have used the Macarthur Study Bible for years and consider this to be the most valuable book in my library. I highly recommend this Bible to anyone serious about studying Gods word.

The MacArthur Study Bible was the Bible I read when I initially made the decision to come to faith in Christ. Now, I continue to use it, along with other Bibles, as I strive to grow in the Spirit of Christ. This study Bible is still my all-time favorite because the notes show a vast knowledge of the cultural, historical, and linguistic background of the Scriptures, which I think are necessare to come to a true understanding of the text. John MacArthur never backs away from his opinion regarding Scripture: this is no ecumenical book! So, if you want a study Bible which strives to please all interpretations and beliefs, go elsewhere! If, however, you want a Study Bible which is based upon some of the best scholarship around and which never shies away from the Truth....look no farther! I recently purchased this Bible in the Signature Series calfskin edition...and what a Bible! Beautiful inside and out.

Most excellent study Bible. Highly recommend. I use myself and give as gifts. Great help for reading Bible, as well as for more serious students of the Bible.

-Excellent study Bible with in depth notes. Binding options varied from great (i.e. Nelson Signature Series) to adequate. Progressively dispensational, Calvinist leaning notes that are easy to understand and well-composed. Written in reading text style (i.e. verses start in mid-paragraph as opposed to separately) so difficult to preach from. Excellent in-text maps and charts. Great for personal study.