Customer Reviews

The Transformation Study Bible--Hardcover

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Bestselling novels are often printed in a variety of formats throughout their lives in print. Hardcovers, paperbacks, first editions, 10th anniversary editions, deluxe editions etc. can all be expected for blockbuster classics. Is it any wonder then, that the world's all-time #1 bestselling non-fiction title - the Bible - is available in such a plethora of translations, formats, editions, and so on?

The newly released Transformation Study Bible from David C. Cook combines the fourth best-selling Bible translation (2008/2009) - the New Living Translation or NLT - with Bible teacher Dr. Warren W. Wiersbe's highly respected commentary. The NLT is a modern English translation of the Bible, featuring easy-to-read language, and is based upon a translation method that relies both upon formal equivalence techniques (word-for-word), and dynamic equivalence (thought-for-thought).

This being my first encounter with an NLT Bible, I was quite pleased with the easy-to-read, yet accurate text. After reading several important passages, I've found that this version supports a literal seven-day creation period, and in no way detracts from God's absolute sovereignty and authority over the earth and all that is within it. Though this is certainly a given for long-time NLT readers, the modern equivalencies of weights, measurements, time, etc. are a huge blessing. Easy to read without a Bible dictionary at hand for looking up formulas for translating these antiquated measurements into ones I'm familiar with, this is incredibly convenient (original measurements and such are provided in the footnotes.)

After satisfying myself with the content and theological basis of the translation itself, I turned my attention to Wiersbe's commentary. Drawn from his vast collection of popular "Be" series titles - 50 expositional Bible studies which focus upon the application of God's word to the lives of believers - this commentary is the result of over 30 years of work. I found Wiersbe's commentary to be both helpful, and accurate; whether dealing with Paul's theological writings in Romans, or narrative stretches of scripture, Wierbe's explanations are clear and balanced.

Bible `extras' include cross-references in the center column (I love these), words of Christ in red, a small, standard selection of full-colour Bible maps, preaching outlines by book, and a very respectable dictionary/concordance - the most comprehensive built-in concordance I've seen. Formally structured book outlines provide an overview of the pain points and occurrences within each portion of scripture. A conversational introduction to the book, and "Be Transformed" section help readers to discern the meaning of the book, and its potential to apply directly to their lives. The "Catalyst" sections spread throughout the text do an excellent job of focusing in on the "big picture", the overarching themes of God's plan, illumining the personal relevance of important events and sections of scripture.

Incredibly accessible, I highly recommend the Transformation Study Bible for anyone who may have read through certain portions of the Bible and wondered how what they were reading fit into God's larger plan, or how the text applied to their spiritual growth. I've only just skimmed the surface of this large volume (2300+ pages), but I'm looking forward to reading through the Bible with an increased sense of meaning, depth, and personal relevance as I continue to explore its pages.

The Transformation Study Bible
Dr. Warren W. Wiersbe General Editor
2009
David C Cook
Non fiction/Bibles/Study

Reviewed by Cindy Loven

The Transformation Study Bible (hardback) was sent to me to review. I love reviewing Bibles! There is nothing that can beat that new Bible smell or feel. Not even a new car smell, can compare with a new Bible smell. I know your probably laughing at me already, but I assure you this is true, for me anyways.

The Transformation Study Bible is a large Bible, one that you might not want to carry everywhere, due to its size, but a wonderful Bible for at home studying. Over 2300 pages long, it has every study tool imaginable. It concludes with colorful maps, a section for personal notes, an index of preaching outlines, and an in-depth dictionary and concordance.

While flipping thru and reading sections of the book of John, which is my favorite book in the Bible, these are the things that jumped out at me. The things that make The Transformation Bible, more than an ordinary study Bible. First of all, each book, has an overview of that book. The overview tells the history, the setting, and who the book was written for. It will be very helpful in helping you understand the particular book of the Bible you are reading. Next there is a section that tells you what the theme is for that book of the Bible. For the book of John, the theme was "be transformed." As you delve into the book, you have cross references, textual footnotes, and commentary by verse. Each book also contained commentary sections called Catalyst sections. These Catalyst sections are additional commentary and history behind sections of that book of the Bible. For example in John 3, there was a Catalyst called Transformed by Jesus, that was about Nicodemus. In John 15, there was a Catalyst titled Living in the True Vine. These Catalysts are dispersed through-out the entire Bible.

The Transformation Bible is a wonderful study tool, a great addition to any home library, and an invaluable tool to pastors, teachers, and anyone with a passion for studying the Bible. 2318 pages
[...]

If you're looking for an all-in-one study Bible, this just might be it! It's got cross referencing, a fairly-lengthy concordance, commentary for deeper insights into specific passages, maps, and book outlines and overviews. And my favorite part of this is the Catalyst Notes, or notes that aid the reader in personalizing and applying scripture in their own lives.

Having done inductive Bible study before, where you review a Bible book and analyze it phrase by phrase in a group setting, I must say this Bible is perfect for such a setting. You get a whole lot of insight and information packed into one book without having to lug a whole library around.

While the NLT, or New Living Translation, is not my first choice version of the Bible, I do find it easy to understand. I was interested in reading the process behind it, and appreciated the fact that it was intentionally translated for reading aloud.

Thanks to David C. Cook for the review copy of this book, and for providing another resource that makes Bible study easier and more enlightening.

I shyed away from this Bible because it was said that it should be for the new Christian. The Holy Spirit kept drawing me back to it, and I am so delighted with it. He gives such great depth to the familiar texts and in such a lovely way. There is a gripping excitement in the Bible overviews vs. the traditional dry though informative introductions to the books in other Bibles. It is awesome to take the journey through this Bible. I have studied seminary classes and found that exciting, and this Bible is very apprehending as well. For the new Christian, the text of the Bible is new and exciting but you will be tremendously blessed to have the knowledgeable commentary throughout this Bible to point out the meaning with emphasis on how this affects you. I love this Bible. I have many and am well pleased with this one.

The materials the Bible is made of are black milano leather with thumb index,and silver gilded edges. All the way through in and out, the Bible is elegant. It is neither particulary feminine or masculine but beautiful like fine china and silver. The layout is elegant and the commentary is of high value from Warren Wiersbe of Moody Bible Institute. He is very knowledgeable and the Bible is a glorious blend of the scholarly and the devotional. It is not too big to carry around, but not a slim line as it is 2" thick. The thumb index has silver with black type. It is both simple in design and elegant.

The NLT Transformation Study Bible is a wonderful resource. The NLT version is beautifully written - poetic, yet easy to understand. The notes and commentary provided by Dr. Warren Wiersbe are insightful and thought-provoking. They provide knowledge of the times in which the books were written as well as astute life lessons for the reader. It will encourage growth in the reader and lead to the student seeking discipleship from the writing of this gifted editor. I am proud to have this translation in my reference library.

"The Transformation Study Bible, Warren W. Wiersbe General Editor" is a clear and concise New Living Translation of God's Holy Word compiled with the disciple of Christ in mind.

Billy Graham calls Dr. Warren Wiersbe "one of the greatest Bible expositors of our generation."

In "The Transformation Study Bible", Dr. Wiersbe includes accompanying notes and commentary from the 50 books in his "Be" series, an exceptional benefit to be sure.

The NLT version makes this Bible a very easy to understand and the New Believer will find all the tools included in this Bible a great asset.

Notable Elements:

* Chapter outlines, key verses, and brief introduction
* Commentary sections at the bottom of each page
* Scripture cross-reference
* Catalyst sections with more in depth notes
* Extensive concordance
* Personal notes section
* Reference maps

From a purely personal viewpoint, I found this Bible to be exceptional and a great gift for a new believer for the simplicity of the translation, but also as study help to pastors, teachers, and any other bible student. I especially liked the vast concordance and Catalyst sections.

Keiki Hendrix
Vessel Project Book Reviewer
[...]

He goes where most study bibles will not as far as discussing hard to understand verses of the bible (Gen. 6 1-5) . Seems like it is made well. I liked it so much I ordered the paperback long ago and got the "leather" when it came down in price. Great bible , wonderful translation and notes!

The Transformation Study Bible is an excellent addition to my study bibles. Having more than one resource for study helps improve my knowledge of the Bible. The longer I study, the more I find that it helps to have several different approaches - the objective is transformation - yourself and others. This bible helps me see that in areas I did not see before. Being able to study the books of the Bible or even specific scriptures from a variety of sources is similar to using different translations to study - the basis(truth)is the same but some of us just need different ways to learn it. I only wish it came in large print.

Pastor Warren Wiersbe has published many wonderful vloumes on the books of the Bible. He is well known for his "Be Series" going throigh the whole Bible and his "Old and New Testament Commentaries". This study Bible is written in the New Living Translation and could be said to be comprised of his "Be Series" and commentaries. If I was you, I would take a look at his works in the "Be Series" to see if the study Bible would benefit you or not.

Every year I try to find Bibles that I can recommend to people. The transformation Study Bible is the one I recommend if you are new to Bible study and really want to grow in your walk with God this year.

It is easy to read, contains easy to use tools and gives you insight from a man who is both a scholar and a practical teller of truth. Make sure you check out this new Bible as a gift or as your new tool for having a life that is transformed by the Word of God! It will bring the Legendary Clarity of the New Living Bible along with many other great study tools which will make Bible study easier and more rewarding than you could imagine.
It includes:
1. practical Book Overviews and Outlines
2. catalyst notes giving insight in to 150 keys in each book that the Holy Spirit will Bring to life to help in your personal transformation.
3. cross references which link themes and ideas thoughout the Bible.
4. notes to transform you by the insight of up to 200 words per book in transforming your life.
5. 10,000 study notes give expository study of key passages and idea, places and situations.
6. charts and maps right in the text to bring alive the Biblical world.
7. clear definitions to key words help in understanding a topic

According to the publisher ( and I would agree)

It has Legendary Clarity as Dr. Warren W. Wiersbe Acclaimed Pastor Brings Experience, and Wisdom to Transformation Study Bible

Dallas/Fort Worth, TX--As pastors seek to make the Word of God more understandable in an age that is unfamiliar with the Bible, and as growing disciples seek to discover the truth of Scripture in a skeptical culture, there is a great need for guidance in both the preaching and study of God's Word. Whether you're a pastor, a seminary student, or a truth-seeking disciple, an understanding of the Bible can be made clear to you with the help of one of the most influential, in-depth, and practical Bible scholars in modern history.

For over thirty years, millions have come to rely on the timeless wisdom of Dr. Warren W. Wiersbe's "Be" Commentary series. Dr. Wiersbe's commentary and insights on Scripture have helped readers understand and apply God's Word with the goal of life transformation. According to Dr. Wiersbe, "It isn't enough for us simply to read assigned portions of the Bible each day, as helpful as that is. A truly transforming experience involves meditating on what we read (Ps. 1:2), studying it carefully in the light of other verses, and then obeying what God tells us to do (Josh. 1:8)." Now available for the first time, The Transformation Study Bible offers the full text of the highly readable New Living Translation with accompanying notes and commentary from the 50 books in Dr. Wiersbe's "Be" series.

"The Transformation Study Bible will better enable readers to appreciate, appropriate, and apply the Word of God, which will result in `purity, joy, right values, hope, comfort, freedom, new life, peace, guidance, wisdom, integrity, encouragement, and effective prayer,'" states Wiersbe. In other words, if you want to be a new person, knowing and obeying the will of God and becoming more like Jesus Christ, there is perhaps no finer tool to encourage that process than The Transformation Study Bible.

One of the most anticipated and comprehensive study Bibles of the year, The Transformation Study Bible has been a lifetime in the making by a man who is widely known as a prolific and trusted writer and theologian. The former pastor of The Moody Church in Chicago, an internationally known Bible teacher, and someone who has given his life to a deep examination of the Word of God, Dr. Wiersbe lends his vast experience and scholarly insight to the most beloved and revered book of all time. This effort is to encourage believers of all levels to know and love the Bible and to experience the same transformation that has radically changed his life. The result is a Bible that is clear, understandable, and applicable to the lives of its readers.

Dr. Wiersbe writes, "The remedy for discouragement is the Word of God. When you feed your heart and mind with its truth, you regain your perspective and find renewed strength." By providing a new set of tools for Bible students of all levels, David C Cook and Warren Wiersbe have partnered to provide an essential tool to help bring the "perspective" and "renewed strength" that comes from a life transforming study of God's Word. This fantastic and long awaited resource will bring more clarity than ever before to the study of God's Word.

The Transformation Study Bible with General Editor Warren Wiersbe
David C Cook September 1, 2009
ISBN-13: 978-1434765307/2100 pages/$24.99
The Transformation Study Bible--Hardcover