English Study Bible: ESV Study Bible

Today I'm adding the ESV Study Bible to the Master Reading List under the category of Study Bible (Available from Amazon).

I have been a long term user of the NIV Study Bible since I was in my teens and have always recommended it highly.  But in 2010 I read through the ESV Study Bible - yes, cover to cover - and I must say that I was very impressed.

The commentary on the Biblical text is good.  I didn't notice any red flags (i.e. heresy) and the authors were fairly even-handed when there were multiple evangelical interpretations of a text (e.g. eschatological views).  However I wouldn't say that the ESV study Bible commentary far outshines the NIV Study Bible commentary.

Where the ESV Study Bible clearly excels the NIV Study Bible is in the articles.  Not only are there lengthy introductions to Biblical books, there are many articles that help you to read your Bible, including introductions to Greek, Hebrew and Aramiac.  You also get a brief, but comprehensive, systematic theology with articles even extending to ethical issues such as homosexuality, capital punishment, war and racial discrimination - not to mention articles on other religions and cults.  Another bonus is the 'History of Salvation in the Old Testament' article which is a kind of commentary on the Old Testament to assist you in seeing Jesus in the Old Testament - when I preach on the Old Testament I now consult it.

What also sets it apart from the NIV Study Bible is that the ESV hard copy comes with access to all the material online.  I ended up using their website to access the Biblical text and commentary throughout the year, but at times referred to articles when the book wasn't handy.

Finally, the added bonus of having this on my Master Reading List is that it fits in nicely with my recommended English Bible translation, the NIV.  A good rule of thumb is that every English speaking Christian should possess at least two English translations to try and get themselves as close to the original meaning of the texts.  And buying the ESV Study Bible gives you another good English translation to put in your library next to the NIV.

So I can't recommend the ESV Study Bible enough.  If you're a new Christian, this should be one of the first books you buy.  It not only gives you a decent translation, but also a reliable commentary and articles which will answer your most frequently asked questions.