ESV Literary Study Bible

Last week I received my much anticipated ESV Literary Study Bible in the mail. And so far I am really enjoying it. I like the helpful book introductions, the succinct chapter previews, the single column reading format, and the more than ample space in the margins. I have enjoyed just reading through it devotionally and using it for family Bible reading. The Rykens and the folks at Crossway have served us well in this edition.

I plan to write a more complete review once I get a few more miles on it, but in the meantime I am more than comfortable recommending it to you. This recommendation is especially timely as our friends at Westminster Books are now offering the ESV LSB for over 40% off at $29.99!! This is truly an outstanding deal.

In addition to providing the picture below, Tony Reinke interviewed Leland Ryken about this project and provides further thoughts here. Check out his posts if you are looking for more info.

Possibly Related posts:

1. Big Picture Story Bible
2. Jesus Storybook Bible for Kids
3. A General Introduction to the Bible
4. Did God Write the Bible?
5. Book Review- Preach the Word

6 Responses to “ESV Literary Study Bible”

1. wisecarver says:

   October 9, 2007 at 8:48 pm

   This version is becoming popular with many Evangelicals. Mark Driscoll has a good article that he wrote about this version when his church switched and preached from the ESV. Very good encouraging read.
2. Matt says:

   October 9, 2007 at 9:32 pm

   Erik,

   I have heard good things about the ESV. Do you know of any resource comparing/contrasting the translation to other literal translations, specifically the NASB? I understand that the question is often text specific. But, I’d be interested to know any fundamental differences. Thanks!
3. erik says:

   October 10, 2007 at 5:58 am

   Matt,

   Good question. From the ESV website:

   How does the ESV differ from the NASB?

   The ESV seeks to translate each word as literally as possible. However, when an exactly literal translation interferes with the natural flow of the English language, the word or phrase has been rendered with an eye for proper syntax and grammar. This is an “essentially literal” translation. The NASB is a “strictly literal” translation, attempting to render each word in English for the corresponding Greek or Hebrew. The NASB does not give as much weight as other “standard” translations to the flow of the English language.

   Our goal with the ESV is to publish one Bible for all of life. Combining an essentially literal translation with readability makes the ESV suitable for any situation—word studies and exegesis, reading out loud from the pulpit or in college and seminary classrooms, home Bible studies, and personal study.
4. kschaub says:

   October 10, 2007 at 8:17 am

   Erik, the ESV Literary Study Bible is an excellent resource to complement other good study Bibles (e.g. NASB Inductive Study Bible, Reformation Study Bible, NRSV Study Bible, MacArthur . . .).

   I especially appreciate the intent of the ESV LSB. As far as study notes go, I can’t think of too many better than the Rykens to help.

   Matt, check out “Translating Truth: The Case for Essentially Literal Bible Translation” by C. John Collins, Wayne Grudem, Vern Sheridan Poythress, and Leland Ryken. Or, “Choosing a Bible: Understanding Bible Translation Differences” by Leland Ryken (both at Amazon).

   Erik’s quote from the ESV site explains the subtle difference between essentially literal translation (ESV) and word-for-word-a-little-wooden (NASB) translation.
5. Matt says:

   October 10, 2007 at 8:25 am

   Thanks for the help!
6. Robin says:

   October 11, 2007 at 4:47 am

   I have had a New Testament version of the ESV since they came out – when I bought mine, the OT had yet to be translated. I was cleaning buildings for a friend at the time. Frank, the seventy-nine year old, retired pastor who cleaned the same building with us, came in all excited about this book he was reading. It was this translation. After finishing our work, we spent two full hours in conversation over the translation, how exacting and clear it was, how he had been praying God would provide another vehicle to reach those who would not grasp His word; this could be that tool.

   I never went back and purchased the entire Bible in the ESV translation, but your post inspires me to look into doing just that. I’ll always have and use my NASB, but it cannot hurt to have this translation right along side for study.

   God’s blessings, Brother Eric