THE ENGLISH STANDARD VERSION (ESV) - The ESV Study Bible is a relatively new resource from Crossway Publishers that seeks to give people a deep and systematic understanding of the gospel and the Bible. Because Crossway is a not-for-profit publishing ministry, all receipts from the ESV Study Bible are used to further the support of this goal and vision.

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The English Standard Version

10 Reasons to Read the ESV Study Bible

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Why the ESV Study Bible?

The ESV Study Bible is a relatively new resource from Crossway Publishers that seeks to give people a deep and systematic understanding of the gospel and the Bible, itself.

It is the winner of the 2009 Book of the Year honors from the ECPA Christian Book Awards, marking the first and only time a study Bible has ever won that award.

10 Reasons to Read the ESV Study Bible

1. The faithfulness of the English Standard Version translation

The ESV strikes a good balance between word-for-word translation with readability in mind. From the ESV website:

[The ESV translation has its] emphasis is on “word-for-word” correspondence, at the same time taking into account differences of grammar, syntax, and idiom between current literary English and the original languages.

2. The ESV Study Bible notes

This Bible contains a plethora of study notes that will answer your questions, clarify the meaning of the text, give you helpful background information, and provide many life application tips to transform your life and renew your mind.

Because the study notes are written by some of the world’s best biblical scholars, reading this study Bible is like being taught by these teachers yourself! Wayne Grudem and J.I. Packer served as the main editors, while additional material provided by reputable evangelical scholars and pastors like John Piper, David Powlison, Darrell Bock, Leland Ryken, R. Kent Hughes, Daniel Wallace, and many more!

3. Detailed introductions to each book

In addition to the historical background for the book, the introductions for each book of the Bible contain key themes of the book, the book’s place in the history of salvation, and an outline of the book, giving readers a great place to start in understanding the book’s place in the overall message of the Bible.

4. Over 200 full-color maps

The Bible’s maps illustrate the lands of the Bible geographically while giving the most up-to-date archaeological information and finds pertaining to the Bible.

5. Over 200 helpful charts

These charts offer key insights and analysis in clear, concise outline form, located along with the notes throughout the Bible.

6. Many different editions

Take your pick! The ESV Study Bible is available in hardcover, softcover, several leather designs, and a smaller, personal edition.

7. Free access to the online ESV Study Bible

In addition to what you have in the print version, the online version provides the ability to create and save online notes, use interactive links between notes, maps, articles, charts, and cross-references, and listen to audio recordings of the ESV Study Bible.

8. Durable binding and colorful appearance

The ESV Study Bible boasts a durable binding and full and vibrant color used for the maps and illustrations. This brings the Bible to life in vibrant color while ensuring your investment will last for years to come with a durable binding.

9. A whole library of articles and resources

The Bible’s resources give readers a grasp on doctrine, ethics, reading and interpreting the Bible, archaeology and the Bible, information about the Bible’s original languages, and also articles about other religions and cults in relation to Christianity.

Below is a sampling of some of the articles/resources included with the ESV Study Bible:

- God’s Plan of Salvation

- What It Means to Know God

- An assortment of articles on Biblical Ethics: including the beginning of life and abortion, bioethics, marriage and sexual morality, civil government, racial discrimination, and stewardship

- Articles on how the Old and New Testament canons were formed

- History of Salvation in the Old Testament: Preparing the Way for Christ

And several hundred pages more

10. The Bible’s goal

The goal and vision of the ESV Study Bible is, first and foremost, to honor the Lord and his Word:

(1) in terms of the excellence, beauty, and accuracy of its content and design, and

(2) in terms of helping people to come to a deeper understanding of the Bible, of the gospel, and of Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior.

Because Crossway is a not-for-profit publishing ministry, all receipts from the ESV Study Bible are used to further the support of this goal and vision. (from the ESV website)

Kevin Halloran is a Christian, blogger, and coffee aficionado. He serves with Leadership Resources International, training pastors to preach God’s Word with God’s heart. Follow Kevin on Twitter or visit his blog.

http://unlockingthebible.org/why-the-esv-study-bible/

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