ESV

The ESV Scripture Journals – A Review

Kirk E. Miller

I received a copy of the ESV Scripture Journal: New Testament Set in exchange for an honest review.

ESV Scripture Journals contain the full text of Biblical books alongside lightly lined, blank pages opposite the text, allowing readers to journal, write out prayers, or take study notes as they read scripture.

You can purchase individual volumes of specific books of the Bible at around $5 a piece. Alternatively, you can purchase the full Old Testament Set, New Testament Set, or the entire Bible at discounted rates. There’s also an electronic (PDF) version available.

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ESV Reader’s Bible (with Chapter and Verse Numbers) — A Review

Kirk E. Miller

ESV Reader’s Bible, Six-Volume Set: With Chapter and Verse Numbers, Cloth over Board with Permanent Slipcase

Introduction

 

  • What is a reader’s Bible?
  • Why a reader’s Bible?
  • This particular reader’s Bible → chapter and verse markings.

Features

 

  • 6 volume set: (1) Pentateuch, (2) Historical Books, (3) Poetry, (4) Prophets, (5) Gospel & Acts, (6) Epistles & Revelation (following LXX order, standard in English translations).
  • Comes with permanent slipcase/holder.
  • Cloth-over-board (hardcover).
  • Also available: premium goatskin edition; single-volume version.
  • Single-column.
  • Generous spacing.
  • 12 point font.
  • Higher quality, thicker paper.
  • Smaller, less obtrusive verse markings.
  • Chapter and verse location provided in corners.
  • Black text (no red letter).
  • Minimal use of headings.
  • No cross references or citation references.
  • No footnotes.

Conclusions

 

  • Provides a format to experience and interact with the Bible less like a reference work.
    • A more enjoyable experience, like reading a “regular” book.
    • Helps with reading larger quantities of scripture (provides more accurate perception).
  • I prefer the inclusion of chapter and verse markings in this version (best of both worlds).
  • Probably needs to be a supplement to a regular one-volume versions of the Bible. (This will be my “at-home” Bible.)
  • I’d prefer is they had ditched the headers altogether.
Pricing
  • $200 retail (I found at $115 elsewhere).
  • Premium leather edition = $500 ($280 elsewhere).
  • Single-volume edition = $20+.

Gallery

More photos (download).