The Literary Study Bible. Edited by Leland Ryken & Philip Graham Ryken. Wheaton, Illinois: Crossway Bibles, 2007. Jacketed Hardcover, 1,913 pages. $49.99.
(Review copy courtesy of Crossway Books.)
Purchase: Crossway Books | CBD ($34.99)| WTS ($27.49) | Amazon ($31.49)
ISBNs: 1581348088 / 9781581348088
Download a 16-page brochure (1.3MB PDF) with sample pages and a longer explanation of features. Browse the notes and learn more at the official website.
Review: I've written a review of this study Bible for ShaperIron which will be posted the first of the new year. However, I would like to post a few comments here for your consideration.
I’m tempted to say that the plan for this edition is ingenious. It is, and then again it isn’t. Either way the purpose is RIGHT ON! The major purpose of this study Bible is to encourage people to read the Bible. Yes, TO READ THE BIBLE. Now you see why I think this is ingenious or clever. Who would have thought of producing a study Bible that emphasizes the text rather than the notes? Well, that’s what I’ve found this study Bible to be.
From the introductory notes, to the sectional notes, to the single column text, to the color of the paper, to the font size, to the lack of cross-references, concordance, indices, and maps, to the inclusion of a Bible reading plan the reader is encouraged and helped in the task of reading the Bible. Really, this is what many of us struggle with, and what many of us need help doing.
A new year is coming quickly and this is the time when many Christians make a new resolution to do more Bible reading. One Year Bibles are nice, but limited in their usefulness. Here’s a better solution! Begin the New Year with The Literary Study Bible. It has rejuvenated my interest in reading the Bible like I had not imagined. The ESV text, alone, did this for me years ago. Now, I have a copy that is attractive, well planned, well laid out, and which includes plenty of space to jot notes and cross-references.
The literary notes are extremely helpful in breaking open difficult passages. The more you read and the more you pick up on the literary elements of each passage, the better a reader you will become and the more will you enjoy what you are reading. What better Masterpiece of literature to enjoy than the eternal Word of God!
Jason,
ReplyDeleteI just read through the PDF on The Literary Study Bible. It looks very interesting. If I get any money for Christmas, I think I know how to use it. :-)