ESV Study Bible, Personal Size (Hardcover): English Standard Version Personal Size

Though evangelical in terms of scholarship, I, as an atheist, really like this study bible. The articles are comprehensive and interesting. Evangelical scholarship can be so much more useful than liberal approaches to scripture quite often. Especially for a neutral like me, who is not a Christian and is only interested in different viewpoints from a critical, and not a devotional, point of view. I have the personal edition, a paperback that does not include all the articles you will find in the main study bible (which I did think i was ordering, but that's my fault!). Anyway, this edition is perfectly good. Full of details. Wonderful maps. Yes, the text is small, but there's a lot to cram in. Brilliant notes, though, as I say, written by evangelicals, so to someone like me, some appear like "spin doctoring" in places. Still, thoroughly excellent. Anyone interested in the bible should own a copy.

Exactly what I was looking for, informative and interesting background information as well as maps and other resources. The commentary is really helpful. I'm glad I bought this and would recommend it to friends. The pages are thin like other reviews have said, but not really any thinner than a standard bible. I haven't had any problems. I think I would have preferred the hardback version, but it was a lot more expensive. I haven't had any problems with the spine or covering though, it seems pretty sturdy for a big book.

Bought this study Bible for my theological study course. I find it extremely helpful as it gives a quality background with theological and historical helpful information as no other bible. Ideal for the person not that familiar with the bible, or starting to use the bible, and would like more insight into the actual story or background of the writings. Referencing also briliant!! Cannot fault it!!!!!!!!!

Came early, great product. Really helps you understand the Word and there is the online study guide as well which really helps. Only gripe is that you can't really put it in a bag with other stuff as the paper is very thin and gets easily damaged. To avoid this go for the leather backed bible but that is obviously more expensive.

Great bible for study

There are so many versions of the Bible around. While that is good, it does give a case of choice over-load. This version is an excellent translation with good study notes. However, with hindsight I should have bought the John MacArthur ESV as his study notes are the best in my opinion.

A very thorough study bible, accurate, impartial and easy to follow. I found this a very well laid out study bible and an invaluable addition to my devotional life. Very hard to put down sometimes as it leads you on a journey through God's holy word. A must, I would highly recommend it to anyone.

The ESV is an excellent translation (I feel): perhaps not as easy to read at the NIV but with a rather better word-for-word translation (and for this reason, I am surprised it has not replaced the NIV in my church...). The footnotes to this Study Bible are excellent, and give great cross-bible help.