I have this study bible and I love it. One thing I wish the ESV translation would do is italicize words added to scripture for flow and understanding, like NASB & NKJV. This is my go to study bible, I recommend adding it to your Bible collection. Thank you for the review Bro. Frisch.
I have several study bibles including this one and two women’s study bibles. Thank you for your videos May 2025 allow you to continue your videos. I’ve found them very helpful in my walk with Christ.
Waiting for mine!!! I'm so excited it comes in 2 days!!! First time reading the esv translation. I have 2 kjv bibles one is standard one is a my promise bible journal I love it too!
Great review! I agree the ESV Study Bible is a great study Bible. I absolutely love it. I think it deals with the more controversial issues with good information and is well balanced. I am happy to have it.
Thank you very much, Mr. Frisch! I have the Life Application in the NIV and the Zondervan in the NIV, but I feel like they're both missing something. Now that I've seen this (and other videos you've made) I really think this is the best way for me to go. Appreciate it!
This was very helpful thank you so much. I love that you touched upon the theology of the study notes. It helped me make a decision on this study bible.
what a fantastic review ! hige thanks for going in depth on the theology. I will be picking the ESV large print study Bible for black friday. thanks brother in Christ
Having used the KJV since Grade School, and just purchased the NKJV a few days ago. I have found the NKJV to be easier reading than the KJV. The KJV is understanding, in its archaic English written language. But, there are words, I have to translate to what it is in the modern form. My next inquiry will definitely include the ESV. Later in time, I must say. Three translations are better than just one only.
I am going to order this in a couple of days after much deliberation. I appreciate that you discuss the theology of the study notes, although I prefer study Bibles that contain strictly facts, figures, definitions, clarification on people, places, and culture rather than being spoon fed theology but your in depth review seems to indicate that the theology is minimal and balanced so that Christian’s of many persuasion’s will find useful info. It was great to hear the in depth look rather than just a look at the physical characteristics of this Bible. Thanks for the great info; it really helps clarify whether this will be a good purchase for me.
This is a very balanced view of my Favorite Study Bible. I am Assemblies of God, very much accepting all Saints in ministry. I believe women have a real gift for the church and strongly disagree with a “male only” perspective. Likewise … “Do not quench the Spirit.” I cringe at Benny Hinn and Kenneth Copeland but hearing my Pastor pray in tongues is a comfort. Yet I hold to a reformed outlook. I don’t any other way but I do have questions. Thank you for a brief but informative peek into the theology of this wonderful Bible. Time well spent. 👨🏻🦳🔥♿️MikeinMinnesota. I’ll see YOU at the Top!
I have a number of study Bibles, including the Reformation study Bible and NIV Zondervan Study Bible, also KJV Reformation Study Bible. They are all great. After listening to this review I will pick up this one as well.
Really enjoyed this video. Would be very keen to hear your opinion of study bibles that are more toward the extremities as a contrast to the ESV - especially if you look at the specific scripture quotations you used for this review. I am currently working my way through the Bible Project (day 214 ), and finding I want a deeper dive than my NIV study bible can offer as backup. Great work and God Bless (neat to be able to say that in public!)
I'm thinking of getting the large print version. Apparently it isn't actually bigger in dimensions than the standard one, more or less. They just made the text 2 columns so that it can fit with the bigger font.
Thanks for this review.I am interested in the theology you mentioned in your discussion of the ESV study Bible and said leaning toward reformed theology I supposed you meant TULIP right?You also mentioned regarding spiritual gifts that the notes is not leaning on cessation but open,am I right to say that Wayne Grudem is one of the contributors to the notes of this study Bible because I read sometime ago that is reformed in theology but not a cessationist like John MacArthur about spiritual gifts.Thanks in advance for your response.I'm looking forward to the coming video you mentioned about future events related to ESV study Bible.I have a Thompson Chain Reference Bible KJV whose Analyses of Books of the Bible at the end part mentioned the methods of interpretation but noticeably did not indicate Thompson's view.
Great study Bible. The personal size is way too small tho. Just get the normal size. This is my go to for getting a good overview of verses. And theres a gazillion good notes and essays
It is the Holy Spirit in our life as per Acts 2:38 which a person who is baptized by immersion receives who reveals to us the meaning of God's word as we study it.
I love the MacArthur Study Bible (have it in the goatskin NASB edition). The notes are so thorough and understandable. However, the biggest downside is that John MacArthur doesn't offer multiple views in the study notes. All the notes are his views of the scripture (which I agree majority of his theology - such as Calvinistic soteriology; but I disagree with his dispensational views when it comes to Israel and the Church and end times since I am reformed). Overall highly recommend even if you don't agree completely with MacArthur.
@@slickbill9488 Awesome! Glad to hear that you also like MacArthur. His thorough notes and commentaries helped me prepare for theology discussion and really explained some tough passages well.
@@haydenyuan4720 I purchased it not long after I first asked this question. Found John on TH-cam and really enjoyed listening to him so had to get the study bible.
I have a question, apart from the change in text from the 2011 text to the 2016 text are there any changes or additions done to study notes of the newer esv study bibles or are they still the same with only changes being done to text itself?
You would have to ask Crossway for a definite answer to that question. My guess is that they have not made any significant changes to the notes but may have made some changes to notes that pertain to a detail that was altered in the update of the text. Perhaps they made some other changes and additions as well, but you would have to ask Crossway for that information.
I do. I think it’s great. I own the MacArthur, Reformation Study Bible, Gospel Transformation Study Bible and several Thompson chains. I’m also highly reformed so obviously my views are skewed toward reformed theology. If you’re not fully reformed but still very conservative, I would say the ESV Study Bible is your best bet, it’s moderately reformed and expresses many of view points. If you’re a premillennial dispensationalist then you will love MacArthurs, if you’re not you’ll still get a TON out of it but there are better single options. My top study Bibles in order are…. - Reformation Study Bible - Gospel Transformation Study Bible - MacArthur Study Bible - ESV - Thompson Chain References If you can only own one and you don’t swing hard in a denominational view, then the ESV or Gospel Transformation are the best IMO
@@jordanc9169 so many THANKS. Going to READ Macarthur ESV. Thanks again for such a well thought out reply. Got the LSB NT last night. And will get the new BIBLE.. WHOLE.. in spring when 10.5 FONT but may also get one NOW.
What is the best study bible? I thought of buying ESV but i heard that Crossway change some text or words in the bible to suit modern readers. In my opinion Gods words should not be change. Is KJV study bible the better one? ESV, NIV, KJV, NASB, NKJV . Which study bible is best that kept its words intact?
Reformed theology would tend to agree with John MacArthur on calvinism (i.e. TULIP) but they would tend to be less fundamentalist but more confessional.
I love this bible but I'm easily getting distracted by the other bibles on the market, which causes confusion. I wish the esv study bible comes with the rainbow bible coding, full real color pics .
Sadly, as we get older, reading glasses are our future. I just turned 50 and been using a 1.25 power reading glasses for a few years now. My Dad told me of a magnifying sheet he lays over the bible. I may check that out.
unless i'am mistaken (which, sadly, happens alot) the ESV Study Bible - online version - of which you speak, doesn't include ALL of the articles that are in my Giant print version. If it does, i would be grateful if someone could let me kno... thanks.
Back in the mid-1980s, I considered my Thompson-Chain Reference as my study bible. Those were the days! For over a decade, I have used the Crossway ESV Study Bible and the Concordia Publishing ESV Lutheran Study Bible, as well as their separate volume on the Apocrypha in the ESV. Women in the church? In the Church Fathers, I see female deacons with ministries over other women and children. In a seminary setting, I'd certainly sit under the teaching of a female professor. When I was Pentecostal Holiness, if I visited a church with a female pastor, I listened to the sermon. But, my home fellowship did not allow women to be anything but ushers and Sunday School teachers. Nowadays, I respectfully disagree with having female pastors. So, I attend a local parish that doesn't allow them. Two ESV study bibles, one Reformed - Calvinist and the other Confessional Lutheran, with a NKJV text, is my preferred way to do bible study.
When reading the Bible you must take into consideration context especially regarding women preaching. Paul was mentoring Timothy on the women in his church for a reason. Do your background study of these women and their behavior.
Would you say that the underpinning theology of this study bible is also in the ESV translation itself? I have recently moved away from the ESV due to some theological points, especially with regards to their 2016 text, but have been wondering whether I have been confusing the notes, with the translation itself. If that make sense. Thanks for this review. This study bible is definitely NOT for me.
I'm interested in buying a copy of ESV study Bible but watching the video,I look at the comments and I across yours and you mentioned some theological points.Is it the TULIP doctrine or more commonly known as Calvinism you are referring to?,thanks in advance for your reply.
All things were made "thru" Him as ESV says is not "All things were made by Him" As KJV says. I believe that takes from His sovereign position. How subtle.
The real question is what does the gr text actually say, not what does the KJV say. The ESV certainly seems to harmonize with 1 Corinthians 8:5 in this passage.
Does the 2001 ENGLISH STANDARD VERSION work? Eh... kind of. It was a reaction against the obnoxiously gender inclusive NRSV (1989). The ESV certainly goes a long way towards healing the wounds from the abominable NRSV. The ESV is not my favorite. But just remember, it could have been a lot worse. The 2 versions I use the most are the 1966 RSV Catholic Ed, and the 2006 RSV 2nd Catholic Ed.
If they claim the text says women shouldn't lead in the church, that's their business, but they should then point out that such a position is objectively false. We know objectively that women have fully functioning brains that can handle leadership tasks, and it's embarrassing to go against that
@@slickbill9488 It's not just me who knows better, it's you. You know that there's nothing broken or defective about how women's brains are formed. You know that many men and many women are good leaders, and many men and many women are bad leaders, making a gender separation ridiculous.
Some women have been wanting to usurp male authority since Eve. Its a very deep rooted sin. The serpent still deceives the daughters of Eve this way. Men he attacks in different ways
I have this study bible and I love it. One thing I wish the ESV translation would do is italicize words added to scripture for flow and understanding, like NASB & NKJV. This is my go to study bible, I recommend adding it to your Bible collection. Thank you for the review Bro. Frisch.
I have several study bibles including this one and two women’s study bibles. Thank you for your videos May 2025 allow you to continue your videos. I’ve found them very helpful in my walk with Christ.
I have owned dozens of study bibles and I think this one is by far the best with the most extensive notes.
Waiting for mine!!! I'm so excited it comes in 2 days!!! First time reading the esv translation. I have 2 kjv bibles one is standard one is a my promise bible journal I love it too!
My husband just bought this for me. I appreciate the overview!
Great review! I agree the ESV Study Bible is a great study Bible. I absolutely love it. I think it deals with the more controversial issues with good information and is well balanced. I am happy to have it.
Thank you for reviewing the ESV Study Bible, Tim. I've had this bible since it was first introduced. It is without question, my favorite study bible.
Thank you very much, Mr. Frisch! I have the Life Application in the NIV and the Zondervan in the NIV, but I feel like they're both missing something. Now that I've seen this (and other videos you've made) I really think this is the best way for me to go. Appreciate it!
This was very helpful thank you so much. I love that you touched upon the theology of the study notes. It helped me make a decision on this study bible.
what a fantastic review ! hige thanks for going in depth on the theology. I will be picking the ESV large print study Bible for black friday. thanks brother in Christ
Having used the KJV since Grade School, and just purchased the NKJV a few days ago. I have found the NKJV to be easier reading than the KJV. The KJV is understanding, in its archaic English written language. But, there are words, I have to translate to what it is in the modern form. My next inquiry will definitely include the ESV. Later in time, I must say. Three translations are better than just one only.
You're doing a great job, keep up the good work!
Thank you!
I am going to order this in a couple of days after much deliberation. I appreciate that you discuss the theology of the study notes, although I prefer study Bibles that contain strictly facts, figures, definitions, clarification on people, places, and culture rather than being spoon fed theology but your in depth review seems to indicate that the theology is minimal and balanced so that Christian’s of many persuasion’s will find useful info. It was great to hear the in depth look rather than just a look at the physical characteristics of this Bible. Thanks for the great info; it really helps clarify whether this will be a good purchase for me.
This is a very balanced view of my Favorite Study Bible. I am Assemblies of God, very much accepting all Saints in ministry. I believe women have a real gift for the church and strongly disagree with a “male only” perspective. Likewise … “Do not quench the Spirit.” I cringe at Benny Hinn and Kenneth Copeland but hearing my Pastor pray in tongues is a comfort. Yet I hold to a reformed outlook. I don’t any other way but I do have questions. Thank you for a brief but informative peek into the theology of this wonderful Bible. Time well spent. 👨🏻🦳🔥♿️MikeinMinnesota. I’ll see YOU at the Top!
Thank you for this review. Looking forward to buy one. God bless.
I have a number of study Bibles, including the Reformation study Bible and NIV Zondervan Study Bible, also KJV Reformation Study Bible. They are all great. After listening to this review I will pick up this one as well.
Really enjoyed this video. Would be very keen to hear your opinion of study bibles that are more toward the extremities as a contrast to the ESV - especially if you look at the specific scripture quotations you used for this review. I am currently working my way through the Bible Project (day 214 ), and finding I want a deeper dive than my NIV study bible can offer as backup. Great work and God Bless (neat to be able to say that in public!)
Excellent review thank you
wow looks awsome i am saving for mine i live abroad so maybe i will have the money by xmas 2020 i downlowded it on my phone its an awsome translation
I'm thinking of getting the large print version. Apparently it isn't actually bigger in dimensions than the standard one, more or less. They just made the text 2 columns so that it can fit with the bigger font.
I love this Bible. The only thing I wish it had was the words of Jesus in red.
I just bought mine today and that’s the only feature it’s missing!!! Why didn’t they include that
Great review, thank you Sir.
You're welcome!
The ESV study Bible works really well on the Olive Tree Bible app too.
Thanks for this review.I am interested in the theology you mentioned in your discussion of the ESV study Bible and said leaning toward reformed theology I supposed you meant TULIP right?You also mentioned regarding spiritual gifts that the notes is not leaning on cessation but open,am I right to say that Wayne Grudem is one of the contributors to the notes of this study Bible because I read sometime ago that is reformed in theology but not a cessationist like John MacArthur about spiritual gifts.Thanks in advance for your response.I'm looking forward to the coming video you mentioned about future events related to ESV study Bible.I have a Thompson Chain Reference Bible KJV whose Analyses of Books of the Bible at the end part mentioned the methods of interpretation but noticeably did not indicate Thompson's view.
How about this vs the Macarthur study bible 2nd edition? I have the Macarthur study bible 2nd edition
I want an ESV large print, indexed with red letter. I would love to know where to get one
I bought mine back in 2009
Great study Bible. The personal size is way too small tho. Just get the normal size. This is my go to for getting a good overview of verses. And theres a gazillion good notes and essays
Great video!
Which year text edition is this? My 2011 dose not have the God's Sovereign chart at Acts 14.
I have ESV STUDY BIBLE IN LARGE PRINT. CORDOVAN TRUE TONE COVER. GREAT.
It is the Holy Spirit in our life as per Acts 2:38 which a person who is baptized by immersion receives who reveals to us the meaning of God's word as we study it.
Very good review :)
What would be a good NASB study Bible?
I love the MacArthur Study Bible (have it in the goatskin NASB edition). The notes are so thorough and understandable. However, the biggest downside is that John MacArthur doesn't offer multiple views in the study notes. All the notes are his views of the scripture (which I agree majority of his theology - such as Calvinistic soteriology; but I disagree with his dispensational views when it comes to Israel and the Church and end times since I am reformed). Overall highly recommend even if you don't agree completely with MacArthur.
@@haydenyuan4720 I love John even though I’m not Calvinist. I do have his study bible also, I’ve read some of the new testament in it
@@slickbill9488 Awesome! Glad to hear that you also like MacArthur. His thorough notes and commentaries helped me prepare for theology discussion and really explained some tough passages well.
@@haydenyuan4720 I purchased it not long after I first asked this question. Found John on TH-cam and really enjoyed listening to him so had to get the study bible.
Greta review thank you
I have a question, apart from the change in text from the 2011 text to the 2016 text are there any changes or additions done to study notes of the newer esv study bibles or are they still the same with only changes being done to text itself?
You would have to ask Crossway for a definite answer to that question. My guess is that they have not made any significant changes to the notes but may have made some changes to notes that pertain to a detail that was altered in the update of the text. Perhaps they made some other changes and additions as well, but you would have to ask Crossway for that information.
Where can I find an Non-Calvinist Continuationist Amillennial study Bible? 😀.
Do you have an opinion on the MacArthur ESV study BIBLE?
I do. I think it’s great. I own the MacArthur, Reformation Study Bible, Gospel Transformation Study Bible and several Thompson chains. I’m also highly reformed so obviously my views are skewed toward reformed theology. If you’re not fully reformed but still very conservative, I would say the ESV Study Bible is your best bet, it’s moderately reformed and expresses many of view points. If you’re a premillennial dispensationalist then you will love MacArthurs, if you’re not you’ll still get a TON out of it but there are better single options. My top study Bibles in order are….
- Reformation Study Bible
- Gospel Transformation Study Bible
- MacArthur Study Bible
- ESV
- Thompson Chain References
If you can only own one and you don’t swing hard in a denominational view, then the ESV or Gospel Transformation are the best IMO
@@jordanc9169 so many THANKS. Going to READ Macarthur ESV. Thanks again for such a well thought out reply. Got the LSB NT last night. And will get the new BIBLE.. WHOLE.. in spring when 10.5 FONT but may also get one NOW.
What is the best study bible? I thought of buying ESV but i heard that Crossway change some text or words in the bible to suit modern readers. In my opinion Gods words should not be change.
Is KJV study bible the better one?
ESV, NIV, KJV, NASB, NKJV . Which study bible is best that kept its words intact?
Is that similar to MacArthur study Bible theology?
I have the Macarthur study bible 2nd edition I was wondering if I should get this study bible I have the NASB95 and NKJV
Reformed theology would tend to agree with John MacArthur on calvinism (i.e. TULIP) but they would tend to be less fundamentalist but more confessional.
Be sure to have physical Bibles as it is harder for the Left hand side to cancel. Also memorise scripture thats even harder for them to get rid of.
I love this bible but I'm easily getting distracted by the other bibles on the market, which causes confusion. I wish the esv study bible comes with the rainbow bible coding, full real color pics .
Sadly, as we get older, reading glasses are our future. I just turned 50 and been using a 1.25 power reading glasses for a few years now.
My Dad told me of a magnifying sheet he lays over the bible. I may check that out.
unless i'am mistaken (which, sadly, happens alot) the ESV Study Bible - online version - of which you speak, doesn't include ALL of the articles that are in my Giant print version. If it does, i would be grateful if someone could let me kno... thanks.
Back in the mid-1980s, I considered my Thompson-Chain Reference as my study bible. Those were the days!
For over a decade, I have used the Crossway ESV Study Bible and the Concordia Publishing ESV Lutheran Study Bible, as well as their separate volume on the Apocrypha in the ESV.
Women in the church? In the Church Fathers, I see female deacons with ministries over other women and children. In a seminary setting, I'd certainly sit under the teaching of a female professor. When I was Pentecostal Holiness, if I visited a church with a female pastor, I listened to the sermon. But, my home fellowship did not allow women to be anything but ushers and Sunday School teachers.
Nowadays, I respectfully disagree with having female pastors. So, I attend a local parish that doesn't allow them.
Two ESV study bibles, one Reformed - Calvinist and the other Confessional Lutheran, with a NKJV text, is my preferred way to do bible study.
When reading the Bible you must take into consideration context especially regarding women preaching. Paul was mentoring Timothy on the women in his church for a reason. Do your background study of these women and their behavior.
Would you say that the underpinning theology of this study bible is also in the ESV translation itself? I have recently moved away from the ESV due to some theological points, especially with regards to their 2016 text, but have been wondering whether I have been confusing the notes, with the translation itself. If that make sense. Thanks for this review. This study bible is definitely NOT for me.
What are the theological points borne of the ESV 2016 changes that made you move away from it?
I'm interested in buying a copy of ESV study Bible but watching the video,I look at the comments and I across yours and you mentioned some theological points.Is it the TULIP doctrine or more commonly known as Calvinism you are referring to?,thanks in advance for your reply.
To each his own! I prefer the King James Version, always have and always will!!! The KJV is all I want!!!
Good for you bro!
And?
Sounds like a kjv onlyist
All things were made "thru" Him as ESV says is not "All things were made by Him" As KJV says. I believe that takes from His sovereign position. How subtle.
The real question is what does the gr text actually say, not what does the KJV say. The ESV certainly seems to harmonize with 1 Corinthians 8:5 in this passage.
Firewood
Does the 2001 ENGLISH STANDARD VERSION work? Eh... kind of. It was a reaction against the obnoxiously gender inclusive NRSV (1989). The ESV certainly goes a long way towards healing the wounds from the abominable NRSV. The ESV is not my favorite. But just remember, it could have been a lot worse. The 2 versions I use the most are the 1966 RSV Catholic Ed, and the 2006 RSV 2nd Catholic Ed.
If they claim the text says women shouldn't lead in the church, that's their business, but they should then point out that such a position is objectively false. We know objectively that women have fully functioning brains that can handle leadership tasks, and it's embarrassing to go against that
Uh The Bible absolutely says that a woman shouldn’t Teach in a Church. So are you making the claim that you somehow know better than Paul?
@@slickbill9488 It's not just me who knows better, it's you. You know that there's nothing broken or defective about how women's brains are formed. You know that many men and many women are good leaders, and many men and many women are bad leaders, making a gender separation ridiculous.
Some women have been wanting to usurp male authority since Eve. Its a very deep rooted sin. The serpent still deceives the daughters of Eve this way. Men he attacks in different ways
I am not reformed so I’m thinking about throwing this in the trash