The New Oxford Annotated Bible NRSV (5th edition) may be purchased here: www.christianbook.com/annotated-apocrypha-standard-version-genuine-leather/9780190276096/pd/276096 . A thumb-indexed, genuine leather edition is also available: www.christianbook.com/annotated-apocrypha-standard-version-genuine-leather/9780190276096/pd/276096?event=AAI .
This an excellent review - thorough, clear and well-delivered. The commentary is a valuable asset for both potential and existing readers. It’s clear that the reviewer has taken meticulous care in working through the book: as someone who has been both author and editor, I know how much effort is needed! I congratulate the reviewer for his effort and commitment.
Wonderfully detailed review. My thanks. I watched this review before I purchased my copy of the fifth edition and am now going through your review a second time now that I've had time the bible for approximately a month. I've found it extremely helpful to actually have worked with the bible and do your review a second time. It has helped me to a fuller enjoyment and appreciation for the New Oxford fifth! So I guess a SECOND thank you is in order!
My NOAB 5th Edition has just arrived and this video has been a godsend, and your voice is very calming but yet, the most detailed and informative reviews. I'm going to the library to borrow an old RSV edition to compare because they don't have that translation in Australian Christian bookshops. I don't think it exists to be sold anywhere here down under. Many blessings to you!
Thank you so much for taking the time and making the effort to produce such a useful, measured and informative video. Fantastic to have your detailed review of the physical aspects of the book as well as its content and thoughts about its value and use for a Christian using the Bible for study, devotion and spiritual guidance and development.
As always you have done an excellent review and I love the detail that you go into. The time line in the description box is awesome! Cause I will watch this again and go to the spots I want to jump to. I do own one of these in a hardcover and it is the 3rd edition...thank you for another superb review!
Thanks, BBC. I'm glad you find the time line in the description box useful. I don't imagine many people shopping for a Bible want to sit through a 43 minute video, so I thought I should give them a way to cut to the chase.
R. Grant Jones yeah a lot of people only watch about 4-5 minutes of a video but I always watch all of yours cause they’re very informative and plus you have a very easy voice to listen to.
I actually just bought what I believe is the third edition of this book. I was not very familiar with the NRSV or this publication of it, but I found it for $3 at a local book sale, so it seemed worth it! Thanks for another great review, Dr. Jones.
That's a great price! I think I understand the history of the editions (though I'm not certain). Clearly, the one in this video is the fifth edition. The first one edited by Coogan, published in 2001, is supposed to be the 3rd. My old one -- which made brief cameo appearances in this video -- would then be the second edition (copyright 1991, 1994). The first edition was in the old RSV. It's still available for purchase, and it carries copyright dates of 1973 and 1977.
R. Grant Jones after looking back over the book I see where my initial statement was in error. I have the 1991 edition. Thank you for the info in your comment.
That is an absolutely beautiful typeface & font style @ 31:30 I generally prefer verse by verse but that maybe the most pleasant paragraph format layout I've ever seen.
Going back to this video, I decided to check the three places where the essayist at 16:37 says the NRSV is "not accurate" against the NRSVue. In all three places, the NRSVue left the NRSV unchanged, so it seems the current editors disagreed with the essayist.
There are some comments below about there being a new - presumably sixth? - edition of the NOAB coming out in 2021. That would seem quite soon after the April 2018 release of the fifth edition, even if, as Mr Grant Jones shows, there are several unfortunate typographical errors that made their way into the fifth edition. I find it unlikely that OUP would release a new edition simply to correct those errors and yet, assuming that a new edition wouldn’t be publicised as being a more significant revision and update than it really was, wonder how much new commentary would be called for so soon after the 2018 edition. Does anyone have any thoughts or news about this possibility? There seems to have been an eight year gap between the 4th and 5th editions and a nine year gap between the 3rd and 4th edition. Thank you.
Very interesting video. As I mentioned in my comment there, I'm pleasantly surprised that the glued bindings on the NRSVs have held up so well. You obviously used them fairly hard over the years. Nice, calm, orderly presentation also -- and you have a very good speaking voice. Thanks for bringing that video to my attention.
I have all five editions of the Oxford Annotated Bible with Apocrypha. I am not keeping track of your questions in the video, but I could help you out with the differences if you were to query me. Although I have all of these editions, the only one that I have used regularly is the Second Edition (R.S.V.), by far the best of them.
I accidentally bought the 4th instead of 5th edition for college. I hope the differences aren’t too much. My school has provided the digital version of the 5th for my class.
Just wondering about your note at the 41:12 marker (regarding Deut. 32:8) what pens you use? I tend to use a ultra fine point .38 Pilot G-2 to write ultra tiny while avoiding bleed thru and asking what you take notes with?
Mark - I usually use a black Pigma Micron 005, but because the paper in this Bible is so thin, I made that particular note with a 0.3 mm mechanical pencil.
I mentioned 4 Esdras in connexion with the Ethopic canon. Recently there has appeared an edition of the Bible in English with the entire Ethiopic canon (and explicityly that, as the intended product). I have it on order but it has not arrived yet. I am wondering if the writings are translated from Ethiopic or if the books are assembled to represent that canon or simply are put together from various sources without regard to the Ethiopic language. You might want to obtain this to review it.
Thanks, Jay! Kidding aside, I actually was surprised by this edition. I have the original in the RSV and an early edition in the NRSV. Neither has these errors, and in the comments here someone mentioned that the 4th edition also lacked these errors. Something went seriously wrong with this one!
@@RGrantJones It's really too bad. The font and interior layout look outstanding. I didn't think I'd like the ragged right text setting, but it's not distracting at all, and the print quality looks very dark. As a reference edition I might consider it, just to get the unbelieving perspective on things, but some of those notes are so obviously inaccurate that it's hard to take them seriously. :) In any case, the NRSV itself seems like a decent translation. I found a copy with the apocrypha secondhand, and I must say that it's been a pleasure to read. It reads a bit smoother than the ESV, I think. The gender neutrality only bothers me when it becomes clunky, as in Genesis 1 with the use of "humankind." It's convenient, too, to have such an extensive collection of those books called apocrypha or deuterocanonical. I'm excited to give them a read.
Fourth Esdras is in the Ethiopic canon, but not, as you say, in the Eastern Orthodox canon. The Appendix to the Vulgate (seldom included in editions) has Fourth Esdras, too, but not as part of the canon.
Actually I have a question I am hoping you can help me with. You mentioned in your review that you wouldn't recommend this particular study bible to someone new to the faith, so I would be very interested to know which one/s you would recommend. Thanks in advance!
I'm sure there are many good ones I'm not familiar with, but the ESV Study Bible, the Reformation Study Bible, the Reformation Heritage Study Bible, the NKJV Study Bible, and the Lutheran Study Bible (ESV) all are written from a believing perspective for believers. They all have somewhat different theological flavors, but they don't promote skepticism. (For dispensationalists, the Oxford Scofield III Study Bible is also still available, I think, and it had quality paper, print, and construction the last time I checked. The Ryrie Study Bible is also available, but I wasn't impressed by the quality of recent printings.)
@@RGrantJones Thank you for your response (and for replying so quickly!). I saw your Top 10 Study Bibles video and am glad that I have the NOAB's RSV...your #1. As you made that video well after the NRSV Fifth Edition had been released, I plan to stick with the Bible I have. Any word on the Sixth Edition...when it might be released and what changes (and corrections) it might have? Since the 5h Ed was released in 1977, I'm very curious to see what 40 years of research has shown.
@@Mmmyess - I haven't heard any news about a sixth edition. If one appears, I plan to review it. I'm told that the 4th edition had much of the same material that's printed in the 5th edition, but without some of the 5th edition's errors.
Excellent detailed review as usual. Sir two questions, 1 have you came across the Haper Collins study Bible and 2 is there a Bible other than the the Bible’s with the nrsv translations that contain the same amount of books as the Oxford annotated and the Harper Collins? It seems like only the Bible’s with the nrsv translation have such an extensive apocrypha section like the orthodox canon.
Thanks for those kind words. Yes, I have a copy of the Harper Collins Study Bible. I intend to review it eventually. The only non-NRSV Bible I can think of that has as many books as those two NRSV study Bibles you mention is the New Oxford Annotated Study Bible with Apocrypha in the RSV. The last I checked, it's still available.
Mr. Jones, I have a couple of questions, can you help me? Should I skip the NRSV entirely or should I try to get an older version of this bible, edited by Mr. Bruce M. Metzger? In this case, which edition by Mr. Metzger would be the best? Thank you!
If you want to avoid the NRSV's gender inclusive language, the RSV is a worthy option. I recommend this RSV edition, which was still available the last time I checked: th-cam.com/video/1Smi6d-rPcY/w-d-xo.html .
@@RGrantJones I just ordered the RSV edition. I'm not against gender inclusion, but... by no means I condone text adulteration. "Even the columns aren't justified"...Thank you so much, Mr. Jones.
Just an update... I've discovered that Mr. Bruce M. Metzger was the main responsible for the first NRSV edition (1989) and ordered the NRSV annotated edition (with apocrypha) published in 1991. So I'm skipping the "Irael" (sic) fifth edition, but... who knows what the sixth edition of the NRSV will bring? Today I saw your comparison between the NRSV and the ESV (with my RSV in hands) and it was enormously helpful. Thanks again, you're really helping me and a lot of people.
It is large. Also, I don't think the notes comport with traditional Catholic doctrine -- though that might not matter if your local church is progressive. You might consider the Didache Bible, which I reviewed on this channel. I also hear good things about the Great Adventure Catholic Bible, though I haven't seen it personally. (It's available only in a red letter edition, so I doubt I'll purchase or review it.)
Great review, I've been looking at the NOAB in the RSV for a couple years, just not sure I'd appreciate that type of study bible, I dont' mind the RSV so much though.
I can see that. The NOAB in the RSV is less bulky. The pages are easier to turn and the notes are shorter and to the point. The RSV has the advantage of having been published before the language took a politically motivated change. But all of the NOABs assume the Bible is a merely human production.
So far halfway through the review. I have the fourth edition, which is not very different (very different from third edition). There are a few that caught my attention. At 18 min you mention the error of the writers saying Daniel had "not done out of necessity" scripture philology with Jeremiah. In the fourth edition, it's actually rendered correctly: "this is not frivolous, but done out of necessity..."
At 15.25 min, the sentence about anthologies and contradictions ends in the fourth edition at the word "ambiguous". The rest of that sentence is new to the fifth edition.
@@joest.eggbenedictus1896 - it sounds as if they had time to proofread before the 4th edition went to print. I've heard it had a glued binding. Is that true? My copyright 1994 NOAB NSRV is glued.
I have the leather bound, and it is sown . I purchased mine hot off the press in 2010, so they had plenty of time to correct some of these errors. This is my fourth NOAB so I've been pretty faithful to it for sermon prep usage.
In the fourth edition, the cultural context articles are almost word for word, but I have "Israel" not Irael in that subheading. So weird right? The Translation of Ancient Texts doesn't repeat lists either. Its like someone downloaded the rough draft instead of the final drafts for the fifth edition!
Good morning! A question: the leather cover version of this Bible was printed in the Netherlands by Royal Jongblod and typeset by 2K/Denmark. Is that true of this hardcover edition? Thanks and blessings!!
Yes. It says "Printed in the Netherlands by Royal Jongbloed" and "Design and typesetting by 2K/DENMARK" on the copyright page. Thanks for the question, Fernando!
23:26 that's an interesting error. I thought that the New Testament is pretty much agreed upon by Catholics and Protestants (and likely Orthodox but don't quote me on that) and that it is the Old Testament which has some debate. 26:43 Where is that essayist getting "boil" from? The KJV says roast (as does my ICB). Looks like the ESV takes the route of cook. Roasting and boiling are two different cookery techniques.
I assume you also own the Oxford Bible commentary. Would you say that the New Oxford Annotated Bible with Apocrypha is similar or does it make sense to own both, the commentary AND the Annotated Bible? I am torn between which to purchase.
It would be interesting to find out what went wrong in the editing process on this one. From comments made by people who own the 4th edition, it would seem that it didn't share some of the errors that found their way into the 5th edition.
In The book of Galatians 4 in what people truly don't understand is that the scriptural text is speaking about the 2 covenants. So when it speaks of Ismael an Isaiah one being a servant and the other a free it's talking of course about the covenant of Moses being a covenant of bondage and Christ covenant speaks of the being set free as described in Galatians 5:1 and Romans 8:1. When it speaks of casting out the bond servant it's referring to those of the Pharisees NOT submitted to Christ Gospel. Just like how Christ spoke in Matthew 8 about the children of the kingdom being cast out cause they still choose to follow Moses and not Christ. That's why they were called children of Satan.
The Cambridge reference edition is more portable than this rather large study Bible, so I find myself using the Cambridge more often. I like the typeface in both. I have an R.L. Allan-bound (different) Oxford text block, and even though the font in it is a bit smaller than that in the Cambridge, I prefer the Allan, since it's printed more darkly. I don't know if I've used a Harper Collins
I think I'll pass on the 5th edition. I would recommend Eta Linnemann's 'Historical Criticism of the Bible: Methodology or Ideology? : Reflections of a Bultmannian Turned Evangelical'. I much prefer the old RSV.
I have the 3rd Edition, College Edition, New Oxford Annotated Bible with Apocrypha. It looks like your version is improved with bolder fonts. The headings of each Book of the 3rd Edition are a lighter serif font. Also, the wording is less compact, and lighter in my 3rd Edition. I think I'd like your 5th Edition better. I believe NRSV is a superior translation to the ESV, which eliminated every instance of the word Fornication or Fornicator, and replaced it with the broad "sexual immorality" which means nothing except "don't commit the sin of "sin" ". They could have used the word heterosexual immorality for more clarity.
Is this bible evangelical in nature? Does it proselytise? Is the core position of the writers of the essays/notes that the bible is revealed scripture? I ask because My interest in the bible is purely academic and literary.
Is this bible evangelical in nature? No. Does it proselytize? No. Is the core position of the writers of the essays/notes that the bible is revealed scripture? I don't think so. If that is their view, they hide it well.
@@RGrantJones Thank you so much for your prompt reply. I’m not a Christian so these are important criteria for me. I’ve already ordered this study bible and the David Norton Penguin KJV/Apocrypha Bible. Could you also review the two volume Norton critical edition of the King James Bible or English Bible as Norton calls it? This is devoted to examining the historical, cultural, and literary merits of the KJV as also its impact on literature. I’m a graduate of and will always be a life-long student of literature. What other liberal bibles would you recommend for me? I have the Oxford classics edition of the KJV with apocrypha and the book of common prayer. Also how does NRSV NOAB compare with the RSV version based on my criteria? Thank you once again. I also like bibles as aesthetic objects so for that your channel is fantastic. Plus that you don’t proselytise!!
@@rags015 - You might like the Harper-Collins Study Bible, which is also in the NRSV, and the Oxford Study Bible in the REB translation. I don't have Norton's critical edition, but if I acquire a copy, I'll review it. The RSV NOAB has far fewer notes than the 5th edition NRSV NOAB. So the RSV NOAB is more portable, but I believe its notes are similar in tone to those in the NRSV NOAB, but perhaps somewhat less critical.
Within this Bible. Has anyone known of god to have a mental connection with the people and things written in the bible? Gods mind directly communicating with those in modern day life as well as the characters within the bible? Does it have that written within the bible anywhere? Is there anything to do with modern day humanity fighting a war within theirselves? A modern day man, having the bible read from heaven to him here on earth? Is there anything written about specifically that Jesus Christ and Buddha are one god as a whole? In the book of genesis, does it read that god actually wakes up after having read that he had layed to rest? Can christ or the devil lead modern day man around on todays planet? Does the devil refer to god being tested on? God test on a human being in todays world? Last question, does this bible have aliens specially printed as the word aliens with in it. ..... If i could please have honest answers back to those questions i will thank you. -Bret
Excellent review - I am unsure if I should buy this - I also do not like the way certain words are changed or avoided - gender inclusiveness - . Although I think the commentary;s could be helpful for another perspective as you rightly pointed out in this review. Thanks as always for the detail and effort you put into your work here.
I have been watching a few of your reviews in the last week or so and I must say I enjoyed your thorough approach in offering your views on every aspects of each edition from quality of product to formatting of the text and most importantly different aspects of the content. Your manner of speaking also makes your reviews very pleasant to follow. However, I realised that in more than a few of your reviews you make judgments about the belief of the authors which sounded to me a little off-putting. The most significant of such comments are often about Isaiah 52. You are a Christian of course and you have your beliefs about this passage but Jewish people don't share those beliefs. Isaiah is also (if not foremost) of their holy scripture. Why should a commentary (that is not claimed to be Christian in nature) promote your belief rather than another? In this particular video you appear unsatisfied with Dr O'Brian's comment because she did not make her personal view clear to the reader but the entire point of New Oxford Annotated Bible is to remain neutral in matters of theology. I, personally, do not believe in God but there is no text in the world that I read and loved more than the Bible. Today I can claim that I have read many different commentaries on Bible and consider myself relatively informed about the scripture, its content and its history; but I must say that if it wasn't for the neutrality of the 4th Edition of New Oxford Annotated Bible I wouldn't have become interested in this fascinating book as a very young person. So, I guess it is important to realise not all of these modern commentaries are written to promote a particular belief. Again I must thank you for your reviews.
Yes, I realize that not all modern commentaries are written to promote a particular belief. However, I think I should be permitted to express my own views in the videos I post. If you find my views off-putting, I recommend you not watch my videos. Thanks for commenting.
Most books in the bible are coming from a bias, cultural period, and a third-hand historic account of what happened. The books were written for a culture, a particular sect with an intended audience. Old Testament was oral, New Testament was written for an audience under politically charged Greek rule; by people who did not know Jesus directly. All the books have historical errors, the Maccabean revolt was a real event ;)
![BABYMONSTER - 'DRIP' M/V REACTION [WAS NOT EXPECTING THIS!!!]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/t0Lpgr1jo3Y/mqdefault.jpg)
The New Oxford Annotated Bible NRSV (5th edition) may be purchased here: www.christianbook.com/annotated-apocrypha-standard-version-genuine-leather/9780190276096/pd/276096 . A thumb-indexed, genuine leather edition is also available: www.christianbook.com/annotated-apocrypha-standard-version-genuine-leather/9780190276096/pd/276096?event=AAI .
You can get it without an apocrypha, and it's a few ounces lighter!
@@joest.eggbenedictus1896 I want it with the apocrypha. Thx.
This is unintentional ASMR
I’ve fallen to sleep to this several times. And I mean that in a good way lol.
This an excellent review - thorough, clear and well-delivered. The commentary is a valuable asset for both potential and existing readers. It’s clear that the reviewer has taken meticulous care in working through the book: as someone who has been both author and editor, I know how much effort is needed! I congratulate the reviewer for his effort and commitment.
Wonderfully detailed review. My thanks. I watched this review before I purchased my copy of the fifth edition and am now going through your review a second time now that I've had time the bible for approximately a month. I've found it extremely helpful to actually have worked with the bible and do your review a second time. It has helped me to a fuller enjoyment and appreciation for the New Oxford fifth! So I guess a SECOND thank you is in order!
You always do amazing job reviewing I especially enjoy your longer videos
My NOAB 5th Edition has just arrived and this video has been a godsend, and your voice is very calming but yet, the most detailed and informative reviews. I'm going to the library to borrow an old RSV edition to compare because they don't have that translation in Australian Christian bookshops. I don't think it exists to be sold anywhere here down under. Many blessings to you!
Thank you so much for taking the time and making the effort to produce such a useful, measured and informative video. Fantastic to have your detailed review of the physical aspects of the book as well as its content and thoughts about its value and use for a Christian using the Bible for study, devotion and spiritual guidance and development.
As always you have done an excellent review and I love the detail that you go into. The time line in the description box is awesome! Cause I will watch this again and go to the spots I want to jump to. I do own one of these in a hardcover and it is the 3rd edition...thank you for another superb review!
Thanks, BBC. I'm glad you find the time line in the description box useful. I don't imagine many people shopping for a Bible want to sit through a 43 minute video, so I thought I should give them a way to cut to the chase.
R. Grant Jones yeah a lot of people only watch about 4-5 minutes of a video but I always watch all of yours cause they’re very informative and plus you have a very easy voice to listen to.
I actually just bought what I believe is the third edition of this book. I was not very familiar with the NRSV or this publication of it, but I found it for $3 at a local book sale, so it seemed worth it! Thanks for another great review, Dr. Jones.
That's a great price! I think I understand the history of the editions (though I'm not certain). Clearly, the one in this video is the fifth edition. The first one edited by Coogan, published in 2001, is supposed to be the 3rd. My old one -- which made brief cameo appearances in this video -- would then be the second edition (copyright 1991, 1994). The first edition was in the old RSV. It's still available for purchase, and it carries copyright dates of 1973 and 1977.
R. Grant Jones after looking back over the book I see where my initial statement was in error. I have the 1991 edition. Thank you for the info in your comment.
I bought my Second Editiin in September of 1989. I treasure this old...well marked Bible.
Hi, my copy of this Bible occasionally refers to passages like ''1.22n'' without naming a specific book. Could you explain what its referring to?
Thank you for this and many other excellent reviews.
Thank you for the kind comment!
As a NOAB guy, I agree that it is not recommended for a lay person or someone new to either faith or to study Bibles in general.
Van Guard Lol if you believe that then maybe you should read the Bible
@Van Guard babe in christ and mature in christ yes there's a thing like that
That is an absolutely beautiful typeface & font style @ 31:30
I generally prefer verse by verse but that maybe the most pleasant paragraph format layout I've ever seen.
Absolutely spectacular review, thank you so much for the work you did on this video, it really helped me a lot!
Going back to this video, I decided to check the three places where the essayist at 16:37 says the NRSV is "not accurate" against the NRSVue. In all three places, the NRSVue left the NRSV unchanged, so it seems the current editors disagreed with the essayist.
There are some comments below about there being a new - presumably sixth? - edition of the NOAB coming out in 2021. That would seem quite soon after the April 2018 release of the fifth edition, even if, as Mr Grant Jones shows, there are several unfortunate typographical errors that made their way into the fifth edition. I find it unlikely that OUP would release a new edition simply to correct those errors and yet, assuming that a new edition wouldn’t be publicised as being a more significant revision and update than it really was, wonder how much new commentary would be called for so soon after the 2018 edition. Does anyone have any thoughts or news about this possibility? There seems to have been an eight year gap between the 4th and 5th editions and a nine year gap between the 3rd and 4th edition. Thank you.
I believe the reference to 2021 is to the NSRVue. The 6th edition of the Oxford Annotated Bible will reflect that and is supposedly due next year.
Finally got my long-term use review video of my 3 OASB NRSVs up. Let me know what you think!
Very interesting video. As I mentioned in my comment there, I'm pleasantly surprised that the glued bindings on the NRSVs have held up so well. You obviously used them fairly hard over the years. Nice, calm, orderly presentation also -- and you have a very good speaking voice. Thanks for bringing that video to my attention.
Thank you, that's meaningful. I've been watching for a long time, and my friend finally convinced me to start a channel. That, and I needed a hobby.
I have all five editions of the Oxford Annotated Bible with Apocrypha. I am not keeping track of your questions in the video, but I could help you out with the differences if you were to query me. Although I have all of these editions, the only one that I have used regularly is the Second Edition (R.S.V.), by far the best of them.
I accidentally bought the 4th instead of 5th edition for college. I hope the differences aren’t too much. My school has provided the digital version of the 5th for my class.
Just wondering about your note at the 41:12 marker (regarding Deut. 32:8) what pens you use? I tend to use a ultra fine point .38 Pilot G-2 to write ultra tiny while avoiding bleed thru and asking what you take notes with?
Mark - I usually use a black Pigma Micron 005, but because the paper in this Bible is so thin, I made that particular note with a 0.3 mm mechanical pencil.
I mentioned 4 Esdras in connexion with the Ethopic canon. Recently there has appeared an edition of the Bible in English with the entire Ethiopic canon (and explicityly that, as the intended product). I have it on order but it has not arrived yet. I am wondering if the writings are translated from Ethiopic or if the books are assembled to represent that canon or simply are put together from various sources without regard to the Ethiopic language. You might want to obtain this to review it.
Thanks for the suggestion. Do you remember the specific title? Is it "Holy Bible Ethiopic Version?"
@Weston D - If it's the book I mentioned above, the reviews on Amazon aren't very good.
@Weston D - I'll look for it. If you come across the title or ISBN, please post it in a comment.
What? A secular study Bible riddled with inaccuracies? Color me shocked. :) Great review as always! I've been enjoying your back-catalogue.
Thanks, Jay! Kidding aside, I actually was surprised by this edition. I have the original in the RSV and an early edition in the NRSV. Neither has these errors, and in the comments here someone mentioned that the 4th edition also lacked these errors. Something went seriously wrong with this one!
@@RGrantJones It's really too bad. The font and interior layout look outstanding. I didn't think I'd like the ragged right text setting, but it's not distracting at all, and the print quality looks very dark. As a reference edition I might consider it, just to get the unbelieving perspective on things, but some of those notes are so obviously inaccurate that it's hard to take them seriously. :)
In any case, the NRSV itself seems like a decent translation. I found a copy with the apocrypha secondhand, and I must say that it's been a pleasure to read. It reads a bit smoother than the ESV, I think. The gender neutrality only bothers me when it becomes clunky, as in Genesis 1 with the use of "humankind." It's convenient, too, to have such an extensive collection of those books called apocrypha or deuterocanonical. I'm excited to give them a read.
Is it so hard to produce a sound edition with a proper commentary? Obviously it is. 😞
Fourth Esdras is in the Ethiopic canon, but not, as you say, in the Eastern Orthodox canon. The Appendix to the Vulgate (seldom included in editions) has Fourth Esdras, too, but not as part of the canon.
Actually I have a question I am hoping you can help me with. You mentioned in your review that you wouldn't recommend this particular study bible to someone new to the faith, so I would be very interested to know which one/s you would recommend. Thanks in advance!
I'm sure there are many good ones I'm not familiar with, but the ESV Study Bible, the Reformation Study Bible, the Reformation Heritage Study Bible, the NKJV Study Bible, and the Lutheran Study Bible (ESV) all are written from a believing perspective for believers. They all have somewhat different theological flavors, but they don't promote skepticism. (For dispensationalists, the Oxford Scofield III Study Bible is also still available, I think, and it had quality paper, print, and construction the last time I checked. The Ryrie Study Bible is also available, but I wasn't impressed by the quality of recent printings.)
Amazing review! Thank you! I wish there were a version of the NOAB NRSV with slightly larger font...I'm getting old! Any ideas?
Sorry, but as far as I know, there isn't a larger print edition.
@@RGrantJones Thank you for your response (and for replying so quickly!). I saw your Top 10 Study Bibles video and am glad that I have the NOAB's RSV...your #1. As you made that video well after the NRSV Fifth Edition had been released, I plan to stick with the Bible I have. Any word on the Sixth Edition...when it might be released and what changes (and corrections) it might have? Since the 5h Ed was released in 1977, I'm very curious to see what 40 years of research has shown.
@@Mmmyess - I haven't heard any news about a sixth edition. If one appears, I plan to review it. I'm told that the 4th edition had much of the same material that's printed in the 5th edition, but without some of the 5th edition's errors.
@@RGrantJones Thank you for your insight!
I have a copy of the NRSV apocrypha, but the translation is otherwise totally foreign to me. I enjoyed the video, thanks!
Great review! Thank you so much.
Thank you, crucified4me!
Wow. Great review, and I've seen a lot. Thanks.
Do you prefer this over the ESV study Bible?
No, not I.
Have the third edition in front of me. It has the single column for the commentary.
I figured as this is a question I would keep it seperate from my comments. As this book is from Oxford is the text Anglicized?
great review as always, I have the annotated apocrypha of the oxford its the 4th edition,
Thanks, Gypsy. And thanks for suggesting a method to keep the first page from folding!
Excellent detailed review as usual. Sir two questions, 1 have you came across the Haper Collins study Bible and 2 is there a Bible other than the the Bible’s with the nrsv translations that contain the same amount of books as the Oxford annotated and the Harper Collins? It seems like only the Bible’s with the nrsv translation have such an extensive apocrypha section like the orthodox canon.
Thanks for those kind words. Yes, I have a copy of the Harper Collins Study Bible. I intend to review it eventually. The only non-NRSV Bible I can think of that has as many books as those two NRSV study Bibles you mention is the New Oxford Annotated Study Bible with Apocrypha in the RSV. The last I checked, it's still available.
Thank you for taking time out to reply. Looking forward to your review on the Harper Collins as I’m interested to your thoughts on it
There's the New Interpreters Study Bible which is NRSV and actually prettty good study notes.
Mr. Jones, I have a couple of questions, can you help me? Should I skip the NRSV entirely or should I try to get an older version of this bible, edited by Mr. Bruce M. Metzger? In this case, which edition by Mr. Metzger would be the best? Thank you!
If you want to avoid the NRSV's gender inclusive language, the RSV is a worthy option. I recommend this RSV edition, which was still available the last time I checked: th-cam.com/video/1Smi6d-rPcY/w-d-xo.html .
@@RGrantJones I just ordered the RSV edition. I'm not against gender inclusion, but... by no means I condone text adulteration. "Even the columns aren't justified"...Thank you so much, Mr. Jones.
Just an update... I've discovered that Mr. Bruce M. Metzger was the main responsible for the first NRSV edition (1989) and ordered the NRSV annotated edition (with apocrypha) published in 1991. So I'm skipping the "Irael" (sic) fifth edition, but... who knows what the sixth edition of the NRSV will bring? Today I saw your comparison between the NRSV and the ESV (with my RSV in hands) and it was enormously helpful. Thanks again, you're really helping me and a lot of people.
@@umsol - that's good to hear. Thanks for letting me know!
Would you recommend it for a beginner Christian going through RCIA? My only concern is how heavy it is.
It is large. Also, I don't think the notes comport with traditional Catholic doctrine -- though that might not matter if your local church is progressive. You might consider the Didache Bible, which I reviewed on this channel. I also hear good things about the Great Adventure Catholic Bible, though I haven't seen it personally. (It's available only in a red letter edition, so I doubt I'll purchase or review it.)
@@RGrantJones Thank you for your fast response! I'll check out the Didache and Great Adventure Bible as well!
Great review! Thanks!
Thanks for commenting -- and for those words of encouragement!
just ordered one.
Great review, I've been looking at the NOAB in the RSV for a couple years, just not sure I'd appreciate that type of study bible, I dont' mind the RSV so much though.
I can see that. The NOAB in the RSV is less bulky. The pages are easier to turn and the notes are shorter and to the point. The RSV has the advantage of having been published before the language took a politically motivated change. But all of the NOABs assume the Bible is a merely human production.
So far halfway through the review. I have the fourth edition, which is not very different (very different from third edition). There are a few that caught my attention. At 18 min you mention the error of the writers saying Daniel had "not done out of necessity" scripture philology with Jeremiah. In the fourth edition, it's actually rendered correctly: "this is not frivolous, but done out of necessity..."
At 15.25 min, the sentence about anthologies and contradictions ends in the fourth edition at the word "ambiguous". The rest of that sentence is new to the fifth edition.
@@joest.eggbenedictus1896 - it sounds as if they had time to proofread before the 4th edition went to print. I've heard it had a glued binding. Is that true? My copyright 1994 NOAB NSRV is glued.
I have the leather bound, and it is sown . I purchased mine hot off the press in 2010, so they had plenty of time to correct some of these errors. This is my fourth NOAB so I've been pretty faithful to it for sermon prep usage.
In the fourth edition, the cultural context articles are almost word for word, but I have "Israel" not Irael in that subheading. So weird right? The Translation of Ancient Texts doesn't repeat lists either. Its like someone downloaded the rough draft instead of the final drafts for the fifth edition!
@@RGrantJones
See above
Good morning! A question: the leather cover version of this Bible was printed in the Netherlands by Royal Jongblod and typeset by 2K/Denmark. Is that true of this hardcover edition? Thanks and blessings!!
Yes. It says "Printed in the Netherlands by Royal Jongbloed" and "Design and typesetting by 2K/DENMARK" on the copyright page. Thanks for the question, Fernando!
@@RGrantJones Many thanks!
23:26 that's an interesting error. I thought that the New Testament is pretty much agreed upon by Catholics and Protestants (and likely Orthodox but don't quote me on that) and that it is the Old Testament which has some debate. 26:43 Where is that essayist getting "boil" from? The KJV says roast (as does my ICB). Looks like the ESV takes the route of cook. Roasting and boiling are two different cookery techniques.
What error are you referring to at 23:26?
I assume you also own the Oxford Bible commentary. Would you say that the New Oxford Annotated Bible with Apocrypha is similar or does it make sense to own both, the commentary AND the Annotated Bible? I am torn between which to purchase.
I've had this bible for a while now and although I do like it it does contain quite a lot of typos.
It would be interesting to find out what went wrong in the editing process on this one. From comments made by people who own the 4th edition, it would seem that it didn't share some of the errors that found their way into the 5th edition.
In The book of Galatians 4 in what people truly don't understand is that the scriptural text is speaking about the 2 covenants. So when it speaks of Ismael an Isaiah one being a servant and the other a free it's talking of course about the covenant of Moses being a covenant of bondage and Christ covenant speaks of the being set free as described in Galatians 5:1 and Romans 8:1. When it speaks of casting out the bond servant it's referring to those of the Pharisees NOT submitted to Christ Gospel. Just like how Christ spoke in Matthew 8 about the children of the kingdom being cast out cause they still choose to follow Moses and not Christ. That's why they were called children of Satan.
I might have asked before but do you prefer the Oxford or Cambridge red hardcover
Or Harper collins
The Cambridge reference edition is more portable than this rather large study Bible, so I find myself using the Cambridge more often. I like the typeface in both. I have an R.L. Allan-bound (different) Oxford text block, and even though the font in it is a bit smaller than that in the Cambridge, I prefer the Allan, since it's printed more darkly. I don't know if I've used a Harper Collins
I have all the collections of this Bible study series. I still have the original but the text is RSV.
Ah, yes, one of those liberal humanistic scholarly bibles. Even the columns aren't justified.But seriously, another great review. Thanks.
I like that line: "Even the columns aren't justified". Thanks for viewing and commenting!
Exactly. They are pro-homosexual.
even the columns aren't justified 😂😂😂
@@Sirach144 God loves gays.
As an ex-fundamentalist Protestant convert to Buddhism, this comment made me laugh. 😂
I think I'll pass on the 5th edition. I would recommend Eta Linnemann's 'Historical Criticism of the Bible: Methodology or Ideology? : Reflections of a Bultmannian Turned Evangelical'. I much prefer the old RSV.
I have the 3rd Edition, College Edition, New Oxford Annotated Bible with Apocrypha. It looks like your version is improved with bolder fonts. The headings of each Book of the 3rd Edition are a lighter serif font. Also, the wording is less compact, and lighter in my 3rd Edition. I think I'd like your 5th Edition better. I believe NRSV is a superior translation to the ESV, which eliminated every instance of the word Fornication or Fornicator, and replaced it with the broad "sexual immorality" which means nothing except "don't commit the sin of "sin" ". They could have used the word heterosexual immorality for more clarity.
revised nrsv is coming out in 2021 so I would wait for the 6th edition of the oxford annotated.
Agreed
Is this bible evangelical in nature? Does it proselytise? Is the core position of the writers of the essays/notes that the bible is revealed scripture? I ask because My interest in the bible is purely academic and literary.
Is this bible evangelical in nature? No. Does it proselytize? No. Is the core position of the writers of the essays/notes that the bible is revealed scripture? I don't think so. If that is their view, they hide it well.
@@RGrantJones Thank you so much for your prompt reply. I’m not a Christian so these are important criteria for me. I’ve already ordered this study bible and the David Norton Penguin KJV/Apocrypha Bible. Could you also review the two volume Norton critical edition of the King James Bible or English Bible as Norton calls it? This is devoted to examining the historical, cultural, and literary merits of the KJV as also its impact on literature. I’m a graduate of and will always be a life-long student of literature. What other liberal bibles would you recommend for me? I have the Oxford classics edition of the KJV with apocrypha and the book of common prayer.
Also how does NRSV NOAB compare with the RSV version based on my criteria? Thank you once again. I also like bibles as aesthetic objects so for that your channel is fantastic. Plus that you don’t proselytise!!
@@rags015 - You might like the Harper-Collins Study Bible, which is also in the NRSV, and the Oxford Study Bible in the REB translation.
I don't have Norton's critical edition, but if I acquire a copy, I'll review it.
The RSV NOAB has far fewer notes than the 5th edition NRSV NOAB. So the RSV NOAB is more portable, but I believe its notes are similar in tone to those in the NRSV NOAB, but perhaps somewhat less critical.
❤️🙏
Does anyone know if the book of Enoch is there?
It's not in this volume. Thanks for the question!
@@RGrantJones, thank you for answering!
I need to download/install offline on my phone.
Within this Bible. Has anyone known of god to have a mental connection with the people and things written in the bible? Gods mind directly communicating with those in modern day life as well as the characters within the bible? Does it have that written within the bible anywhere? Is there anything to do with modern day humanity fighting a war within theirselves? A modern day man, having the bible read from heaven to him here on earth? Is there anything written about specifically that Jesus Christ and Buddha are one god as a whole? In the book of genesis, does it read that god actually wakes up after having read that he had layed to rest? Can christ or the devil lead modern day man around on todays planet? Does the devil refer to god being tested on? God test on a human being in todays world? Last question, does this bible have aliens specially printed as the word aliens with in it. ..... If i could please have honest answers back to those questions i will thank you. -Bret
Russian bibles are nice. So beautiful and delicate.
Excellent review - I am unsure if I should buy this - I also do not like the way certain words are changed or avoided - gender inclusiveness - . Although I think the commentary;s could be helpful for another perspective as you rightly pointed out in this review. Thanks as always for the detail and effort you put into your work here.
Thanks for the kind comment, DinoDino!
I have been watching a few of your reviews in the last week or so and I must say I enjoyed your thorough approach in offering your views on every aspects of each edition from quality of product to formatting of the text and most importantly different aspects of the content. Your manner of speaking also makes your reviews very pleasant to follow. However, I realised that in more than a few of your reviews you make judgments about the belief of the authors which sounded to me a little off-putting. The most significant of such comments are often about Isaiah 52. You are a Christian of course and you have your beliefs about this passage but Jewish people don't share those beliefs. Isaiah is also (if not foremost) of their holy scripture. Why should a commentary (that is not claimed to be Christian in nature) promote your belief rather than another? In this particular video you appear unsatisfied with Dr O'Brian's comment because she did not make her personal view clear to the reader but the entire point of New Oxford Annotated Bible is to remain neutral in matters of theology. I, personally, do not believe in God but there is no text in the world that I read and loved more than the Bible. Today I can claim that I have read many different commentaries on Bible and consider myself relatively informed about the scripture, its content and its history; but I must say that if it wasn't for the neutrality of the 4th Edition of New Oxford Annotated Bible I wouldn't have become interested in this fascinating book as a very young person. So, I guess it is important to realise not all of these modern commentaries are written to promote a particular belief.
Again I must thank you for your reviews.
Yes, I realize that not all modern commentaries are written to promote a particular belief. However, I think I should be permitted to express my own views in the videos I post. If you find my views off-putting, I recommend you not watch my videos. Thanks for commenting.
Seems like quite a bit of sloppy editing.
Thanks for the wonderful reviews!
There are two types of clergy. One is blissfully ignorant. The other is complicit in a conspiracy of deceit.
Anyone wishing to study real Christianity should stay far away from the NRSV.
Yes, avoid experts at all costs; knowledge and truth are evil ; x
@@revrobst liberalism =/= "experts"
@@revrobst there are many experts LOL , virtually all study bible and commentaries are written by experts
The apocrypha is not inspired by God. It has many errors in it historically, etc..
Most books in the bible are coming from a bias, cultural period, and a third-hand historic account of what happened.
The books were written for a culture, a particular sect with an intended audience.
Old Testament was oral, New Testament was written for an audience under politically charged Greek rule; by people who did not know Jesus directly.
All the books have historical errors, the Maccabean revolt was a real event ;)
@@ethanwasme4307 There is no bias in the bible. People who don't like to hear the truth will make excuses and say it is biased.
An absolute horrible translation, I definitely would not consider this the word of God or Holy, terrible terrible version of the text.