Of the more modern, meaning-for-meaning translated Bibles, the English Standard Version most closely walks the line between literal, word-for-word translating and attempting to convey the meaning above all else. The first complete ESV Bible was published in 2001 by Crossway, as a revision of the Revised Standard Version. The ESV remains a popular choice among evangelical churches. That’s because of its unique ability to contrast between honoring the literal translations that preceded it (such as the RSV) while conveying meaning and modern language in an accessible way.
With this in mind, the editors at Lord’s Library assembled this list of the best ESV Bibles (English Standard Version) to consider. The one that is right for you will largely depend on your level of Bible study and the influence of your Christian church denomination. Each listing includes author and publisher information, some basic facts about the edition, and links to any alternative versions for effective comparison.
Note: We only included the best ESV Bibles (English Standard Version) with a 4-star or better ranking and a minimum of 1,000 reviews. We ranked them according to different buyer motivations like most popular, top-rated, and best value. We also included a Best of the Rest section with additional titles listed below.
The Best ESV Bibles (English Standard Version)
Most Popular: The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Pew and Worship Bible)
Author/Publisher: Crossway
Material: Hardcover
Key Features:
- 8.5-point Lexicon type
- Double-column, paragraph format
- Responsive readings
From the publisher: “The ESV Premium Pew and Worship Bible is ideally suited for church use. Its durable hardcover format, high quality Bible paper, and sixty-five responsive readings reflecting major biblical themes make this Bible a great choice for churches. It is also available in two different type sizes, making it available to everyone.”
Top-Rated: ESV Large Print Value Thinline Bible
Author/Publisher: ESV Bibles
Material: Imitation leather
Key Features:
- 10-point Lexicon type
- Double-column, paragraph format
- Concordance
- Smyth-sewn binding
From the publisher: “The ESV Large Print Value Thinline Bible includes 10-point Bible text, a quality TruTone cover, and a concordance―all in a portable format that is less than 1 inch thick. Containing the complete ESV text, the Large Print Value Thinline Bible offers tremendous value for a large print Bible.”
Best Value: ESV Economy Bible
Author/Publisher: ESV Bibles
Material: Paperback
Key Features:
- 7-point Lexicon type
- Double-column, paragraph format
- Article entitled “Why Read the Bible”
- 40-day Bible reading plan
From the publisher: “With the ESV Economy Bible it’s easier than ever to impact lives through the distribution of the Bible. The most affordable Bible on the market, the Economy Bible features the clear English Standard Version text, making it compelling and readable to those receiving a Bible for the first time. Highly affordable and designed especially for outreach, the Economy Bible is a great resource for reaching the world with God’s Word.”
Popular for Girls: ESV Holy Bible, My Creative Bible For Girls
Author/Publisher: Christian Art Gifts
Material: Hardcover
Key Features:
- 2-inch margins
- 66 Memory Verses
- 366 Devotions
- “Women of the Bible” profiles
From the publisher: “This Bible is an illustrated journaling Bible specifically designed for young girls. An eye-catching purple glitter faux leather cover is debossed with hearts that are foiled in silver. The title is heat debossed and silver foiled on the hardcover and sandwiched between a large silver foiled crown and a heart motif. Holographic gilt-edged pages and a bright satin ribbon add a little extra dazzle. The spine carries similar design elements.”
Popular Journaling Bible: ESV Journaling Bible (Cloth over Board, Flowers)
Author/Publisher: ESV Bibles
Material: Hardcover
Key Features:
- Double-column, paragraph format
- Cream-colored paper
- Book introductions
- Smyth-sewn binding
From the publisher: “The ESV Journaling Bible provides the perfect way for you to keep a journal of your spiritual life right inside the Bible that you read and study every day. With covers and formats that look like the finest journals, the Journaling Bible features 2-inch ruled margins for writing observations, reflections, prayers, praises, and journal entries. This unique Bible makes a great gift and lasting keepsake for anyone who values God’s Word.”
Popular Gift Bible: ESV Premium Gift Bible (TruTone, Midnight, Flame Design)
Author/Publisher: ESV Bibles
Material: Imitation leather
Key Features:
- 8-point Lexicon type
- Double-column, paragraph format
- Concordance
- Smyth-sewn binding
From the publisher: “The ESV Premium Gift Bible retains many of the popular features from the original Thinline Bible. This highly-affordable edition features a quality TruTone cover and a concordance, all in a portable format that is less than one inch thick. Containing the complete ESV text in readable type, the Premium Gift Bible offers the highest value for a thinline Bible at the best price.”
Popular Single Column Journaling Bible: ESV Single Column Journaling Bible (Black)
Author/Publisher: ESV Bibles
Material: Hardcover
Key Features:
- Single-column format
- 2-inch ruled margins for writing
- Cream-colored Bible paper
- Smyth-sewn binding
From the publisher: “The ESV Single Column Journaling Bible features an easy-to-follow, single-column format with two-inch ruled margins, enabling you to easily align your notes, thoughts, and prayers alongside specific verses. With high-quality Bible paper and cover materials, the ESV Single Column Journaling Bible is a durable edition for anyone who wants to capture sermon notes, prayers, artwork, discussion notes, or personal reflections in their Bible.”
Popular Kindle Bible: The Holy Bible (Kindle Edition)
Author/Publisher: ESV Bibles
Material: Digital
From the publisher: “Complete e-Bible, English Standard Version with user-friendly navigation, cross-references, footnotes, table of weights and measures and monetary units, concordance and list of abbreviations. Available in Adobe DRM ePub or Kindle format.”
Popular Kids Bible: ESV Holy Bible for Kids, Economy
Author/Publisher: ESV Bibles
Material: Paperback
Key Features:
- 10-point type
- Double-column, paragraph format
- God’s plan of salvation
- 24 pages of illustrations
From the publisher: “The ESV Holy Bible for Kids, Economy Edition is a great first Bible for kids. Highly affordable, it features the full ESV text in readable 10-point type. With illustrations and a new kid-friendly explanation of God’s plan of salvation, this edition depicts how, like Bible characters, readers and their stories fit into God’s plan. The addition of simple and colorful content pages make this a perfect choice for introducing kids to the Bible at an early age.”
Popular Illustrated Bible: ESV Illuminated Bible, Art Journaling Edition
Author/Publisher: ESV Bibles
Material: Hardcover
Key Features:
- 9-point Lexicon type
- 2-color printing
- 64 custom book opener illustrations
- 50 full-page verse illustrations
From the publisher: “The ESV Illuminated Bible places the full ESV text alongside over 500 elegantly hand-lettered gold ink illustrations by renowned artist Dana Tanamachi. Printed on thick cream-colored paper, the Bible’s single-column text setting and wide margins provide generous space for additional notes, prayers, and designs—inviting readers to creatively engage with and reflect on the beauty of God’s Word.”
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