Study Bibles are special editions of the Bible written specifically for students of the Bible. Study Bibles provide scholarly information designed to give the reader context and a more complete understanding of God’s Word. Scholarly information can come in several forms, from annotations that explain complex passages, articles and biographies of key characters, illustrations and other visuals, and more. With this in mind, the editors at Lord’s Library have compiled this list of the best ESV study Bibles (English Standard Version) to consider. The one that is right for you will largely depend upon which features are most important. Each listing includes author and publisher information, some basic facts about the version, and links to any alternative versions that may be available. Note: We only included the best ESV study Bibles with a 4-star or better rating and a minimum of 300 reviews. Titles are organized by the total number of reviews at the time of our publication.
The Best ESV Study Bibles (English Standard Version)
ESV Study Bible
Author/Publisher: ESV Bibles
Material: Hardcover
Key Features:
- Extensive study notes, charts, maps and articles
- Single-column Bible text (9-point type)
From the publisher: “The ESV Study Bible was designed to help you understand the Bible in a deeper way. Extensive study notes, charts, maps, and articles make this study Bible a valuable resource for serious readers, students, and teachers of God’s Word. Features black letter text and Smyth-sewn binding.”
ESV Study Bible (TruTone, Forest/Tan, Trail Design)
Author/Publisher: ESV Bibles
Material: Imitation leather with premium goatskin cover
Key Features:
- Extensive study notes, charts, maps and articles
- Single-column Bible text (9-point type)
From the publisher: “The ESV Study Bible was designed to help you understand the Bible in a deeper way. Extensive study notes, charts, maps, and articles make this study Bible a valuable resource for serious readers, students, and teachers of God’s Word. Features black letter text, Smyth-sewn binding, and a lifetime guarantee.”
ESV MacArthur Study Bible, Personal Size
Author/Publisher: ESV Bibles by Crossway, John MacArthur
Material: Hardcover
Key Features:
- Nearly 25,000 explanatory notes from John MacArthur
- More than 140 two-color maps, charts, timelines, and illustrations
- Complete introductions to each Bible book
From the publisher: “The ESV MacArthur Study Bible, Personal Size retains all of the features of the original ESV MacArthur Study Bible, packaged in a convenient and portable format. The spiritual lives of men and women all over the world have been strengthened with the help of the MacArthur Study Bible. Nearly 25,000 study notes are featured below the full-length ESV Bible text, and are based on MacArthur’s verse-by-verse approach to the Bible. The MacArthur Study Bible, Personal Size is a portable but substantial Bible study tool, and will be a helpful resource for growing Christians.”
ESV Study Bible, Large Print (TruTone Mahogany, Trellis Design)
Author/Publisher: ESV Bibles
Material: Imitation leather
Key Features:
- More than 20,000 study notes
- 80,000 cross-references
- Double-column Bible text (10.75-point type)
From the publisher: “The ESV Study Bible was designed to help you understand the Bible in a deeper way. Extensive study notes, charts, maps, and articles make this study Bible a valuable resource for serious readers, students, and teachers of God’s Word. Features black letter text, Smyth-sewn binding, and a lifetime guarantee.”
ESV Student Study Bible (TruTone, Chestnut)
Author/Publisher: ESV Bibles
Material: Imitation leather
Key Features:
- 8-point Gotham-type study notes, nearly 900 Did You Know facts
- Glossary with concise definitions of key terms
From the publisher: “The ESV Student Study Bible is adapted from the ESV Study Bible and is ideally suited for students who are serious about God’s Word―who want to learn more about what the Bible teaches and how the Bible applies to all of life. With 12,000 clear, concise study notes, the ESV Student Study Bible provides numerous other features―including nearly 900 “Did You Know?” facts, 120 Bible character profiles, and 10 topical articles. It also features a glossary of key terms, more than 80 maps and illustrations, an extensive concordance, and 80,000 cross-references.”
ESV Study Bible, Personal Size (TruTone, Brown)
Author/Publisher: ESV Bibles
Material: Imitation leather
Key Features:
- More than 20,000 study notes
- 80,000 cross-references
- Single-column Bible text (7.7-point type)
From the publisher: “The ESV Study Bible was designed to help you understand the Bible in a deeper way. Extensive study notes, charts, maps, and articles make this study Bible a valuable resource for serious readers, students, and teachers of God’s Word. Features black letter text, Smyth-sewn binding, and a lifetime guarantee.”
ESV Archaeology Study Bible
Author/Publisher: ESV Bibles
Material: Hardcover
Key Features:
- More than 2,000 study notes
- 400 full-color photographs
- 200 maps and diagrams
From the publisher: “The ESV Archaeology Study Bible roots the biblical text in its historical and cultural context, offering readers a framework for better understanding the people, places, and events recorded in Scripture. With editorial oversight from Dr. John Currid (PhD, University of Chicago) and Dr. David Chapman (PhD, University of Cambridge), as well as contributions from a team of field-trained archaeologists, the ESV Archaeology Study Bible assembles a range of modern scholarship.”
ESV Reformation Study Bible, Light Brown, Leather-Like
Author/Publisher: R.C. Sproul
Material: Imitation leather
Key Features:
- Theological notes from general editor R.C. Sproul
- Commentary from 75 distinguished theologians
- Embedded maps for quick reference during reading
From the publisher: “The Reformation Study Bible has been thoroughly revised and carefully crafted under the editorial leadership of R.C. Sproul and the contributions of 75 distinguished theologians and pastors from around the world. Over 1.1 million words of new, expanded, or revised commentary represent 40% more content faithfully presented to emphasize the need for the grace of God to lead out of darkness and into the light of Scripture.”
The New Inductive Study Bible (ESV)
Author/Publisher: R.C. Sproul
Material: Hardcover
Key Features:
- A 32-page explanation of the inductive study method
- Four full-color pages with step-by-step instructions for studying
- Individualized instructions for every book of the Bible
From the publisher: “This edition of the Gold-Medallion-winning New Inductive Study Bible (over 700,000 sold) is now available in the trusted English Standard Version. This Bible is based entirely on the inductive study approach, leading readers directly back to the source and allowing God’s Word to become its own commentary. This Bible gives believers all the tools they need to discover the riches of God’s Word!”
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