The Christian Standard Bible (CSB) aims to translate Scripture into clear, modern English. Developed by 100 scholars in 17 different Christian denominations, the version was created using a translation philosophy called Optimal Equivalence, which tries to balance linguistic precision to the original languages, and assures that words and thoughts capture the original context. The CSB is designed for both Pastors and laypeople alike.
With this in mind, the editors at Lord’s Library assembled this list of the best CSB Bibles to consider. The one that is right for you will largely depend on your level of Biblical study, which denomination you belong to, and the Bible features that are most important. As we mentioned above, the best CSB Bibles come in several versions based on different Christian doctrines.
Each listing includes author and publisher information, some basic facts about the edition, and links to any alternative versions that may be available.
Note: We only included the best CSB Bibles (Christian Standard Bible) with a 4-star or better ranking and a minimum of 200 reviews. We ranked them according to different buyer motivations like most popular, top-rated, and best value.
The Best CSB Bibles (Christian Standard Bible)
Most Popular: CSB Thinline Bible, Olive LeatherTouch
Author/Publisher: CSB Bibles by Holman
Material: Imitation leather
Key Features:
- Less than one-inch thick
- Gilded page edges
- “Where to Turn section” with Scripture references for common life issues
- Full-color maps
From the publisher: “The CSB Thinline Bible is easy-to-carry and easy-to-read, featuring 9-point type and a thinline design that slips easily into a backpack, tote bag, or purse. Breakthroughs in typography and paper manufacturing contribute to a thinline Bible that combines readability, portability, and durability.”
Top-Rated for Women: CSB She Reads Truth Bible, Rose Gold LeatherTouch, Black Letter, Full-Color Design
Author/Publisher: CSB Bibles by Holman
Material: Imitation leather
Key Features:
- Nearly 200 devotionals
- 35 full-color timelines, 20 full-color maps, and 11 full-color charts
- Reading plans for every Bible book
- Detailed book introduction
From the publisher: “The CSB She Reads Truth Bible aims to live at the intersection of beauty, goodness, and Truth. Featuring She Reads Truth devotionals and Scripture reading plans that include supplemental passages for deeper understanding, this Bible invites every woman to count themselves among the She Reads Truth community of “Women in the Word of God every day.”
Top-Rated for Men: CSB He Reads Truth Bible, Charcoal Cloth Over Board, Black Letter, Wide Margins
Author/Publisher: Christian Art Publishers
Material: Hardcover
Key Features:
- Hand-lettered key verses
- Full-color charts, infographics, and illustrations
- Curated Bible reading plans
- Smyth-sewn lay-flat binding
- Line-matched Bible text
From the publisher: “The mission of He Reads Truth is “Men in the Word of God every day.” To that end, the He Reads Truth Bible is, first and foremost, designed for reading. Each letterform and line of text has been carefully crafted to help you forget about the ink on the page and fall into the story of Scripture.”
Best Value: CSB Compact Bible, Navy LeatherTouch, Value Edition
Author/Publisher: CSB Bibles by Holman
Material: Imitation leather
Key Features:
- Smyth-sewn binding
- Two-column layout
- Topical subheadings
- Concordance and presentation page
From the publisher: “The CSB Compact Bible, Value Edition is economically priced, featuring a compact design that slips easily into a purse, briefcase, or backpack, making this Bible the perfect blend of readability and portability. The CSB stays as literal as possible to the Bible’s original meaning without sacrificing clarity, making it easier to engage with Scripture’s life-transforming message and to share it with others.”
Best Devotional Bible: CSB in(courage) Devotional Bible, Gray Hardcover, Black Letter, Full-Color Design
Author/Publisher: Holman Bibles
Material: Hardcover
Key Features:
- Reflective devotions
- Biblical themes for narrative-building
- Thematic reading plans
- Journaling space
- Full-color design
From the publisher: “Throughout the (in)courage Devotional Bible, you’ll find 52 reflective devotions. These devotions are designed to begin each week of Scripture reading and are the anchors of the reading plans. Each reflective devotion includes reflection questions and space for journaling.”
Best Illustrated Bible: CSB Holy Land Illustrated Bible, Hardcover, Black Letter, Full-Color Design
Author/Publisher: CSB Bibles by Holman
Material: Hardcover
Key Features:
- Images, maps, and illustrations with captions
- 275 articles
- Over 40 “Digging Deeper” callouts
- Visually-optimized reading layout
From the publisher: “The CSB Holy Land Illustrated Bible is a visually immersive Bible reading experience featuring over 1,100 images, maps, and illustrations to provide greater insight and understanding of the people, places, and things of Scripture. Book specific introductions provide the setting and circumstances of writing for each book, and every image includes a descriptive caption to help better understand what is pictured.”
Best Chronological Bible: CSB Day-by-Day Chronological Bible, TradePaper, Black Letter
Author/Publisher: CSB Bibles by Holman
Material: Imitation leather
Key Features:
- 52 weeks of readings in chronological order
- Scripture presented in three main “acts”
- “Scene” introductions for context
- Smyth-sewn lay-flat binding
From the publisher: “The CSB Day-by-Day Chronological Bible features a narrative approach to the Bible, arranging the full text into a clear chronological reading plan with daily readings guided by Dr. George Guthrie. In this unique plan, the books, chapters, and verses of the Bible are organized for readers in three main acts to track the story of Scripture from beginning to end.”
Best Notetaking Bible: CSB Legacy Notetaking Bible, Tan Genuine Leather with Strap
Author/Publisher: CSB Bibles by Holman
Material: Leather
Key Features:
- “Legacy of Faith” Bible instructions
- 1.75-inch wide margins
- Prayers and insights
- Smyth-sewn binding
From the publisher: “The CSB Legacy Notetaking Bible is intentionally designed to leave a lasting and personalized “legacy of faith” for family, friends, and loved ones. This Bible features an easy-to-read, single-column setting and provides wide margins for journaling and recording notes, prayers, observations, insights, questions, and other reflections about God’s Word.
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