I am sure most of you are familiar with The New Interpreter’s Bible Commentary, a ten volume set that has been in the market for decades, having being updated few years ago. The Bible I am reviewing here is a complementary volume to the set mentioned previously. The New Interpreter’s Study Bible (Abingdon Press, 2003) is a very thorough study Bible that can become a solid addition to the libraries of pastors and serious Bible students. This Bible is based on the New Revised Standard Version with the Apocrypha and has many interesting features.
The volume I am reviewing here is the hardcover edition, which is the only format available. A leather cover might be appreciated for those who prefer goatskin covers, for example. The Scripture texts comes in a double-column format and 9-point text size. The dimensions of this study Bible are 9.50″ x 7.50″ x 1.75″, not that bad for a study Bible with apocrypha. The material of the cover feels smooth and resembles the touch of a velvet cover. It feels strong and I do not anticipate pages will tear apart after using this Bible every day.
Readers will know they have acquired a serious study Bible just by opening it and read the list of contributors. This list is followed by a note to the reader written by Bruce M. Metzger. Needleless to say he was a prominent scholar.
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Every book is preceded by a brief yet informative introduction with an outline of the book. Excursuses can be found on passages that may need further explanation. The footnotes are highly informative and written from a scholar perspective. These notes do not only overview passages. Instead notes are written with the purpose of helping readers to go a step forward regarding studying the Bible.
In addition to that, readers will find five tables addressing the topic of the canons of the Scriptures:
Table I: The Jewish Canon
Table II: The Protestant Old Testament Canon
Table III: The Roman Catholic Old Testament Canon
Table IV: The Orthodox Old Testament Canon
Table V: The Anglican Apocrypha
Other features reader will find inside the New Interpreters’ Study Bible are:
Guides for Interpretation articles:
Guidelines for Reading and Interpretation
Varieties of Readings and Interpretations of the Biblical Text
Culture and Religion Among Ancient Israelites
Old and New Testament Chronologies
Concluding, this Bible is a must have for pastors, preachers, Sunday school instructors, seminary students, and serious Bible students in general. You will not regret it buying it.
You can buy this Bible by clicking here
I received a copy of this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255
The New Interpreter’s Study Bible I am sure most of you are familiar with The New Interpreter's Bible Commentary, a ten volume set that has been in the market for decades, having being updated few years ago.
