HCSB Study Bible, Jacketed Hardcover

Don't get me wrong, we are blessed in the English-speaking world with an "embarrassment of riches" in excellent translations (KJV, NKJV, NASB, NIV, ESV, HCSB, etc). And there are many helpful and excellent Study Bibles (Open, Ryrie, NIV, MacArthur, LAB, ESV, etcetera, etcetera).But after years of reading about translation theories, translations, and just reading the TEXT in those translations, I just LOVE the HCSB. I'm not a Southern Baptist, and this isn't a "Southern Baptist" translation (the team chief is Presbyterian I think, etc, etc). It reads beautifully, makes the Bible "fresh" (it's about the only popular completely NEW translation since the NIV), lets you feel the Hebrew-ness of our faith again, has great footnotes (e.g. when the choice was made to be more dynamic in a particular phrase translation, etcetera).As far as the Study Bible notes - HELPFUL and FAITH-ENCOURAGING. And the layout and colors - beautiful and HELPFUL.I'll be honest with my strong bias here - though I can benefit from the ESV and NIV study bible notes - they "make room" for unbelieving ideas and tell the reader that some "faithful" people believe these anti-scriptural ideas and that there is "room" in the Scriptural text to allow such beliefs. It sure "feels" like they do it for broader marketing and sales, and also to be accepted into liberal "scholarly" camps as well. No, this isn't in the majority of the ESVSB/NIVSB notes, but it's in key areas.Obvious example - Evolution (different KINDS of life developing from other KINDS of life by mutation, death, struggle, etc). Believe that if you want, but don't say the original texts "make room" for "faithful" people to think that's how God created different kinds of creatures.I'm a licensed environmental engineer, studied ecology and evolution (A+ in Biology at University because I wanted to really understand the theory so I could figure out "life" on a broader level). Though "micro" evolution or natural selection DOES occur, it is only WITHIN the same KINDS of living things, not to the extent of producing other KINDS of living things (which is the idea of "macro" evolution). No proof of "macro" evolution, not logical, and absurd if you look at life with unblinded eyes (Romans 1). Or simply look at the probabilities - especially of ALL of the supposedly advantageous mutations occurring simultaneously in the SAME most successfully adapted creatures - chemistry, cellular incredibleness, not to mention multiple crucial "survival of the fittest" systems such as vision, hearing, reproduction, and on and on. Bankrupt at any level, starting from "everything from nothing by no one," to the primordial soup, and from the sub-atomic "world" to the Universe. No. Very poor theories - but it's all you've got if you reject a wise, personal, loving Creator (that you have to answer to one day). Mantras I was taught, at a top University: "Given enough time, anything can happen. Fifty monkeys at typewriters will eventually type a Shakespearean play." Not so.I rejected macro evolution 7 years before I became a Christian.And yet the ESV and NIV SB "make room" for it. That's not their only unbelieving flaw.Go with the HCSB Study Bible - real Scholars, but Believers - apparently not seeking to be accepted or avoid criticism by the supposed scholar "stars" of the world.

I love CSB translation very much that I ended up buying this Bible. Here are some thoughts about the version I have which arrived yesterday.+ Paper quality: very well made though they seem like a little thinner than those in the ESV study bible [2008].+ Font size: I have no problem reading anything whatsoever. I have found no blur on the Bible and commentary text but some paragraph headers.+ Covers are very thin (genuine leather).+Navigation: I think you should get an indexed version since those thumbs will help you much easier to get to where you want instead of flipping back and forth on such a large bible. Every thumb covers 3 books. A little more expensive but in the long run, those pay off.+ Commentary: This is the part I like very much. I prefer them over those from ESV Study Bible for many reasons. First, the simplicity of explanation without going over necessarily materials. Having said that, by no mean those commentaries only introduce you to the basic. They cover the background, culture at the time, capture the essence and intentions of the writers and above all, the details that most of us miss while reading the Bible. For instance, in Ruth, they read, In the Hebrew order of books of the Bible, Ruth comes after Proverb whose ending was about a noble woman, an excellent wife. As a result, the book of Ruth attached smoothly right after. They also did a great job in capturing Naomi emotion... then contrast her thoughts (the Lord against her) and the Lord's actual mercy plan for her (love and grace). They analyze Boaz's responses (in detail) to Ruth and explain how he was a noble man. They did that in such a way that you would want to stand up in front of your bible study group and re-tell them.+ Word study: There are 240 words of the Bible distributed from cover to cover. Those are awesome in defending your faith since there might be some pastors who boasting about their [tiny] knowledge of the original languages in order to twist the Scripture. Not so in this case because you also have them in your bible. For instance, In Genesis, Yon, means day describing a working day. And how the interpretation of 24 hour period day overwhelming other interpretations. Okay... 24 hours mean a day. No million years.Final thought: Get an indexed version. This Bible harmonizes extremely well with the intention of the HCSB translators that was to equip 1.3+ Billions English users out there with the resources they can read and understand in order to serve God correctly. You will see quite a few number of place the Name Yahweh appears. And that's awesome I believe. There is a picture of the garden of olive trees where Jesus prayed to His father before he was crucified.PS.Here are some cons:The bible doesn't have text to speech built in... so you kinda have you read on your own.The bible is a little smaller than the ESV study bible so you will look less spiritual when standing next to anyone who held an ESV study bible.

Before I bought this bible (part of a collection of 8 translations up to now) I did much research, on the translation itself, and of course on the study bible. Having never heard of the HCSB I had always been somewhat apprehensive on purchasing it. But I had also been dubious about the NIV as well and having bought an NIV study bible I had been quite surprised. So I decided to jump in. Reviews had been good, and others were surprised by how accurate the translation actually was. I'm now one of them. This translation is amazing. The commentary is as comprehensive as the ESV study bible. One thing I would change if I could would be to save up one more month and get the leather bound version, but thats one of my own little preferences and in the future I will probably get it.Invest! get this, its absolutely brilliant, the translation is like butter, soft and smooth. In many traditional places (psalm 23 for instance No shadow of the valley of death, neigh, its now, darkest valley [more accurate]) there are differences, which are more accurate. Remember translation is done by man, God writes the originals!! Its up to us to get it right, But God will help, I truly feel that this translation is an underdog that needs support from us, Remember that man runs from light into darkness. This translation is a light unto the world, bask in it!!May the Grace of God bless you all.

An excellent study bible which provides both depth and a wide approach. Book headings and introductions have light brownish pages which facilitates identification of book starts and is particularly welcome when short biblical books are present (as in the minor prophets). Coloured maps are used within the biblical text to help in explanation of biblical content, i.e., a full page map of David's wars of conquest are present in 2 Samuel, 9:4. Hebrew and Greek word study boxes are helpfully intersperced in the appropriate texts - really helpful, especially in understanding critical textual meanings. Centre pages references are abound along with textual observations on all pages. A topical concordance is present at the end of the bible and I have found this sufficient, but it is not comprehensive. However, the bible is quite a weight and I can understand the publishers reluctance to add more weight to the bible. In fact I have found the weight issue to be my main negative for this bible. My answer has been to purchase the lightweight HSCB for journeys away from home.For me, the main asset of this bible is the translation itself. Normally using the New King James Version, I now have a real preference for the HSCB which I have not faulted in translation (except for them following the 'traditonal' rendering of tsela in Gesesis as 'rib' when in other occurences it means 'side). For me this 'is' the English translation of most value.

I purchased the HCSB first attempt at a study Bible - which had a nice modern layout, interesting photos, some well executed illustrations and was a great production from this publisher. However it lacked any real commentary except a few scattered articles.This study Bible has built upon that foundation and gone even further. It is a masterpiece of modern publishing. Perfect layout. A joy to behold. Almost impossible to want to close! What surprised me that even the hardback version has a ribbon marker. Excellent.This Bible replaces my ESV Study Bible and a Scofield III. Most study Bibles have a 'slant' and favour a particular way of interpretation. And one of my major disappointments with modern study Bibles is the often foolish acceptance of worldly intellectualism - which usually sows doubt rather than any faith in scripture. However, this study Bible - so far - I've found to be sensitive to all who are in Christ and so is never disparaging in any way.The articles are usually very good teachings. The commentaries are helpful and illuminating, without ever removing Jesus Christ from His seat of honour. The thing which absolutely delights me, is that the Holman CSB is pleased to raise up the Word of God as an absolute authority and as a true source of life. The HCSB study Bible is also ever-faithful to encourage us in understanding the Gospel and our salvation.Buy this. It is a superb addition to any Christian's library. I bought the hardback version thinking it would only be used at home for research. But it would be a great Bible to take anywhere. I believe the Holman publishers have put together a version of the Bible which will help many in their walk with Jesus. Bless 'em!

This is a very good study bible based on an excellent translation which deserves to be more widely used, combining accuracy with a clear, flowing English style. The translation claims to be a middle way between 'word for word' and 'thought for thought' translations. It certainly is good and the individual will find it excellent. The articles are well written and helpful; often a lot of information is given in a small space ( see Craig Blomberg's article on The Historical Reliability of the New Testament.') The study bible has many maps and charts,all well executed with good use of colour. The bible is beautifully produced in quality paper. It has a strong connection with the Southern Baptist denomination but that should not keep anyone from buying it. I commend it warmly to all.

I like this translation of the Bible and have used the hard backed version, which is a delight, both for its commentary features and for its visual qualities. Initially, I was thrilled with the Kindle edition, but later noticed some real problems. Many of the links are missing. I read though Psalms 139-150 and found that I couldn't access the study notes! I knew there were some, lots, in fact, as I've seen the paper version. Eventually, I got to them via Proverbs' study notes, through scrolling back! Most unsatisfactory. Chunks of Isaiah and Luke suffer from the same malady - unlinkeditis. There may be more scriptures suffering and in need of a good linctus. Moreover, it was impossible to reach the desired psalms from the table of contents. The 5 way arrow thingy was just paralysed by a crazy table of Psalms which would shrink or expand but would NOT let me access a psalm! I could only manage it on my Kindle for PC! I hope Holman will correct these faults soon, and provide a fully working updated edition of this excellent study bible.