As mentioned in my last post, here is the review of the ESV Bible I recently got.
It is the ESV Economy Bible, Giant Print, Paperback.
I will try to list what I like about it most and/or any criticism:
Affordability - This Bible is less than $10 on Amazon and you may be able to find it even cheaper elsewhere. Check Walmart, Christianbook, and other retailers online or offline. (I will explain in a moment why I mention the affordability.)
Readability - The print is a 12-point type and dark enough for those with aging eyesight (me!). There could be more room between the lines where there are no verse breaks. Pages without a lot of verse breaks look crowded. Another issue is that, like most "large print" books, this Bible is rather large in size. It's not something I can tuck into my purse easily! But because it's paper, it's lightweight and easy to hold and carry one-handed.
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| compared to my 8-point ESV Bible BIG difference |
Paper quality - The newsprint paper is wonderful for writing on. On the other hand, newsprint can be flimsy and not very "water-friendly". Also, there is not a lot of room on the margins for notetaking.
Helps - There are not many "helps" and extras but the ones included are nice. The Plan of Salvation is detailed - not just a gloss-over. There is a 40-day reading plan. Reading Plans are SO helpful for anyone trying to get started with a book as important and in-depth as the Holy Bible.
The reason I mention the price is that a lot of people just starting to read the Bible may not have a lot of money to spend on one. Also, many people who are new to the Bible are just trying to get started somewhere - anywhere. They might be trying to find a translation they feel comfortable with. If they like this translation, then they can get a copy with more durability and additional things like a commentary, helps, center notes, etc.
Also, if you are buying Bibles for someone, this is more affordable. As a matter of fact, I will buy a copy of this or a similarly affordable Bible for the first three people who contact me saying they would like to have a Bible. As a matter of fact, if enough people contact me, I will find a way to get more Bibles to send to them.
I got this Bible for myself because I like to read the Bible in the evenings while laying in bed or when I am not feeling well. This one has a print size I can easily read and the binding is flexible enough for me to fold back pages. My other Bibles are filled with my stickers and tabs and other markings that I don't want to disturb.
I've mentioned in the previous post why I like certain translations of the Bible. The ESV is so readable while not straying from true translation. I'm beginning to like it more than I like the NASB for both study and general reading.
I do realize that many people use electronic resources for reading and studying the Bible. I myself use eSword. However, there are some people who are not comfortable with technology - or maybe they just prefer reading and using a physical copy of a book. I sometimes prefer using my hardcopy Bibles - especially for marking and making notes. I can do that in eSword but... I can be old-fashioned!
Anyway, this is a really good copy of the Bible for many reasons. I'm not linking to Amazon for you to buy it there - if you buy it at all - but just because I got my copy there and you can read reviews easier. I'll remind you again to check wherever Bibles are sold to get whatever copy you want. Just do read and study the Bible because it is essential.
Peace
--Free
This is non-sponsored, of course. I got this Bible on Amazon but I also like to shop Christianbook.com. They always have sales and deals. Also, you can sign up to get a discount.
