I’ve never really been a fan of ‘study’ bibles – those bibles with explanatory notes on the ‘bottom’ of the page (which actually end up taking more room than the bible text itself!). There are a number of reasons I don’t like them:
- They tend to make people lazy – to look at their notes for interpretation rather than meditate on scripture itself.
- The explanatory notes are almost always correct. Depending on the study bible you get, those notes are either the interpretation of one person, or a few. Some study bibles are okay, some (which shall remain anonymous) are shocking in their twisting of scriptural interpretation or biblical theology.
- cf the previous two points: it’s happened more than once during bible study that someone has chipped in with, “Well, my bible study notes say…” Good. Now what does the text say?
Up until the announcement of the ESV Study Bible (being released in October), I’ve rarely endorsed someone purchasing a study bible. If you really want to study the bible you’d do it with a good set of commentaries by your side :P
Now, however, the list of contributers (eg. Wayne Grudem, J.I. Packer, John Piper, Kent Hughes, to name a few) to the ESV Study Bible, as well as the many endorsements (eg. Mark Driscoll, Mark Dever, etc) it’s received, have made me stop to pay attention.
One of my greatest objections against the use of ‘study bibles’ has often been the lack of Biblical Theology in the notes. Most often the notes tend to describe certain events or give historical/cultural background. Some notes attempt application, which is usually the downfall of a study bible. Seemingly not so with the ESV Study Bible. There appear to be some great articles on understanding scripture along with how to apply the Old Testament to 21st Century New Testament believers. Having read through the ‘Jonah‘ and the ‘Introduction to the Psalms‘ excerpts I’m comforted that the editors have done their best not only to present the historical backrgounds to scripture faithfully, but also help us draw the lines between the Old Testament and the New Testament confidently.
This is study bible worth getting excited over! My name will be on the list of those now eagerly awaiting this excellent addition to the great bible translations of all-time.
Will you join me on the waiting list?
P.S – if you can’t wait, the ESV Reformation Study Bible is currently out. This is also an excellent Study Bible (though aimed at Pastors/Teachers) with an excellent list of contributers and endorsements.
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