Is a Student Study Bible the right choice for you? If you’re a preteen, teen, or young adult looking for content that helps you understand the Bible as you read, then maybe!
Let’s look at this Student Study Bible!
Crossway sent me this awesome Student Study Bible to review. It comes in 14 different cover designs! I chose the Joshua Noom Artist cover because that is what appealed to my fifteen-year-old son. The hardcover versions are super pretty, but keep in mind they aren’t as durable as a leather cover (which isn’t available for this Bible) or even the TruTone covers. You’ll want to be a little more careful with it if you want it to last because they are not as sturdy in my experience as the real leather covers. If you usually replace your Bible every couple years, this won’t be a problem at all. Though they do have a lifetime guarantee if something were to happen to your Bible.
This student study Bible came in this slip box case, which makes it nice for gifting. (Different cover options have different packaging. So if the packaging matters to you, make sure you double check on the Crossway website what cover has what packaging.)
Sadly, it has one ribbon marker. I prefer a lot of markers in my Bible, but the manufacturers aren’t in on that game just yet. The paper is thin, like typical Bible paper. I do find that it “sticks” together quite a bit, making one handed page turning a bit troublesome, especially at first. Once you use it a little bit, the sticking does stop as the pages get unstuck and then don’t restock. You can also see some ghosting through the page, but I don’t think it makes it unreadable.
Each book in this study Bible has an introduction to the chapter with an outline and information about the book.
Some of the introductions include a small printed map.
There are 15 full-color maps in the back, as well. These are on thicker, slightly glossy, cardstock weight paper.
A Closer Look at the “Extras”
There are notes and cross-references throughout, making personal Bible study for young people much easier. There is nothing really in here that screams “teenager” to me. It all seems to be a pretty straightforward study Bible. Nothing seems to be written “down” to teens or focuses on teen angst, teen problems, etc. The notes are simply written in a way any lay person would better understand the Bible.
There are several articles in the back to help understand the Bible, theology, and doctrine. All of these would be helpful to any student or new believer. I think there are books that delve into the topics deeper, but for an introductory note about how to study the Bible or the reliability of Scripture– this provides a great starting point.
There is also a rather large concordance and glossary in the back of this Bible. (And a page of weights and measures.)
Would I recommend the ESV Student Study Bible?
Yes, absolutely! I would feel comfortable putting this Student Study Bible in the hands of any middle school, high school, or college student. My fifteen-year-old has really been enjoying it. The translation is a good one for Bible study. The notes are helpful for self-study. This is a great Bible option for anyone, though since it says “students”, I’d likely just stick to teens and young adults. The Personal Study Bible would be a great option for non-students looking for something similar.
Where should I buy the ESV Student Study Bible?
I highly recommend purchasing Bibles from Christian Book. Their prices are so much cheaper than everywhere else. Their shipping does take longer, though. So if you are in a hurry, Amazon may be a better option. You can also purchase directly from Crossway. If you purchase directly from Crossway, make sure you register for a free Crossway+ Membership to get 30% off.
Other Posts from Notes From the Parsonage that you might like:
- ESV Interleaved Journaling Bible Review
- ESV Personal Study Bible Review
- ESV Women’s Study Bible Review
** This Bible was sent to me free for review. I am not obligated to give it a favorable review. All opinions are my own. **
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