I received the beautiful Heritage Edition Heirloom Bible in English Standard Version to review from Crossway. This one only comes in black goatskin leather. Since it is the Heirloom line, it is quite a bit more expensive than other Bibles, but has some super nice touches that make it well worth the price.

This particular Heirloom Bible is a slightly smaller size than the others in the line. It measures 5.5″ x 8.25″ which makes it very close to being “personal” sized. (I love the ESV Personal Size Study Bible! You can read that review here.) It is a little more compact than a standard size, but not quite small enough to be a compact size.

The goatskin leather cover is super soft and floppy right out of the box. The floppiness only increases as you use it. This one isn’t quite as plush feeling as the other Heirloom Bibles we’ve had. Some of the other have literally been a squishy texture. The Heritage Edition Heirloom Bible is more of a slick, textured leather feel.

The paper on this Bible is super crisp. It is thin, but not that super thin “this is going to rip at any second” type of thin. I do expect it to hold up quite well. It is also a very crisp white color with edges that are coppery gilded. (I’d say gold, but it has a definite red tint.) It has really high quality binding! And get this, these Heirloom Bibles come with a lifetime guarantee!

The layout is easy to read and easy on the eyes. The single column format with decent margins and line spacing make it easy to keep your place. It also has line matching from the left top right page. It reads very similarly to the Preaching Bible, but is a little smaller in size.

Features of This Bible

This Bible does not have red letters. There are small footnotes, but nothing extensive. There really isn’t much in this Heirloom Bible in terms of “extras”– no diagrams, study notes, cross references, glossary, concordance, etc. It does have some full-color maps in the back, a dedication page in the front, small marriage record (5) , small birth record (7), and small death record(7). Honestly, for an Heirloom Bible, I feel it should have much more space for births, marriages, and deaths or have none at all. It seems weird to have such a small space in a Bible intended to use forever for such monumental things. But overall it is a very simple, easy to read Bible.

Of course, the best part of this Bible, like all the Heirloom Bibles, are the four ribbon markers! I think my ideal would be six ribbons, but only because I’m a little extra. Four ribbons allows you to mark the Old Testament, Psalms, Gospel, and New Testament Letters all at the same time. Such a great feature! All Bibles should have AT LEAST four ribbon markers.

Do I recommend the Heritage Edition of the ESV Heirloom Study Bible?

Yes! This is an excellent Bible for anyone looking for a simple Bible that isn’t massive and will last a lifetime. This will be the one you’d pass on to your grandkids. I’ve said it before, but anyone entering into ministry should be gifted one of these nice, lifetime legacy type Bibles for use during their entire ministry. It is so sad for a pastor to have his first preaching Bible fall apart and become unusable a decade into ministry– which is exactly what will happen to that thinline bonded leather one they’re usually gifted. Investing in an Heirloom Bible to last their whole ministry is such a thoughtful gift and testament to how far you think their ministry will go.

Should you buy an ESV Heirloom Bible?

It is up to you! Do you need super expensive Bible? No. Absolutely not. We live in a time where we have access to different versions, different covers, and even different media of God’s Word to us. I consider myself so blessed and privileged to have so many options. Does this Bible have features and quality that make the price tag worth it? Absolutely.

Other Posts by Notes From the Parsonage You Might Enjoy:

• ESV Personal Study Bible Review
• ESV Pocket Bible Review
• Crossway Heirloom Study Bible Review
• ESV Interleaved Journaling Bible Review

*This Bible was given to me free for review. I am not obligated to review it favorably. All opinions are my own.*

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