Introducing the ESV Readers Bible

Introducing the ESV Readers Bible December 3, 2016

The ESV Readers Bible is an amazing new concept in Bible production and format. The publisher sent me a copy and I love it.

Here’s the description from the publisher:

“The ESV Reader’s Bible, Six-Volume Set stems from the conviction that the Bible is of immeasurable value and should therefore be treasured—and read in the most seamless way possible. Constructed with materials carefully selected to reflect the beauty of God’s Word, the ESV Reader’s Bible, Six-Volume Set is a unique collection designed for those desiring a cleaner, simpler Bible-reading experience. Printed on European book paper with smyth-sewn binding and packaged in an elegant slipcase, this edition features single column text that is free of all verse numbers, chapter numbers, and footnotes, as well as most section headings—resulting in a unique Bible-reading experience that helps readers encounter and delight in the beauty of God’s Word.”

I caught up with the publisher recently for a quick Q & A about this fascinating new Bible.

Enjoy!

Tell us how the ESV readers Bible is unique from other Bibles on the market.

Scripture is meant to provide not only nuggets of inspiration for the day, but also a mental universe out of which we move through life. The Reader’s Bible format encourages this kind of deep reading. The most exciting part of the Reader’s Bibles to me is the way they might be used by the Lord to give Christians a breakthrough in their interaction with the Bible so that Scripture is no longer one influence among many but the central, stabilizing influence shaping how they look at the world and commune with God.

How specifically will Christians benefit from reading the ESV readers Bible? in other words, why should they make the investment for this Bible if they own other kinds of Bibles?

The Reader’s Bible is ideally suited for just what its name indicates: personal reading. In particular, this edition facilitates immersive reading of larger portion of Scripture than we normally read, which is often just a paragraph or two. In this way these Bibles can help Christians make real progress in getting Scripture inside them, truly shaping the way they look at the world. Another benefit is that in this age of constant distraction and multitasking, this edition encourages focused, immersive reading of the Bible.

What have readers said about this Bible so far? what have been their testimonials?

The response has been overwhelming. Here are a few quotes from those who have written in to us:

“This might be the most elegant product Crossway has ever produced. I’m not sure you could have done a better job.”

“WOW! I just received the 6-volume ESV Reader’s cloth bound set! The set is beautiful.”

“Wow. Absolutely stunning. Opened it up and immediately thought I’d like to carve out time to read this through as soon as possible. The feel, the font, the typeset, spacing – all so well thought out and appealing.”

“Well done in publishing such a lovely edition of the Bible! Wow. This set looks absolutely lovely. It will be beneficial to readers for it will be special and unique for the Bible to be so aesthetically enjoyable to read.”

“The new ESV Reader’s Bible 6-volume set from Crossway is stunning. No photo will do it justice. It will change how I interact with Scripture.”

Tell us about the two different versions — clothe and leather. And what are the benefits of each?

Both editions are produced at the highest level. The cloth edition provides a sturdy, long-lasting Bible that fits neatly into a box that even includes runners along the bottom to keep the pages from drooping over years of being housed in the box. The leather edition is calfskin-over-board and was spared no expense. The covers are sturdy yet the calfskin provides the aroma and the feel that readers of calfskin Bibles love. It is housed in a walnut wooden box created by hand specially for this Bible edition.

What else should readers know about this Bible?

The overarching motivation for this project was a desire to publish the Bible in a way that reflects the elegance and beauty of its contents. Second only to the Word incarnate, the Word inscripturated is God’s greatest earthly gift to the world. The Bible is a message of beauty and of grace, of sinful humanity having their dignity restored. This edition is our attempt to answer the question: What kind of Bible edition could we prepare at Crossway for the church that would reflect that central message?

Click here to order the ESV Readers Bible on discount


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