What do you want the Bible for?

evbible.com ESV recommendation

1.  This is my first encounter with the ESV. I want to read it for the first time.

Classic Reference Bible (red letter)- 1581343167 . The Red letter edition, comes with the free CD-ROM offer. (the black letter doesn't come with that invaluable resource)

2. I want to purchase an ESV Bible that will last for life.
(I don't need the center column reference system.)

This is an easy choice. The Large Print Edition. The 12.75 is great for the eyes and readability. If you need help choosing between the bonded leather and the leather editions, we prefer the leather edition. For a few more dollars you get the real thing! Keep in mind that the Large Print Editions do not have Bible references.  They do have a 12,000 entry concordance. So our recommendation is the Large Print Genuine Leather.

THE LARGE PRINT NOW COMES in Calfskin-Smyth Sewn Leather!

3. I want to purchase an ESV Bible that will last for life. (I need the center column reference system)

For many reasons we would like to recommend the single column reference Bible (SCB).  The SCB has the best format, readability, font size, cross references, concordance, etc.  The one issue that we have found with the SCB, however, is that its pages are too thin for extensive note taking (see paper quality below).  This is ironic, since the SCB was designed with note taking in mind.  We hope the SCB will have a paper upgrade soon.  This would make it a truly top of the line Bible.  The Classic reference is also a solid pick, however, the format is not as readable as the SCB.

It must be said that many people have found the Classic format to be adequate for reading.  Similarly we have received feedback stating that the SCB paper quality is adequate for note taking.

4. I want a Large Print Bible and am on a budget.

The hard back large print (12.75) For less than 25 dollars you've a Large Print Bible with an ESV concordance (12,000), Full Color Maps, Red Letter, book introductions and a free CD-ROM offer!

5. I am a child (6-12).

The children's Bible is a great purchase. We recommend starting a child on the Bible that he will one day put to memory, not a children's Bible that is a paraphrase. This is the complete (unabridged) ESV. This Bible comes with over 200 color illustrations and an 11 point font.  This Bible comes with truly excellent study notes: Plan of salvation, God's promises, memory verses, dictionary, key words like justification, sanctification etc.  This is truly on of our best Bibles! 

8.  I need a concordance

The following editions come with concordances:Note that some concordances are more extensive than others.

Classic Reference Bibles (14,500 entry)

Classic Thinline Bibles (12,000 entry)

Compact Thinline Bibles (12,000 we do not carry)

Large Print Bibles (12,000 entry)

Single Column Reference (14,500 entry)

Wide Margin (14,500 entry)

R.L. Allan ESV (14,500 entry)

Personal Size Reference (5,900 entry)

Deluxe Compact (5,900 entry)

Children's Bible

9. I need cross-reference

The following editions come with the cross-reference system:

Classic Reference Bibles (80,000 entry)

Single Column Reference (80,000 entry)

Wide Margin (80,000 entry)

Personal Size Reference (80,000 entry)

R.L. Allan ESV (80,000 entry)

10. I want to use the Bible for evangelism. The outreach edition  is our evangelism edition.

The Outreach Bible

It comes with Bible introductions, study helps and the plan of salvation.  It is a good quality Bible.  The paper is sturdy and not newspaper quality.  When bought in case quantities we extend no mark up for these Bibles. We also carry the ESV New Testament, which come in a case of 100.  Each case is $125. The Urban Devotional is another consideration.  Please check out the CASE category for all evangelism possibilities.

11. I want a thinline Bible.

Our Thinlines come in Trutone, Bonded Leather, Leather and Calfskin Leather.

If it is a reward Bible we recommend the calfskin cordovan (the only premium leather Bible that is "red letter") or black calfskin.  In Leather there is only black and burgundy. The Trutone's come in a wide variety of colors.

12. What is "Trutone?"

The thinline, classic reference & Single Column Bibles come in "Trutone".  Trutone is a synthetic material that thus far has proven to be highly durable.  It has the feel of soft leather.  It doesn't have the feel of most imitation leathers.  It is extremely soft and smooth. It is not recommended that these Bible have names imprinted on them.

13. I want a pocket New Testament.

The bonded, Trutone and genuine leather editions come with Psalms and Proverbs.

NOTE : The paperback version does not come with Psalms and Proverbs.

14.  I want to purchase a Bible for our Pastor or for an ordination service.

First, be sure your Pastor uses the ESV!  You won't convert him with the gift.  Second, do you  want the Bible to be his primary functional Bible or a secondary "award" Bible, or both. If it is to be his primary Bible we recommend either the Calfskin Classic Reference Bible or the Premium Leather Single Column Reference Bible.  The Calfskin Bibles are the best that Crossway publishes, and are the only ones whose binding is hand sewn.  All other Bibles are glue adhesive.  Premium leather Bibles are more expensive because of their superior leather and binding.

If you consider the Bible to be primarily an "award" Bible the obvious choice would be the Calfskin thinline Bibles.  They too come in both burgundy and black.  (FYI: the Calfskin Burgundy thinline is one of our most popular Bibles It is also the only Premium Leather Bible which has the words of Christ in red.)

NEW: We have the Large Print in CALFSKIN!-Excellent Choice for your Pastor.

NEW: R.L. Allan ESV Bibles imported from the U.K.  Most excellent Bible manufacturer in the world.

NEW: Cambridge ESV Bibles

We also have a wide variety of Cambridge and Allan NASB, KJV, NKJV and NIV as well.

15. I want to order pew Bibles for our church.

We can give you a 54% discount and FREE shipping on all case orders (online). (They come in black, burgundy and navy blue) Crossway can not give you a better price. We also have the Large Print Pew Bibles, which carry a 54% discount and free freight.  We truly have the best offer in the business for pew Bibles.

16. Premium Leather Bibles

Most Crossway Bibles are adhesive bound (i.e. glue).  Some are Smyth sewn.  The Premium calfskin leather  Bibles are Smyth sewn (R.L. Allan included).  The paper quality and font size do not change with Premium leather Bibles.  The increased price for these Bibles is in their binding and their premium leather covers.  The binding is well done; the paper and font are similar to their corresponding editions.

18.  Compact Bibles

In the past we have not provided the compact editions of the ESV Bible because of their tiny font size.  While they are convenient to transport, their font size is extremely small.  You must have at least 20/20 vision for these Bibles.  Here is the link to our Compact Bibles.

The Trutone Compact Bibles are the most difficult to read.  The Deluxe Compact are more readable and definitely the better choice of the two.  The Personal Size Reference is the most readable Compact ESV we carry.  Keep in mind that the NKJV's are the superior compact Bibles.

19. Font Size

The font style, color, kerning (space between letters), leading, tracking, margins, and design elements affect how the text fits on a Bible page and how it reads.  ESV Bibles have not been particularly successful in their "legibility."  This is more than a function of merely font size.  Many Bibles can have small font size and yet read well.  The Bibles that read well are the following:

Large Print Bibles, Single Column Reference Bible, Children's Bible, Literary Study Bible, Pew Bibles (regular and Large Print) as well as the Greek Interlinear.  The Classic Reference and Thinlines are average (or better)-depending on your eyes.  The Journaling Bible has small font (7.5pt) but is clear and reads well. Similarly the NT Bibles have 7pt font, but the text is dark.  The compact versions are difficult to read.

20. Embossing

Trutone and Premium leather are not recommended to be embossed.  This has been done successfully, but is not guaranteed.  We do not emboss Bibles because it renders the Bible “as is” and we want our customers to have the opportunity to return.

21.  Paper Quality

Bible paper is an important factor in determining whether or not it is suitable for note taking.  We recommend a 24 lb or greater for note taking.  Some have been comfortable with 21 lb paper, however, we prefer the 24 lb or better.

Thinline Bibles:       19 lb Bible paper.
Single Column Ref: 21 lb Bible paper.
Classic Reference:  24 lb Bible paper.

Large Print:            24 lb Bible paper.

Pew Bible:              27 lb Bible paper.

Wide Margin:          24 lb Bible paper.

Journaling Bible:     27 lb Bible paper.

Compact Thinline:   19 lb Bible paper.

Compact Trutone:   19 lb Bible paper.

Personal Size Ref:   21 lb Bible paper.

BattleZone:            19 lb Bible paper.

Legibility

Binding

Paper

Overall

ESV Classic Reference:  The classic reference is a good Bible that could be better.  Since it is the “standard” Bible we would prefer slightly larger font.  The reference notes are exceptional.

B

B

B

B

ESV Classic Reference Premium Leather (hand sewn binding)

B

A

B

B/A

ESV Classic thinline Most people are happy with their thinline Bibles.  Remember that since they are thinline, the paper is fairly thin and will not withstand a heavy ball point pen.  Altogether a good purchase.

B/C

B

C

B/C

ESV Classic Thinline Premium Leather (hand sewn binding) 

B/C

A

C

B

ESV Classic Thinline Trutone: Trutone is a synthetic material that has thus far proven to be highly durable.

C

B

C

B/C

ESV Single Column Reference:  The Single Column a good best score in readability.  Please note, however, that it is not suited for extensive note taking because of its relatively light paper weight. 

B

B

C

B

ESV Large Print: This is our favorite ESV Bible.  It reads like a Bible ought to…not to mention its sturdy paper weight.  This is an excellent edition.  Its one draw back is that it does not have the reference system.  It now comes in Calfskin!

A

B

B

A/B

ESV Children's Bible:  The Children's Bible is one of the best of all.  Not only is it easy to read, but it has excellent study helps for children that we have not found elsewhere.

A

B

A

A

ESV Wide Margin Reference

 B

 B

B 

B 

Pew: The Pew Bibles have been excellent.  The heavy paper and bold font make it easy on the eyes.  The Large Print Pew Bible is excellent and could be purchased as a first ESV Bible.

B

A

A

A

Journaling:  We do not have too much feedback from these Bibles, however, the size of the letters are small and readability could be an issue for anyone without good vision. The 7.5 point is easier to read than the compact 6.2 point.  The Bible paper is excellent at 27 lb.

C

B

A

B/C

Compact:  Most people are delighted to have a Bible they can transport.  At the same time the 6.2 font is difficult to read.

D

B

C

C/D

New Testament; Leather, Trutone & Bonded: We recommend this Bible, it is an excellent Bible for its size.  Font is dark and clear.

B

B

B

B

Legibility

Binding

Paper

Overall

Allan 53-Long Primer Family.  This is known as perhaps the best overally Allan KJV.  As you can see, it performs well in virutally every category.

Allan 20-Brevier Blackface Family.  As the name suggests, the type face is bold and crisp.  An excellent Bible.

Allan 5-Brevier Clarendon Family.  The Clarendon's are some of the most popular 'personal size' Allan Bibles.  The bindings are exceedingly supple and sturdy.  The full yapp covers help protect the pages against wear.

B

A

B

A/B

Allan 9CZ- Brevier Clarendon Family

B

A

B

A/B

Legibility

Binding

Paper

Overall

Goatskin Wide Margin (NASB, KJV, NKJV, ESV)

Pitt Minion Goatskin Reference (ESV, NASB, NKJV) The Pitt Minions are compact Bibles, and thus their font is likewise relatively small.  If compactness is your premium-this is your Bible.  If legibility is your goal-this isn't it.

Pitt Minion French Morocco (ESV, NASB, NKJV)  Exactly similar to the above Bibles, except the shell is French Morocco-which is less supple than goatskin.

B/C

A

A

A/B

Pitt Minion 2 Tone (ESV) Made from a synthetic material.  Extremely supple.  A handsome, affordable Bible.

B/C

A

A

A/B

NKJV Center Column Giant Print Reference. An excellent Bible for anyone looking for a Large Print-easy to read Bible. Keep in mind that this does not include Nelson's complete reference system-contained in the Study Bible-but does contain essential references.

A

B

B

B/A

NKJV Personal Size Giant Print Reference Bible What has impressed us about this Bible is its combination of size and and readability.  The Bible is slightly smaller and lighter than most classic reference Bibles, however, its font size is significantly larger. Personal and easy on the eyes-an excellent combination.

A

B

B

B/A

NKJV Compact Reference (Center Column) Bible We have chosen this Bible because it is truly compact, yet is loaded (60,000) with references. This Bible can fit in practically any location. At 6.5 the Bible is still readable. This Bible includes a solid Bible concordance as well.

B

B

B

B

NKJV Pocket Companion Bible  This is one of our favorite Bibles!  It is a pocket Bible that is truly readable.  It has no references or concordances, however, it has a clear presentation of the most important: God's Word, in a small but highly readable format.  Excellent purchase.

A/B

B

B

B/A