HCSB Study Bible, Black Genuine Leather Leather Bound – October 1, 2010

Don't get me wrong, we are blessed in the English-speaking world with an "embarrassment of riches" in excellent translations (KJV, NKJV, NASB, NIV, ESV, HCSB, etc). And there are many helpful and excellent Study Bibles (Open, Ryrie, NIV, MacArthur, LAB, ESV, etcetera, etcetera).But after years of reading about translation theories, translations, and just reading the TEXT in those translations, I just LOVE the HCSB. I'm not a Southern Baptist, and this isn't a "Southern Baptist" translation (the team chief is Presbyterian I think, etc, etc). It reads beautifully, makes the Bible "fresh" (it's about the only popular completely NEW translation since the NIV), lets you feel the Hebrew-ness of our faith again, has great footnotes (e.g. when the choice was made to be more dynamic in a particular phrase translation, etcetera).As far as the Study Bible notes - HELPFUL and FAITH-ENCOURAGING. And the layout and colors - beautiful and HELPFUL.I'll be honest with my strong bias here - though I can benefit from the ESV and NIV study bible notes - they "make room" for unbelieving ideas and tell the reader that some "faithful" people believe these anti-scriptural ideas and that there is "room" in the Scriptural text to allow such beliefs. It sure "feels" like they do it for broader marketing and sales, and also to be accepted into liberal "scholarly" camps as well. No, this isn't in the majority of the ESVSB/NIVSB notes, but it's in key areas.Obvious example - Evolution (different KINDS of life developing from other KINDS of life by mutation, death, struggle, etc). Believe that if you want, but don't say the original texts "make room" for "faithful" people to think that's how God created different kinds of creatures.I'm a licensed environmental engineer, studied ecology and evolution (A+ in Biology at University because I wanted to really understand the theory so I could figure out "life" on a broader level). Though "micro" evolution or natural selection DOES occur, it is only WITHIN the same KINDS of living things, not to the extent of producing other KINDS of living things (which is the idea of "macro" evolution). No proof of "macro" evolution, not logical, and absurd if you look at life with unblinded eyes (Romans 1). Or simply look at the probabilities - especially of ALL of the supposedly advantageous mutations occurring simultaneously in the SAME most successfully adapted creatures - chemistry, cellular incredibleness, not to mention multiple crucial "survival of the fittest" systems such as vision, hearing, reproduction, and on and on. Bankrupt at any level, starting from "everything from nothing by no one," to the primordial soup, and from the sub-atomic "world" to the Universe. No. Very poor theories - but it's all you've got if you reject a wise, personal, loving Creator (that you have to answer to one day). Mantras I was taught, at a top University: "Given enough time, anything can happen. Fifty monkeys at typewriters will eventually type a Shakespearean play." Not so.I rejected macro evolution 7 years before I became a Christian.And yet the ESV and NIV SB "make room" for it. That's not their only unbelieving flaw.Go with the HCSB Study Bible - real Scholars, but Believers - apparently not seeking to be accepted or avoid criticism by the supposed scholar "stars" of the world.

I used to make fun of study bibles because I thought most of them to be extremely lame. Fortunately Study Bibles have been getting better, and I think this is the best one designed yet! The two I've recommended the most in the past were the MacArthur & ESV study bibles . . . For now on I'll be primarily recommending this one. Here's why:Concerning the Study Features:I really like the notes. I've looked through a lot by this point and they have always been helpful, straight to the point, and much of the time will share something that I've never heard before. I've also come to really enjoy the word studies on every couple of pages. I think I would prefer the text to be single column, but at least the verses numbers and references are colored for quick navigation. The editors choose words that are helpful to focus in on to get a richer understanding on why certain words are chosen over others. The articles and in-text maps are so helpful in understanding the context and the huge importance of some very much neglected doctrines and/or teachings in scripture. I love the introductions to each book. I may have bought it just because I love the papyrus-type printing and how well the intros help you to feel the importance of that book and its location in history without being over-done or over-scholastic.Concerning the Physical Features:I purchased the Genuine Leather Bound Indexed version. I'm not so sure about the quality of the leather used on mine . . . for genuine leather I do expect a little bit more. The binding is Smith-Sewn, top notch, plus if it ever breaks Holman will replace it. I totally recommend the indexed version. Having a larger study bible makes this a very helpful tool plus their indexing cut and tabs look great! I also like that it has two bookmarks . . . I would prefer more, but two is better than one right?Concerning the Translation:I think the HCSB is overlooked a lot these days. Some call it the "Hard Core Southern Baptist" Bible, but it's far more than that. I mean, every Hard Core Southern Baptist should buy this, but so should everyone else! I would actually argue that it's the best translation available right now. Its use of modern language and a style of translating makes it the most accurate version to help readers understand exactly what is being said from the original languages. I prefer the HCSB over any other translation, yes, even the ESV. (I know, the "if the ESV was good enough for Paul than it should be good enough for me" argument. . . but it's not good enough for me)Overall Recommendation:If you're going to get a study bible, this is it. I think it will be setting a standard for how study bibles will be made for the years to come. I've been using this for personal study and for aid in leading Bible studies and this has been such a blessing both to me and my group. I hope it will be for you as well.

This is a very good bible with great references and very good Greek and Hebrew translation.

I purchased the HCSB first attempt at a study Bible - which had a nice modern layout, interesting photos, some well executed illustrations and was a great production from this publisher. However it lacked any real commentary except a few scattered articles.This study Bible has built upon that foundation and gone even further. It is a masterpiece of modern publishing. Perfect layout. A joy to behold. Almost impossible to want to close! What surprised me that even the hardback version has a ribbon marker. Excellent.This Bible replaces my ESV Study Bible and a Scofield III. Most study Bibles have a 'slant' and favour a particular way of interpretation. And one of my major disappointments with modern study Bibles is the often foolish acceptance of worldly intellectualism - which usually sows doubt rather than any faith in scripture. However, this study Bible - so far - I've found to be sensitive to all who are in Christ and so is never disparaging in any way.The articles are usually very good teachings. The commentaries are helpful and illuminating, without ever removing Jesus Christ from His seat of honour. The thing which absolutely delights me, is that the Holman CSB is pleased to raise up the Word of God as an absolute authority and as a true source of life. The HCSB study Bible is also ever-faithful to encourage us in understanding the Gospel and our salvation.Buy this. It is a superb addition to any Christian's library. I bought the hardback version thinking it would only be used at home for research. But it would be a great Bible to take anywhere. I believe the Holman publishers have put together a version of the Bible which will help many in their walk with Jesus. Bless 'em!

Well, I'm sure its a well researched translation. My really big gripe is that the gilding is more tenacious than the usual slight stickiness that gilding will often provide in a new Bible. Not this one. In this case, each page comes almost glued in two, and they are really, really stuck together. moistening fingers doesn't work, very dry fingers and exerting a lot of pressure around the edge will, eventually, enable the pages to be separated.... I've been at it for over an hour and still working my way through Genesis.... At this rate, I'm going to take over a week to just make it usable... I hope that their production lines are aware of this problem and they do something to sort it out. Does not make for a pleasant experience. At all.

I discovered the HCSB using You Version and it's become my favourite translation for everyday reading. It's fresh and makes me keep reading. I often discover new insights because of the freshness of the translation after many years of reading the RSV and NIV and to a much lesser extent than those two, the NRSV. The layout and aids are very easy to use and helpful. I like the use of colour and fonts etc. in the study aids.I also discovered the ESV and bought the ESV Study Bible and often use them side by side as the articles and notes and aids are slightly different. I would have to say that the ESV's Study features are a little more comprehensive and have a slight edge. However, I just like reading this translation better and the way this is typeset and laid out is just more compelling for reading.I give it 4 stars instead of 5 because the ESV Study Bible's study aids are a little better and because this is a review of the hard-cover edition. I found I didn't like reading from a hard cover and I ended up splurging on a premium leather version of this. This now resides at the cottage.

Before I bought this bible (part of a collection of 8 translations up to now) I did much research, on the translation itself, and of course on the study bible. Having never heard of the HCSB I had always been somewhat apprehensive on purchasing it. But I had also been dubious about the NIV as well and having bought an NIV study bible I had been quite surprised. So I decided to jump in. Reviews had been good, and others were surprised by how accurate the translation actually was. I'm now one of them. This translation is amazing. The commentary is as comprehensive as the ESV study bible. One thing I would change if I could would be to save up one more month and get the leather bound version, but thats one of my own little preferences and in the future I will probably get it.Invest! get this, its absolutely brilliant, the translation is like butter, soft and smooth. In many traditional places (psalm 23 for instance No shadow of the valley of death, neigh, its now, darkest valley [more accurate]) there are differences, which are more accurate. Remember translation is done by man, God writes the originals!! Its up to us to get it right, But God will help, I truly feel that this translation is an underdog that needs support from us, Remember that man runs from light into darkness. This translation is a light unto the world, bask in it!!May the Grace of God bless you all.