ESV Personal Reference Bible

I love this version of the Bible because of the principles which governed translation. However, it won't work for everyone as the language is somewhat stilted, a result of the word-for-word style translation (the NIV is more towards the thought-for-thought end of translations; the NLT even more so). So, if you struggle with finding the Bible incomprehensible, then this might not be for you (go for NIV or NLT - the latter had a great committee of translators and is very readable!). But, if you know you like the ESV translation, then this Bible is a nice one. It feels good to hold; the size is great. I bought it for my husband and I'd really like one the same!

This is a beautiful edition of the ESV Bible - bound in soft, brown leather. The format and layout is different to other Bibles I have (text format is in paragraphs across the page, rather than in columns), which seemed strange to me at first, but I have grown to really like it. The text size is ok and this version seems to have achieved a good balance between font size/size and weight of book. I love the way that each book of this Bible has an introduction and explanation - very helpful for a novice like me. My copy has travalled in my bag a fair bit over the last few weeks since I bought it and I am pleased to say it has stood up to my (sometimes) rough handling. This may sound a strange thing to say, but it feels lovely to hold as the cover is so soft and it is the type of leather that I could imagine will wear beautifully over the years. I am very pleased with this Bible, as it was exactly what I had been looking for; it has become one of my most treasured books already!

This Bible is the perfect size for taking with you, and it is fully cross referenced. The Bible text is single column. Be aware that the cross references are the same as those in the ESV Study Bible (Personal Size) so you don't need both if you are only looking for a Bible with cross references. I still use the NIV for day to day reading, but the ESV is quickly becoming my "literal" translation for comparison.

Really lovely bible. Cover is really pretty and a great colour, bit more green then picture but love it all the same. Sliver edge pages add extra to book. Pages are not devided into colums which I really love. Great concordance too.

I wanted a copy of the translation which was portable and clear, this filled the bill. This is an excellent translation and I use it daily as part of my bible study plan.

The intricate design on the front of the book and the silver edges of the book make it even more special. And as my first bible I am more than pleased. I would definitely recommend this !!!

Just what I was looking for

Absolutely gorgeous with a nice modern twist on the colour - beautiful craftmenship - 100% delighted - also very quick and excellent service.

C'est une ESV classique, avec un texte sans référence. Le format de cette bible est bien pratique à transporter dans un sac, de plus la couverture est très agréable tant à la vue qu'au toucher. Le design reste cependant discret car il ne paraît pas être une bible. La police de caractère est de 8 points ce qui rend le texte facilement lisible. Le prix est très raisonnable.

Very happy with it..

Se conjuntan un tamaño muy manual para llevar a todos lados y una letra muy legible

The cover of this is such a beautiful quality. Feels like super soft leather and very pliable. Gold edging on the pages is also beautiful. The pages are initially all kind of stuck together at the edges by the gilding but they come apart very easily and without damage. Such a lovely, quality gift for a first time bible user to experience.

I wasn't too sure about the size of this when I ordered it, but it is perfect. The text size is very readable. The single column format is excellent. I've always had a difficult time reading bibles with the double column layout, not sure why, maybe it's that I am easily distracted. This single column format is very easy to read; the references are still a little distracting, but acceptable. The references in the "gutter" make the main body of the text so much more readable. Why can't everyone do this? I love the layout of the psalms & proverbs, due to the single column you can see how the lines and paragraphs are suppose to be organized; it really helps to see the structure of the chapters. Line matching is excellent and I've never found the ghosting to be a distraction. I wish I could have found this bound with a higher quality material, but the True Tone cover seems like it will be OK for a couple of years.