Author, Simon.
Published, February 10, 2009.
Crossway Bibles has released a new study bible, in the English Standard Version translation. I’d been considering getting a new bible for some time, and heard through some of my favourite preachers and writers that the new ESV one would be good. I checked it out, bought one, and it is excellent.
For one, there are excellent commentary/study notes. They include handy tables, maps, and clear explanations of particular verses. Also, there are good chapter summaries, which is more handy than I first 
thought. The introductions to each book are thorough and useful. Also there is a textbook worth of articles and resources scattered throughout the bible. At the back there are 250 pages of articles, including guides on doctrine, biblical ethics, interpretation, reliability of manuscripts, history and maps. All very useful, all high quality material.
The presentation is attractive, with colour maps and helpfully coloured notes. ESV is a nice translation too. I’d heard John Piper and Mark Driscoll talk about how good it was, but I’m not sure I could see what they meant. However, it is actually quite eloquent. It is a ‘word for word’ translation, as opposed to a ‘thought for thought’ translation. This means that the translation is based upon each word individually, and supposedly retains more of the original text’s meaning. It is considered more literal. The New International Version is a ‘thought for thought’ translation, which I gather means that the translation technique is more based upon larger portions of the original text being translated with the broader context in mind.
I have found, from my reading of both translations, that NIV makes for better and easier reading, but the ESV has some more punch. It is, by no means, difficult. However, as a good friend pointed out to me, the NIV would perhaps be a better place to start for a new Christian or a new bible reader.
I recommend this Bible for any Christian or non-Christian who takes the Scriptures seriously or loves to delve the depths of God’s word. As a study tool it is excellent, and it seems the translation is a good one. For more information you can check out the ESV Study Bible page. It should be available at Koorong and Word stores.
I have nothing but good things to say about the ESV translation. I enjoy its higher-level English. As a native English speaker I find this translation far richer to read, than particularly the NIV.
(Excursis: I am not saying anything bad about the NIV, it is an International Version, it is designed to be read by year 8 (please correct me if I am wrong!) English students and is therefore simpler than the ESV. It has an excellent role! And I thank God that such an English version is available!)
I would recommend the ESV to everyone, especially native English speakers, I would say that it is not difficult to read at all, more difficult than an NIV but it will provide greater understanding.
As far as the Study Bible is concerned. I have not read it yet. I will get back to you when I have - I am considering getting an ESV Study Bible myself.
I am currently trying it out online for a month! Anyone can get free access to the ESV Study Bible for the month of March ‘09; follow this link http://www.esv.org/blog/2009/03/esvosb-free-online-access/
It’s a winner, Roger. It’s such a nice publication, and there’s a theology textbook worth of material aside from the biblical text.
I really like the NIV. It reads really well, and it’s possibly the best evangelism bible. I have given a foreign language speaker my NIV, and I feel confident he could understand most of it. I like the ESV for the reasons you’ve mentioned, and the ones I’ve mentioned. It does appeal to me because the language is more complex and more colourful. I suppose that the translation accuracy and faithfulness is debatable in every translation. However, they do claim that this is quite a faithful translation, due to it’s translation style. I reckon you should splash out and get this Study Bible; I’d be suprised if you regretted it.
Looks like I’ll be getting mine by the end of the week hopfully ^-^
Bring on the coloured pictures :P
Woot! The coloured pictures rock. Enjoy it, Holly.