Great OT/NT Give away bible
351179
First let me comment on this translation of the bible.  The ESV will become the standard english bible among evangelicals in the next several years for a few reasons.

This translation follows the Hebrew/Greek more carefully than the NIV, NLT, CSV and all other contemporary translations, except for the NAS.

The NAS is equivalent to the ESV in following the original text.

So is the NKJ, but the ESV is superior to the NKJV because it uses the best Greek/Hebrew texts available and the NKJV follows the textual tradition dating back to England in the 17th Century inspite of the libraries from Russia, the Middle East and other centers preserved through the ages.

The ESV is better than the NAS because it is easier to read in English than the NAS.  Let me illustrate:

ESV Hebrews 13:1  Let brotherly love continue.
NAS Hebrews 13:1  Let love of the brethren continue.

This pattern follows throughout the whole NT.

So my first point is that the ESV follows the Hebrew/Greek as well as the most literal translations. (NAS).  ESV sounds more like the way we speak today, which is a crucial element in a translation of the bible. The ESV avoids adding phrases and words to accomplish this.  The NIV and many others err by adding phrases/words to try to help the translation process out.  Let me illustrate:

Philippians 2:1 has a phrase in Greek 'En Kristo' which basically means 'in Christ'.  It can carry a lot of nuances to it, but it literally translates as 'in Christ'.  Note how the ESV carries this through, but the NIV and the NLT try to interpret it by adding other words.

ESV Philippians 2:1  So if there is any encouragement in Christ,
NIV Philippians 2:1  If you have any encouragement from being united with Christ,
NLT Philippians 2:1  Is there any encouragement from belonging to Christ?

So En Kristo with the NIV becomes 'from being united with Christ' when it probably should be just 'in Christ'.

The NLT makes it out to be 'from belonging to Christ' when it should be just 'in Christ'.

So both of those translations actually add an entire prepositional phrase to the Greek text 'En Kristo'.  For those of us who read Greek, this is exactly why we have grown to love the ESV.  It's just more accurate.

So almost everyone I know who reads Greek/Hebrew loves the ESV and has switched to it.  I certainly did, after comparing about 50 passages over a year or so with other versions, I have come to trust the ESV above all the other english versions I have.

Now on this particular format, it is an inexpensive paperback with inexpensive paper.  That is expected in a low cost give away bible like this.  Having said that, the paper is a bleached white with pretty good font (Kind of like a high quality newspaper).  Here's my test for a good font...'if I can read it, that's pretty good'.  I cannot read the fonts on many bibles because I'm in my mid 40's and my eyesight is not as good as it used to be.  I can read this one without any trouble at all...so it's a good font.

The spine is glued, and holds together without any problems.

Also, this bible uses the 2001 text for the ESV.  There is a new 2007 text that is just coming out.  But it is almost the same, and I wouldn't worry about that at all.

I heartily recommend this version.  Our church has switched to it as our 'official worship service version' and we have copies of this edition scattered throughout the sanctuary for people to use.

We bought a case of these and have given most away.  Our youth use them in SS class and they are holding up after about 6 months of use.

I think this particular bible is a great deal on a great translation!
4193212
I bought these for a church that does a lot of street witnessing and gives Bibles away. This Bible is white-- it seems better suited for a wedding, but with a leather cover, words of Christ in red, a dictionary and maps, it's not only a good study aid, but it's a really nice Bible that people won't throw away or just put in a corner and never pick up again. You can't even get them used at this price, and this&nbsp;<a data-hook="product-link-linked" class="a-link-normal" href="/Holy-Bible-King-James-Version/dp/1565633253/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_rvw_txt?ie=UTF8">Holy Bible King James Version</a>&nbsp;was the only thing I found at the same cost-- but it's a paperback. It will get dirty more easily, but it will also get attention, and with the leather cover, you can wipe it off. This is a great Bible for a gift for a loved one, for spreading the gospel, or for your own personal use, and it won't break the bank.
401890
This is a great Bible to give your children, grandchildren and great grand children. It is an easy to read Bible for any age. I like to read it myself. Great activities for the family are included.
4229139
I originally saw this Bible at the Barnes and Noble at the Grove in Los Angeles and fell in love with its simplicity. As far as I can tell the cover is leather, it's a bit stiff but with use that should be remedied. It lays perfectly flat when open which is a huge upside to this bible. The pages are lined in silver and add a nice classic touch the ribbon is great as well and was neatly tucked into the pages to avoid fraying or damage until it's in the customers hands, but overall it feels really sturdy.

Something that I rather appreciate is the fact that the words of Christ are in red and easy to identify. It leaves out the confusion when trying to decipher who's speaking.

The New International Version isn't as complex as the KVJ so it's perfect for beginners as a gift or even the bible you take to church. I don't like having really bulky things ever so this is the ultimate bible to transport with you to and from church due to its sleekness.

A con I did notice is that I found the pages; being new and all, sometimes stick to one another tightly so pay attention to the page numbers to ensure you don't skip a page. Again this would simply be remedied with use so it's not a big deal especially if you gently rub the two stuck pages together. But make sure that if you have this little problem that you are gentle with the pages as they are fragile, as most bible pages are. I believe that the main reason pages stick is due to the silver lining of the pages so it's to be expected.

Overal, this is a great bible for seasned Christ followers or new ones. I highly reccomend this!
2468706
My brother  have a little daughter so i enjoy reading books to her, so this bible is what i wanted to share with her to teach gods words. It is in great condition and the prints are big and picture are big and bold so i am happy.
25866
Very  pleased with this Bible, only have read some but plan to get much more involved.
1284805
I loved getting this little pink and ruby red pocket sized Bible in the mail! The iShine Bible is made for tweens.  There is also a grey and yellow version for boys.

The NLT is a version that I did not grow up with, but I think it's great for tweens to be able to understand the content a little better.  It's not a philosopher's version but the point is to get tweens to READ the Bible :)

This Bible also offers QR codes for free music downloads and url links to podcasts and online discussions.  I really appreciate the time and thought put into this Bible to make it relevant with the technology that is out there for everyone today.

A minor issue I have is actually not about the Bible.  I personally do not like the pictures listed on the online retailers websites to sell this Bible.  It seems too busy.  As a consumer you might know understand that the white part on the front with the word "shine" and the teenager on the front is NOT on the Bible.  It's a cardboard sleeve.  The actual Bible is an imitation leather in fun colors of pink/red and grey/yellow.

Some of you know that I only have boys and are wondering why I got a pink and red Bible to review... I know a tween girl that will be getting my copy as a gift :)

I received this book free from Tyndale as part of their Blogger Review Program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commision's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.
2813900
This is a great Bible. It includes several sections to do other little activities with a friend or by yourself. My daughter loves this one.
4431496
Lovely bible.  It has 11 point print -which is not large print-but decent enough and its written in a language that I can understand.  I bought one for myself and for my grown daughter.  I would definitely recommend this bible and would buy another one for any family member or friend when the times comes.
1351794
it is quite easy to have at your fingertips the whole bible. Just key the book whether O.T. or N.T. It's not hard or clumsey to hold.
4631958
The first Bible I boought was defective in the binding but Amazon sent me out a replacement and I found this Bible to be wonderful!  It has a nice page lay-out with center column references.  The Word's Christ are in red and the print is easy to read.  The leather is a little stiff but I'm sure that will change with use.  Nice Bible!
2944213
This is a fantastic gift for anyone with young children.  Each Biblical story clearly illustrates the implied or expressed role of Jesus.  I actually learned more (okay, in a "heart" sense, not in a "head" sense) about the OT from reading this Storybook Bible to my son than I did from my own Study Bible!
1564148
One of the things high on my priority list is to make sure that all of the children within my sphere have a Bible of their own. I love giving these little ones a copy of the NIrV Bible. It is the perfect version for early readers and allows them to begin the lifelong habit of reading and memorizing scripture.

This edition is especially nice because it is very affordably priced but it includes all of the features that you want in a beginner Bible. If you are planning a Vacation Bible School or Backyard Bible Club pick up several copies for the kids attending.

I also like to use it for supplements to gifts for birthday parties and other gift giving occasions. If you'd like to dress it up a bit just make a custom cover with washi tape or some other crafty idea or purchase a Bible cover. There is a presentation page that you can personalize for the special recipient.

One other thing we use this particular Bible for is the English as a Second Language classes at our church. The price is right and the reading level is perfect for those just beginning to grasp the complexities of the English language.

I received a copy of this book to facilitate this review.
4769371
You will be suprised at the easy to read large print of this Bible and how thin and easy to carry.  The Bible just feels good to the touch. The pages do not feel too thin and easy to tear like some other bibles.  Everyone that looks that this Bible asks "How did they get such large print and still be this thin?"  This Bible is both the Old Testament and New Testament.

Great Bible at a Great Price.  They make great gifts.
3119985
Great to have a Greek/NIV New Testament. It has the Greek text on the left page and the English (NIV) text on the right page. I prefer this format over the formats that mix the Greek text above the English text. Reasonable sized fonts for both the Greek and English Text. Also nice to have a Dictionary in the back of this Bible. There are four color maps in the back of the Bible, which I also like. I wouldn't mind having a few more however. Zondervan is the publisher and this Bible is well formatted and laid out. Nice soft leather cover. Overall, very pleased with this purchase.

Suggestions:
1) Have a "Look Inside" so that potential buyers can see what the format of this Bible looks like before they buy it. Also show an example of the Greek-to-English Dictionary in the back of the Bible.

Publisher Suggestion:
2) I would LOVE to see a Greek / NASB or a Greek / ESV version of this Bible with the same type of formatting.
3) Keep the same Quality of the paper / cover when doing so.
1149217
I bought this Bible for my fella who was new to church, and I thought might enjoy the easier to read versions of the Bible. I think both of these versions are excellent, and to have them in the same book is a plus! He enjoyed it so much we purchased another one for his mother who also loves it!
2908136
I have the exact same Bible in Hardback ...
It's a great WORD Bible with Encouraging teaching from many GODLY Men and Women and their books excerpts. Prayers to Pray and topics to Study... I like hands on experience so this NKJV, new Spirit-filled Life Bible is fantastic and a great reference Bible also.
They also put JESUS words in the back and how to begin your Christian life with Biblical principles at the beginning of this Bible ...
Since JESUS through HOLY SPIRIT through this Bible ... My Life has changed for the Best...
I Love this Book... Do you? Thanks Amazon you are doing great promoting books.
From a confessed Book-acholic lol