The Most Scholarly Study Bible
590557
The Jewish Study Bible combines a modern English translation of the Jewish Holy Scriptures, which Protestants call the Old Testament, with essays that explain the Holy Scriptures. The Old Testament for Roman Catholics and Eastern Orthodox Christians includes books which Protestants place in the Apocrypha.

Because of the conquests of Alexander the Great, by the third century BC many Jews spoke Greek as their first language, and could not read Hebrew. The Septuagint was a Greek translation of the Bible made for them. It includes books not found in Hebrew. When New Testament authors quote the Old Testament, they quote from the Septuagint.

Eventually Jews stopped using the Septuagint because certain passages in it seemed to predict the ministry of Jesus more than comparable passages in the Hebrew. Protestants decided that the Apocrypha should not be used to form doctrine, because New Testament writers do not quote from it, and because one of the books in the Apocrypha, 2 Maccabees seems to indicate the existence of Purgatory.

The Jewish Bible contains the same books as does the Protestant Old Testament, although the order following Deuteronomy is different. Jews divide the Holy Scriptures into the Law, the Prophets, and the Writings. The New Testament mentions the Law and the Prophets. The Writings do not seem to have been canonized yet.

The Jewish Study Bible begins each book, and the twelve Minor Prophets, with an introduction. Each book has ample footnotes. The Holy Scriptures are followed by more essays describing various Jewish interpretations of the Holy Scriptures over the centuries.
The Jewish Study Bible interprets the Holy Scriptures from a modernist perspective, including the Documentary Thesis. The first five books of the Holy Scriptures were at one time attributed to Moses.

Over the centuries Jewish and Christian scholars noted discrepancies with this theory. Footnotes in The Jewish Study Bible draw attention to these discrepancies. For example, Genesis 36: 31-40 has a list of men who were kings of Edom after the time of Moses.

According to the Documentary Thesis the first five books of the Jewish Holy Scriptures and the Christian Old Testament  Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy  were originally four other documents, that scholars call J, E, P, and D. These were combined, probably during the Babylonian captivity, and possibly by Ezra.

For example, Genesis 37:26-28 reads, Then Judah said to his brothers, What do we gain by killing our brother?Come, let us sell him to the IshmaelitesWhen Midianite traders passed by they pulled Joseph up out of the pit. They sold Joseph for twenty pieces of silver to the Ismaelites.

This indicates that the Midianites sold Joseph to the Ismaelites, whereas Josephs brothers did. The footnote for this reads, Reuben and the Midianites derive from the E version of the story, and Judah and the Ishmaelites from the J version.

The story of David and Goliath seems to have been inserted into an older account of the life of David. It is written in a more recent style of Hebrew than what precedes and follows it in First Samuel. First Samuel 17: 55 reads, When Saul saw David going out to assault the Philistine, he asked his army commander Abner, Whose son is that Abner?

However, earlier, in First Samuel 16 David has already entered Sauls retinue, so Saul would have known him. Protestant Fundamentalists would try to explain this discrepancy away. The Jewish Study Bible acknowledges it.

I have read the Bible, including the Apocrypha, in eight English translations. I appreciate each translation in its own way. I have found the Jewish Study Bible to be the most scholarly.
4123172
This is a great study Bible with a lot of notes.  Even if you don't agree with all the notes, this is by far one of the better study Bibles out there.
1778505
This study Bible is so good that I bought a dozen of them to give as gifts.  Most of the people who have received them say it's the best gift they've ever been given.  My local Christian bookstore says that this is their most popular study Bible.  Can't recommend it enough.
8315
I'm not Catholic, but I recognize that this is an outstanding Bible for both study and devotions.  The NAB is a solid, accurate, accessible translation, and this edition has study notes and cross references after the text of the book, which I think is a much less distracting way of presenting study notes.  Other study bibles have the notes, references, etc., on the same page, and it's easy to just read the on-page notes rather than the Word itself.  This edition, though, has a multitude of well-thought-out commentary notes neatly arranged, by verse, after the book in its entirety; beyond that is an exhaustive list or guide to every incidence of that particular phrase in Scripture.  The leather binding is superb (probably Smyth-sewn), the indexed pages helpful, the type size perfect, and the overall size, "heft," portability, durability, and style of this bible is simply a preview to an outstanding translation with outstanding textual notes.  As a Protestant and 31-year disciple of Christ Jesus, I can say confidently that this is my favorite, most used overall preaching and every-day bible.  Trust me -- if you end up not reading the Word every day, it's not because of any flaws in the design or functionality of this edition.  Truly impressive and well worth the cost.
3790653
This Bible is such a blessing in so many ways. First and foremost it is the Word of God, the text is so clear and crisp which in turn makes reading a joy. The text is not faded and most of the cross references are accurate and useful. The margins are very generous and the paper quality is legendary with regards to anti-bleed through. (I use a Sakura Pigma Micron pen, 005 black) The index to notes section has each page headed with a letter from the alphabet and is extremely useful to log different subjects and references to that subject. The lined notebook paper in the back will in doubt come in very handy. The goatskin cover is very soft and of obvious high quality. This is a Bible that was well thought out and designed to aid in diligent study of the Word of God.

While studying the book of Daniel I noticed small holes in the bottom margin of page 883. Knowing that Cambridge Bibles come with a lifetime warranty, I called Amazon and they were extremely understanding and immediately sent out a perfect replacement copy. I am very thankful for this Holy Bible and look forward to earnest study of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.

"Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me." -John 14:6
3531787
I own five translations (NIV, NKJV, NRSV, Message, and REB) and find myself using this translation (REB) more than any other.  I use the others for clarification or elucidation.  Over six years of organized Bible studies, and many other years of individual study, the Oxford Study Bible has been my constant companion.  I'll have other Bibles with me during the formal studies, but they are in addition to this one.

My only knock on this study Bible are the skimpy textual notes.  For the most part the footnotes deal with historical or academic things, or are simply cross references.  My NIV study Bible provides more spiritually or religiously oriented footnotes and textual notes.  Still, the text of the Oxford Study Bible is clearer and a superior translation (in my opinion).  I have two different commentaries as well, so footnotes aren't much of a problem for me.  For those who don't want to invest in a commentary, though, be aware of this one limitation of this edition.

If I get into seminary, this Bible will be coming with me.
484234
This is my favorite version of the Bible and have all the great study bibles and just wanted one in which I could read easily without having to seeing the words comfortably and this one knocked it out of the park ! Highly recommend if you're looking for comfortable to the eyes bible without all the added notes and commentaries . Especially if you already have them and just want to comfortably read the word. Beautiful bible also and thick quality paper with a black card to use in case of bleeding which I haven't seen. Totally enjoy this bible for just reading.
2614855
I wasn't sure about this translation or this study Bible but I wanted to try something different with my oldest son, all I can say is amazing.  I have used the NIV Study Bible for years and it's good, but this Study Bible blows it away.  The notes, outlines, cross-references, maps, profiles, historical references are so helpful and add so much to the message.  All of this without interfering with the integrity of God's Holy Word.
You will not be disappointed.
339606
This Bible is a wonderful and edifying edition to my personal library.  The ESV translation is both readily accessible to those not comfortable with olde English and is word-for-word accurate.  The notes lean toward the Reformed perspective, but do provide doctrinal comparisons.  Having the maps and topographical pictures available within the text to which they refer is such a terrific bonus, as opposed to continually turning to the back of the book while studying.  The large print appears to be 14 pica, so easily readable to those of us with aging eyes.  I would recommend this Bible 100% to anyone interested in growing in their faith.
4019150
The Ryrie NASB is a comprehensive Study Bible that will meet all your needs.  The Hardcover edition is durable and has a "textbook" like feel to it.  I own the Hardcover and Genuine Leather editions.  The contents are the same but the Genuine Leather edition is SmythSewn for greater durability.

This Bible really has it all: great print size; book introductions; 10,000 concise explanatory notes; cross references; concordance; maps; Synopsis of Bible Doctrine and helpful articles.  The NASB, while not as easy to read as some translations, is a word for word accurate translation.  Ryrie's annotations come from a dispensational point of view and are consistent in their interpretation throughout the Bible. Rather than bog you down with lengthy discussion and multiple quotations from scholars from then and now, the annotations are succinct and focus on what the scriptures themselves have to say.  This makes a huge difference when you want to find information that gets to the point quickly.  This is the only Bible I am aware of that has such a detailed and helpful Synopsis of Bible Doctrine.

Overall, highly recommended and very useful!
566349
The best, in depth commentaries, supported by scripture. The indexes in the back and the maps with it is everything a Bible reader could ask for. This Bible is made to last. Modern reading without changing one word.  Mel Champion, USMC (Ret-DAV)
745153
I bought my first Ryrie Study Bible, New American Standard version, in 1979. I took it through Bible college, seminary, and have used it for reading and for my Biblical studies until now, it is worn and tattered.

During the last 26 years I have bought many other study Bibles but I keep coming back to Ryrie.

So I just bought the Ryrie Study Bible/New American Standard/Red Letter Indexed Bonded Black Leather. This is the expanded edition which has more notes, better footnotes, updated maps and many other useful tools for your study.

I look forward to using this Bible for another 25 years.

God Bless
838391
This is one of the best study Bibles I've ever owned!  It has great insights from some of the top Biblical scholars in the world.  It'll help you immensely in understanding the scriptures in context of time, place, audience, genre, etc.  Combine this with the new Cultural Backgrounds Study Bible and you've got two amazingly comprehensive Biblical texts to enhance your studies.
4675782
Great study bible.  This bible is designed for serious bible students of the Word of God.  It teaches you "how" to study your bible, and not just read it.  You actually read with a purpose.  It is N.A.S.B. a word for word translation, and when studying it provides space to mark key words, make lists, and has charts that you fill out with the information that you have gleened through study.  I recommend it to any serious bible student to keep your notes and in writing your own commentary from your own study.
1237270
It is by far the most comprehensive study Bible I have owned and I have a shelf full.  It is now my main Bible and background resource.  I would recommend it to anyone who has a desire to delve deeper into God's word.  Also, I have compared many, many verses between the KJV and the NKJV and the NKJV is right on the mark.  My wife was the first to acquire this Bible.  After looked through it and began to use it I knew I needed my own copy.
3071675
Although I have occasionally found comments that were merely the personal opinion of the scholar, overall this study bible has the meat that you would hope to find in a real study bible.  You should always keep your mind alert to determine whether you agree with a comment, no matter which study bible it comes from, but if you're looking for a study that dares to go deep into examining the meaning of the scriptures, this is probably the best one that you will find.  However, if you find one better, please let us know, because after all we're all on the same team and it really isn't a competition per se.
4796629
I own a number of Bibles and by far this is the best Bible I own. It is designed for students and anyone who wants to have a better understanding of scripture.