The MacArthur Study Bible: New American Standard Bible

You really need this to understand scripture. Every verse esplained. Go get yours.

This is a very good study Bible providing essential information and explanation. I use it to study the Scriptures for more accurate details. It is a very essential guide to learning.

Great study bible with amazing details and explanations. This bible is not for everyone. Many comments complain about the size and weight of this bible, however, the reasoning for this is because this bible adds full context about almost every verse. It goes into details on verses Jesus references (when talking about the laws) explains culture, and many more important things to help you study. I am a big believer of understanding the who what where when why of each verse and chapter, this bible answers the majority of questions about all the verses and books. The only other piece I enjoy to add with this bible is getting into the original language and translations.

I was looking for a New American Standard Bible translation to use for my writing which would complement my other translations at home. This hardcover edition of The MacArthur Study Bible (Updated Edition) definitely provided me so much more than just the basic, inexpensive, hardbound NASB translation that I was looking for. The text is easy to read, printed on (thin) quality paper and is loaded with study features. Each page of my Large Print Edition is nicely arranged for study with a double-column format and relevant study notes at the bottom of each page. The notes are in a different font style so they are distinct from the biblical text. A center column on each page contains additional verse references and literal word renderings. Some of the features include a pretty traditional set of maps, an excellent concordance and an exceptional series of charts spread throughout the Old and New Testaments, providing a tremendous amount of relevant study information. The placement of the charts and study notes on the applicable page make referencing the material much simpler than other Study Bibles, like the Thompson Chain Reference Bible and the Scofield Study Bible. A general Introduction to the Bible is also included, along with information on How We Got The Bible, How To Study The Bible and a nice explanation on how to best use the general format of this Bible. The OT and NT have an additional introduction, as well as information on the Pentateuch (First five books of the OT) and an introduction to the OT Prophets. Each book of the OT and NT also have its own individual introduction. As you can see, this isn't your grandfather's Bible. It's a fully-equipped Study Bible with enough helpful reference material to keep you busy for quite some time! The notes and other material are written with the general reader in mind; that is, they are very helpful and you don't have to be a Bible scholar to understand them. That in itself is a big plus. The hardcover I purchased comes with a dust jacket and because I chose the Large Print Edition, it is a rather thick, heavy book (2 1/2 inches thick & over 4 and a half pounds). Thankfully, I don't plan on carrying it around with me, and it will stay on my computer desk at home. With such a large volume, I am concerned how well the binding will hold up over time, since it is not a stitched binding? Whether it does or not, I will add an addendum to this review later on and let you know. I got a deal on my copy from a seller on Amazon.com (60% off -- Like New), so with the NASB translation I was looking for, all of the study notes and a bushel of reference material I would want in a study Bible, it will probably come as no surprise to hear I am very pleased with The MacArthur Study Bible.

Outstanding and very clear to read. Large print makes huge difference.