The Premier Collection ESV MacArthur Study Bible
Once I began taking my Christian walk seriously, one of my first Bibles was a NASB MacArthur Study Bible. I wore it out and took it everywhere. It was a major blessing to me and helped me in my walk with Christ. I’m excited that there is now an updated edition in premium materials and best of all, it comes in my favorite translation—the ESV.
No matter what you think of John MacArthur, his impact and influence on the global church can’t be denied. Many have benefited from his teaching and writings. The fact there is a second edition of this study Bible is a testament to the legacy of John MacArthur.
This Bible comes in a beautiful black and silver box showcasing the signature cursive “M” that I remember being imprinted on the two tone fake leather edition of my first MacArthur Study Bible.
The Bible itself is wrapped in a beautiful light brown goatskin that feels supple and is incredibly flexible. The spine has four raised hubs. I love the gold stamping that is horizontal so it can be read while laying flat on a shelf. I think this is a really nice touch. The horizontal text says, “the MACARTHUR STUDY BIBLE”. Vertically stamped below it are “English Standard Version” and “THOMAS NELSON”. The Bible is Smyth-sewn for durability.
The Bible has three long double-sided satin ribbon bookmarks. One is brown and the others are a light blue and a red. I have to say it every time, but Thomas Nelson does their ribbon bookmarks perfectly in my opinion. The page edges are a red under gold art gilt. There are dark brown head and tail bands.
Inside is a dark brown calfskin liner and a gold perimeter gilt line. The presentation page is pretty plain, but it is matte in texture. I really like the fact that it has a matte finish. Many of the glossy presentation pages smudge when you write on them if you’re not careful and the matte eliminates that problem.
Inside, you’ll find 39 gsm European Bible paper. The paper is slightly off white and may be the thickest paper I’ve handled on a Bible thus far. Ghosting is very minimal and the text is line-matched both for the Scripture and the notes. The font is a 9 point font that Thomas Nelson calls Comfort Print and it was designed specifically for them. A typical page has the biblical text in two columns, references in one column underneath, and then notes in 3 columns below that. The text is black with a blue accent on headings, chapter numbers, verse numbers, reference verse numbers, text quotations in the notes, and charts. The page design is very attractive.
This is a Study Bible so the content really matters. The MacArthur Study Bible is packed with rich content. Since this the second edition, all of the study notes, maps, and charts have been updated. There are almost 25,000 verse-by-verse study notes from Dr. MacArthur. You’ll find 190 maps, charts, and diagrams that illustrate meanings, themes, teachings, people, and places in Scripture. All of these are interspersed throughout the Bible. The Bible includes Thomas Nelson’s complete cross-reference system with over 72,000 references. All of this is this tip of the iceberg.
You’ll also find helpful articles including How to Study the Bible, The Progress of Revelation, A Brief Overview of Christ’s Life, Overview of Theology and the Holy Scriptures, and more. There are several articles on how to harmonize related books of the Bible including the Gospels. The Bible also includes a Table of Monies, Weights, and Measures, a Concordance, a reading plan for reading the Bible in a year, and maps. I’ve complained about maps in the past, but I truly believe they belong in a study Bible.
I’ve still not mentioned every feature you’ll find in this Bible, but it is absolutely packed. You are truly getting a great resource for your money with The MacArthur Study Bible.
Conclusion
Whether you agree or disagree with every aspect of Dr. MacArthur’s doctrine, The MacArthur Study Bible is a worthy resource for your shelf space because of his wisdom and faithfulness. Not many have served a church for as long as Dr. MacArthur and even less have taken their church through all of Scripture during their ministry. The MacArthur Study Bible is a valuable resource and the second edition is even better than the first. Be sure to check out all the pictures below.
