The ESV Study Bible in Buffalo Leather

The ESV Study Bible has long sat atop the podium as my favorite study Bible on the market and nothing has really come close in challenging its position. It’s filled with features that are unrivaled in my opinion. What makes it even better is that Crossway has released it in a plethora of editions. I’m really excited about their newest offering though, which is my favorite Study Bible wrapped in buffalo leather.

This Bible comes in a two piece box that has Crossway’s standard look. If I’m honest, their design might could use an update, but it really is what is inside the box that counts.

When you hold this Bible, you immediately recognize that this isn’t your average leather. The buffalo is smooth and has a nice grain. It’s dark brown (I’d love to see one in black!). It has flex, but it’s a sturdier leather.

The spine has four raise hubs that are just awesome. They are well done and hubs on a Bible of this thickness just look so good! Stamped in gold are “STUDY BIBLE” in italics, “ESV” running down the spine vertically, “ENGLISH STANDARD VERSION”, and “CROSSWAY”.

The Bible has gold gilt page edges, which looks really nice with the leather. It’s Smyth-sewn for durability. It has one single-sided satin bookmark in dark brown. First, this Bible should have at least two bookmarks minimum. This is a buffalo leather edition! We could afford to throw in another bookmark. Second, Crossway desperately needs to upgrade their bookmark game. I will give them credit that it’s wider than their usual bookmarks, but single sided satin? I mean, c’mon Crossway! Give us double sided! Treat this better than a TruTone! It could also stand to be longer.

Inside, I give them credit for a paste down vinyl liner that’s dark brown. This Bible isn’t edge-lined, but the vinyl adds to the flexibility and I really like that. The end sheets also are dark brown and have a vinyl feel to them, which is different but I like it as well.

The paper in this Bible is a 30 gsm Thin Opaque. While I love thick paper, you really can’t have it all with a Bible of this size. The paper is good. You’ll notice some ghosting, but it’s not a deal breaker. The font is a very nice 9 point that is in a single column for the Bible text. The notes are in a smaller, but still quite readable 7.25 point that is arranged in a double column that is separated from the Bible text with a horizontal line. The columns are also separated with a vertical line. The text is not line-matched unfortunately.

When you buy a study Bible, if we're honest, the thing you probably care most about is the content. I think the ESV Study Bible is the best Study Bible on the market because of the amazing amount of information it contains. It gives you a wealth of study material in one volume, which is what makes it incredibly valuable.

This Bible is going to give you over 25,000 study notes. It contains more than 2 million words! It has over 50 articles focusing on theology, ethics, and biblical teaching. I love that this Study Bible gives you the meat to chew on when it comes to articles. These aren't devotional; they are theological. You come to a Study Bible to grow and learn and the ESV Study Bible delivers. It also contains extensive introductions for each book of the Bible. You get 240 full-color maps and illustrations. It has over 80,000 cross-references and a robust concordance.

I just don't think you're getting this kind of content anywhere else for this price. The ESV Study Bible's content alone is worth far more than they price it for and that's such a blessing. I've heard it said that this Bible is the equivalent of a 20-volume Bible resource library. It's truly an incredible value!

Wrapping up, The ESV Study Bible still is king of study Bibles in my opinion. You can get it with almost any kind of cover including paperback. They have it in personal size to reduce the footprint. They have student editions. The number of options combined with the amazing content really puts this study Bible on another level. If you want a really nice edition that isn’t quite premium then this buffalo edition will definitely not disappoint!

You can pick up your copy of the ESV Study Bible in buffalo leather on Amazon (affiliate).

Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of this Bible from Crossway in exchange for a fair and honest review.