The CSB Handcrafted Pastor's Bible Verse-by-Verse Edition
I love seeing more premium CSB’s arriving on the scene. The Bible I’m reviewing today certainly is interesting! It seems to be a blend of two previous CSB’s. The question is, “did they do it right?” The CSB Handcrafted Pastor’s Bible Verse-by-Verse seems to be a blend of the Handcrafted Verse-by-Verse and the former Single Column Pastor’s Bible.
This new Handcrafted offering comes in the typical Handcrafted box. I will say it’s a beautiful box that’s done well. I think the navy with gold accents is a bit more interesting than other premium boxes without looking too busy.
The Bible itself feels thick when you pull it out of the box, but it really isn’t that much thicker than the CSB Verse-by-Verse. I received the black leather and it feels soft. I also love the way the grain looks on these Handcrafted Bibles. It’s very striking on the leather. Interestingly, my copy has a tooled perimeter line. I don’t often see this on premium Bibles that aren’t rebinds, but it’s a really subtle and nice touch. It also makes the cover visually interesting.
On the spine in gold is the CSB logo, “HOLY BIBLE”, “CHRISTIAN STANDARD BIBLE”, and “HOLMAN”. The spine also features tooled bars. I personally, would wish for raised hubs, but each publisher makes their own choices. It still looks nice, but the hubs add a touch of sophistication that I personally prefer.
The Bible features three double-sided satin ribbons that have become typical on the Handcrafted line. They black, gold, and orange, which really look nice together. The ribbons are the perfect width, but could use a bit more length in my opinion. There are also black head and tail bands. The page edges are a nice red under gold art gilt.
Inside is a nice, black calf liner. There’s a gold perimeter gilt line and black vinyl end sheets. The Bible is Smyth-sewn and edge-lined for durability.
I found myself asking, “Who is this Bible for?” I think I’ve finally come to a good conclusion. As stated earlier, this Bible seems to blend two different Bibles that Holman was producing. I personally like the Handcrafted Verse-by-Verse a bit better because of the red accents for chapter and verse numbers. I also typically wouldn’t carry a Bible with me that had the pastoral helps in the back. The conclusion I reached is that this Bible is for the person who wants one Bible to do everything. Maybe you can only invest in one premium Bible. Maybe you’re newer to ministry and need the pastoral helps and references. This is the Bible for you.
This Bible is a two-column, verse-by-verse layout. The text size is a 9.75 and there is a good size outer margin for notes. The text is black letter. Cross references are found in the bottom right corner and are very readable. Textual notes appear at the bottom of the page in a single column. I’m unsure the GSM on the paper, but it is a true white and very opaque. The text is line-matched as well.
This is a great layout. It’s very readable and useable. In fact, this is my favorite layout that the CSB has. I’ve used several others and always come back to this one. It’s very accessible and I highly useful.
The other highlight of this Bible are the “Pastoral Resources.” There are fifteen articles featuring various authors such as Jared C. Wilson, Charles Spurgeon, Billy Graham, and more. The things newer pastors may find of most use are the outlines for weddings and funerals that are that the center of the Bible. Also, the “Where to Turn” section for answering common questions will prove to be useful.
At the back of the Bible is a Concordance as well as full color maps.
If you’re looking for one nice Bible to do it all then this is it! Holman has packed every useful thing they can in here for the preacher and teacher. There are certainly other options out there, but this is the Swiss Army Knife of Bibles.
You can pick up your copy of the Handcrafted Pastor’s Bible Verse-by-Verse Edition on Amazon. (affiliate)
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this Bible in exchange for a fair and honest review.
