The ESV study bible has been my go-to translation for the past 5 years. I uograded from leather to genuine cowhide, and what a difference! Very little break in time needed, and is supple and soft. Excellent reference and background material, and commentary. Great for a beginner or seasoned student of Gods Word. I only wish they would offer the cowhide in a large-print version.

This is an AMAZING study Bible full of references, explanations, history, and most importantly, God's Word.

Quick history lesson: This translation is NOT missing verses as a previous reviewer believes. The "missing verses" are verses that were included in popular translations working from newer texts (ie: 1611 KJV). Since that time, older and more RELIABLE texts of the Bible have been discovered and those verses ARE NOT THERE! Over a couple thousand years and countless hand copies, some transcribers "remembered" things they thought were in the Bible and included them. Human memory is a horribly fickle thing! Do a little research for the whole story. It's very interesting. If you believe the Bible, I suggest you study it's origin and history so you know WHAT you believe and WHY you believe it and so you can have total trust in God's Word.

This is a BIG Bible. The commentaries and historical information in here is fascinating and really helps to understand the Bible and bring it to life.

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!!!

This study bible is missing scriptures! Look it up (examples): Matthew 17:21, 18:11, 23:14; Mark 7:16, 9:44, 9:46; Luke 17:36, 23:17, John 5:4; Acts 8:37, etc. This version of the 'bible' should not even be on shelves and sold!! BEWARE!!!

I have been saved for 40 years, grew up in a excellent Christian family, and enjoyed to top quality Bible teaching. The ESV is a good quality text with a excellent series of cross references, weights and measures, regional maps, and temple reconstructions. I purchased the leather binding but I would recommend purchasing the premium binding. For sixty dollars I got a good deal. The areas I would recommend for future improvement would be even better quality topographical and warfighting maps.

A good bible for the price ($50.00). The only reason that I gave it a 4 star rating is the cover is not quality leather. Otherwise, and excellent bible.