Reading the Bible is both our privilege and our duty, and Crossway has just made the effort a new experience with – hopefully – fresh understanding. As useful and valuable as the chapter and verse divisions are, they can leave us reading in a way different from that of the original readers.
Crossway wants us to read the Bible like we would read any other book, in one sense – just read through the text without distraction by our artificial verse and chapter divisions. And to help even further they’ve carefully selected the right paper, the right font, the right font size, and they’ve bound it all up in six beautiful volumes with slipcase. It’s really a great idea.
Crossway’s Vision for this Project:
The Bible is the greatest earthly treasure that God has ever entrusted to his people. The purpose of the ESV Reader’s Bible, Six-Volume Set is to present the biblical text in a way that facilitates smoothness of reading and deeper engagement with God’s Word for the joy of God’s people. To that end, chapter and verse numbers, footnotes, and most section headings have been removed in an effort to immerse readers in the sweep of the Bible’s overarching storyline. Manufactured in Italy with materials and craftsmanship of the highest quality, this unique edition reflects the unspeakable preciousness and beauty of the Scripture itself.
Crossway’s Promo Description:
The ESV Reader’s Bible, Six-Volume Set stems from the conviction that the Bible is of immeasurable value and should therefore be treasured—and read in the most seamless way possible. Constructed with materials carefully selected to reflect the beauty of God’s Word, the ESV Reader’s Bible, Six-Volume Set is a unique collection designed for those desiring a cleaner, simpler Bible-reading experience. Printed on European book paper with smyth-sewn binding and packaged in an elegant slipcase, this edition features single column text that is free of all verse numbers, chapter numbers, and footnotes, as well as most section headings—resulting in a unique Bible-reading experience that helps readers encounter and delight in the beauty of God’s Word.
- Size: 5.25″ x 7.75″
- 12-point Trinité type
- Black letter text
- Single-column, paragraph format
- No verse numbers, chapter numbers, or footnotes
- Reduced section headings
- Printed on high-quality European book paper
- Divided into six volumes: Pentateuch, Historical Books, Poetry, Prophets, Gospels & Acts, and Epistles & Revelation
- Ribbon markers
- Smyth-sewn binding
- Packaging: Heavy slipcase
This was a really good idea, and it does make Bible reading a new experience. Highly recommended! Give a set for Christmas!
You can download an excerpt here.
View Crossway’s promo video here to learn more: