CSB Reader's Bible, Gray Cloth Over Board

The CSB Reader’s Bible is a delightful bible which pairs the much-anticipated CSB 2017 translation with a beautiful reader-friendly presentation of the text. The translation itself (like its predecessor, the HCSB) provides beautiful and clear renderings of Scripture. For instance, Psalm 145:8 reads: “The Lord is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and great in faithful love.” Likewise, Isaiah 43:4 reads: “you are precious in My sight and honored, and I love you.” And a verse from my favorite psalm reads, “I have your decrees as a heritage forever; indeed, they are the joy of my heart” (Psalm 119:111 CSB). The CSB Reader’s Bible showcases the text by presenting it in a reader-friendly, single-column format. Verse numbers, chapter numbers, cross references, and even footnotes have been removed—thus highlighting the present immediacy of the message, as originally delivered: “Seek the Lord while he may be found; call to him while he is near” (Isaiah 55:6, CSB 2017). As a sola scriptura edition, here are no potentially sectarian study notes—thus allowing the scripture to speak for itself. Chapters (but not verses) are indicated in small but highly visible (all caps) color text at the bottom of the page. The removal of verse numbers encourages devotional and conversational intimacy with God—while according His words the utmost reverence. The text has lots of marginal space. Unlike Crossway’s ESV Single-Column Legacy Bible, it does not include section headers in the margins—thus allowing for an uncluttered presentation of the actual words of scripture. My two recommendations would be (1) to reduce the marginal space in favor of a larger font size, and (2) to create a slimline large print edition with a text size much larger than the 9.5-pt. text size of the the CSB Large Print Ultrathin Reference Bible (though the smaller size is offset by the fact that it is available in both inexpensive imitation and premium leather editions). For me, larger is always better. I am definitely spoiled on my 18-point HCSB Super Giant Print Study Bible. (Hopefully a future edition of the CSB Super Giant Print Study Bible will increase the font size from 17 pt. to 18 pt.) Hopefully, at some point in future, Holman might publish a 6-volume case set similar to the ESV Reader’s Bible (12 pt.). However, the 10-point font size of the CSB Reader’s Bible is similar to that of the NKJV Reader’s Reference Bible (9 pt.), the ESV Single-Column Legacy Bible, the NIV Sola Scriptura Bible Project (10.3 pt.), or the NIV Reader’s Bible (10.5 pt.). Lastly, I really like the fine touches such as the surprise two-color interior (with the first letter of the start of each chapter being introduced in large size and in a breathtakingly soothing royal turquoise blue color), the creamy color of the pages, the beautiful elegance of the Bible Serif font, and the fantastic set of full-color maps showcased in the HCSB Study Bible. I am happy to recommend this lovely bible! (Note: This book was provided free of charge by B&H/LifeWay in exchange for an honest review.)

I love this Bible. The cover is fabric over board with simple pattern on front, very nicely done, comes in a box case, also fabric covered. When I first opened this Bible, I wasn't sure what to think, I had never seen one without like this before. It was kind of weird with no chapters, or verses marked off, although you can tell where the chapters begin by a bold letter. After taking time to read some of it, however, I was amazed at how easily it flowed. With no separation of verses, and nothing else to distract, it's smooth sailing. It very simple, but flows naturally in an easy to understand text. I would highly recommend this for its readability. I am not really familiar with the Christian Standard version, never having read it before, but I looked up several key passages and they seemed close to the version I usually read from. I look forward to reading through this Bible in the future. I was blessed with a copy of this Bible courtesy of B&H Publishers. I was under no obligation to review positively.

Encounter God's Word as a grand narrative with the CSB Reader's Bible by CSB Bibles by Holman! The CSB Reader's Bible provides the perfect opportunity to read the Bible in its original and simplified form, uninterrupted by verse and chapter references. If you've ever wanted to read through the Bible then the The CSB Reader's Bible is for you. It's extremely easy to understand and makes reading though your Bible a breeze. I love the simple yet beautiful gray color and easy to use ribbon marker for page holding. The CSB Reader's Bible by Holman makes encountering God's Word easier than ever! Disclosure: I received product(s) for free, in exchange for my honest review. I only recommend products I've used personally, and believe will be good fit for consumers.