This is an awesome Bible. It has so many interesting details, but still not enough- but then I would have an even harder time reading the actual Scripture. I am really glad I own it.

In a world that seems to produce a never-ending stream of Study Bibles for everyone from Charismatic Women With Toddlers to Reformed Men Who Work in the Tech Sector, this Study Bible actually adds something to the Study Bible genre. The notes and articles are excellent for those who are open to conservative scholarship. The layout of the Bible is beautiful. It is colorful and eye-catching. This is definitely not a Bible to carry to church, unless you are into combining worship with weight-lifting. It is big and heavy. It is, however, a great Bible to read and study. This Bible, along with the Literary Study Bible, would provide a great foundation for study for many Christians.

wow. what a book i am not near it now but just reviewing it i wish i had it with me. it is so full of interesting facts along side each bible chapter, it is an amazing book . Do go to the web site for the book and look at some of the sample pages.

As a bibliophile I was and am very impressed with this beautifully bound, presented and illustrated bible. As a student and teacher of history the Archeological Study Bible clearly presents the links between the various books and the historical times, places and people relevant to that period. The quality of th paper and binding is great and I recommend the text to anyone who is studying christianity or history.
Neridah

The Archeological Study Bible is truly amazing...not only does it incorporate cultural history, but also recent archeological findings that substantiate the Biblical context. I highly recommend it to any student of the Word!

Keep in mind that this review is written by a man who doesn't care for the NIV translation. However, I found that: the history, archaeological facts, maps, archaeological photographs (almost 500), NIV translation, and cultural background make this a logical addition to my resource library. The book I have comes with a CD that includes the NIV translation, photographs and maps (I haven't looked at it yet). But even if this bible didn't come with a CD it would be well worth the money I paid for it. I wouldn't say it's as comprehensive as: a bible handbook, manners and customs reference, bible atlas, or concordance. However, it does have aspects of those resources in one volume. I feel this is a solid reference text that should be supported with other reference materials. And if your partial to the NIV translation this is solid choice for a study bible in my humble opinion. God Bless You.

According to Zondervan, the typeface in this study bible is 9 pts. A large[er]-print version, 11 pts, will be available Sept 2007.Archaeological Study Bible: New International Version, An Illustrated Walk Through Biblical History and Culture

This was purchased as a gift. It was well received. The CD that was included made it possible to view and enjoy pictures in a larger format.

Among other things, the Bible is also a history book. This archeological review printed for reading with the Bible to make readily
available factual information adds "life" to the Bible and should aid in discouraging any skeptics about the truths contained therein.

The Archaeological Study Bible is an excellent resource for students of the Bible. It provides tremendous insight into the life and thinking of those who lived during biblical times giving us a background to better understand the Bible.

This bible is not for the faint of heart. If you would like an in-depth look at the scriptures in a historical, liturature text, NOT a literal translation, this is for you. The background articles are amazing, and present all sides of controversial arguments. Plus, a concordance, maps; this bible is for those who want more background information without paying the extra expense for a biblical atlas, commentary, handbook, and concordance.

I'm not the biggest fan of the NIV, I wish it were the TNIV or better yet NKJV. Either way, the pictures and all the extras you don't see in other bibles makes this just another great tool in the collection of study bibles. It is big, and since I carry it around so much, my binding is coming tearing, it's best to leave at home. I bought it online when it first came out for cheap. If you are looking for your first bible, I suggest a NKJV spirit filled bible, but plan on sitting and reading through a few different bibles for a few hours.

Gave this bible to my husband as a gift. He is absolutely thrilled with it. If you like history and you are always asking why, then this is the best study bible to purchase. Oh and by the way......I read it too! Enjoy!

This bible was a great purchase that i made....It has so much interesting extra features....This bible even makes some of the more dry books a new light. This is definetly something that i would reccomend to somebody who either is interested in the archeological field like me, or even if someone just wants to add an extra jolt to their devotional life....I would highly reccomend this to anyone.

I love this Bible. It is very easy to read and the articles are informative and actually interesting - not dry like of lot of other study Bibles and they give alot of insight to the events and actions of the people I have always read about but had no real clue as to why they were doing what they were doing. It also shows how much of the Bible can be supported by current archaeological studies - way more than most people realize. I enjoy reading this Bible for fun, not just for study and would recommend it for anyone interested in Bible study especially if you are also interested in history, geography, culture and, of course, archaeology.

This bible was real leather, as opposed to the one I got from Amazon that was bonded leather. Quick shipping, well packed.

really like the book its about time this type of bible came out, Iam not a believing christian and read it for its literary art. A great book of myth and delusion It is interesting to read thoughts from ancient minds

There is so much information that really sheds some background light on different topics in the Bible. If you are interested in gaining insight into the history and culture of Biblical times as well as getting the Word, then buy this Bible.

I love history, archeology and the BIble. THey're all together here and with a lot of "factoids" that I'd been wondering about.

Excellent Bible for study. I ordered one for my daughter at Christmas because she would take my edition off the shelf when I was ready to do some reading. I like the NIV for reading (I have 3 other styles) and the extra info included is very interesting to read. I ordered the NIV Bible on CD's and my goal is to make it thru the Bible at least twice in one year.

This Bible is great for some information but falls short in the reference area. I still like it and do not regret the purchase at all.

What can I say? If you are any kind of history buff, this is *the* bible for you! It is remarkable. Just look at the other reviews! Decide for yourself. David W.

A wonderful edition to add to one's Biblical Library. It gives not only the Culture of the ancient Hebrews but also the culture of those around them. The print is very small for the notes and articles, Many people will need something like a magnifying bookmark to keep from getting headaches. It does have the look of a history textbook and could be used for a survey of the Bible class. I do wish it had been published in the King James Version, then it could also be used for a Bible as Lit class.

For perhaps the first time, the Archaeological Study Bible makes discoveries in the field of Biblical Archeology available to the average Bible student. The in depth articles bring life to the historical contexts in which many Biblical stories take place. The custom maps and photos of various artifacts vividly illustrate study material.

The only disappointment is the CD included with the Bible. Rather than the interactive software one would hope for from such a quality resource, the CD essentially only contains photos of artifacts seen in the Archaeological Study Bible.

However, even with this minor disappointment, the Archaeological Study Bible is a tremendous resource for any serious student of the Bible.

The Bible study notes are no better than some others I have but the concordance is excellect and the archaeological material is very interesting. I would recommend this volume to anyone.

Very interesting and informative articles are embedded that add insight to life and culture in Bible times. It is a little bulky but worth it.

This is a comprehensive, solidly researched volume that is like having an encyclopedia of Biblical data in your hand. Easy to use, well coss referenced and cogent comments placed in the NIV text where the comments will enhance understanding the backgrounds of that particular section. What would take long hours of research and a huge reference library for an individual to discover, is right on the page for the reader of this magnificent volume. A useful addition to those who wish deeper understandings of the historical context of Biblical materials.

Dick Stenbakken, Ed.D.

My daughter had specifically requested this for Christmas. Ever time she opens it,she finds something new and exciting. She is contemplating purchasing this particular bible for her boyfriend for his birthday.

The bible was in excellent condition and they were quick to ship. Great to do business with.

I was recommended by some of my friends to study NIV Archaeological Study Bible in order to truly understand the Bible from a historical and archaeological point of view. I purchased the same from Amazon without wasting time. However, I was disappointed to find some factually incorrect information provided in the article on "Festivals of Israel" at page 186 under Leviticus 23 chapter during my first week of its study.

The article says that the Feast of Passover was celebrated on tenth day of the first month of the Hebrew Calendar. The Bible clearly states (Lev.23:5-8, Exo.12:6-20, Num.28:16-17) that the Passover was to be observed on the fourteenth of the first Jewish month (i.e. Nisan) when the Passover lamb was killed before the sunset and was to be consumed the same day after sunset which is the 15 of Nisan marking the beginning of Feast of Unleavened Bread, as Jewish days are measured from evening to evening. On the tenth of Nisan, each household only was to take a lamb of the first year on the tenth day of the first Jewish month known as Nisan and set it aside until the fourteenth day (Exodus 12:3-6). The article then says that the Feast of Unleavened Bread immediately followed the Passover which according to the article must be 11 of Nisan which again is a factually incorrect statement. The Feast of Unleavened Bread was celebrated on 15 of Nisan as mentioned in the above Bible references. Then the article goes on to give a misleading statement that the Offering of Firstfruits, a one day feast, occurred in conjunction with the Feast of Unleavened Bread, a seven day feast, without specifying its exact observance day. According to the Bible, it was to be celebrated the day after the Sabbath during the seven-day Feast of Unleavened Bread on which the Priest was to wave a sheaf of the firstfruits of harvest before the Lord (Lev.23:9-14).

Such irresponsible comments in a study bible like NIV Archaeological Study Bible not only raise serious questions over the scholarship of the experts involved in writing these articles but also lessen the confidence of the readers who take everything written in the Study bibles to be true and factual. Though most of the articles written in the Bible are very helpful, informative and accurate, there may well be deficiencies in some of the articles which only careful study can reveal in future. A serious student of the scriptures therefore must examine everything like the people of Berea whom the Bible refers to as "Noble" for "they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so." (Acts 17:11). Then, it is also written that "Test everything, Hold on to the good." (1 Thess. 5:21).

One of the prominent reasons for such casual approach shown towards the Festivals of Israel is that the Church has never fully understood its Hebrew roots, into which it was grafted by the Lord (Rom. 11:17) and hence, never really recognised the role of these Feasts of Israel in human salvation which the LORD calls His own Feasts in Lev.23:4. Instead of giving these feasts their due respect, honour and contemplation, we tend to ignore and dismiss them as a mere tradition. We have still not yet understood that the Lord has hidden His salvation plan in His Feasts. The christians are simply not aware that all the Spring Feasts of the Lord were fulfilled at Christ's first coming, on the exact day of the feast while all the Fall Feasts of the Lord point to the second advent of Christ, with the Feast of Trumpets, the first of the fall feasts, signifying the rapture of His Bride. If one searches in the Scriptures, he/she can see that Jesus Christ was crucified on the Passover during the Feast of Passover and of Unleavened Bread; that He raised from the dead on the first day of week on the day of Firstfruits; and that the Holy Spirit was poured out on His Church on the day of Pentecost, another prominent Feast of the Lord. It is therefore an enough indication that the rapture of the Church must take place on the Feast of Trumpets (Remember 1 Thess.4:16 & 1 Cor.15:52, the Lord shall descend from heaven with a shout at the sound of Trumpet and we shall be changed) which is the first Feast of the Lord of the three remaining feasts waiting to be completed in future as part of salvation plan (Though noone can be certain of the exact hour, exact date or exact year of the rapture just as the Lord said). We have probably forgotten the words of St.Paul in Col.2:17 where he says that these Holy days are a shadow of THINGS TO COME.

The other point I wish to bring out is one of the comments in the said article saying that Jesus had a Passover meal during Last Supper. A simple reading of the Synoptic Gospels (Mark 14:12-17, Matthew 26:17-20; Luke 22:7-14) seem to suggest that Jesus and His disciples ate the Passover on the traditional first evening of the Passover on the 15th of Nisan (technically 14th of Nisan after sunset). However, according to the Gospel of John (John 13:1-2), the last supper was held before the Feast of Passover on the evening of 14th of Nisan (technically 13th of Nisan after sunset). Now, there seems to be a discrepancy between the Synoptic Gospels and Gospel of John about the day on which Last Supper was held.

The explanation for this is that the Feast of Passover (to be observed on 14 of Nisan) and the Feast of Unleavened Bread (to be observed on 15 of Nisan after sunset of 14) are often blurred together as a single entity and simply called "Passover". In Jesus' time, it was common to refer to both the feasts as a single feast (Luke 22:1,7; Mark 14:1,12). The Feast of Passover and of the Unleavened Bread was viewed and understood to begin on the 15th day of Nisan (after sunset of Nisan 14) on which the feast is held and the passover eaten, with 14 of Nisan on which only the Passover lamb is killed, known as the Day of Preparation (John 19:31). All the three Synoptic Gospels state that on the first day of the unleavened bread, Jesus sent his disciples ahead of time to locate the place of the meal and to make preparations for it. Now, how can we really be sure about this day as to whether it was Nisan 14 or Nisan 15, as Gospels use Feasts of Passover and Unleavened Bread synonymously. Well, the words in Mark 14:12 and Luke 22:7 explain this very clearly. They refer to this day as "the first day of unleavened bread when they killed the Passover/when the Passover must be killed". This day is referred to here as the day on which the people used to sacrifice the Passover. As discussed earlier, the Passover lamb was to be killed on the evening on the 14th day of Nisan (before sunset) and eaten only on the 15 of Nisan. Thus, the Gospels very clearly tell us that it was the 14 of Nisan (the day beginning after sunset of 13 of Nisan when they used to sacrifice their passover later in the afternoon) when Jesus sends his disciples to prepare for the Passover and later eats His Last Supper with His disciples that same day in the night. Nisan 14 is therefore called "the preparation day" on which one used to make preparation for the Passover. Note the words in Mark 14.12-16 and Luke 22:7 - "the first day of the unleavened bread came when people killed the Passover/when the Passover must be killed", which mean that the lamb was yet to be sacrificed.

Thus according to Synoptic Gospels also, Christ apparently arranged for Him and His disciples to eat His last Passover meal 24 hours earlier than everyone else so that He could spend the last day with them in a special ceremony where they would learn to commemorate that day in his memory. In fact, John was one of the disciples along with Peter to prepare for the Passover as mentioned by Luke, so his own testimony in his gospel (John 13:1-2) removes all doubt what so ever in this regard. Passover is observed on the 14th of Nisan every year with the Feast of unleavened bread (and of Passover as mentioned in the Gospels) beginning on the 15th of Nisan after sunset on 14 (Leviticus 23:5-6) [Days are calculated from sunset-to-sunset, not midnight-to-midnight]. Jesus and His disciples partook of the Passover in the evening of the 14 of Nisan, one day before the traditional feast to be held on the evening of 15 of Nisan. Thus, it means that Jesus was crucified on the following morning of 14 of Nisan, the same day when the paschal lambs were to be slaughtered by people that afternoon, considered a preparation day for the Feast of Unleavened Bread (and of Passover as per Gospels) which was to begin from 15 of Nisan after sunset of 14 (John 18:28, 19:31, 42). This point may be more of scholarly in nature than the above factual errors mentioned above in my review but I thought it proper to discuss it here.

Despite above shortcomings, NIV Archaeological Study Bible remains the most visually appealing Bible and a comprehensive study tool which highlights many important archaeological, historical and cultural background of the times of the Bible, providing wonderful insight to the reader into such aspects. It alone is worth buying for its magnificent pictures and the amount of archaeological and historical information provided therein. The NIV version it employs may not be a highly rated version but it is definitely a easier version to understand and grasp quickly. The CD-Rom supplied with the Bible contains nice features including the NIV text and photographs, maps, and charts included in the Bible. Even the study notes supplied for the verses in NIV Archaeological Study Bible are concise and up to the mark. I do hope that the above points raised in the review shall surely be considered to make it a work of a more responsible Biblical scholarship in future.

I was recommended by some of my friends to study NIV Archaeological Study Bible in order to truly understand the Bible from a historical and archaeological point of view. I purchased the same from Amazon without wasting time. However, I was disappointed to find some factually incorrect information provided in the article on "Festivals of Israel" at page 186 under Leviticus 23 chapter during my first week of its study.

The article says that the Feast of Passover was celebrated on tenth day of the first month of the Hebrew Calendar. The Bible clearly states (Lev.23:5-8, Exo.12:6-20, Num.28:16-17) that the Passover was to be observed on the fourteenth of the first Jewish month (i.e. Nisan) when the Passover lamb was killed before the sunset and was to be consumed the same day after sunset which is the 15 of Nisan marking the beginning of Feast of Unleavened Bread, as Jewish days are measured from evening to evening. On the tenth of Nisan, each household only was to take a lamb of the first year on the tenth day of the first Jewish month known as Nisan and set it aside until the fourteenth day (Exodus 12:3-6). The article then says that the Feast of Unleavened Bread immediately followed the Passover which according to the article must be 11 of Nisan which again is a factually incorrect statement. The Feast of Unleavened Bread was celebrated on 15 of Nisan as mentioned in the above Bible references. Then the article goes on to give a misleading statement that the Offering of Firstfruits, a one day feast, occurred in conjunction with the Feast of Unleavened Bread, a seven day feast, without specifying its exact observance day. According to the Bible, it was to be celebrated the day after the Sabbath during the seven-day Feast of Unleavened Bread on which the Priest was to wave a sheaf of the firstfruits of harvest before the Lord (Lev.23:9-14).

Such irresponsible remarks in a study bible like NIV Archaeological Study Bible not only raise serious questions over the scholarship of the experts involved in writing these articles but also lessen the confidence of the readers who take everything written in the Study bibles to be true and factual. There could well be some deficiencies in other such articles which only careful study can reveal in future.

One of the prominent reasons for such casual approach shown towards the Festivals of Israel is that the Church has never fully understood its Hebrew roots, into which it was grafted by the Lord (Rom. 11:17) and hence, never really recognised the role of these Feasts of Israel in human salvation which the LORD calls His own Feasts in Lev.23:4. Instead of giving these feasts their due respect, honour and contemplation, we tend to ignore and dismiss them as a mere tradition. We have still not yet understood that the Lord has hidden His salvation plan in His Feasts. The christians are simply not aware that all the Spring Feasts of the Lord were fulfilled at Christ's first coming, on the exact day of the feast while all the Fall Feasts of the Lord point to the second advent of Christ, with the Feast of Trumpets, the first of the fall feasts, signifying the rapture of His Bride. If one searches in the Scriptures, he/she can see that Jesus Christ was crucified on the Passover during the Feast of Passover and of Unleavened Bread; that He raised from the dead on the first day of week on the day of Firstfruits; and that the Holy Spirit was poured out on His Church on the day of Pentecost, another prominent Feast of the Lord. It is therefore an enough indication that the rapture of the Church must take place on the Feast of Trumpets (Remember 1 Thess.4:16 & 1 Cor.15:52, the Lord shall descend from heaven with a shout at the sound of Trumpet and we shall be changed) which is the first Feast of the Lord of the three remaining feasts waiting to be completed in future as part of salvation plan (Though noone can be certain of the exact hour, exact date or exact year of the rapture just as the Lord said). We have probably forgotten the words of St.Paul in Col.2:17 where he says that these Holy days are a shadow of THINGS TO COME.

The other point I wish to bring out is one of the comments in the said article saying that Jesus had a Passover meal during Last Supper. A simple reading of the Synoptic Gospels (Mark 14:12-17, Matthew 26:17-20; Luke 22:7-14) seem to suggest that Jesus and His disciples ate the Passover traditional on the first evening of the Passover on the 15th of Nisan (technically 14th of Nisan after sunset). However, according to the Gospel of John (John 13:1-2), the last supper was held before the Feast of Passover on the evening of 14th of Nisan (technically 13th of Nisan after sunset). Now, there seems to be a discrepancy between the Synoptic Gospels and Gospel of John about the day on which Last Supper was held.

The explanation for this is that the Feast of Passover (to be observed on 14 of Nisan) and the Feast of Unleavened Bread (to be observed on 15 of Nisan after sunset of 14) are often blurred together as a single entity and simply called "Passover". In Jesus' time, it was common to refer to both the feasts as a single feast (Luke 22:1,7; Mark 14:1,12). The Feast of Passover and of the Unleavened Bread was viewed and understood to begin on the 15th day of Nisan (after sunset of Nisan 14) on which the feast is held and the passover eaten, with 14 of Nisan on which only the Passover lamb is killed, known as the Day of Preparation (John 19:31). All the three Synoptic Gospels state that on the first day of the unleavened bread, Jesus sent his disciples ahead of time to locate the place of the meal and to make preparations for it. Now, how can we really be sure about this day as to whether it was Nisan 14 or Nisan 15, as Gospels use Feasts of Passover and Unleavened Bread synonymously. Well, the words in Mark 14:12 and Luke 22:7 explain this very clearly. They refer to this day as "the first day of unleavened bread when they killed the Passover/when the Passover must be killed". This day is referred to here as the day on which the people used to sacrifice the Passover. As discussed earlier, the Passover lamb was to be killed on the evening on the 14th day of Nisan (before sunset) and eaten only on the 15 of Nisan. Thus, the Gospels very clearly tell us that it was the 14 of Nisan (the day beginning after sunset of 13 of Nisan when they used to sacrifice their passover later in the afternoon) when Jesus sends his disciples to prepare for the Passover and later eats His Last Supper with His disciples that same day in the night. Nisan 14 is therefore called "the preparation day" on which one used to make preparation for the Passover. Note the words in Mark 14.12-16 and Luke 22:7 - "the first day of the unleavened bread came when people killed the Passover/when the Passover must be killed", which mean that the lamb was yet to be sacrificed.

Thus according to Synoptic Gospels also, Christ apparently arranged for Him and His disciples to eat His last Passover meal 24 hours earlier than everyone else so that He could spend the last day with them in a special ceremony where they would learn to commemorate that day in his memory. In fact, John was one of the disciples along with Peter to prepare for the Passover as mentioned by Luke, so his own testimony in his gospel (John 13:1-2) removes all doubt what so ever in this regard. Passover is observed on the 14th of Nisan every year with the Feast of unleavened bread (and of Passover as mentioned in the Gospels) beginning on the 15th of Nisan after sunset on 14 (Leviticus 23:5-6) [Days are calculated from sunset-to-sunset, not midnight-to-midnight]. Jesus and His disciples partook of the Passover in the evening of the 14 of Nisan, one day before the traditional feast to be held on the evening of 15 of Nisan. Thus, it means that Jesus was crucified on the following morning of 14 of Nisan, the same day when the paschal lambs were to be slaughtered by people that afternoon, considered a preparation day for the Feast of Unleavened Bread (and of Passover as per Gospels) which was to begin from 15 of Nisan after sunset of 14 (John 18:28, 19:31, 42). This point may be more of scholarly in nature than the above factual errors mentioned above in my review but I thought it proper to discuss it here.

Despite above shortcomings, NIV Archaeological Study Bible remains the most visually appealing Bible and a comprehensive study tool which highlights many important archaeological, historical and cultural background of the times of the Bible, providing wonderful insight to the reader into such aspects. It alone is worth buying for its magnificent pictures and the amount of archaeological and historical information provided therein. The NIV version it employs may not be a highly rated version but it is definitely a easier version to understand and grasp quickly. The CD-Rom supplied with the Bible contains nice features including the NIV text and photographs, maps, and charts included in the Bible. Even the study notes supplied for the verses in NIV Archaeological Study Bible are concise and up to the mark. I do hope that the above points raised in the review shall surely be considered to make it a work of a more responsible Biblical scholarship in future.

I was recommended by some of my friends to study NIV Archaeological Study Bible in order to truly understand the Bible from a historical and archaeological point of view. I purchased the same from Amazon without wasting time. However, I was disappointed to find some factually incorrect information provided in the article on "Festivals of Israel" at page 186 under Leviticus 23 chapter during my first week of its study.

The article says that the Feast of Passover was celebrated on tenth day of the first month of the Hebrew Calendar. The Bible clearly states (Lev.23:5-8, Exo.12:6-20, Num.28:16-17) that the Passover was to be observed on the fourteenth of the first Jewish month (i.e. Nisan) when the Passover lamb was killed before the sunset and was to be consumed the same day after sunset which is the 15 of Nisan marking the beginning of Feast of Unleavened Bread, as Jewish days are measured from evening to evening. On the tenth of Nisan, each household only was to take a lamb of the first year on the tenth day of the first Jewish month known as Nisan and set it aside until the fourteenth day (Exodus 12:3-6). The article then says that the Feast of Unleavened Bread immediately followed the Passover which according to the article must be 11 of Nisan which again is a factually incorrect statement. The Feast of Unleavened Bread was celebrated on 15 of Nisan as mentioned in the above Bible references. Then the article goes on to give a misleading statement that the Offering of Firstfruits, a one day feast, occurred in conjunction with the Feast of Unleavened Bread, a seven day feast, without specifying its exact observance day. It was to be celebrated the day after the Sabbath during the seven-day Feast of Unleavened Bread on which the Priest was to wave a sheaf of the firstfruits of harvest before the Lord (Lev.23:9-14).

Such irresponsible remarks in a study bible like NIV Archaeological Study Bible not only raise serious questions over the scholarship of the experts involved in writing these articles but also lessen the confidence of the readers who take everything written in the Study bible to be true and factual. There could well be some deficiencies in other such articles which only careful study can reveal in future.

One of the prominent reasons for such casual approach shown towards the Festivals of Israel is that the Church has never fully understood its Hebrew roots, into which it was grafted by the Lord (Rom. 11:17) and hence, never really recognised the role of these Feasts of Israel in human salvation which the LORD calls His own Feasts in Lev.23:4. Instead of giving these feasts their due respect, honour and contemplation, we tend to ignore and dismiss them as a mere tradition. We have still not yet understood that the Lord has hidden His salvation plan in His Feasts. The christians are simply not aware that all the Spring Feasts of the Lord were fulfilled at Christ's first coming, on the exact day of the feast while all the Fall Feasts of the Lord point to the second advent of Christ, with the Feast of Trumpets, the first of the fall feasts, signifying the rapture of His Bride. If one searches in the Scriptures, he/she can see that Jesus Christ was crucified on the Passover during the Feast of Passover and of Unleavened Bread; that He raised from the dead on the first day of week on the day of Firstfruits; and that the Holy Spirit was poured out on His Church on the day of Pentecost, another prominent Feast of the Lord. It is therefore an enough indication that the rapture of the Church must take place on the Feast of Trumpets (Remember 1 Thess.4:16 & 1 Cor.15:52, the Lord shall descend from heaven with a shout at the sound of Trumpet and we shall be changed) which is the first Feast of the Lord of the three remaining feasts waiting to be completed in future as part of salvation plan (Though noone can be certain of the exact hour, exact date or exact year of the rapture just as the Lord said). We have probably forgotten the words of St.Paul in Col.2:17 where he says that these Holy days are a shadow of THINGS TO COME.

The other point I wish to bring out is one of the comments in the said article saying that Jesus had a Passover meal during Last Supper. A simple reading of the Synoptic Gospels (Mark 14:12-17, Matthew 26:17-20; Luke 22:7-14) seem to suggest that Jesus and His disciples ate the Passover traditional on the first evening of the Passover on the 15th of Nisan (technically 14th of Nisan after sunset). However, according to the Gospel of John (John 13:1-2), the last supper was held before the Feast of Passover on the evening of 14th of Nisan (technically 13th of Nisan after sunset). Now, there seems to be a discrepancy between the Synoptic Gospels and Gospel of John about the day on which Last Supper was held.

The explanation for this is that the Feast of Passover (to be observed on 14 of Nisan) and the Feast of Unleavened Bread (to be observed on 15 of Nisan after sunset of 14) are often blurred together as a single entity and simply called "Passover". In Jesus' time, it was common to refer to both the feasts as a single feast (Luke 22:1,7; Mark 14:1,12). The Feast of Passover and of the Unleavened Bread was viewed and understood to begin on the 15th day of Nisan (after sunset of Nisan 14) on which the feast is held and the passover eaten, with 14 of Nisan on which only the Passover lamb is killed, known as the Day of Preparation (John 19:31). All the three Synoptic Gospels state that on the first day of the unleavened bread, Jesus sent his disciples ahead of time to locate the place of the meal and to make preparations for it. Now, how can we really be sure about this day as to whether it was Nisan 14 or Nisan 15, as Gospels use Feasts of Passover and Unleavened Bread synonymously. Well, the words in Mark 14:12 and Luke 22:7 explain this very clearly. They refer to this day as "the first day of unleavened bread when they killed the Passover/when the Passover must be killed". This day is referred to here as the day on which the people used to sacrifice the Passover. As discussed earlier, the Passover lamb was to be killed on the evening on the 14th day of Nisan (before sunset) and eaten only on the 15 of Nisan. Thus, the Gospels very clearly tell us that it was the 14 of Nisan (the day beginning after sunset of 13 of Nisan when they used to sacrifice their passover later in the afternoon) when Jesus sends his disciples to prepare for the Passover and later eats His Last Supper with His disciples that same day in the night. Nisan 14 is therefore called "the preparation day" on which one used to make preparation for the Passover. Note the words in Mark 14.12-16 and Luke 22:7 - "the first day of the unleavened bread came when people killed the Passover/when the Passover must be killed", which mean that the lamb was yet to be sacrificed.

Thus according to Synoptic Gospels also, Christ apparently arranged for Him and His disciples to eat His last Passover meal 24 hours earlier than everyone else so that He could spend the last day with them in a special ceremony where they would learn to commemorate that day in his memory. In fact, John was one of the disciples along with Peter to prepare for the Passover as mentioned by Luke, so his own testimony in his gospel (John 13:1-2) removes all doubt what so ever in this regard. Passover is observed on the 14th of Nisan every year with the Feast of unleavened bread (and of Passover as mentioned in the Gospels) beginning on the 15th of Nisan after sunset on 14 (Leviticus 23:5-6) [Days are calculated from sunset-to-sunset, not midnight-to-midnight]. Jesus and His disciples partook of the Passover in the evening of the 14 of Nisan, one day before the traditional feast to be held on the evening of 15 of Nisan. Thus, it means that Jesus was crucified on the following morning of 14 of Nisan, the same day when the paschal lambs were to be slaughtered by people that afternoon, considered a preparation day for the Feast of Unleavened Bread (and of Passover as per Gospels) which was to begin from 15 of Nisan after sunset of 14 (John 18:28, 19:31, 42). This point may be more of scholarly in nature than the above factual errors mentioned above in my review but I thought it proper to discuss it here.

Despite above shortcomings, NIV Archaeological Study Bible remains the most visually appealing Bible and a comprehensive study tool which highlights many important archaeological, historical and cultural background of the times of the Bible, providing wonderful insight to the reader into such aspects. It alone is worth buying for its magnificent pictures and the amount of archaeological and historical information provided therein. The NIV version may not be a highly rated version but it is definitely a easier version to understand and grasp quickly. The CD-Rom supplied with the Bible contains nice features including the NIV text and photographs, maps, and charts included in the Bible. Even the study notes supplied for the verses in NIV Archaeological Study Bible are concise and up to the mark. I do hope that the above points raised in the article shall surely be considered to make it a work of a more responsible Biblical scholarship in future.

I was recommended by some of my friends to study NIV Archaeological Study Bible in order to truly understand the Bible from a historical and archaeological point of view. I purchased the same from Amazon without wasting time. However, I was disappointed to find some factually incorrect information provided in the article on "Festivals of Israel" at page 186 under Leviticus 23 chapter during my first week of its study.

The article says that the Feast of Passover was celebrated on tenth day of the first month of the Hebrew Calendar. The Bible clearly states (Lev.23:5-8, Exo.12:6-20, Num.28:16-17) that the Passover was to be observed on the fourteenth of the first Jewish month (i.e. Nisan) when the Passover lamb was killed before the sunset and was to be consumed the same day after sunset which is the 15 of Nisan marking the beginning of Feast of Unleavened Bread, as Jewish days are measured from evening to evening. On the tenth of Nisan, each household only was to take a lamb of the first year on the tenth day of the first Jewish month known as Nisan and set it aside until the fourteenth day (Exodus 12:3-6). The article then says that the Feast of Unleavened Bread immediately followed the Passover which according to the article must be 11 of Nisan which again is a factually incorrect statement. The Feast of Unleavened Bread was celebrated on 15 of Nisan as mentioned in the above Bible references. Then the article goes on to give a misleading statement that the Offering of Firstfruits, a one day feast, occurred in conjunction with the Feast of Unleavened Bread, a seven day feast, without specifying its exact observance day. It was to be celebrated the day after the Sabbath during the seven-day Feast of Unleavened Bread on which the Priest was to wave a sheaf of the firstfruits of harvest before the Lord (Lev.23:9-14).

Such irresponsible remarks in a study bible like NIV Archaeological Study Bible not only raise serious questions over the scholarship of the experts involved in writing these articles but also lessen the confidence of the readers who take everything written in the Study bible to be true and factual. There could well be some deficiencies in other such articles which only careful study can reveal in future.

One of the prominent reasons for such casual approach shown towards the Festivals of Israel is that the Church has never fully understood its Hebrew roots, into which it was grafted by the Lord (Rom. 11:17) and hence, never really recognised the role of these Feasts of Israel in human salvation which the LORD calls His own Feasts in Lev.23:4. Instead of giving these feasts their due respect, honour and contemplation, we tend to ignore and dismiss them as a mere tradition. We have still not yet understood that the Lord has hidden His salvation plan in His Feasts. The christians are simply not aware that all the Spring Feasts of the Lord were fulfilled at Christ's first coming, on the exact day of the feast while all the Fall Feasts of the Lord point to the second advent of Christ, with the Feast of Trumpets, the first of the fall feasts, signifying the rapture of His Bride. If one searches in the Scriptures, he/she can see that Jesus Christ was crucified on the Passover during the Feast of Passover and of Unleavened Bread; that He raised from the dead on the first day of week on the day of Firstfruits; and that the Holy Spirit was poured out on His Church on the day of Pentecost, another prominent Feast of the Lord. It is therefore an enough indication that the rapture of the Church must take place on the Feast of Trumpets (Remember 1 Thess.4:16 & 1 Cor.15:52, the Lord shall descend from heaven with a shout at the sound of Trumpet and we shall be changed) which is the first Feast of the Lord of the three remaining feasts waiting to be completed in future as part of salvation plan (Though noone can be certain of the exact hour, exact date or exact year of the rapture just as the Lord said). We have probably forgotten the words of St.Paul in Col.2:17 where he says that these Holy days are a shadow of THINGS TO COME.

The other point I wish to bring out is one of the comments in the said article saying that Jesus had a Passover meal during Last Supper. A simple reading of the Synoptic Gospels (Mark 14:12-17, Matthew 26:17-20; Luke 22:7-14) seem to suggest that Jesus and His disciples ate the Passover traditional on the first evening of the Passover on the 15th of Nisan (technically 14th of Nisan after sunset). However, according to the Gospel of John (John 13:1-2), the last supper was held before the Feast of Passover on the evening of 14th of Nisan (technically 13th of Nisan after sunset). Now, there seems to be a discrepancy between the Synoptic Gospels and Gospel of John about the day on which Last Supper was held.

The explanation for this is that the Feast of Passover (to be observed on 14 of Nisan) and the Feast of Unleavened Bread (to be observed on 15 of Nisan after sunset of 14) are often blurred together as a single entity and simply called "Passover". In Jesus' time, it was common to refer to both the feasts as a single feast (Luke 22:1,7; Mark 14:1,12). The Feast of Passover and of the Unleavened Bread was viewed and understood to begin on the 15th day of Nisan (after sunset of Nisan 14) on which the feast is held and the passover eaten, with 14 of Nisan on which only the Passover lamb is killed, known as the Day of Preparation (John 19:31). All the three Synoptic Gospels state that on the first day of the unleavened bread, Jesus sent his disciples ahead of time to locate the place of the meal and to make preparations for it. Now, how can we really be sure about this day as to whether it was Nisan 14 or Nisan 15, as Gospels use Feasts of Passover and Unleavened Bread synonymously. Well, the words in Mark 14:12 and Luke 22:7 explain this very clearly. They refer to this day as "the first day of unleavened bread when they killed the Passover/when the Passover must be killed". This day is referred to here as the day on which the people used to sacrifice the Passover. As discussed earlier, the Passover lamb was to be killed on the evening on the 14th day of Nisan (before sunset) and eaten only on the 15 of Nisan. Thus, the Gospels very clearly tell us that it was the 14 of Nisan (the day beginning after sunset of 13 of Nisan when they used to sacrifice their passover later in the afternoon) when Jesus sends his disciples to prepare for the Passover and later eats His Last Supper with His disciples that same day in the night. Nisan 14 is therefore called "the preparation day" on which one used to make preparation for the Passover. Note the words in Mark 14.12-16 and Luke 22:7 - "the first day of the unleavened bread came when people killed the Passover/when the Passover must be killed", which mean that the lamb was yet to be sacrificed.

Thus according to Synoptic Gospels also, Christ apparently arranged for Him and His disciples to eat His last Passover meal 24 hours earlier than everyone else so that He could spend the last day with them in a special ceremony where they would learn to commemorate that day in his memory. In fact, John was one of the disciples along with Peter to prepare for the Passover as mentioned by Luke, so his own testimony in his gospel (John 13:1-2) removes all doubt what so ever in this regard. Passover is observed on the 14th of Nisan every year with the Feast of unleavened bread (and of Passover as mentioned in the Gospels) beginning on the 15th of Nisan after sunset on 14 (Leviticus 23:5-6) [Days are calculated from sunset-to-sunset, not midnight-to-midnight]. Jesus and His disciples partook of the Passover in the evening of the 14 of Nisan, one day before the traditional feast to be held on the evening of 15 of Nisan. Thus, it means that Jesus was crucified on the following morning of 14 of Nisan, the same day when the paschal lambs were to be slaughtered by people that afternoon, considered a preparation day for the Feast of Unleavened Bread (and of Passover as per Gospels) which was to begin from 15 of Nisan after sunset of 14 (John 18:28, 19:31, 42). This point may be more of scholarly in nature than the above factual errors mentioned above in my review but I thought it proper to discuss it here.

Despite above shortcomings, NIV Archaeological Study Bible remains the most visually appealing Bible and a comprehensive study tool which highlights many important archaeological, historical and cultural background of the times of the Bible, providing wonderful insight to the reader into such aspects. I do hope that the above points shall surely be considered to make it a work of a more responsible Biblical scholarship in future.

I was recommended by some of my friends to study NIV Archaeological Study Bible in order to truly understand the Bible from a historical and archaeological point of view. I purchased the same from Amazon. However, I was disappointed to find factually incorrect information provided in the article on "Festivals of Israel" at page 186 under Leviticus 23 chapter during my first week of its study.

The article says that the Feast of Passover was celebrated on tenth day of the first month of the Hebrew Calendar. The Bible clearly states (Lev.23:5, Exo.12:6-14, Num.28:16-17) that the Passover was celebrated on the fourteenth of the first Jewish month (i.e. Nisan) when the Passover lamb was killed before the sunset and was to be consumed the same day after sunset which is the 15 of Nisan marking the beginning of Feast of Unleavened Bread, as Jewish days are measured from evening to evening. On the tenth of Nisan, each household only was to take a lamb of the first year on the tenth day of the first Jewish month known as Nisan and set it aside until the fourteenth day (Exodus 12:3-6). The article then says that the Feast of Unleavened Bread immediately followed the Passover which according to the article must be 11 of Nisan which again is a factually incorrect statement. The Feast of Unleavened Bread was celebrated on 15 of Nisan as mentioned in the Bible and explained earlier. Then the article goes on to give a misleading statement that the Offering of Firstfruits, a one day feast, occurred in conjunction with the Feast of Unleavened Bread, a seven day feast, without specifying its exact observance day. It was to be celebrated the day after the Sabbath during the seven-day Feast of Unleavened Bread on which the Priest was to wave a sheaf of the firstfruits of harvest before the Lord (Lev.23:9-14).

Such irresponsible remarks in the NIV Archaeological Study Bible not only raise serious questions over the scholarship of the experts involved in writing these articles but also lessen the confidence of the readers who take everything written in the Study bible to be true and factual. There may well be some deficiencies in other such articles which only careful study can reveal in future.

One of the prominent reasons for such casual approach towards the Festivals of Israel is that the Church has not never fully recognised its Hebrew roots, into which it was grafted by the Lord (Rom. 11:17) and hence, never really understood the role of these Feasts of Israel which the LORD calls His own Feasts in Lev.23:4. Instead of giving these feasts their due respect and honour, we tend to ignore and dismiss them as a mere tradition. We have not yet understood that the Lord has hidden His salvation plan in His Feasts. Christians are simply not aware that all the Spring Feasts of the Lord were fulfilled at Christ's first coming, and on the exact day of the feast. All the Fall Feasts of the Lord picture the second advent of Christ, with the Feast of Trumpets, the first of the fall feasts, picturing the rapture. If one searches in the Scriptures, he/she can see that Jesus Christ was crucified on the Passover during the Feast of Passover and of Unleavened Bread; that He raised from the dead on the first day of week on the day of Firstfruits; and that the Holy Spirit was poured on the day of Pentecost, another prominent Feast of the Lord. It is absolutely clear then that the rapture of the Church (Remember 1 Thess.4:16, the Lord shall come descend from heaven with a shout at the sound of Trumpet) must take place on the Feast of Trumpets which is the next Feast of the Lord of the three remaining feasts waiting to be completed in future as part of salvation plan. We have forgotten the words of St.Paul in Col.2:17 where he says that these Holy days are a shadow of THINGS TO COME.

The other point I wish to bring out is one of the comments in the said article saying that Jesus had a Passover meal during Last Supper. A simple reading of the Synoptic Gospels Mark 14:12-17, Matthew 26:17-20; Luke 22:7-14) seem to suggest that Jesus and His disciples ate the Passover on the traditional first evening of the Passover (after sunset) on the 14th of Nisan (technically the 15th of Nisan). However, according to the gospel of John (John 13:1-2), the last supper was held just before the day before Passover eve. Now, there seems to be a discrepancy between the Synoptic Gospels and Gospel of John about the day on which Last Supper was held. The explanation for this is that the Feast of Passover (14 of Nisan) and the Feast of Unleavened Bread (15 of Nisan) are often blurred together as a single entity and simply called "Passover". In Jesus' time, it was common to refer to both the feasts as a single feast (Luke 22:1,7; Mark 14:1,12). The Feast of Passover and of the Unleavened Bread was viewed and understood to begin on the 15th day of Nisan (after sunset of Nisan 14) on which the feast is held, with 14 of Nisan on which the Passover lamb is killed, known as the Day of Preparation (John 19:31). All the three Synoptic Gospels state that on the first day of the unleavened bread, Jesus sent his disciples ahead of time to locate the place of the meal and to make preparations for it. Now, how can we really be sure about the day whether it is Nisan 14 or Nisan 15 as Gospels use Feasts of Passover and Unleavened Bread synonymously. Well, The words in Mark 14:12 and Luke 22:7 explain this very clearly. They refer to this day as "the first day of unleavened bread when they killed the Passover/when the Passover must be killed". As discussed earlier, the Passover lamb was to be killed on the evening on the 14th day of Nisan (before sunset) and eaten only on the 15 of Nisan. Thus, the Gospels very clearly tell us that it was the 14 of Nisan when Jesus sends his disciples to prepare for the Passover and later eats His Last Supper with His disciples. Nisan 14 is therefore called "the preparation day" on which one used to make preparation for the Passover. Note also that Mark 14.12-16 and Luke 22:7 state that "the first day of the unleavened bread came when people killed the Passover/when the Passover must be killed" which means that the lamb was yet to be sacrificed.

Thus according to Synoptic Gospels also, Christ apparently arranged for them to eat his last Passover meal 24 hours earlier than everyone else so he could spend the last day with them in a special ceremony where they would learn to commemorate that day in his memory. In fact, John was one of the disciples along with Peter to prepare for the Passover as mentioned by Luke, so his own testimony in his gospel (John 13:1-2) removes all doubt so ever regarding this. Passover is observed on the 14th of Nisan every year with the Feast of unleavened bread (and of Passover as mentioned in the Gospels) beginning on the 15th of Nisan after sunset (Leviticus 23:5-6) [Days are calculated from sunset-to-sunset, not midnight-to-midnight]. Jesus and His disciples partook of the Passover in the evening of the 14 of Nisan, one day before the traditional feast to be held on the evening of 15 of Nisan. Thus it means that Jesus was crucified on the following morning of 14 of Nisan, the same day when the paschal lambs were to be slaughtered by people that afternoon, considered a preparation day for the Feast of Unleavened Bread which was to begin from 15 of Nisan after sunset (John 18:28, 19:31, 42). This point may be more of scholarly in nature than the above factual errors mentioned but I though it proper to discuss it here.

Despite above shortcomings, NIV Archaeological Study Bible remains the most visually appealing Bible and a comprehensive study tool which highlights the archaeological, historical and cultural background of the times of the Bible, providing wonderful insight to the reader into such aspects. I hope the above points shall surely be considered to make it a work of responsible scholarship in the future.

Whether you are new to reading the Bible or well experienced, this is an excellent new version well worth keeping in your library. The extra historical information given (text, photos, etc.) makes this an interesting Bible to read.

A friend got me started on reading through the New Testament, which whetted my appetite for reading through the Old Testament and then the whole bible, which I did first time round using the ESV Reformation Study Bible, a terrific theological resource.

I'm now reading through again using this Zondervan Archaeological Study Bible, and finding it a great help to understanding the world of the bible, the cultures, history and to a lesser extent, geography. [I find it hard to make sense of all those unfamiliar place names, despite the quality maps in the back of is bible.]

Like other reviewers, I'm sorry the editors did not use the TNIV, but the NIV is still an excellent translation, merely needing a little tinkering with here and there, as was done by the TNIV translators.

The only text I find too small is the small font used for identifying verse numbers and footnotes, but the rest of the text is fine, for these eyes.

I think every bible reader would benefit from using this study bible for learning more about the background of the times and places where the biblical books were written, but a theological resource such as the ESV Reformation Study Bible is also a great help for understanding the unifying message of the bible.

Highly recommended.

I have been using the New King James Bible since 1984, but prior had bought an NIV published by Zondervan back in the early 1980's that was called the NIV Pictorial Bible. Have searched many times unsuccessfully to find a newer copy, since my original is pretty beaten up.

Coming upon this new Archaeological Study Bible by Zondervan in NIV I could hardly believe my eyes. Finally this was the bible I had been seaching for, but this copy is a vast improvement over the older NIV Pictorial Bible. Where the old Pictorial, for example, had 1266 pages, this newer Bible has 2306.

I differ from several reviewers in that I am now using this Bible as my main, daily study Bible. Yes, the print is small, but even at 62 years of age and retired, I can handle that without difficulty. Plus the added feature of the CD-ROM included with this Bible allows one to load it into the computer to read off-line when desired. Thank you Zondervan, a very nice added feature to this Bible.

Since I purchased a black, top grain leather covered Bible, the only smell I receive is one of newness, and leather. Possibly the glue on the bonded or lesser copies accounts for that. But since I will be using the Bible as an everyday one, I opted for the leather. When active in ministry I had a few bonded leather copies, and they just don't hold up. I have found through experience the full leather is the best for my use.

I could not be happier with this Bible. And though it is termed an "archaeological" Bible, it is much, much more than that. While it does offer archaeological information, it equally offers social, historical, and cultural as well. This is the best well rounded Bible I have ever seen.

If you are seeking a very exceptional Bible, I would suggest you at least look this one over.

For serious students of the bible, this is a valuable resource.Fonts, smell, whatever, aside, the important thing is the content! When we read our bibles we're trying to put ourselves back in time, to experience what those biblical people experienced for the first time; to hear, smell and taste what everyday life was like, and to have some small sense of God entering our lives.

The contents of this book can help. The translation doesn't matter - use whatever one you want. But where else will you find Noah and Gilgamesh, prayers by David and prayers to Marduke, side by side?

I wouldn't use this bible for devotions, but I would certainly use it for LEARNING!

Other reviewers have noted the basic pros and cons of this edition. I would echo many of those concerns. It's big, it's heavy, the type is small, etc. But information is great! I am really enjoying incorporating it into our Bible lessons for homeschool.

But my main problem is the odor. I don't know if it is the kind of paper or ink Zondervan used or what, but this Bible has a very distinct smell -- and its not real pleasant. I can only stand to use it in small increments of time.

I'll probably keep this on the shelf for reference, but still stick with my old trusty NIV study Bible for every day use and for Sundays.

Hardcover Edition

Like: This is a beautiful Bible and the parchment-type pages add to the beauty. The colorful artwork and articles are interesting and helpful, as are the footnotes. It's a temptation to go through and read all the archaeological and historical notes right away just because they look cool. There is a sense, with the articles and info right with the Scriptures, that I'm gaining a great deal more. I've gone back to reading the Bible every night...THAT makes it worth it.

Dislike: I did find the type to be extremely small, especially the footnotes, and this was with my reading glasses on; however, with very good light it's not a problem.

Also disliked the fact that the writers had to put NIV disclaimers in some of the articles. I found that to be odd.

Note: The Bible is rather large, but no larger than a four version parallel one and it fits into an extra-large Bible cover.

Hardcover Edition

Like: This is a beautiful Bible and the parchment-type pages add to the beauty. The colorful artwork and articles are interesting and helpful, as are the footnotes. It's a temptation to go through and read all the archaeological and historical notes right away just because they look cool.

Dislike: I did find the type to be extremely small, especially the footnotes, and this was with my reading glasses on. I don't know how I'm going to read this.

Also disliked the fact that the writers had to put NIV disclaimers in some of the articles. I found that to be odd.

Note: The Bible is rather large, but no larger than a four version parallel one and it fits into an extra-large Bible cover.

This particular edition of the Bible doesn't remind me so much of a Bible as a high school history textbook. Full of sidebars, footnotes, charts, photos, maps & short essays, it is absolutely the most colorful, useful, and kinetic Bible I have ever seen. Which doesn't mean it is very readable. All of these distractions seem to hinder rather than help reading, and the fake papyrus background on each & every page drove me NUTS. Which brings me to the text itself. The NIV is not exactly my favorite translation. Although it is quite similar to the NRSV, I'm not too fond of its loose translation, its sometimes slangy language, and its overly literal conservative to fundamentalist interpretations. This version seems to ignore most 20th century scholarly Biblical research, which may or may not be a good thing. At least it doesn't use inclusive language, a personal pet peeve. Despite its size and weight the font is not very large or particularly easy to read, although I like the uncluttered pages - most other Bibles are too crammed and busy. I like the CD version included - more Bibles should have one. But all this glitter comes at a cost. This is one expensive Bible; even the non-leather bound versions start at $50, although discounts can knock this price down a bit. Is it worth it? I can't really say. There are things I really love and things I dislike, with the likes perhaps winning by a hair.

This particular edition of the Bible doesn't remind me so much of a Bible as a high school history textbook. Full of sidebars, footnotes, charts, photos, maps & short essays, it is absolutely the most colorful, useful, and kinetic Bible I have ever seen. Which doesn't mean it is very readable. All of these distractions seem to hinder rather than help reading, and the fake papyrus background on each & every page drove me NUTS. Which brings me to the text itself. The NIV is not exactly my favorite translation. Although it is quite similar to the NRSV, I'm not too fond of its loose translation, its sometimes slangy language, and its overly literal conservative to fundamentalist interpretations. This version seems to ignore most 20th century scholarly Biblical research, which may or may not be a good thing. At least it doesn't use inclusive language, a personal pet peeve. Despite its size and weight the font is rather small and not particularly easy to read. I like the CD version included - more Bibles should have one. But all this glitter comes at a cost. This is one expensive Bible; even the non-leather bound versions start at $50, although discounts can knock this price down a bit. Is it worth it? I can't really say. There are things I really love and things I dislike, with the likes perhaps winning by a hair.

This particular edition of the Bible doesn't remind me so much of a Bible as a high school history textbook. Full of sidebars, footnotes, charts, photos, maps & short essays, it is absolutely the most colorful, useful, and kinetic Bible I have ever seen. Which doesn't mean it is very readable. All of these distractions seem to hinder rather than help reading. Which brings me to the text itself. The NIV is not exactly my favorite. Although it is quite similar to the NRSV, I'm not too fond of its sometimes slangy language and its overly literal conservative to fundamentalist Protestant interpretations. This version happily ignores most 20th century scholarly Biblical research, which may or may not be a good thing. At least it doesn't use inclusive language, a personal pet peeve. Despite its size and weight the font is quite small and not easy to read. I like the CD version included - more Bibles should have one. But all this glitter comes at a cost. This is one expensive book; even the non-leather bound versions start at $50, although discounts can knock this price down a bit. Is it worth it? I can't really say. There are things I love and things I dislike, with the likes perhaps winning by a hair.

I did not need another bible, since I have a dozen or more, but I was drawn to this one. I think this is the best study bible that has come out in over 15 years. People tend to forget how to properly and consistently study the bible in the light of prayer and that is reading things in context. Context is so important and this bible will help readers not take certain passages for granted.

Buy this bible today..........and bless someone today.....order 2 of them....and give one away....in our western society....your bound to win someone over to Christ with this bible.

This Bible has become my new favorite NI