The New Oxford Annotated Bible with Apocrypha: New Revised Standard Version

This study Bible is not the one I would give to most people. But it's very worth it if you are a Bible nerd or into apologetics. It sometimes points out things about the text itself that will make you do a head tilt.At the same time, it is far from perfect. So often, I went looking for a reference I hoped would be there only to find it lacking. Still, if you want the Apocrypha and some more besides, this is a good option, especially since used copies are so cheap.

I bought this book primarily because it is advertised as including the Apocryphal/Deuterocanonical Books and secondly as an Ecumenical Study Bible. It is hard to find a good single-volume study bible which contains the Apocryphal books. I have the New American Bible which do have the Apoc./Deut. books but I wanted another translation to compare these second canons.This is a very well made bible physically. Sewn pages. The leather's supple, soft, and it smells good too! But it is so soft that it's not as easy to hold this bible open in your hands: it bends and twists so easily! Rather, this book is perfect for reading while placed on a solid, flat surface like a table or a study desk. On this type of surface, the book opens flat right up to the first and last pages! Main text is very readable at point 9 or 10, while the annotations more like point 8.The cross-references are included in the annotations making them both work in the context of each other. Although this is fine for me, some readers may prefer the cross-references on a separate place like the margin.I love the color maps and excellent map index. The book also includes a concordance which while not exhaustive would still be useful. The only downside to it is the really small font size, perhaps point 7 or 6. I had to use my reading glasses for it. You'd also appreciate the glossary as not every bible has it.For the most part the notes try to find a balanced view, and ends up being rather bland in certain places. Not so with the book introductions where the intro writers give a much clearer although at times controversial stand, even calling some Prophetic books as fiction. In any case, notes and book intros are supposed to give background information and the opinion of the writers and not to correct the biblical text. It would not be fair to say that these study aids possessed a liberal tone all throughout but you'll get the impression that they are present to challenge the reader. It's only here in this bible where I read an intro to the Gospels that says that they are not eye-witness accounts; make whatever you can of it. I leave it to your discretion. But it does help explain why many point out that this kind of study bible is popular in the seminaries.You might want to be aware of the objections to the NRSV translation (its use of inclusive language and all that) but also be aware that the NRSV is clear and highly readable. For this reason, I would read a passage of the bible in the NRSV after I've read it in another translation but still want to get a better grip on the text. This is especially useful in the Deuterocanonical Books, speaking of which, I was surprised to learn that the Eastern and Greek/Slavonic churches have even more number of Deuterocanonical books of their own than the Roman Catholic Church! It is good that they are included here, even if your only purpose is to read them as an academic exercise.I would recommend this volume with the caveat that you consider whether you'd like the very flexible leather binding with the consequence I mentioned above- and if you welcome some liberal views of the introduction and annotation authors. The NRSV do use inclusive language but as an English text it shines in clarity! I always keep the bible in its box when not in use.(last edited May 27, 2011)

If you're looking for a bible that you can read and actually UNDERSTAND what you're reading thisis the perfect one for you. Originally I had attempted reading the King James Version. While it'sromantic with its Jacobean English and is often the version quoted by people, it is very difficultto truly understand on a more than superficial level. The gist of what is being told gets across; however,a lot of details are muddled by archaic pronunciations and unspoken details that are expected to be understood.This version, with its extensive annotations on every chapter and verse, its historical informationat the beginning of every book, and its maps and diagrams to give an idea of where everything is takingplace, makes for a very insightful read and clears up many of the confusions I've had with my failed attemptsat reading the bible in the past. I have yet to finish it but thus far I have learned more about the bible, God, and the faithsurrounding Christianity than I ever would have expected myself to know.There are many people who profess themselves to be Christians but a large majority of them havenever even read the book they so vehemently claim to love and follow. Though I am still unsure ofmy stance, I wanted to ensure that should I choose to believe that I would be well educated in whatI believe and not blindly follow hearsay or the interpretations of others.The only thing that I think can make this particular bible a bit overwhelming at first glance is the sheeramount of annotations included with some pages having as much as 2/3 of the page being annotations leavingonly the other third to be actual scripture. However, bear in mind that the annotations aren't necessaryto read the bible and are only there to clarify specific verses, give historical context, or otherwisespeculate as to what some of the more vague verses mean. They aren't necessary whatsoever to just read the biblebut if you take the time to read them it makes it much more enlightening. I must also applaud the completelyunbiased approach and wording taken in the additional information sections. They simply present the information,facts, and potential interpretations leaving it to the reader to decide.That being said, this bible is perfect for everyone. Whether you're a believer, an agnostic/person consideringjoining the Christian faith, or an atheist looking to solidify your non-belief, this is the bible for you.

I study scripture (ancient writings) as a scholar. Not to preach.

Alrededor de doce años aproximadamente, compré fascinado el libro de 101 preguntas y respuestas sobre la Biblia del Padre Brown, que en las primeras preguntas contestaba sobre que versión bíblica era la mejor y más recomendable y lo contrario, las que no recomendaba. En lo personal, discrepo con las respuestas sobre la clasificación de ediciones bíblicas en español, que según los editores contó con la aprobación del citado biblista.No así con las que daba Brown en su versión original en inglés y ahí recomendaba (pues así lo hacía él) la última edición de la New Oxford Annotated Bible, dado el carácter exegético y ecuménico de sus introducciones y notas, desprovistas de todo sesgo confesional.El gran biblista estadounidense no se equivocó y al leer las notas e introducciones de la NOAB es maravilloso contemplar y constatar una traducción hecha con todo el rigor científico, y un gran espíritu ecuménico. Agradecido de tener en mis manos una gran obra, monumento de la erudición bíblica contemporánea.

Scholarly NRSV translation with great secular commentary throughout. Has good introductions to each book as well. Highly recommended! Includes apocryphal books.

NRSV is a reasonable modern translation though perhaps not the best being tied as it is to the KJV. This edition has a simple approach to its annotations giving separately short comments on the translation where these are problematical and longer items to assist with background. The approach is to treat the work as a work of ancient literature and to deal with it in no different manner from say Homer or whomever. There is a pleasing absence of any religion in the annotations. If the reader wishes to understand in a realistic, practical manner what the bible is as opposed to what assorted contending religionists believe it to be or wish it to be then this edition is ideal. Highly recommended

ロシア語を勉強している人は、ロシア正教会の聖書を読む手助けになる。ユダヤ、プロテスタント、カトリック、正教徒の共同訳。正教会外典をも含むApocrypha付きの詳解聖書。Nelson版がImitation革装なのに対して、こちらは純革装本(genuin leather)。金張りで,ゴージャスである。四訂版になってから、格段に詳解が充実している。RSVの問題点を改善している。カトリックの方も勉強になるのではなかろうか？勿論プロテスタントにとっても勉強になる。ハード・カバー版が持運びに不便で、ペーパー・バック版が直ぐ傷むのに対して、携行に便利で傷み難い。読み易い聖書である。Oxford大学出版なので、学術的にも裏付がある。特に、歴史学的、社会学的分析が豊富である。

I have just completed ( after five years and much testing spiritually ) the Methodist Faith and Worship course, and have my accreditation service on 3rd. February. I was invited to choose a Bible to celebrate this achievement and was recommended the New RSV, but wanted a good study Bible as well. Having read several reviews on Amazon, this seemed to be the most popular. It lives up to the reviews and more. I would certainly suggest it to anyone else wanting to study the Bible in depth, or just wanting a really helpful version of the Bible to steer them through their spiritual journey.