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

Because Amazon scrambles so many reviews into each other, let me make clear that I am writing about the fifth edition of the New Oxford Annotated Bible with the Apocrypha, leather bound, published in 2018.Physically, this is a gorgeous book. The leather is supple and of good quality, lettered in gold. The sewn binding will last for a generation of heavy use without shaking loose. Even for so large a book—over two inches thick—it feels comfortable to the hand. It is a pleasure to hold. The pages are tipped in gold. Plus, there are index tabs to make finding the individual books easy.There has been much discussion here about the paper. I myself see nothing wrong. This is not what people mean by “Bible Paper.” In fact, the paper of the fifth edition is thicker than that of the fourth (2010), with even less show-through. This new edition has snow white paper, not cheapish recycled gray destined to last only a few years (see the recent printings of the NAB), a paper of a reasonable thickness for a volume of over 2,400 pages. It is perfectly capable of being annotated in pencil (though ink might bleed through).Many of the annotations are new, and virtually all have undergone some touching up, reflecting a changing generation of scholars. In general, I would say that the new annotations are slightly more conservative than those of earlier editions (e.g., the introduction to Matthew, where the authorial question is handled with considerable deftness). But the usual essays, maps, and charts are all still here, and now even more of them (e.g., gospel parallels of John with the synoptics). The editors continue their helpful process (from the 3rd ed, I believe) of placing many of these features in their appropriate places in the text for ease of reference. When reading, for example, the wanderings of the Hebrews after the Exodus, there are facing maps of the route, camps, and settlements of the tribes; moreover, there is a chart comparing the Decalogue in the various places it appears and of the disparate numbering among faiths. Likewise, separate maps follow Paul’s three journeys in Acts. There is much more to discover here. A more syncritic collection of full-color maps (chosen from the Oxford Bible Atlas) is conveniently bound at the back.The Bible is, of course, a monument of literature as well as the foundation for several world religions. But like many important books—think Shakespeare, War and Peace, the Koran, or the Bhagavad Gita—it is not a self-interpreting text. There is much the reader needs to know about history and culture to understand it properly. The Oxford Annotated supplies this information in a concise, accurate, non-intrusive manner. Like a quality edition of Shakespeare, the NOAB guides the reader along with a group of well-chosen scholars by your side. I consider it indispensable for my own independent study. And even my aging eyes can read the clear type for long periods with no difficulty.If you’re looking for a reliable study Bible, you may be confident that the NOAB will suit your needs. If you like beautiful books, this leather edition will satisfy your aesthetic sense. If you, like me, need to update your old copy with a newer edition, you’ll be satisfied with this latest, fifth edition.So, bravo to Oxford and this splendid new edition. I am sure millions of readers will agree. A heartily recommended purchase.

I'm really impressed with the bible so far. I love Oxford University Press, and I've read other books by the author as well (old & new Testament textbooks) that I was really impressed by. I was going to get the standard paperback version, but couldn't pass up a leather bound version.In case anyone is wondering, it's not a hardcover book that's been bound in leather. It's endboards are hardened leather, but it's still flexible & supple. The gilding on the edges are nice, and there's tabs cut out into the edges so you can quickly navigate to whatever chapter you're interested in reading. There's also a nice gold ribbon attached to the spine for saving your space. It feels sturdy, and well bound.As for the content, it's got great footnotes, with a detailed description before each if the books I've looked at. I'm agnostic, and primarily read religious texts as a piece of literature (as opposed to it being a God-derived scripture); however, I think there's a lot to be gained by both secular and religious readers. Coogan does a great job explaining what content is commonly agreed upon in the religious community, and elaborates on contextual details supported by archaeologists & historians. Readers at both ends of the spectrum can receive an enriched understanding of not just the content in the bible, but also why it's still important millennia after canonization.

This review is for the Genuine Leather edition. It's a nice looking book although the leather is a bit stiff compared to some other leather Bibles I own. It has gold page edges and two gold ribbon markers. I don't usually get thumb-indexed Bibles, but this one is not available without. The thumb-indexes for the Apocrypha cover only 6 books and stop at Maccabees.As for content, this Bible takes a liberal point of view. It supports the Documentary Hypothesis for the authorship of the Pentateuch, for example. It generally glosses over theological points, or leaves them out entirely, which is not a bad thing really. It does, however, seem to uphold the Divinity of Christ (something I always look for in a study Bible or commentary).All things considered this is a pretty good study Bible and well worth the price. I highly recommend it.

I’ve been looking forward to the 5th edition and wow what a beautiful Bible to study and learn from. The leather bound is soft and supple. It’s easy to read. The font is easy for me to read. Can’t wait to learn the latest discoveries and knowledge from those who dedicated their life in this field of study.

I love my Bible, but the print is getting so hard to read even with glassed.So i bought the same Bible I have had for 30 years because one customers remarks of how much larger the print was on this bible.Well what a surprise Mine is exactly the same and I opened the new Bible to a random page and the same page on my Bible had the exact script on it. So no difference at all so I am a little disappointed. I want that exact same Bible with larger text.

The Bible is made to last forever. I noticed and was impressed that it was printed in the Netherlands. The articles, the introductory essays, the essays in the back are excellent for anyone who didn't take New Testament 101. This bible is directed toward the highly educated and will be a standard for many churches in the mainline denominations, Episcopal, UCC, Disciples of Christ. Methodist. It is marvelous effort with sound exegesis and top drawer scholarship. Terrific job!

All I want is a bible with pages that aren't so thin you are able to see the text on the next page through them. Forget being able to highlight or make any marks in this. I assume the price tag is for the leather binding which is okay.. but honestly not enough to warrant this price. Definitely returning. Price to value ratio is just not there. If all you want is this translation of text there are a myriad of other options.

Al hacer click en finalizar compra me quedé con la duda si sería la Biblia tal como aparece en la foto, edición de piel en pasta dura sin canto dorado, pero para sorpresa mía al recibirla y abrir la elegante caja que la contenía, quedé literalmente extasiado al tocar la suavidad de la cubierta de piel canto dorado, con hojas de esquinas redondeadas, con índices uñeros... excelente, simplemente soberbia presentación. Y el contenido, qué les puedo decir; para mí se confirma lo que hace aproximadamente 28 años dijo el biblista católico Raymond E. Brown sobre la recomendación de esta Biblia de estudio ecuménica al contar con excelentes notas e introducciones, sin sesgo confesional y doctrinal.Finalmente, les confieso que compré una elegantísima Biblia Cambridge en cuero francés de Marruecos, la cual quizás tenga mejores materiales en su hechura, pero creanme, mejor inviertan su dinero en la New Oxford Annotated Bible edición de lujo, no se arrepentirán, además de ahorrar una buena cantidad de dinero, tendrán la mejor Biblia de estudio en lengua inglesa.

Great edition , will truly help in your quest for the truth.

We too often blindly accept what is told us. I was directed to several books that remain in the Catholic Scriptures but have been removed by other Christian groups. It is clear that we do not add to a Bible or take away from a Bible, as these are God's words. This even includes putting one's name in a Bible.I am very happy to have purchased this and many other pertinent books.

オックスフォードのRSVの普及版　Holy Bible のプレヴューをわたしは書いていますが　こちらはRSVのエキュメニカル・スタディ・エディションとして編集され　フットノート（脚注）も充実している　大型の聖書（赤い）　改訂意欲がひしひし感じてきて嬉しい１冊です　普及版は字面が込み入っているが　こちらは非常に内容を捉えやすい　聖書をじっくり学ぶのなら　こちらの方が充実度が増す　（持ち運びは大変）わたしは　会合には普及版（紺色）RSV　個人の研究には　こちらと使い分けていますオックスフォード独特の美しい英語は変らず　理解しやすく　聖書のパッセージは暗記するほど思い入れがはいるものなので　日本語訳聖書と併用して理解に務めると　最上級語学表現のの正しい学習も同時に出来てしまいます英語の聖書を捜している方には　迷わず本書を勧めています（ハードカバーとペーパーバッグは両方持っていますがかなり重さが違います）

I am an atheist/Zen Buddhist and read the bible as a work of literature. This commentary does not say that any deity is an imagination of man, that Maria must have had sex with God or else she could not have given birth to a boy or that it is the greatest avarice to desire for an eternal life. However, it is one of the least unscientific commentaries of all. Therefore, it may be educational for Sunday school kids but repugnant for deluded adults.