C.S.B.

First sentence: In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.

The CSB Holy Land Illustrated Bible features articles (dare I say hundreds?) previously published by the "Sunday School Lesson Illustrator" and "Biblical Illustrator." These are articles--heavily illustrated articles--that provide background and context to biblical times, biblical cultures. Every book of the Bible--even super short books--feature at least one or more articles. Some books have more articles than verses!

The Bible features the Christian Standard Bible translation. It is double column. The columns are wider than some. It is black letter. The Words of Christ do not appear in red. There are book introductions. The articles are the 'main attraction.' Though I will say that I do not mean that the articles replace the text of the holy inspired word of God. I am not assigning that intention to those who created this incredible layout. I simply mean that if a person was seeking to choose A CSB bible to purchase, the articles might be the selling point.

There are pros and cons to the CSB Holy Land Illustrated Bible. The fantastic COLORFUL illustrations and visual-heavy layout create several opportunities. The PAPER is fantastic. There is NOT any ghosting. Or very, very, very minimal ghosting. But the volume of articles AND the thickness of the paper do make for an extremely bulky, literally heavy Bible. As a reference Bible, I think the Bible definitely something to consider. If you are one who reads the Bible primarily at a desk or at a table, I do think the heaviness will not be a distraction. If you are someone who primarily reads the Bible in a comfy chair, then this isn't the best lap Bible. I think if one were to read short sections--perhaps two to four chapters per day, it could be manageable. If you are a Bible glutton--like me--then this may not be the best fit for say the Bible in 90 days challenge.

I can appreciate the quality of the paper. It is truly rare to find a Bible with little to no ghosting. Visually, this one is fantastic. Without reading a single word, you are swept away. It does stand out or stand apart from most other Bibles.

The quality of the articles isn't something I am super prepared to judge. Some were more interesting/fascinating than others for sure. Not all were equally engaging. A few were interviews. There were definitely a handful of articles that I truly did find engaging and informative. A few that I wanted to share what I had learned with someone else [before I forgot what I just learned.] Having read through it once, it will be a nice enough reference bible, but it isn't practical enough for every day use because it is so physically heavy.… (more)

First of all, this Lifeway CSB Women’s Bible with the Marigold Leathertouch® cover is gorgeous!

Let’s begin with the outward appearance. To reiterate, it’s stunning! I love the Marigold color! The Leathertouch® cover is flexible, easy to grip, and lays flat when open. The front and back cover is free from words or designs, is neatly stitched along the edges, and the white, debossed title and branding on the spine really stands out.

Inside, the pages are sturdy, have a pleasant feel, and very little bleed through. The single-column design gives it a clean look with occasional notes in the bottom or side margins. Stimulating full-page articles from trusted Lifeway authors are scattered throughout. For example, articles titled How to Be Still—The Practice of Meditation, Love Your Neighbor, and Paul’s Final Letter, expounding on various messages and teachings in Scripture.

I find the introductions to each book, as well as the Character Profiles interesting and enriching—causing me to see people and situations in a new way.

There are 8 full-page maps in the back (and even more throughout the Old and New Testaments) that are detailed, colorful, and easy to read, documenting important journeys through Biblical times. And always a plus for me is an attached ribbon marker, and this Bible has two!

I’m new to the Christian Standard Bible (CSB) version, so this is a learning experience for me. But I have discovered some missing verses. Obviously, reading different versions will look and sound different, but the CSB has omitted text. For instance, in Matthew 18’s Parable of the Lost Sheep, CSB omits verse 11. It skips from verse 10 to 12. What is said in verse 11 isn’t combined with the surrounding verses, it simply isn’t included at all.

Matthew 18: 10-12 CSB
“See to it that you don’t despise on of these little ones, because I tell you that in heaven their angels continually view the face of my Father in heaven. (vs 11 missing) What do you think? If someone has a hundred sheep, and one of them goes astray, won’t he leave the ninety-nine on the hillside and go and search for the stray?”

Now, to be clear, the omitted verse is included in the footnotes at the bottom of the page, stating: (Some mss include v. 11: For the Son of Man has come to save the lost.) But why isn’t that included in the text? I’m confused. Verse 11 is important. It’s the basis of the entire Bible. Jesus came to save us.

Another example of omitted verses: Mark 9:44 and 9:46 is missing from the text but included in the footnotes, stating: (Some mss include v. 44/46: Where their worm does not die, and the fire is not quenched.) I’ve encountered several other omitted verses as well. And in some instances, words are replaced with something different. (i.e. the word EAGLE replaces ANGEL.)

Overall, I like this Bible, but the version will take a bit of getting used to. I plan to examine it further alongside my other versions for more clarity.

Many thanks to Lifeway Christian Resources for providing a sample of the product for this review. Opinions are 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation.

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There are so many positive things about this new Bible for women. It is overflowing with amazing features, but I especially like that the binding allows me to lay it flat, the text is easy to read, and there is even space for journaling. There are charts galore and full-colored maps to increase my knowledge, a Table of Contents and Concordance to help me navigate, and three different reading plans to guide me in reading God's Word. These plans include a 90-day plan, a one-year plan, and a three-year plan. I appreciate that there are numerous devotions and articles that supplement the Bible scripture and they're written by people like me---women who love God and long to grow in their faith! My only reservation is that the words of Jesus aren't in red text.

This CSB Lifeway Women's Bible is a wonderful addition to your personal library, but it would also be a lovely gift for birthdays, Mother's Day, Christmas, and even Graduation! It's rich in beauty and content, and there's a special presentation page for gifting it to those special women in your life. This Bible is truly a gem!

I received a complimentary copy of this Bible from the publisher via FrontGate Media. There was no obligation for a positive review. These are my unbiased thoughts.… (more)