New Interpreter's Study Bible: NRSV with Apocrypha (New Revised Standard Version) [Audiobook] [CD-ROM]

Some people want a Study Bible which tells them what to believe and how to believe it, thus keeping everyone in line (e.g. NIV Study Bible, Life Application Study Bible). Many people prefer to consult a Study Bible in which the facts are presented from a more historical-critical point of view; the reader is left to make up his or her own mind about what to accept and what to reject (New Oxford Annotated NRSV 3rd ed.[NOAB], HarperCollins Study Bible [HCSB] and the Cambridge Annotated Study Bible NRSV).

For those in that last group, the New Interpreter's Study Bible (NISB) is a very welcome addition. If you already own the Oxford or HarperCollins, then purchase this volume for use alongside. If you are considering the Cambridge, get this one instead.
The study notes are somewhat more detailed than in the Oxford and HarperCollins. On page 5 the book of Genesis starts. There is only room for the first 5 verses, the rest of the space being taken up by notes and an excursus. This is actually quite exceptional. Generally the pages are 60% Bible text and 40% notes. A nice touch is that proper names in the Bible text have been broken down into syllables as was the case in the RSV.

Looking at Isaiah 7:14 as most conservative believers tend to do, we see that the NRSV translates 'young woman' correctly from the Massoretic text. Among the notes at the bottom of the page is a "Special Note" explaining how Matthew came to use the word 'virgin' in his Gospel.
Throughout the volume there are so-called "Excursus" sections. These "give more extended treatment to texts, themes and ideas that deserve special attention..." (page XV). A few of the subjects covered: Biblical Ambivalence to Government; Creation: Ordering Chaos; The Eucharist in John; Gender in Genesis; Two Flood Narratives; Paul and the Law.

The Apocrypha is included in this edition. These books are well worth reading. Strange to think that some Christians do not even know of their existance!! The Apocrypha gets the same detailed treatment as the rest of the Bible.

Add to all this some interesting essays on various topics (e.g. The Reliability of Scripture, the Inpsiration of Scripture, Culture and Religion Amont the Ancuent Israelites etc.) and some maps and you have a superb guide to the Bible. Of course, one must not forget the introductions to each book plus an outline.

The language used is not such that only academics can understand it. The content of the notes and essays is of the highest academic value. Quite a feat!
I must emphasize that owning and using more than one Study Bible is preferable if you want a large, accurate picture of things. you will find yourself leaning towards one Study bible, but the other will provide other insights. Thus the NISB plus either the NOAB or the HCSB, or even all three!

Is there anything negative to say? Yes: the lack of cross-references either between the columns or in the margin. The Cambridge is the only Study Bible in the NRSV to have them. A missed opportunity by Abingdon Press.

The paper used is very thin so you can see the print from the next page. But it is not distracting. The hardback binding is not as good as the NOAB or the HCSB which means the paper easily crinkles. One would expect better for the price.

Unfortunately the copy of the book that arrived at my house was of a sub-standard quality. In fact such a book should never have been allowed to leave the printers. I have mailed Abingdon about this and will post their reaction in a follow-up. Such a pity that a lack of quality control should marr an otherwise great book. I hope this is an exception and not the norm for Abingdon publications.