In 2001 Crossway Books introduced the English Standard Version of the Bible. Since, its popularity has grown and is being used by more and more people and churches. We did a review in Equip for Ministry of the ESV when it was released. We will not repeat except to say that for those who want an accurate, readable, and reliable translation of the Bible, the ESV is our recommendation.
Crossway Bibles has printed the ESV in a variety of different styles and sizes. For example: large print, a pocket size edition of the New Testament, Psalms and Proverbs, Leather bound and hard back editions, thin line, and a Children’s edition–not a children’s version which changes the translation.
In our effort to encourage people to read and study the Word, we mention the two new publications listed above. The ESV Daily Reading Bible is “designed to provide a flexible and complete Bible reading plan to guide you through the Bible on a daily basis.”
The publisher has formatted the Daily Reading Bible to help you read from the Old Testament, New Testament, and Psalms. If you follow their design, you will read through the Old Testament once and through the New Testament and Psalms twice during the year. The Daily Reading Bible can be used for personal devotions, Bible study, and in the church. Unlike the earlier One Year Bible, which has a daily section from the Old Testament, New Testament, Psalms, and Proverbs, this edition starts at Genesis and continues through Revelation. The days are listed in the margins throughout. For example: January 1 begins with Genesis, Matthew, and Psalm one. The 365 days are listed at the beginning of this edition.
The second publication,the ESV Journaling Bible, allows you to write notes in the margin as you read or study. It also begins with Genesis and continues to Revelation. If you have a fine point pen and are able to write in small letters and are not too wordy, you will be able to journal your Bible reading. Along with the small lines for journaling, the small type (7.5) might be a drawback for some. Maybe a larger print edition will appear in the near future. The Journaling Bible has an elastic strap attached, as well as marking ribbons to help you keep your place in reading and studying.