Leland Ryken and Philip G. Ryken, Eds.
Reviewed by: Danny E. Olinger
The Literary Study Bible: English Standard Version. General editors Leland Ryken and Philip G. Ryken. Published by Crossway Books, 2007. Hardback, 1,952 pages, list price $49.99. Reviewed by editor Danny E. Olinger.
For those who are in the practice of reading devotionally from the Bible—or for those who would like to start—The Literary Study Bible is a great Bible to use. As general editors, the father and-son team of Leland and Phil Ryken have added touches that make it more of a “reader’s Bible” than the standard “study Bible.” Formatted in a single column per page with no cross references, and with footnotes limited to standard ESV textual notes, passages can be easily read as complete units. Brief comments often appear before the start of a chapter or section, but they are unobtrusive.
This reviewer used The Literary Study Bible in reading through the books of Job and Luke, following McCheyne’s Bible reading schedule, and found it very helpful. The single column text in Job allows the poetic speeches to flow, which enhances the arguments of each speaker. The fact that this is not a “red letter” edition of the Bible was refreshing to me as I read through Luke. Introductory material for both books was to the point, and the noting of literary genres deepened the reading. There is a glossary of literary terms at the end that the reader can consult.
The list price is $49.99, but most Internet booksellers are selling the volume for around $30.00.
March 19, 2023
Creeds, Confessions, and Catechisms: A Reader’s Edition
March 12, 2023
Well Ordered, Living Well: A Field Guide to Presbyterian Church Government
March 05, 2023
Our Heavenly Shepherd: Comfort and Strength from Psalm 23
February 26, 2023
The Rise and Fall of Christian Ireland
February 19, 2023
Great God A’Mighty! The Dixie Hummingbirds: Celebrating the Rise of Soul Gospel Music
February 12, 2023
February 05, 2023
A Practical Theology of Family Worship: Richard Baxter’s Timeless Encouragement for Today’s Home
© 2023 The Orthodox Presbyterian Church