A Guide to ESV Reader’s Bibles

This article is part of the Which ESV Is Right for You? series.

ESV Reader's Bible

The ESV Reader’s Bible was created for those who want to read the books of Scripture precisely as they were originally written. Verse numbers, section headings, and translation footnotes are helpful navigational and interpretive tools, but they are also relatively recent conventions. In the Reader’s Bible they have been removed from the Bible text, and the result is a new kind of Bible-reading experience in a volume that presents Scripture as one extended storyline.

On the top of each page a verse range is included for orientation. Other features include a single-column text setting, readable type, and a book-like format. The Reader’s Bible is a simple but elegant edition, and is perfect for devotional reading, for extended Bible reading, or for focusing on the overarching narrative of the Bible.

  • Black letter text, with no verse numbers or footnotes
  • Single-column, paragraph format
  • Two ribbon markers

Look Inside / Browse All Cover Styles

ESV Reader’s Bible, Six-Volume Set

The ESV Reader’s Bible, Six-Volume Set stems from the conviction that the Bible is of immeasurable value and should therefore be treasured—and read in the most seamless way possible. Constructed with materials carefully selected to reflect the beauty of God’s Word, the ESV Reader’s Bible, Six-Volume Set is a unique collection designed for those desiring a cleaner, simpler Bible-reading experience. Printed on European book paper with smyth-sewn binding and packaged in an elegant slipcase, this edition features single column text that is free of all verse numbers, chapter numbers, and footnotes, as well as most section headings—resulting in a unique Bible-reading experience that helps readers encounter and delight in the beauty of God’s Word.

  • Black letter text
  • Single-column, paragraph format
  • No verse numbers, chapter numbers, or footnotes
  • Reduced section headings
  • Printed on high-quality European book paper
  • Divided into six volumes: Pentateuch, Historical Books, Poetry, Prophets, Gospels & Acts, and Epistles & Revelation
  • Ribbon markers
  • Smyth-sewn binding

Look Inside / Browse All Cover Styles

ESV Reader's Gospels

The ESV Reader’s Gospels invites the reader to approach each Gospel—Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John—as its own unified, cohesive story. The text is presented in a beautifully designed single-column format and is printed on cream, opaque book paper. All verse numbers, chapter numbers, footnotes, and cross-references have been removed, resulting in a text that reads like a novel. Occasional section headings alert the reader to thematic shifts in the narrative, and these headings are also located at the top of the page to assist in navigation.

The Reader's Gospels helps readers immerse themselves in God’s Word so that they can see afresh the beauty and glory of Jesus Christ and the power of the gospel.

Features:

  • No verse numbers, chapter numbers, or footnotes
  • Printed on high-quality European book paper
  • Ribbon marker
  • Smyth-sewn binding

Look Inside / Browse All Cover Styles

ESV Reader's Letters of Paul

It's unquestionable that the apostle Paul is the most significant theologian in church history. He solidified his theology in letters to early churches—texts that remain as challenging and relevant today as they were to their original recipients. The ESV Reader's Letters of Paul was produced in celebration of the 500th anniversary of the Reformation—a period of time in which the reformers rediscovered the vital theological truths within Paul's epistles that have shaped Christian theology ever since. The text of Paul's thirteen letters is presented without verse and chapter numbers in a clean, single-column format on thick, cream-colored paper to encourage extended reading. An introductory article explains how the letters fit within the rest of the Bible as well as the important role they have played in the history of the church.

Features:

  • 2-color printing
  • Introduction to the 13 Pauline epistles
  • Thick, cream-colored paper
  • Single-column, paragraph format
  • Presentation page
  • Smyth-sewn binding

Look Inside / Browse All Cover Styles

ESV Gospel of John, Reader's Edition

The book of John provides an up close look at the life and ministry of Jesus. The ESV Gospel of John, Reader's Edition captures this firsthand historical record in a stand-alone volume. Formatted like a novel without chapter and verse numbers, this edition invites readers into an immersive reading experience, and, at a portable trim size, makes an ideal gift or outreach tool.

  • 2-color printing
  • Thick, cream-colored paper
  • Single-column, paragraph format
  • Book introduction
  • Sewn binding

Look Inside / Browse All Cover Styles

Crossway is a not-for-profit Christian ministry that exists solely for the purpose of proclaiming the gospel through publishing gospel-centered, Bible-centered content. Learn more or donate today at crossway.org/about.