Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB) Review


Bible: Holman Christian Standard Bible

Publisher: B & H Publishing Group
Published date: 2014

Features of the Bible reviewed:

  • Two-column text setting
  • End of paragraph cross-references
  • Easy to read 10.5-point Bible type
  • Topical subheads
  • Topical concordance
  • "God's Plan of Salvation"
  • "Where To Turn" index to topics
  • HCSB Bullet Notes—explaining frequently used biblical words or terms
  • "Titles of Jesus" index
  • "Messianic Scriptures That Jesus Fulfilled" chart
  • Table of Weights and Measures
  • Eight full-color maps
  • Words of Jesus in Red
  • Full-color presentation page
  • Ribbon marker
  • Thumb indexed
  • Silver page edges
  • 8.25" x 5.75" x 1.25"
Review:

I am reviewing the Bible pictured. It is the Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB), published by B & H Publishing. The Bible's retail price point is $29.99. It packs a lot of punch for that price in features, quality and readability. It is available at your local Christian bookstore as well as Christianbook, Amazon, and Barnes & Noble.

While there are many translations available today, the HCSB strikes a nice balance between thought for thought and word for word translation.This is called optimal equivalence which is explained quite nicely in the introduction section. The section explains the texts used for the HCSB, the goals of the translation, and its features.

What I really liked:
  • Old Testament verses used in the New Testament are in bold print. I like seeing the how the old is incorporated in the new and this makes the verses pop right out.
  • Where verses are used in a thought for thought translation, the literal translation is given in a note at the bottom of the page. It also gives alternate manuscript information.
  • The concordance and study notes in the back of the Bible are quite helpful for this size Bible. Definitions for words that may not be familiar to the reader are defined. Also, the titles of Jesus are listed. This will be quite helpful when I do my Titles of Jesus study.
What could be improved.
  • I wish the words of Christ were a deeper red. Those with eyesight difficulty may have a problem with the 10.5 type and the shade of red used.
  • Although bleed through is not terrible, having a bit thicker paper would be better to see the words more clearly.
Overall, I recommend the HCSB Large Print Personal Size Bible, indexed edition. It is a nice addition to any Bible library. Great for Bible study and daily reading. It also feels nice to the touch and the edition I received for review is a nice and feminine color. It also comes in other colors ranging from imitation to genuine leather.

** I RECEIVED THIS BIBLE COURTESY OF THE PUBLISHER FOR AN HONEST AND FAIR REVIEW.**



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