CSB Verse-by-Verse Bible
This brand new Bible from Holman is a game changer for CSB fans.
The Christian Standard Bible (CSB) has gained quite a following since the translation debuted in 2017 (a complete overhaul of the HCSB, which was first released back in 2004). Published by Holman Bibles, an imprint of B&H Publishing and LifeWay, the CSB is extremely popular in evangelical circles as a translation that is faithful to the original texts while also being highly readable.
The brand new CSB Verse-by-Verse Bible is initially being offered in two editions: bonded leather and premium genuine leather (goatskin). The latter is Holman’s most premium Bible to date, and I am quite impressed with how it turned out.
CSB Verse-by-Verse Bible – Overview
As the title suggests, this Bible feature a verse-by-verse layout in which each verse begins on a new, indented line. That alone helps you keep your place as you read or study, but the fact that chapter and verse numbers appear in red makes it even better. This makes for a nice experience when teaching a Bible study or preaching from this Bible, but it’s also a great Bible to read.
The line-matched text is a comfortable 10pt “Bible Serif” font from typesetter 2K/DENMARK that’s neither too big nor too small, and it appears on lovely opaque paper (I can’t find specifics from Holman about the paper, but it’s really impressive). Add in a solid set of cross-references, concordance, maps, and 1” wide margins, and you’ve got a Bible that is loaded with great features.
FEATURES
• Verse-by-verse format
• Wide margins
• Edge-lined goatskin
• Smyth-sewn binding
• Art gilding
• Three ribbon markers
• Premium paper
• Line Matching
• Cross-references
• Concordance
• Maps
• 6.75” x 9.0” trim size
• 1.5” thick
• 10pt type size
Holman is on the Right Path
This is my first premium CSB from Holman, but my friends tell me that it is a huge step up from their previous higher-quality Bibles. The art gilding, ribbons, perimeter stitching, and other aesthetic touches are done extremely well, and the goatskin on this Bible is fantastic. It’s soft and supple, but also thick, and it has a great texture to it. I’m honestly a bit surprised that Holman is labeling this as “premium genuine leather,” because the goatskin should be one of their top selling points.
This Bible reminds me in many ways of the Premier Collection from Thomas Nelson and Zondervan, and I think that’s a good place for Holman to aim in terms of quality and price for their premium Bibles. If this CSB Verse-by-Verse Bible represents the direction in which Holman is headed, then we have a lot of great CSB editions to look forward to in the future.
About Tim Wildsmith: “I’m a pastor, writer, and musician from Nashville, where I live with my wife, Becca. I have always loved a Bible that is beautifully designed, well-crafted, and practical, and I’m convinced that finding a Bible you love and enjoy reading will make you want to spend more time with it.” Click here to read the full bio.
