For many years the NIV Study Bible was my resource for personal Bible study. I found it a valuable aid. I never acquired the Lutheran version, the Concordia Self-Study Bible, so I had to make allowances for the Baptist-oriented theology of the notes.

In 2003 Concordia Publishing House set about producing an entirely new study Bible, based on the more literal English Standard Version translation. Lutheran scholars from various church groups and countries participated, and hundreds of laypeople provided critical feedback. The result (published in 2009) is an impressive and desirable resource which has become my regular study Bible.

At 2,372 pages and almost four pounds, this may not be the Bible you want to carry to church with you (unless you get the electronic version). It’s handsomely bound in red and printed on thin “Bible” paper. Older readers should be cautioned that the typeface is rather small.

To call the notes generous would be an understatement. They feature insights from noted Lutheran scholars, as well as citations from Luther and other Reformers, and even prayers at the ends of sections. Extras include a reading and study guide, the full text of Luther’s Small Catechism, and other helps, charts, and maps. Each book of the Bible is prefaced by an introduction (including a timeline and a section of commentary by Luther) and an outline. The editors have included special interpretive pages at strategic points where further illumination would be helpful to the reader. There is also a very good concordance at the back of the volume. A nice amenity is the illustrations, handsome nineteenth century engravings by the Lutheran artist Julius Schnorr von Carlsfeld.

In terms of 1 Corinthians 3:2 where the apostle Paul says, “I fed you with milk, not solid food,” the ESV Lutheran Study Bible is a solid food resource. If you’re looking for breezy, cheerful, inspirational material to start your day, this is not it. This is a Bible for the Lutheran who wants to study Scripture seriously, getting a sense of the original text, and understanding how the Lutheran church interprets it in light of its confessions. In the AFLC, where we emphasize informed lay leadership in the congregation, the ESV Lutheran Study Bible can be a highly valuable resource. It’s as good as a one-volume commentary.

Lars J. Walker
AFLC Schools Librarian
Plymouth, MN

The Lutheran Study Bible is available in a variety of editions. The one used in this review is the hardcover volume.

Order your copy here: Ambassador Publications Online Store