Book Review: The Expanded Bible

I was pleased to get this Bible to review. I got it with my Husband in mind, because he wanted a different study Bible for his morning quiet time.

After reading through a few of my favorite passages, I must say that I like this Bible pretty well. The translation is based on a variation of the New Century Version of the Bible, making it easy to follow along. Since it is also a study Bible, there are many comments, notes, and references added for clarity. However, these notations are given within the text, rather than being compiled and listed below the text itself. At first I thought this would be a distraction from the reading, but it is quite the opposite. It is helpful not to have to "hold my place" while I fish through the notes below.

Another thing I enjoyed about the Expanded Bible is that it has an extensive introduction, so that the reader is able to understand the notations that are made throughout the text. It gives a clear example of each type of notation that is made, allowing the reader to become familiar with this style. There is also a subject index in the back that lists major events or topics of the Bible, and the Scriptural reference for them. Here is an example of a well-known passage of Scripture:

Psalm 23

 ¹ The Lord is my shepherd;
I have everything I need [will lack nothing].
² He lets me rest [makes me lie down] in green pastures.
He leads me to calm [quiet]water.
³ He gives me new strength [renews my soul].
He leads me on paths that are right [righteous; or straight]
       for the good [sake] of his name [reputation].
⁴ Even if I walk through a very dark valley [or the shadow of death],
I will not be afraid [fear no evil],
because you are with me.
Your rod and your shepherd's staff comfort me.

⁵ You prepare a meal [table] for me
in front [the presence] of my enemies.
You pour oil of blessing on my head [anoint my head with oil; oil was a means of refreshment in a hot, dry environment];
       you fill my cup to overflowing [make my cup overflow; a cup of blessing].
⁶ Surely your goodness and love [loyalty; mercy] will be with [pursue; follow] me
all my life,
and I will live in the house of the Lord forever [for length of days].

*Italics are my own to show the difference between Biblical text and the notation.

There are just a few minor things that I did not care for in this Bible. There is no concordance in the back, which I am accustomed to using to look up passages of Scripture. This Bible also lacks time lines and maps, which I feel are important keys in gaining further insight and depth about the things of the Bible. However, I still would certainly recommend this Bible as an additional tool of reading and reference.

I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com book review blogger's program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission