Currently available in the New International Version (NIV) and New King James Version (NKJV) Bible translations, the award-winning Cultural Backgrounds Study Bible is now also available in the New Revised Standard Version (NRSV) (Protestant canon edition), the translation renowned for its beautiful balance of mainline scholarship and readability. The NRSV is the popular and widely ecumenical translation vetted by Protestant, Catholic, Orthodox, Evangelical, and Jewish scholars.
The NRSV Cultural Backgrounds Study Bible features study notes by Bible scholars Dr. John H. Walton and Dr. Craig S. Keener, offering readers a “behind-the-scenes” tour of the ancient world and providing deeper insights into even the most familiar passages.
According to the editors, “this study Bible has been purpose-built to do one thing: increase readers’ understanding of the cultural nuances behind the text of God’s Word so that their knowledge of the realities behind the ideas in the text is enriched and expanded.”
For example, the historical study notes for the book of Jonah include the following:
A reference to “Jonah son of Amittai” in 2 Kings 14:25 places the setting for the book of Jonah between 790 and 760 BC. Jonah therefore serves in the generation just before Amos and Hosea, at the beginning of classical prophecy in Israel. During the time of Jonah, the reign of Jeroboam II (793–753 BC) achieved unparalleled prosperity and military success in the history of Israel’s divided monarchy. The Arameans were the only hindrance to territorial expansion. Assyria, in a period of decline, was preoccupied with internal security. This background is important for it shows that the northern kingdom of Israel at this time was near the top, not the bottom, in the realm of international politics.
When it was introduced in August 2016, the Cultural Backgrounds Study Bible: Bringing to Life the Ancient World developed a new scriptural experience for Bible readers with the idea that contextual clarity could be given to even the most well-known Bible stories.
To that end, the Cultural Backgrounds Study Bible is packed with details that bring to life the customs, culture, and literature of the ancient world. The expert insight of Drs. Walton and Keener provide context that illuminate the rich meaning of Scripture with:
- Targeted book introductions that explain the context in which each book of the Bible was written.
- Insightful and informative verse-by-verse study notes that reveal new dimensions of insight to even the most familiar passages.
- Key Old Testament (Hebrew) and New Testament (Greek) terms that are explained and expanded upon in two helpful reference features.
- Over 300 in-depth articles on key contextual topics.
- 375 full-color photos, illustrations, and images from around the world.
- Dozens of charts, maps, and diagrams in vivid color.
- Additional study Bible tools: cross-references, NRSV Authorized Concise Glossary and Concordance, indexes, and other helps.
[Read the Bible Gateway Blog post, Cultural Backgrounds Study Bible Wins 2017 Christian Book Award]
Melinda Bouma, publisher of Zondervan Bibles, says, “The NRSV is a rich, beautiful translation that unfortunately has a limited number of study Bibles available to its loyal readers. Our aim is to change that by offering a wide variety of NRSV Bibles now and in the future, and there could not be a better place to begin than with this intriguing, enlightening study content.”
[Read the Bible Gateway Blog post, KJV, NKJV, and NIV Bibles Get Typeface Makeover]
The NRSV Cultural Backgrounds Study Bible features the new Comfort Print® typeface, expertly and exclusively designed for the New Revised Standard Version text. This easy-to-read typeface delivers a smooth reading experience.
About the Editors
Craig S. Keener (PhD, Duke University) is F. M. and Ada Thompson Professor of Biblical Studies at Asbury Theological Seminary in Wilmore, Kentucky. He is the author of more than 25 books, including Miracles: The Credibility of the New Testament Accounts, The Historical Jesus of the Gospels, and commentaries on Matthew, John, Acts, Romans, 1 and 2 Corinthians, Galatians, and Revelation. Especially known for his work on the New Testament in its early Jewish and Greco-Roman settings, Craig is the author of the award-winning The IVP Bible Background Commentary: New Testament and the New Testament editor of the Cultural Backgrounds Study Bible.
John H. Walton (PhD, Hebrew Union College) is professor of Old Testament at Wheaton College Graduate School. He is the author or coauthor of several books, including Chronological and Background Charts of the Old Testament; The Lost World of the Torah: Law as Covenant and Wisdom in Ancient Context; Covenant: God’s Purpose, God’s Plan; and A Survey of the Old Testament. John is the author of the award-winning The IVP Bible Background Commentary: Old Testament and the Old Testament editor of the Cultural Backgrounds Study Bible.
About Zondervan:
Zondervan is a world leading Bible publisher and provider of Christian communications. Zondervan, part of HarperCollins Christian Publishing, Inc., delivers transformational Christian experiences through its bestselling Bibles, books, curriculum, academic resources and digital products. The Company’s products are sold worldwide and translated into nearly 200 languages. Zondervan offices are located in Grand Rapids, Mich. For additional information, please visit www.zondervan.com.
Understanding the Bible doesn’t need to be hard. Find out how
Bible Gateway Plus makes it easier!
Loading ...