Benefits of a Verse-by-Verse Bible

Reasons to Consider a Verse-by-Verse Bible

There is a historical tradition of the Bible text being laid out in a versified format, but in recent years the introduction of the paragraph format (in both double-column and single-column layouts) has resulted in the traditional verse-by-verse format declining in popularity. In other words, you really have to go searching for a verse-by-verse Bible.

Proponents of a versified Bible text appreciate how easy it is to quickly find a specific verse, especially when scanning the biblical text while preaching or teaching. In fact, one of the primary reasons that Crossway offers a verse-by-verse edition is to serve anyone who ministers through the preaching and teaching of the Word of God. The importance of being able to quickly find your place in the text cannot be minimized.

Another benefit of a verse-by-verse edition is that it forces the reader to slow down when reading the biblical text. If someone wants to spend an extended amount of time reading through a lengthy passage of Scripture, a verse-by-verse layout may not be the best option. However, when studying the Bible in a systematic and in-depth way, a verse-by-verse edition may be helpful, especially when using supplemental tools like commentaries and interlinears.

Crossway's ESV Verse-by-Verse Reference Bible will not be the ideal Bible edition for everyone, but it will serve many who choose to use it in a specific context. Think of a verse-by-verse layout as just one tool out of many designed to help you dig into God’s Word. There are times when it’s extremely helpful, but there are also times when a paragraph format is even better. Used in the correct context, a versified Bible can greatly benefit our understanding and interaction with the Bible.

The ESV Verse-by-Verse Reference Bible

If you're interested in a verse-by-verse Bible, Crossway offers the ESV Verse-by-Verse Reference Bible in two formats:

Double-Column Layout (New)
Features:

• 9-point Lexicon type
• Black letter text
• Left-aligned, bolded verse numbers
• Concordance
• 80,000 cross-references located in the lower right-hand corner of each page
• Full-color maps
• Ribbon marker
• Smyth-sewn binding
• Lifetime guarantee
• Cover options:
  • TruTone, Deep Brown
  • Top Grain Leather, Black (features two ribbon markers)
• Download a PDF excerpt of the interior

Single-Column Layout
Features:

• 9-point Lexicon type
• Black letter text
• Left-aligned verse numbers
• Concordance
• 80,000 cross-references located in the inside margin of each page
• Full-color maps
• Ribbon marker
• Smyth-sewn binding
• Lifetime guarantee
• Cover options:
  • TruTone, Brown/Saddle, Timeless Design
  • TruTone, Burgundy, Frame Design
  • Genuine Leather, Black
• Download a PDF excerpt of the interior