How We Illuminated All 66 Books of the Bible

Thoughtful Design

Throughout the creation process of the ESV Illuminated Bible, Art Journaling Edition, artist Dana Tanamachi, along with a small team of researchers, pored over the biblical text, gathering themes, motifs, symbols, and imagery to use as a foundation for the artwork found on the pages of this Bible.

Dana worked to incorporate these elements with the text in a way that honors the events and details of each book, at times situating them in their historical environment and context. For example, the book opener for the Gospel of John incorporates an illustration of a hyssop plant—the very branch on which Jesus was offered a drink while he was nailed to the cross.

Browse all of the book openers today!

Available in Four Cover Options


Related Articles


Crossway is a not-for-profit Christian ministry that exists solely for the purpose of proclaiming the gospel through publishing gospel-centered, Bible-centered content. Learn more or donate today at crossway.org/about.