The English Standard Version (ESV) is a widely popular modern Bible translation that has captured the hearts of many readers since its launch in 2001.
The English Standard Version has its roots set in the time-honored and trusted King James Version (KJV) and the Revised Standard Version (RSV) translations. The ESV translation was derived from the Revised Standard Version, while the RSV translation was inspired and upheld to the standards of the King James Version during its creation.
The goal of the ESV translation was to create a Bible that balances accuracy, readability, and literary excellence, making it an appealing choice for a broad range of Bible readers.
Reading at an 8th grade level, it stays true to the original Hebrew and Greek texts while presenting the language in a clear and contemporary style. This blend of accuracy and readability makes the ESV ideal for personal study, devotion, teaching, and preaching.
Please reference the chart below for a comparison against other popular translations and how they sit on a spectrum between word-for-word and thought-for-thought translations.
Are there different ESV versions?
Are there different ESV versions? Yes, there are various ESV (English Standard Version) versions; some are iterative editions that make translation changes and improvements to the text, as well as editions that target more specific denominations, such as the ESV Catholic Edition.
Outside of the translation itself, there are many other ESV versions from a physical bible perspective, each with unique features, formats, and cover materials. Some examples include:
Study Bibles
Children’s Bibles
Large print editions
Compact versions designed for portability
What denomination uses the ESV Bible?
The ESV Bible is used by a wide range of Christian denominations, as it is known for its accuracy and readability. It appeals to both Protestant and evangelical Christians and is often used in churches, schools, and personal study. There are even editions that target specific denominations, such as the ESV Catholic Bible.
What does compact reference Bible mean?
A compact reference Bible is a smaller-sized Bible with additional study tools, such as a concordance, maps, and cross-references. These Bibles are designed to be portable and easy to carry, making them perfect for those who want to study the Bible on the go.
These smaller-sized Bibles are perfect for those who want to carry the Word of God with them wherever they go and despite their size, they still contain the full ESV text and often include additional features, such as ribbon markers and study aids.
But he said, “Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and keep it!”
Luke 11:28, ESV
What are the differences between NIV and ESV Bible?
The main difference between the NIV (New International Version) and ESV Bibles is their translation philosophy. The NIV aims to balance accuracy and readability, falling on the thought-for-thought side of the translation spectrum. Meanwhile the ESV prioritizes a word-for-word translation, making it closer to the original languages. Both versions are popular and well-respected by scholars and readers alike.
Let’s explore some of the best compact ESV Bibles available, and find the one that suits your needs and preferences. To help you choose the perfect compact ESV Bible, here is a list of some of the best options available:
ESV Large Print Compact Bible (Buffalo Leather, Deep Brown)
Features:
Concordance
Words of Christ in red
Ribbon marker
Smyth-sewn binding
Lifetime guarantee
This Bible is designed for people who prefer larger print in a compact format. It features an 8-point type set in a double-column format, making it easy to read while maintaining portability. The buffalo leather cover adds a touch of elegance and durability.
It’s an excellent choice for readers of all ages who want a travel-friendly Bible.
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ESV Heirloom Single Column Personal Size Bible (Goatskin, Black)
Features:
High-quality Bible paper
Premium goatskin cover
Art gilding
Wide margins
Line matching
This premium Bible is part of Crossway’s Heirloom collection, featuring high-quality materials like a goatskin cover, art gilding, and wide margins. Its single-column format and line matching make it easy to read, while the portable trim size ensures convenience on the go.
With line matching, you’ll find it simpler to focus on the text, absorb its meaning, and engage with the Scripture more deeply.
To elaborate: Line matching involves aligning the text on both sides of a page, ensuring that the lines on the front and back are precisely matched. This is a method to resolve complaints of “bleed through” where compact bibles (or any bible really) with thin paper may appear transparent and cause text on the reverse side to be visible.
This premium Bible is highly portable, just over one inch thick, and features a single-column format. With its goatskin cover and high-quality materials, this Bible is designed to last a lifetime.
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ESV Compact Bible (Canvas with Zipper, Camo Design)
Features:
Ribbon marker
Smyth-sewn binding
Lifetime guarantee
This compact Bible comes with a canvas cover and zipper closure, making it an excellent choice for those who want a durable and portable option. Its 6-point type set in a double-column format balances readability and portability.
The camo design has many applications and may be seen as a more masculine design, whereas other bibles may have a floral design, this compact bible may attract young kids and encourage them with a distinct feeling of ownership.
This compact Bible, with its canvas cover and zipper, fits conveniently in your backpack or purse. It’s perfect for anyone who wants to take God’s word wherever they go.
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ESV Large Print Compact Bible (TruTone, Berry, Floral Design)
Features:
Concordance
Words of Christ in red
Ribbon marker
Smyth-sewn binding
Lifetime guarantee
Similar to the buffalo leather edition, this large print compact Bible features a TruTone cover with a floral design. It offers a balance between portability and usability, making it perfect for on-the -go reading.
Conversely to the camo design, the floral design may attract those looking to express their feminine side with a more colorful and beautiful bible. To be certain, these are all the same translation, but a sense of ownership and individuality may be important to some.
Like the Buffalo Leather version, this Bible offers larger print in a compact size. The TruTone cover provides a stylish and affordable alternative to the leather version.
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ESV Value Compact Bible (TruTone, Raspberry, Floral Design)
Features:
Smyth-sewn binding
Quality TruTone cover
Low cost
Lifetime guarantee
This affordable option maintains many of the features found in other compact ESV Bibles, such as the double-column format and Smyth-sewn binding, but omits some premium features like gilded edges and ribbon markers to keep costs down.
By opting for a Value Compact Bible, you can easily take God’s Word with you wherever you go, staying connected to your faith while staying within your budget.
We would always encourage people to treat their bibles respectably, but we also all know that one person who could use a cheaper bible that may need to be replaced affordably and frequently. Especially considering compact bibles are meant to be taken “out and about.”
The ESV Value Compact Bible retains many features of the Compact Bible but at a more affordable price. It is an excellent option for those looking for a budget-friendly, portable ESV Bible.
This ultra-compact Bible is the smallest complete ESV Bible ever published by Crossway, making it an ideal choice for those who want a highly portable option.
The specialized ultrathin Bible paper and double-column format ensure readability while keeping the thickness to just one inch. The TruTone cover features a stylish emblem design, and the ribbon marker helps you keep your place. The ESV Pocket Bible is perfect for quick reference, daily reading, memorization, or study on the go, easily fitting into your backpack, bag, purse, or car.
The ESV Pocket Bible is the smallest complete ESV Bible ever published. Designed to fit easily in your backpack, bag, purse, or car, this edition is perfect for quick reference, daily reading, or study on the go.
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About the Publisher: Crossway
As all of the Bibles on our list are published by Crossway, you can trust that you are getting a high-quality product from a reputable source. By considering the features and benefits of each Bible mentioned in this article, you can make an informed decision and select the best compact ESV Bible for yourself or as a gift for someone else.
Crossway is a respected not-for-profit Christian ministry founded in 1938. They are dedicated to publishing evangelical Christian books, tracts, and the widely acclaimed English Standard Version (ESV) of the Bible.
All of the compact ESV Bibles featured in this article are published by Crossway, ensuring that you will receive a high-quality product from a trusted and reliable source.
When you choose a Crossway Bible, you are not only investing in a beautifully crafted book, but you are also supporting a ministry that aims to share the life-transforming message of the Bible with people around the world.
Conclusion
Choosing the right compact ESV Bible is a personal decision, as various styles, sizes, and materials cater to different preferences and needs.
In this article, we have presented an assortment of compact ESV Bibles, each with its unique features and benefits. From large print editions and premium heirloom Bibles to more budget-friendly options, there is a compact ESV Bible suitable for everyone.
May your new Bible become a cherished companion on your journey of faith and personal growth.
For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.
