Rating: 
Summary: Theological Commentary - Is This Book Right for You
Review: The editorial comments included in this study bible are unacceptable and many border on blaspheme if you take the bible literally. The translation is acceptable, but questions whether prophecy actually occurred/occurs. It seems to condone homosexual activities as opposed to other sexual immorality. Scientific research of other cultures is quite in-depth, but comments on other sciences are misleading and incorrect or outright fabrication.
Rating: 
Summary: Significantly improved edition of a standard study Bible
Review: The New Oxford Annotated Bible (NOAB), Third Edition is a major publishing event. It contains all the features of previous editions but now adds significant improvements. This review will concentrate on those revisions. Most important is the thoroughgoing revision of biblical annotations, which in previous editions were sparse, particularly in comparison to other study bibles. Previous annotations offered cross-references and single line commentary on difficult or obscure texts. The third edition changes that. We now have truly helpful and detailed commentary. As one would expect from scholars of such high calibre, the annotations are generally brilliant offering new and deeper insights into the text.The format of the Bible has also changed in the layout of the annotations. These now appear in SINGLE COLUMN format beneath the biblical text which itself is rendered in a clear double column format. The text size of this edition is practically the same as in previous editions, although font boldness is slightly accentuated. Introductions to biblical books have been expanded, as have the essays on various biblical subjects that have usually graced the end of the NOAB. As the subtitle suggests, the approach is ecumenical, modern and critical. The editors have produced an edition of the Bible that makes modern biblical scholarship available in a condensed and accessible form to the average reader of the Bible. Scholars, students of the Bible, ministers, pastors and informed laity will find this an excellent first choice study Bible. Criticism of the Oxford Annotated is not an easy or even desirable task. For the most part, it is the perfect Bible for those wanting to read the Bible as literature. If however, one is looking for a Bible that is interpreted within a theological, ecclesiastical or devotional context, one should look elsewhere. In addition, if a person has reservations about the assumptions of much modern biblical scholarship these reservations will in turn extend to the NOAB. A few examples will illustrate my point. The NOAB no longer refers to the Old Testament as "The Old Testament" but as the "Hebrew Bible". This is consistent with a trend in biblical scholarship that seeks to heal the relationship between Judaism and Christianity. As necessary and laudable as this trend is, it flies in the face of Christian history, which consistently refers to the "Hebrew Bible" as the Old Testament. Another example is the interpretation of Psalms that are regarded as "Messianic" by writers of the New Testament. Reading the comments on many of these Psalms in the NOAB, one would never make any connection to Jesus Christ. Similarly in the notes of biblical passages such as Isaiah 7.14 and Isaiah 53 the Christological connection is ignored or underplayed. In these two instances, mention is made of the fact that early Christians interpreted these passages as referring to Jesus. The implication though is that they do NOT primarily refer to Jesus and that the Christian application is unlikely and secondary. These modern trends are perplexing to people like myself who live and work within an ecclesiastical context and for whom the Bible is primarily the word of God meant to serve the Christian faith. Not only do they cut off the Bible from the Christian tradition, but also they suggest that the "Old Testament" can and should now be read BY CHRISTIANS in such a way that ignores Jesus Christ. I am not sure the writers of the New Testament would have felt completely at ease with these assumptions. In fact, I know they would have been disturbed by them. These criticisms should not detract from a major publishing event. No scholar of the Bible can afford to go without a copy of the NOAB. For years it has been the standard critical Bible and I have no doubt it will continue as such. It is a splendid achievement of biblical scholarship at its best. Alongside the HarperCollins Study Bible (HarperCollins), I recommend it as a first choice edition of the NRSV.
Rating:
Summary: Better than the last edition
Review: The New Oxford Annotated Bible has changed since the 1994 edition. Bruce Metzger has been replaced as editor by Michael Coogan. The OT annotations now spout out a Jewish viewpoint. I have no problems with that in most passages. In the passages that are Messianic, it's not helpful. Because of this, it's a good idea to have another NRSV based study bible on hand to compare notes. Ther book itself is better looking than the 1994 edition. The print is bigger, which is very helpful. The annotations are keyed directly to the text. There are some changes I am still getting used to though. Previous editions of the New Oxford Annotated Bible had an index to every annotation with it's bible verse. I used this index more than I did the concordance. Now the index indexes everything in the book! With all the new essays and other reference materal, the New Oxford Annotated Bible has gotten heavier. The price is still the same one I paid in 1996. The text used is the New Revised Standard Version, a revsion of the 1952 Revised Standard Version. If you are looking for a "let's hold hands" approach to bible study, the New Oxford Annotated Bible is not for you. If you are looking to dive into God's Word, the New Oxford Annotated Bible is for you!
Rating:
Summary: Excellent Study Bible
Review: The NOAB 3rd Edition with the Apocrypha (NRSV text) ranks right up there with my HarperCollins Study Bible (also NRSV).
The NRSV is perhaps the best translation available, even after 15 years from its print in 1989. Its formal equivalency while at the same time being "idiomatically correct" in areas such as gender neutrality make it such an accurate translation. The fact that the Study Bible comes with the Deuterocanon of both the Western (ie: Vatican Catholic) and Eastern (ie: Eastern Orthodox) Churches makes it truly, as it professes, an "ecumenical study bible." Any person from these or any other liturgical church, from my Anglicanism to Wesleyanism, can really benefit from this.
The notes and introductions are spectacular; well-written, well argued, and well professed. I particularly enjoyed the nearly 100 pages of additional essays in the back, which makes up for its lack of "titles" between chief sections within the text (for example, "Creation" followed by "Another Account of Creation" or anything to that effect). Its mapes, tables, and graphs are quite useful, and its nice to finally have a small concordance in the back of one of my Study Bibles.
Many argue that the annotations are "ungodly;" I must disagree completely and believe those who say such are only upset because they want everything in them to agree with what they think. I don't always even agree with all the annotations, but then again, they aren't the Scriptures but aides to help one understand the Scriptures better. And to the most part, they are refreshing, well-documented in the social sciences as per basis in fact, and of tremendous help.
I would recommend this Study Bible to any seriously wishing to know the Bible better. I have absolutely no regrets for purchasing this most amazing Study Bible and have told many of my friends to get one ASAP!
Rating: 
Summary: Excellent scholarship but is it Christian?
Review: The NOAB demonstrates excellent scholarship in all its features such as book introductions, annotations, articles etc. The quality of the leather editions is excellent with sewn binding and large font. I recommend this Bible for christians and non-christians who want to look at some of the literary aspects of the biblical text although the annotations contain some speculation in this area. My main concern with this Bible is that the notes make little or no attempt to discuss historic christian teachings and interpretations. These should at least be represented along with more liberal views. There is nothing in this Bible's features (except the text) that will help those searching for a closer relationship with God or for those who are hurting; lonely or struggling with some life issue. This Bible is great for the University setting but offers little where "the rubber meets the road". I guess that wasn't it's intent....unfortunately.
Rating: 
Summary: "Excellent, But Could Be Smaller"
Review: The NOAB third edition has been a good scholarly resource to research and personal study. The annotation on the Bible verses and the introductory information of each Bible book are well written with good scholarship. Maps are clearly printed and location are well indicated. Concordance is catered to the needs of the reader, and only if more details are required, a comprehensive concordance may be used. The fonts are excellent for reading. Generally, the NOAB third edition is an indispensable resource for scholars, professors, and pastors. The only discrepancy of this Bible is that it is a hugh material to carry around. It would be perfected by having the size trim to the size of NIV Study Bible Personal Size. Otherwise, it is a perfect resource for serious biblical study.
Rating:
Summary: Ridiculously PC, but not forbidden
Review: The NRSV is definitely NOT forbidden for personal study by the Catholic Church: The Catechism of the Catholic Church quotes from the NRSV several times. What is disallowed, is the use of the NSRV in the Liturgy. The reason is the gender-inclusive language that the instruction Liturgiam Authenticam forbids. Liturgiam Authenticam represents the position of the Vatican about gender-inclusive language: it is NOT allowed in the Liturgy. The New Jerusalem Bible and the New American Bible are also not allowed. It is more a question of language than theology.
While I like the more traditional language of the RSV better, the NRSV represents the best scholarship available. The NRSV version of the Apocrypha is the best available in English, for instance. Portions are translated from the Dead Sea Scrolls, not from the Septuagint.
[PS: I know that the New American Bible is used in the Liturgy by the American Catholic Church, but its use has NOT been approved by the Vatican, and maybe it NEVER will.]
Rating:
Summary: True scholarship makes this one of the best on the market
Review: The Oxford Annotated Bible was first printed in 1962 using the text of the first edition RSV (the RSV second edition only came out in 1972). That work was then revised in 1977 by Herbert G. May and Bruce Metzger and released as the NEW Oxford Annotated Bible. After the NRSV was released in 1989, the NOAB was made available with the NRSV using the same notes as the 1977 edition. In 2000 a Third Edition was released using the text of the NRSV and new notes edited by Michael D. Coogan. All the above editions, with the exception of the 1962 edition are still in print.
One's natural inclination would be to go for this the "latest" edition, but there are at least two reasons one might consider an earlier edition. First, the third edition is not available using the text of the RSV (which some people prefer to the NRSV). Second, the notes of the older edition by May and Metzger are AS good as the new notes by Coogan, only they are not as detailed. Personally, I prefer them, and have found them on the whole more useful and often more explanatory. The third edition offers "more" and does contain improvements, but speaking from a practical standpoint, I have not necessarily found them more useful. Having said that, there is much to commend this third edition. This is a beautiful publication, magnificently printed on good paper, with a spacious and easy to read format. The size of the text is perfect. Few Bibles today are well printed as this. In addition, the paper in the leather edition is smith sewn (unlike the leather edition of the RSV OAB which is simply bound with glue).
The format of the Bible has also changed in the layout of the annotations. These now appear in SINGLE COLUMN format beneath the biblical text which itself is rendered in a clear double column format. The Introductions to biblical books have been expanded, as have the essays on various biblical subjects that have usually graced the end of the NOAB. As the subtitle suggests, the approach is ecumenical, modern and critical. The editors have produced an edition of the Bible that makes modern biblical scholarship available in a condensed and accessible form to the average reader of the Bible. Scholars, students of the Bible, ministers, pastors and informed laity will find this an excellent first choice study Bible.
Criticism of the Oxford Annotated is not an easy or even desirable task. For the most part, it is the perfect Bible for those wanting to read the Bible as literature. If however, one is looking for a Bible that is interpreted within a theological, ecclesiastical or devotional context, one should look elsewhere. In addition, if a person has reservations about the assumptions of much modern biblical scholarship these reservations will in turn extend to the NOAB.
A few examples will illustrate my point. The NOAB no longer refers to the Old Testament as "The Old Testament" but as the "Hebrew Bible". This is consistent with a trend in biblical scholarship that seeks to heal the relationship between Judaism and Christianity. As necessary and laudable as this trend is, it flies in the face of Christian history, which consistently refers to the "Hebrew Bible" as the Old Testament. Another example is the interpretation of Psalms that are regarded as "Messianic" by writers of the New Testament. Reading the comments on many of these Psalms in the NOAB, one would never make any connection to the person of Jesus Christ. Similarly in the notes of biblical passages such as Isaiah 7.14 and Isaiah 53 the Christological connection seems ignored or underplayed. In these two instances, mention is made of the fact that early Christians interpreted these passages as referring to Jesus, but the implication is that they do NOT primarily refer to Jesus and that the Christian application is secondary.
These modern trends are perplexing to people like myself who live and work within an ecclesiastical context and for whom the Bible is the Word of God. Not only do they cut off the Bible from the Christian tradition, but also they suggest that the "Old Testament" can and should now be read BY CHRISTIANS in such a way that ignores Jesus Christ! I am not sure the writers of the New Testament would have felt at ease with such assumptions. In fact, I know they would have been disturbed by them.
These criticisms should not detract from a major publishing event. No scholar of the Bible can afford to go without a copy of the NOAB. For years it has been the standard critical Bible and I have no doubt it will continue as such. It is a splendid achievement of biblical scholarship at its best. Alongside the HarperCollins Study Bible (HarperCollins), I recommend it as a first choice edition of the NRSV.
Rating:
Summary: The flower fades, but the word of our God will stand forever
Review: The Oxford Annotated Bible with the Apocrypha is an excellent vehicle to read and understand God's word. The New Revised Standard Version contains various words in the Bible that have been updated from the Revised Standard Version. The changes were made to optimally convey the meaning of the ancient text and ultimately what God himself said! For example, in the Gospel of John 14:18, "I will not leave you desolate" was replaced by "I will not leave you orphaned". The annotations are technical notes at the bottom of each page explaining specific verses. The annotations also list where the content of a verse is mentioned again in another part of the Bible. Studying the Bible permits the reader to listen to God's word. A few amazing verses found in the NRSV: Jesus said to her, "I am the resurrection and the life. Those who believe in me, even though they die, will live, and everyone who lives and believes in me will never die." John 11:25 You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the greatest and first commandment. And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets. Matt 22:34 Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust consume and where thieves break in and steal; but store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust consumes and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. Matthew 6:19 As life becomes more busy and commercialized, it is critical that time is allocated for God. Psalm 46:10 states: Be still and know that I am God.
Rating:
Summary: Essentially Useless
Review: The single star refers only to the study apparatus. I love the NRSV text, but... well, just read: Looks like I'm the only one to complain, but I have several basic needs in a study (maybe I should say "reference") bible, none of which are met here. It's been on my desk for about 8 months now, but I rarely use it, except for the NRSV text. I wasted $35, and recommend you don't. What I need from a reference bible: 1) Quick location of passages. Try to find, for example, the parable of the Prodigal Son, using nothing but this bible. It's not going to happen! A good study bible (I'll name one, below) should have a list of the parables, and should have a detailed enough outline of each book that the parable can be found simply by thumbing through the gospel introductions. By the way, the Prodigal Son is Luke 15, but this book doesn't tell you that, anywhere. It doesn't even have chapter, let alone section, headings. What were they thinking of? 2) Extensive cross-references, complete reference of OT quotes or allusions in NT (in BOTH locations), and complete listing of parallel passages. None of that is here, except at the whim of whomever writes the comments for any given book. Some books are better than others, the gospels are better than the other books, but none of them are anywhere near complete, or even adequate. 3) Explain or clarify difficult passages, especially where the cultural gap is widest. Try to figure out the cultural/sociological background of, say, the Ark Narrative (1 Sam. 4 - 6). Not much help here. I've never expected much from the commentary in any study bible, but this one is poorer than others I've read. The notes, mostly, are a waste of ink. The NRSV is by far my favorite translation, but the "ecumenical" community has never had as good a study bible as the conservatives do. That's inexcusable. I bought this bible hoping it would measure up to the NIV Study Bible, which has the best reference apparatus I've encountered, based on the criteria above. Unfortunately, I believe the NIV is almost the worst translation available, but I won't climb that soapbox here. I want an NRSV study bible as good as the NIV Study Bible, but that doesn't grind the inerrantist (or any other) axe the way the NIV text does, and the NIV Study Bible notes and commentary do. Will somebody please give me what I'm looking for? Sometimes, I even blow the dust off my old Thompson Chain-Reference Bible for topical searches, but I've noticed that the topics I want to search are a little different than the topics Thompson set up in 1900, or whenever it was. Don't waste your money on this thing. I recommend you buy a text version of the NRSV (as it happens, Oxford's are the best, and well priced -- you can count on Oxford for a well-made book), and a decent one-volume commentary. This bible looks good on your desk, but that's about all.
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