Layman’s Classic Bible Review: 1994 New Oxford Annotated Bible (NRSV)

There are a ton of good Bible review sites. They’ve helped me make decisions in the past when looking for a specific translation, study Bible, binding, or size. They’re phenomenal and they do the church a world of good.

To these I’d like to add my own experience, especially Bibles that may be out of print, but still desirable. Any newer ones I pick up or check out will be a consideration as well. I’ll be putting together reviews from time to time of Bibles that have blessed and informed me as a Christian.  

(Old publisher's photo)

The New Oxford Annotated Bible, New Revised Standard Version 

Oxford University Press
Second Edition, 1994 publication
Edited by Bruce M. Metzger & Roland E. Murphy

Publisher’s description:

The new Annotated is a complete revision of Oxford's classic study Bible, and the first such resource to incorporate the full text of the acclaimed New Revised Standard Version Bible. The features of this enhanced resource include: expanded notes and essays compiled by top scholars, including seven new essays on major subdivisions, a new introductory essay by Bruce Metzger on how to use the new Annotated in reading and study, and a better organized book design. Also included is a 36-page indexed map section featuring Oxford's world famous Bible maps. The new Annotated is sensitive to inclusive language. It is an invaluable resource for students, scholars, religious educators, and pastors for personal and group study. The new Annotated is available in editions with and without the Apocrypha, and in fine leather bindings.

This was once the gold standard of academic study Bibles.  It is an expanded edition of the original, which was published in the Revised Standard Version in 1960. The expanded version was also published originally in the RSV in 1977.

The NRSV edition first came out in 1991 and was reset in 1994 with a new concordance. The book is huge, and the red hardback was rightly called the “Red Brick” by a generation of seminary students.  (I used to have this one, but now have the burgundy genuine leather edition.)  The paper and hardback editions have glued binding. The leather editions are smyth-sewn and very sturdy.  (Avoid the paperback because it is big, flimsy, and is missing some of the supplemental information.)

In addition to all the bindings, this Bible comes in a Protestant edition with its 66-book canon, and an edition with the Apocrypha. The NOAB with Apocrypha includes all books in the Roman Catholic, Greek, and Russian Orthodox canons.

The print of the Bible text itself is double column 10 point, but looks bigger to me.  It’s extremely easy on the eyes.

The annotations are probably an 8-8.5 point and are generally from what I would call a scholarly, somewhat secular and somewhat religious POV.  It’s not radically liberal but it assumes the documentary hypothesis of the Pentateuch and the late date for Daniel.  The notes  on the NT are fairly good, minus calling into question authorship of some of the books.  All the notes look more at the historical than the theological, but there is some theology also. The notes are pretty sparse and do not overwhelm the page.  The book introductions are thorough though and are a mixed bag if you're more conservative like me.

There are also numerous interesting and thoughtful essays in the back of the Bible, as well as a concordance and an excellent set of Oxford maps.

As a reading Bible it is excellent. As a study Bible it is good to compare with more conservative study Bibles such as the NIV Study Bible or ESV Study Bible for instance.

NOTE: the modern editions (3rd and following)  of the NOAB are much more liberal and secular academic in their outlook.  This earlier edition is still so good much due to the oversight by Dr. Bruce Metzger, a moderate evangelical churchman and devout Christian.  Plus, it even looks and reads a ton better than the newer editions.

If you want a great edition of the NRSV with decent study notes, and have a good filter for higher critical influence this is a great edition to have in your own library.

Hint - look on the back for the Oxford code.  Here are some codes I’ve "collected" online over the years:

• 9900 - Hardcover
• 9900A - Hardcover with Apocrypha
• 9911 - Bonded Leather
• 9911A - Bonded Leather with Apocrypha
• 9914 - Genuine Leather
• 9914A - Genuine Leather with Apocrypha
• 9917 - Morocco Leather
• 9917A - Morocco Leather with Apocrypha

Pros/Features:

• Great print size and font
• Best collection of deuterocanonical books (Apocrypha) in English
• Annotations are informative but not excessive 
• Annotations are not excessively critical, theology when presented is usually solid
• It’s an earlier Oxford so you know the quality is good
• Maps in the back are wonderful
• Excellent concordance 
• Sturdy sewn binding (leather editions)
• Two ribbon markers (leather editions only)

Cons:

• Annotations are from a somewhat critical perspective on historicity and authorship
• Glued binding on hardcover & paperback editions 
• The paperback (College) edition is missing many of the essays in the back
• Large size might discourage regular carry
• No longer in print; replaced with more liberal/secular (and not as aesthetically attractive) editions

If you like the New Oxford Annotated Bible, or are interested in the history of this study tool, check out the Fans of the Oxford Annotated Bible Facebook group!