Ignatius Catholic Study Bible: Old and New Testaments

Update 01 February 2026: The book tabs in the attached photos are a big help to navigate this heavy volume easily. You just need to take your time so you can align them correctly. It's perfect for the ICSB. After a year with the ICSB I still recommend it without hesitation, whatsoever. A great Catholic study Bible and a wonderful gift to the Church by gifted Catholic theologians and scholars. (Original review) I’m impressed with the overall presentation of the Ignatius Catholic Study Bible Old and New Testament (ICSB) bonded leather edition. It exudes premium quality workmanship. The choice of RSV-2CE translation is excellent as it offers a clear and readable rendering of the biblical text. The alleged Protestant passages in it are not anti-Catholic and have a perfectly logical explanation, if one would just bother to read the accompanying annotations (variant readings in Greek and Hebrew, and other ancient authorities, for example). It's a beautiful, Church approved translation that neither sounds too casual nor archaic but conveys a reverential tone. The ICSB is bound with high-quality paper and durable bonded leather cover. They designed a typography that’s elegant to look at and invites you to read. The study notes help you navigate the more complex events in the Bible. The reader can follow along and not get confused about what’s going on. I find the introductory essays a great way to prepare you for the book that follows. Because they acknowledge and discuss diverse scholarly viewpoints, some misunderstood it as promoting liberal, modernist notions. No. It does not shoehorn those ideas. The ICSB is firmly rooted in sound Catholic exegesis, consistently upholding Sacred Tradition while engaging with contemporary scholarship. This post-Vatican II study bible demonstrates a commitment to the principles outlined in these pre-Vatican II Papal Encyclical Letters on Biblical Studies: Providentissimus Deus (1893 Pope Leo XIII), Spiritus Paraclitus (1920 Pope Benedict XV), and Divino Afflante Spiritu (1943 Pope Pius XII). I have these Letters in the front pages of my Douay-Rheims Holy Bible Baronius Press Edition (that white book in the photo). The simple maps could use some enhancements in detail, while the word study boxes would be less distracting without the fill shading. Gold gilding would have preserved the paper better, too. But I didn’t miss the ribbons because they can actually stain the page with their color. I read my Bible with a notebook beside me anyway. This is just nitpicking and not a big deal. Other than that the ICSB is a truly immersive Catholic study bible. Just about the only reason to knock off stars would be if the pages were disordered or there’s damage to the book. I checked my copy and verified that all is in order. But the ICSB is not just about the best of current scholarships. It is also pastoral. It's replete with references to the Catechism and teachings of the saints. It's the study bible that has conclusively perceived the hidden Messiah in the Old Testament as Jesus revealed in the New. It engages the reader in the rich imagery of ancient Israel's liturgy and its connection to the Christian liturgy of the Church. I love it. Highly recommended!

I will qualify my review by stating that I am Catholic-adjacent, and considering entering into the Catholic church soon. I will also add that I am a lifelong student of the Bible. Studying scripture is my single biggest hobby, and I am also a Christian author. Anyways, here's my review. The Ignatius Press Study Bible is unbelievable. I've had mine for 3 weeks, and I'm convinced this is the best study Bible on the market (perhaps only second to the Word on Fire Bible, which isn't really the same). Before I bought it, I borrowed several competing study Bibles from friends and the Library, and there's really no comparison – the Ignatius Press Study Bible, which took around 25 years to complete from what I've heard, is the only one of its kind. I've read about 5-6 of the included essays, and they were all brilliantly written, and I learned quite a bit from them. The commentary strikes a good balance between modern scholarship and traditional beliefs. It doesn't shy away from the tough questions (i.e. the divine council in the OT, the glorification of killing in Joshua, the multiple authors of Isaiah, etc.) That said, it mostly leans conservative with its interpretations (e.g., it never hints at parts of Genesis or Joshua as being ahistorical, or anything like that). The style of interpretation didn't feel surface level at all. Unlike many of the competing study Bibles I read, the Ignatius Press Study Bible has already taught me a ton. It has notes on the cultural contexts, the Hebrew and Greek wording, quotes from the Church Fathers, etc. In fact, some of the pages had so much commentary that there were more footnotes than actual Scripture (the first page of Genesis only gets through three verses because the commentary is so stacked!) It has the typical notes you'd expect (e.g., explaining difficult passages), but also, typological and anagogical interpretations that I'd never have come to on my own. That said, I still find myself googling often. There aren't a ton of notes on the poetic and chaistic structure of the text. There also aren't Strongs numbers for looking up Hebrew and Greek words. The style of commentary is definitely a better fit for a Catholic than for a Messianic Jew or someone who really skews towards the Jewish roots of the faith. In fact, this study Bible is unapologetically Catholic. But that is its greatest strength. This Bible is a behemoth. It's almost as wide as a tin can. I can't imagine getting the floppy leather version – hard back is the only way to go. In fact, while looking into which version to get, I learned that many people returned their floppy leather versions to get the hardback version. So maybe do yourself the favor and do that ahead of time. One strange omission is that there are no bookmark ribbons. Also, there are no tabs on the side to easily find the book you're looking for. That's not a big deal, but I wanted to mention it. As far as the RSV-2 translation goes, I find it to be very readable except for the way it translates the names of people and places. There's often weird apostrophes (e.g., Abraham's brother is Na'hor instead of Nahor.) Otherwise, I find it to be just as readable as ESV, NASB, and other mainline translations.

Wow! Quarter of a century in the making! Dr Scott Hahn, Curtis Mitch and the rest of the contributors with Ignatius Press Team (under Fr Fessio’s leadership) have done a great service to Holy Mother Church for this much needed resource. The Study Bible - designed to assist in addressing the thirst for the Word of God and the need to support serious thereof in a way that’s truly deep, meaningful and Catholic - can’t have come at a better time. I strongly recommend that every Catholic family, school, parish - and even every serious Christian or seeker of the Truth - to have and read this valuable work of great Love for Jesus - the Word of God made flesh.

This is a large book!!! If you are not carrying it around this is most definitely a Study Bible you should buy. If you want a smaller version, there is the "Personal Sized" Version with slightly smaller # 9 point font and thinner pages. The larger version is ideal for me though and my older eyes. It has # 10 point font. The Bible itself is the Revised Standard Version Catholic Edition translation (RSV2CE) complete Old and New Testaments in a single volume. It is not just a "Catholic" only Bible though and it is perfectly suited for Protestants that desire to have a complete resource for scriptures. Each Chapter has a very well written, through introduction, which is Bible Study level detail . There are also explanatory notes for each biblical outlines, word studies, maps, cross references, cultural historical, archaeological notes, and absolutely amazing attention to detail given to almost every verse. I was impressed that some pages only have a few verses and an entire page of notes and explanations. I own several Protestant Study Bibles, but none have this level and depth of detail. I liked it so much have have bought another full sized version and 2 personal sized copies as gifts. The feedback I have received from the people I gifted them to are they are just as thrilled, if not more, than I am with this Bible.

This study bible is a work of art! Scott Hahn and his team put in over 26 years of research and analysis to provide the most comprehensive interpretation of both Old and New Testament scripture. Through their incredible efforts they have provided insight that only astute theologians possess. Connecting the dots between old and new testament and perhaps just as importantly interpreting things through the lens of the people who lived in Jesus' time provides a tremendous amount of insight. Understanding the meaning of what was written in the original Greek or Hebrew sheds a bright light on the truth's of the Christian faith. Its unfortunate that things get lost in translation. This goes for any language but providing context helps the reader better understand what is being professed. This study bible is worth every penny and more! Would HIGHLY recommend it!!

The Ignatius Catholic Study Bible: Old and New Testaments is truly the gold standard of study Bibles. It stands out not only for its comprehensive approach to Scripture but also for the depth of commentary and scholarly insight it provides. The study notes, compiled by Scott Hahn and Curtis Mitch, are a masterclass in theology and exegesis, seamlessly blending historical context, Church teachings, and practical application. The annotations are rooted in Catholic tradition, making them invaluable for deepening one’s understanding of Scripture in line with Church teaching. Yet, they remain accessible for those new to Bible study. What sets this Bible apart is its meticulous attention to detail. The commentary addresses key doctrinal points, clarifies challenging passages, and highlights connections between the Old and New Testaments that illuminate the unity of God’s plan of salvation. The inclusion of references to the Catechism of the Catholic Church is particularly helpful, offering readers a fuller picture of how Scripture informs the Catholic faith. The layout is another highlight. The text is easy to read, with clear division between Scripture and commentary. The maps, essays, and introductory materials for each book are thoughtfully designed and incredibly informative. It feels like having a seminary-level course in your hands. Whether you’re a lifelong Catholic, a curious Christian, or someone exploring faith, this Bible will be a source of inspiration and understanding. It’s not just a Bible; it’s a study tool, a spiritual guide, and a connection to the richness of Catholic tradition. If you’re looking for a study Bible that combines rigorous scholarship, faithful adherence to Catholic teaching, and practical insights, the Ignatius Catholic Study Bible is unparalleled. It’s an investment in your spiritual journey and an absolute treasure for any Christian library.

Hands down, this is the best study Bible available now. Dr. Scott Hahn did amazing work on this, as well as his colleagues. Very thorough with history and theology.

A truly wonderful bible, well worth the price. A great study resource. If you are looking for a study Bible or just a bible, I would recomend. If you are a priest or deacon this can be a wonderful resource for your homily writing. Truly just a wonderful bible with great study put behind it. And great quality.

Love it

I'm quite glad for this purchase. I live in Italy. Amazon delivered it earlier than expected. Negative note: they did not inform me about the early delivery. No major issues. I bought a Bonded Leather Book. Beautiful. The font size is satisfying for all ages. No page is missing. I checked it.

One of the most Amazing study Bibles

Sans doute la meilleure bible d'étude qui soit. La moitié de chaque page est faites de notes: commentaire, linguistique, histoire, théologie, etc. avec de nombreux liens vers le catéchisme de l'Eglise Catholique. Cette Bible est sans doute la seule à proposer une interprétation aussi exhaustive et parfaitement conforme à la foi catholique. Indispensable pour qui veut comprendre le texte de manière approfondie grâce au commentaire d'éminents spécialistes, dans le respect de la foi de l'Eglise. J'ai une bonne quinzaine de bibles en ma possession, c'est la seule à proposer une exégèse aussi approfondie, destinée aussi bien à des clercs qu'à des laïcs. Seul bémol: il faut savoir lire l'anglais !

Great notes , I didn’t expect it to be as big as it is but I took a look at the notes and I was impressed with them 👍 Also most as big as one chad mode from choq