Hendrickson’s ESV Fire Bible Review

Hendrickson’s Fire Bible, an enhanced version of the Full Life Study Bible and Life in the Spirit Study Bible, has gained popularity as a study Bible with a Pentecostal focus. Over the years, it has been released in various translations, including the English Standard Version (ESV). In this review, we will take a closer look at the softcover edition, ISBN: 9781619701519, manufactured in China. The 2011 ESV text is used in this edition.

Cover and Binding

The review copy I received is a paperback with a glued binding. Despite this, the Bible lies open to any page, and the glued spine remains flat, ensuring that the text doesn’t get lost in the gutter. While the leather editions are a better choice for daily use, the softcover edition is a cost-effective option for those who require a Bible without breaking the bank. It’s also suitable for testing it out, obtaining information, occasional use, or for travel purposes. The overall size of the Bible is 9.5 x 6.5 x 2″.

Paper

The paper used in the Fire Bible is white and does not produce glare under direct light. It has a slightly rough texture that makes it easy to separate and turn. The paper feels like it’s 30gsm or higher and is suitable for highlighting (using highlighters specifically made for Bibles). With 2378 pages, this Bible offers plenty of space for notes and markings.

Typography

The text is presented in a double-column paragraph format with references in the inner margin and footnotes located under the last verse on each page. A line separates the main text from the commentary, which is placed at the bottom of the page. In-text maps are positioned under the commentary. The header displays the book name, chapter number, and verse number in the outer margin, and the page number in the inner margin.

The font used is 10-point with generous leading. This edition is a red-letter edition, with both the red and black lettering being dark and easy to read. The reference and footnote keys (letters and numbers) are large enough to be legible but small enough to be ignored if desired. The verse numbers are bold, making them easier to locate quickly. Section headings are also bold.

The lines consist of approximately 40 characters with most lines containing around 7 words. The text is well-spaced, with extra space between words on many lines, ensuring a comfortable reading experience. Although not every page has line-matching due to the numerous notes, the paper’s opacity prevents this from being a distraction.

Book Introductions

The book introductions in the Fire Bible are highly detailed, spanning 3-5 pages each. They provide a comprehensive outline, author information, theme, background, purpose, survey, special features, boxes for marking readings, and ruled lines for notes. Some introductions also include information about interpretation principles. These introductions direct readers to other study resources within the Bible, such as in-text maps, charts, articles, and Scripture references. The background section offers historical context and important dates and events. Overall, the introductions provide extensive information from a Pentecostal perspective.

References and Footnotes

The Fire Bible includes references that are conveniently placed in the inner margin, keeping the text visible and avoiding any interference with the gutter space. The references cover specific words and phrases, comparative references, less direct references, and quoted references. With numerous references, this Bible is an excellent choice for study and sermon preparation. Here are a few examples of the references:

• Genesis 1:1 – Job 38:4-7; Ps 33:6; 136:5; Isa 42:5; 45:18; John 1:1-3; Acts 14:15; 17:24; Col 1:16, 17; Heb 1:10; 11:3; Rev 4:11
• Deuteronomy 6:4 – Mark 12:29; Isa 42:8; Zech 14:9; John 17:3; 1 Cor 8:4, 6
• Isaiah 9:6 – Luke 2:11; John 3:16; Isa 9:14; Mt 28:18; 1 Cor 15:25; Is 22:2; 28:2; 10:21; Dt 10:17; Neh 9:32; Jer 32:18; Ps 45:3
• Matthew 17:20 – John 11:40; Matt 6:30; 21:21, 22; Mark 11:23; Luke 17:6; Matt 13:31; 1 Cor 13:2; Mark 9:23
• Mark 11:23 – Matt 17:20; Ps 46:2; 1 Cor 13:2; Rev 8:8; Rom 4:20; 14:23; James 1:6; Mark 16:17; John 14:12
• Mark 12:29 – Luke 10:27; Deut 6:4, 5; Rom 3:30; 1 Cor 8:4, 6; Gal 3:20; Eph 4:6; 1 Tim 1:17; 2:5; James 2:19; 4:12; Jude 25; Matt 19:17; 23:9
• John 1:1 – Gen 1:1; Col 1:17; 1 John 1:1; Rev 1:4, 8, 17; 3:14; 21:6; 22:13; Rev 19:13; Heb 4:12; 1 John 1:1; 1 John 1:2; John 17:5; Phil 2:6
• John 2:19 – Matt 26:61; 27:40; Mark 14:58; 15:29; John 10:18
• Acts 2:38 – Acts 3:19; 20:21; 26:18, 20; Luke 24:47; Acts 22:16; 8:12; Mark 16:16; Acts 10:48; Acts 8:16; Mark 1:4; Acts 10:45; Acts 8:15, 20; 11:17; John 7:39
• 1 John 1:1 – John 1:1; 1 John 2:13, 14; Acts 4:20; John 19:35; 1 John 4:14; John 1:14; 2 Pet 1:16; Luke 24:39; John 20;27

The Fire Bible is also packed with footnotes located under the last verse on each page. These footnotes provide additional insights into translation difficulties, alternate translations, explanations of Greek and Hebrew terms, and clarifications of additional meanings. They also cover technical translations, weights and measures, and more. The footnotes are valuable in shedding light on the original languages.

Study Material

The study material in the Fire Bible leans towards a Pentecostal perspective, promoting a continuationist view that believes the Gifts of the Spirit are relevant today. It also adheres to a Creationist interpretation rather than evolution and supports the pre-tribulation rapture view. However, the Bible includes multiple views on certain subjects. For example, it presents both literal days and ages as options for Creation, providing information on both perspectives.

The verse-by-verse notes, called “Notes,” are a major feature of the Fire Bible. They are located at the bottom of almost every page, categorized into expositional, theological, devotional, ethical, and practical notes. These notes offer detailed explanations and references, pointing readers to other sources of information within the Bible, such as articles. The notes are well-written and informative.

The Fire Bible also contains 77 articles on various Pentecostal topics. These articles are detailed and often span multiple pages. They provide key verses and cover topics such as the Godhead, salvation, creation, end-times, the Gifts of the Spirit, the Fruit of the Spirit, godly living, worship, leadership, and more. Word studies from the original languages are included as well.

Charts are interspersed throughout the Bible, covering topics such as Passion week, the ministry of Jesus, miracles of the Apostles, miracles of Jesus, parables of Jesus, Gifts of the Holy Spirit, the last days of history, and more. These charts are helpful for study purposes.

The Fire Bible features a “Themefinders” section, which offers a topical study covering 12 different subjects. The topics include the baptism of the Holy Spirit, Gifts of the Spirit, Fruit of the Spirit, healing, faith, witnessing, salvation, second coming, victory over Satan, overcoming, praise, and walking in obedience. Each topic is represented by an icon printed in red in the margin at the beginning of the passage, with a red line leading to the end of the passage where the next reference is printed. This study approach provides the complete context rather than focusing on isolated verses.

Additional Features

The Fire Bible includes a table of weights and measures, providing biblical units, approximate American and metric equivalents, and biblical equivalents. This table simplifies understanding and is accompanied by footnotes for further explanation.

Furthermore, the Bible offers a subject index, spanning 17 pages and featuring three columns per page. This index helps readers locate where specific topics are discussed within the notes and articles. Primary topics are printed in red, followed by subtopics and corresponding references or article names. The subject index is a valuable resource for study and sermon preparation.

A reading plan is provided, offering either a one-year or two-year plan. Each day includes both an Old Testament and a New Testament reading, allowing readers to choose between reading both in a single year or splitting them across two years. The Bible also includes checkboxes within the book introductions, enabling readers to mark the chapters they have read.

The 56-page concordance features three columns per page and is easy to scan with the entry printed in red in all caps. The concordance covers a wide range of topics, providing numerous references for each entry.

The Fire Bible is accompanied by 16 colorful maps printed on thick, glossy paper. These maps illustrate distance, dates, routes, boundaries, event locations, and topography. They provide a clear visual aid and are suitable for study purposes.

Final Thoughts on The Fire Bible

Among the many study Bibles available, the Fire Bible stands out as one of my personal favorites. It offers a wealth of study material, including commentary, a subject index, theme finders, articles, and more. I find the notes to be well-written and valuable for study and sermon preparation. As with any study material, I recommend using it as a reference and conducting your own study, allowing Scripture to interpret Scripture.

It’s encouraging to see the Fire Bible available in the ESV translation, and the typeface used in this edition is particularly appealing. The 10-point font is easily readable, and the overall layout enhances the reading experience. I recommend the ESV Fire Bible to anyone interested in a study Bible from a Pentecostal perspective.

This Bible is available for purchase at various retailers, including Amazon, Books-a-Million, Christianbook, and local Bible bookstores. Hendrickson provided this Bible free of charge for review, with no requirement for a positive review. All opinions expressed here are solely my own.

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