ESV Study Bible Personal Size, TruTone Turquoise Emblem - Portable

In this review of the ESV Study Bible, Personal Size edition, the bottom line is clear: this is a compact study Bible aimed at readers who want the thorough study apparatus of a full study Bible in a transportable format. The Personal Size compresses the award-winning ESV Study Bible content so students, teachers, and serious readers can carry it to class, church, or travel. The single biggest reason to buy is its combination of extensive study notes and maps in a smaller, durable TruTone binding that still feels like a complete reference.

Key Features

• Comprehensive study notes: More than 20,000 study notes help unpack passages and provide historical and theological context for deeper reading.
• Cross-references and maps: About 80,000 crossreferences and 240 full-color maps and illustrations make it easier to connect passages and visualize biblical settings.
• Condensed size: The personal 5.375 in x 8.0 in format condenses the full ESV Study Bible content into a carryable edition without losing essential material.
• Readable layout: Single-column Bible text with black letter printing and double-column notes keeps the main text distinct from explanatory content for focused reading.
• Durable construction: Smyth-sewn binding and a TruTone cover with emblem design provide long-term durability backed by a lifetime guarantee.

Who It's For

The Personal Size ESV Study Bible is best for students, pastors, and committed readers who need a robust reference they can carry daily. Its condensed format and extensive notes suit Bible study groups, seminary students, and those who want more context than a basic Bible provides.

Those who prefer very large print or a lightweight pocket Bible for casual reading may want to look elsewhere, as the personal edition compresses content into smaller type; some readers find the print size too small for prolonged reading without glasses.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• High-quality study material: 20,000 study notes and 200+ charts give substantial explanatory depth.
• Excellent reference tools: 80,000 crossreferences and 240 full-color maps aid discovery and context.
• Durable personal format: Smyth-sewn binding and a TruTone cover make it portable without sacrificing build quality.

Cons

• Small type: The single-column Bible text at 7.7-point and notes at 6.3-point may be hard to read for some without magnification.

Specifications

Edition	ESV Study Bible, Personal Size
Cover	TruTone, Turquoise with emblem design
Dimensions	5.375 in x 8.0 in
Pages	2,720 pages
Study content	20,000 notes; 80,000 crossreferences; 200+ charts; 50+ articles
Maps & illustrations	240 full-color maps and illustrations
Binding	Smyth-sewn binding; lifetime guarantee

Our Verdict

The ESV Study Bible, Personal Size is a strong value for readers who want the authoritative study tools of the ESV Study Bible in a portable format. It preserves the core study notes, charts, and maps in a durable TruTone volume, making it ideal for students and leaders who need depth on the go. If you require large print, consider a larger edition, but for study depth in a transportable package this edition performs well.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the study content the same as the full-size ESV Study Bible?
Answer. The personal edition compresses the same core study apparatus including notes, charts, articles, and maps into a smaller format.

How durable is the binding?
Answer. It uses Smyth-sewn binding with a TruTone cover and comes with a lifetime guarantee for long-term use.

Will the print be easy to read?
Answer. Many readers appreciate the layout and readability, but some report the personal edition's print size is small, so readers who need larger type should consider a larger edition.