So you’re buying a Bible … consider this one: the Waterproof ESV Bible.

In a previous post, I considered the main questions you need to ask when considering a new Bible:

1. Purpose: what are you using this Bible for?
2. Font: how big are the words, and what color are the words?
3. Size and Weight: how big is the Bible, relative to use?
4. Features: what does it include besides the text of Scripture itself?
5. Constitution: how robust are the materials?
6. Price: what can you personally afford?

Here, I’ll give a tour of a specific edition to see how it lines up with those main categories. For this review: the Waterproof ESV.

Overview

Let’s ask the main question first: why waterproof? Answer: Because Bibles get used, and it is nice to have something that can stand up to the elements, or the coffee, or the kids.

That raises a second question: how waterproof? Answer: Really waterproof. It’s made of plastic, not paper, so water beads up on the surface rather than sinking in, and the pages won’t tear like normal Bible paper. So you can take this Bible anywhere and get your daily reading in, no matter the conditions. I’ve taken mine camping, hiking, to the coffee shop, to the airport, and to the living room for family worship. 

Overall, I love it. This is easily a favorite of mine. I’ve used it in a variety of situations and have had some fun testing its limits. And it never fails to excite my kids’ curiosity when we use it together. You’ll find my concerns below, but on the whole, this is a great Bible to own and use, and if you know someone who is very outdoorsy, the smaller New Testament with Psalms and Proverbs could be an amazing Christmas gift.

Considerations

Purpose

The ESV Waterproof Bible is a great daily driver. It’s robust enough for travel, ministry, coffee shop study, and anything on-the-go. I wouldn’t recommend it as a dedicated “stay at home” reading Bible, but it’s waterproof! It’s meant to move.  

Font

For the full-Bible version, the font is 8 point, all words in black. As I age, 8 point is readable, but it’s on the smaller side. The smaller New Testament is 7 point, which is too small for me. The print quality is excellent. The contrast is clear, and due to the synthetic paper, bleed-through is very minimal. One drawback: the synthetic paper is also somewhat reflective, so light shines off it more than typical Bible paper. For those with sensitive eyes, this could prove difficult for sustained reading.

Size and Weight

This edition is a larger hand-sized text, about the size of a pew Bible. However, it is heavier than a typical pew Bible. It can easily be held in one hand, but the weight will get to you eventually. If you’re an ultralight backpacker, this will likely not work for you. But for car camping, home use, or hospital visits, the size and weight is fine.

Features

This is a very basic Bible: ESV text plus the standard “Weights and Measures” reference page. The main feature is the material: it’s waterproof plastic, not paper, so carry it wherever you’d like. And as a bonus feature, it floats! 

Constitution

Here’s where the Bible shines. Normal wear-and-tear hardly makes a dent. I intentionally spilled coffee on it, and the coffee didn’t leave a stain. I intentionally dropped it on the concrete, and the cover only scuffed. I’ve chucked it in my suitcase for travel; it came out with some bends, but nothing torn. I’ve handed it to my kids for devotions; they can’t rip it. The synthetic paper can fold and crease, but you won’t have anything as catastrophic as normal paper if you place it in your bag the wrong way. The company warns against temperatures over 150° (so read it by the campfire, just don’t throw it in), and that bug spray will cause the ink to smudge (so lather up before, not during, your devotional). And a final caution: don’t expect to read Genesis or Revelation without holding the Bible. The materials make it difficult for the edge books to stay open on the table. But again, it’s a Bible meant for use on-the-go — great for personal reading, a bit more difficult for longer study.

Price

$75 from the source at the time of reviewing: so not economy, but not luxury, either.  A TruTone ESV Thinline is less than $40, but TruTone/leatherette will not last for long in harsh environments. This price is comparable to the ESV Thinline in Buffalo Leather ($79), which has the leather cover, but less durable paper. With that comparison, the ESV Waterproof is a compelling option. An investment, for sure, but one that should stand the test of time and elements. If you’re out-and-about, have young kids, tend to spill things, or like being outside, this is a great Bible to consider. I’m grateful that Bardin & Marsee Publishing have worked on reliable, waterproof printing, and that they’ve chosen to present the ESV in this medium.

Photos

With gratitude to Bobby of Bardin & Marsee Publishing for this review copy.