The HarperCollins Study Bible: Fully Revised & Updated
The original which this revises came out in 1997. New archaeological discoveries are incorporated into this revision.
The editors are Harold W. Attridge (General Editor, Revised); Wayne A. Meeks (General Editor, Original). The contributors tend to be associated with universities, seminaries, and theological colleges of the the “mainline” or Roman Catholic traditions. The often-extensive notes tend to be in the historical-critical approach, sensitive to both the person of faith and to those people who may be interested in the Bible primarily as literature. Often a new scholar has revised material from the earlier edition – the back cover says there is “over 25 percent new or revised material”.
For people who like to write in the margins – they are narrow.
If you collect study bibles, you will probably have this one on your shelf. If you are looking for a single, scholarly, reliable study bible – this one may be the one for you.
The HCSB was the “standard” text for me and my classmates in seminary (Perkins/Southern Methodist University). We used the earlier edition, since this was back in the late 1990’s. The HCSB is an excellent resource. Compared to other NRSV study bibles, the HCSB has the most thorough, scholarly, and academic study notes. We’re talking very technical stuff. This is no “Life Application” type of Bible. Definitely worth owning, but many preachers and teachers will also want a study Bibles with application-type notes.
As a student pursuing a degree to prepare me for ministry, I’ve had this Bible recommended to me by profs, pastors, and grad students alike. Like Rev. Clayton Peak said, it seems to be the standard.