The MacArthur Study Bible, NKJV by John F. MacArthur Jr.


The MacArthur Study Bible, NKJV
Title : The MacArthur Study Bible, NKJV
Author :
Rating :
ISBN : 0718006836
ISBN-10 : 9780718006839
Language : English
Format Type : Hardcover
Number of Pages : 2201
Publication : First published October 5, 1997

Maintaining an active Bible study during the high school and college years can be especially difficult, and yet these are some of the most crucial years for spiritual development in a young person's life. This highly accessible study Bible is also recommended for new Christians as well as those interested in building a solid foundation of faith and biblical understanding. The MacArthur Student Bible (NKJV) challenges and motivates young readers to be students of the Word.


The MacArthur Study Bible, NKJV Reviews


  • Isaiah

    Everyone needs to read the bible. If you don't have one get one and start reading (never stop).

  • Quirkyreader

    This edition is full of good comprehensive study notes. I use MacArthur’s outlines when I set up my own personal in-depth studies. So for me this translation gets used a lot.

  • Giovanni Generoso

    God has blessed the ministry of John MacArthur in an incredible way. Speaking from my own personal experience, I have been extremely blessed by the rigorous and God-honoring teachings of MacArthur. We live in a day and age in which the supposed mark of a "loving Christian" is "tolerance" and "inclusivism." It seems as though Biblical Orthodoxy is under attack in the evangelical churches! First and foremost, the church must always, without fail, stand upon the unchanging teachings of God, regardless of the cultural environments where we live; then we have the responsibility to transmit the truths of God in such a way that it is understandable to our various cultures. It is my personal opinion that MacArthur has done the first of these tasks with immense precision; also, despite some disagreements from my (one could say) "younger generation," MacArthur's ministry has touched the hearts of countless young people (I am a living example), giving them a passion for God's Word and the furtherance of the Gospel that is so lacking in the church.

    My generation is much more "soft," (is maybe the best word) than our elder generation. To many younger people, MacArthur can come off as cruel, heartless, and overly critical of others. In some cases, this is probably a correct analysis of him. However, this does not change the fact that many, many people in the church have a false perception of what "love" means. Being tolerant of sin and telling people that "God is love" is not biblical love at all. If Paul and the apostles were alive today, I have no doubt that he would be writing countless letters to our churches, with words similar to that of his letters to the Corinthians. Thank God that He has raised up men like MacArthur who have fought this pathetically heretical notion that the most loving person is someone who speaks in a tolerant tone of passivity; in all honesty, it would take God raising up millions of men like MacArthur to bring balance to the damage done.

    MacArthur is a Calvinist, Cessationist, Dispensationalist, Complimentarian, and holds to Premillennial Pretribulation eschatology. His teachings line up nearly exactly to that of Moody Bible Institute. I do not necessarily agree with him on everything, but I must say that MacArthur provides very honest and convincing notes that will surely make one grapple with passages throughout the Bible. All in all I heartily recommend this study Bible. It will prove to be an invaluable resource in the believer's life, as we seek to be men and women who strive to "accurately divide the word of truth" (2 Tim. 2:15).

  • Paige DuMortier

    The Bible is the best book that I own. I mean it! I couldn't imagine a better life book! I love the Lod and this book!

  • Wendy Spencer

    MacArthur's commentary explained things I didn't realize needed to be. I read this version through a very difficult time in my life and finished reading just as Christ roared into my heart, "It is finished." Praise God for His Word Incarnate!

  • Martin Lowe

    I'm a sinner!!! But have been redeemed, Amen

  • Heather's Mum

    There is no doubt that the New Kings James Version is a good translation from the original Hebrew, Greek and the few passages of Aramaic script. So, of course the BIBLE Scripture itself gets 5 stars. I gave this edition 3 stars because of the LARGE "MacArthur" printed before the Study Bible title on the spine, the pronounced authorship credit on the title page and voluminous personal doctrine, opinions and interpretations.

    I take minor issue with this edition because the Bible is the Holy Bible, authored by God, with the Divine Holy Spirit's inspiration to the individual book writers... NOT written by or inspired by MacArthur. His name is not only printed first in large type on the binding, suggesting authorship credit (MacArthur's Study Bible) but he also asserts direct and specific "authorship and general editing" on the title page. Worse yet, in both instances his personal name is printed in LARGER, more impressive print than the title name Bible.

    Some may point out that, as with many other Bible editions, the use of MacArthur's name was necessary to identify his study guide notes. In this, I agree: then this Bible could have been titled "Study BIBLE" (large print), "Notes by MacArthur" (smaller print.) I take issue, although admittedly minor, with all Bible editions placing any proper name before and/or in larger type than the word BIBLE... ie... Thompson's Chain Reference Bible (which I also use.) Why not, "A Chain Reference BIBLE", "Reference Guide by Thompson"? Even my favorite study Bible, The Archaeological Study Bible, has the study theme in larger, fancier print than the word Bible.

    This may seem petty, but we are talking about GOD'S Holy Word! MacArthur's obvious claims to authorship made a negative first impression on me, which gave me pause to consider the motives and inspiration of the study notes. Reading the notes has proved caution was warranted in some instances. Not only do I sense that personal interpretations, doctrines and comments seem to be re-assigning meaning to much of the scripture, but also I found many pages of this rendition have more comments than Bible verses. The Bible stands "flawless" and doctrinally sound on its own, as it was originally inspired. It does not need to be re-written or assigned a doctrine.

    That's not to say that those called to teach through study guides, books, etc... and therein offer what is clearly stated as their personal insights, direction and opinions are not important and valuable. Of course they are! It is when those views are possibly presented as an authoritative addendum to God's Holy Word that we should become concerned.

    Scripture instructs us not to "judge" one another but charges us with the discipline of discernment. It can be a fine line, and one I do not wish to cross. So, I offer these observations, not in judgment of the subject edition, but as thoughts possibly worthy of review, prayer and consideration.

    I do use my MacArthur and humbly suggest others use this edition,(with a cautious eye and much prayer for discernment concerning the notes,) as a beautifully bound Bible in the now accurate NKJV translation... and give God all of the glory and credit of authorship!

  • Steven Henry

    God has blessed Pastor John MacArthur with an ability to study His Word and break it down and apply it. There are so many people out there who pick and choose parts of the Bible they like and don't like. But, John MacArthur (and others like him) do their best to teach "the whole counsel" of the Word of God. In a day where so few know or even understand the words of Jesus and the message He preached, Pastor John MacArthur is one of few teaching the practical, applicable message of Jesus Christ or as 'Grace to You'-s motto says, 'Unleashing God's Truth, one verse at a time.' May God continue to bless him and use him and many others like him...

  • Stacy

    This is probably THE BEST study Bible out there! I got it for Christmas, and can't stop reading it! If you want a study Bible that explains things in a literal, historical, gramatical way, get this Bible! There are a lot of more liberal Bibles out there, but this is not one of them! :-)

  • Claxton

    Greatest story ever told. Tomorrow I begin again -- praise God!

  • Chris Fowler

    As one who believes that Pastor MacArthur is one of the finest Bible expositors in our day, I bought copies of this study Bible for my entire family. My only regret was that at the time it was only in the NKJV, and I prefer the NASB, which they have now come out with.

  • Breezy

    I sometimes disagree with Mr. MacArthur's assumptions, but his insight is usually very helpful.

  • Tessa McKnight

    This is such a GREAT study Bible!!!!!!!

  • Derek

    the Best study Bible on the market. Very in-depth and thourough in its commentary. Easy to understand and has excellent Scripture reference and concordance work.

  • Luke

    An indepth study bible. Footnotes are good. No needless detail. Extras on theology very good, and well indexed. Cannot complain.

  • Keith

    Having already become an avid Bible reader a few years before, I felt the need to dig deeper and to find some help with putting it all together and with understanding some of those more mysterious passages. John MacArthur was already on my radar due to his sermon and Bible teaching radio program "Grace to You." I'd also read a few of MacArthur's books and found them very helpful in developing the application part of my faith in Jesus. So in 2003 I bought MacArthur's study Bible and dove into the deep end. Great footnotes! The extra information was feast for me. I read and reread over several years. Just for the record though, I do generally caution people not to take anyone's footnotes as being as authoritative as the scriptures themselves! Study Bibles, in general, are there to help you but shouldn't become your sole source of theological understanding or personal application. In addition to reading scripture for yourself with the help of Holy Spirit, seek out various opinions if the passage seems difficult to discern, then come to your own conclusion. To sum up, John MacArthur is very useful, but I don't always agree with his take on passage, as would be so with any commentary author or study Bible editor.

  • Rod Innis

    This is a great study Bible. The notes are helpful, even to people who have a lot of knowledge of the Bible but especially to someone reading the Bible for the first time. It defines so many important terms and gives the reader so much historical background. Remember, even though the notes are helpful they are not a part of inspired Scripture.

    I began reading on October 3, 2021 and finished today August 7, 2022. So it took me somewhat over 10 months.

    One final thought - The author is listed by Goodreads as Anonymous. However the Bible is inspired by God and most of the human authors are know as well. Dr. John MacArthur is responsible for the notes.

  • Alex

    Studying the word of God requires faith, humbleness and a good guidance reference. The first two are provided by the Lord, and the third you can find it accurately through this great work from pastor John MacArthur, who devoted many years into it, with magnificent results that make the reading of the Bible a true delight. Historical references, teological statements and a very precise exegetical framework prevail all over the pages of the Word, providing a gentle and Spirit inspired enlightenment to search deep into this Everlasting Book.

  • Leanna

    It is an amazing book and even though I show that today I finished reading it, I will never stop. I did appreciate the MacArthur version of this Study Bible. I also read many Bible Commentaries as I was going through each book and MacArthur aligned with many of the scholars. I have other Study Bibles, but I prefer this one.

  • Jon Box

    This story gives everything else perspective! God's plan of salvation; the good news!

  • Jay

    Read cover to cover in 2019! Truly excellent historical context, exegesis and commentary.

  • Jennifer Castner

    The Bible is THE book of truth for all eternity. God's love letter to us.
    Read it over and over again.

  • Bruce

    Excellent study Bible by one of the better teaching pastors of our time, John MacArthur.

  • Stacy Croushorn

    Great study Bible. Tons of notes.