Book Review: The CSB Illustrator’s Notetaking Bible

About the Bible:

Enhance your personal Bible study with the CSB Illustrator's Notetaking Bible. This uniquely crafted Bible features large, easy-to-read 9.5-point type in a single-column setting with wide journaling margins and line-art illustrations on every page spread. Including filigree designs, Scripture quotes, and other unique Scripture art alongside plenty of space for personal creativity and journaling, this Bible will inspire you to engage God’s Word in a fresh and exciting way. This beautiful Bible provides the perfect place for meaningful creativity and personalization, over time creating an incredible keepsake for your journey.

Order your copy of the CSB Illustrator’s Notetaking Bible, Large Print Edition today at Lifeway!

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My Thoughts:

I confess, I had a case of insta-love when my copy of the CSB (Christian Standard Bible) Illustrator’s Notetaking Bible arrived. The Bible’s beige softcover features an elegant flower in the middle and feels smooth to the touch. It arrived in a protective case that I intend to continue using because I know light colors can easily get dirty in my house. It also has that delicious new paper and ink smell that I love. I know that scent will fade in time, but I’ll enjoy it while I can.

Inside the cover, the Bible includes all the expected pages: a gift page, table of contents, notes about this edition, and the Scripture texts of the Old and New Testaments (not the Apocrypha). Additionally, it includes two built-in bookmarks, a daily Bible reading plan, a concordance, and full-color maps. This edition does not include commentaries.

True to its name, each page spread of the CSB Illustrator’s Notetaking Bible holds space on the outer portions for writing notes or coloring in illustrations (pencils, recommended). I can add my thoughts right next to text and color in flowers, fish, or whatever the illustration is. In recent years, I have found great value in slowing down my Bible reading to focus on specific portions. Thinking on a verse while coloring is an effective way for me to meditate on the Scripture. Some of the illustrations are repeated, but not annoyingly often.

The CSB is a good, but not perfect, translation of the ancient texts. This edition includes a two-page explanation of the translators’ mindset and goals when translating this edition. Regarding gender language, this section explains that gender neutral words previously translated as “men” or “man” may be translated as “people” or “someone”. However, the translators did not use gender neutral language if it required restructuring the sentence. I take this to mean that if the original text was referring to “mankind” or “humans”, then the translators used gender neutral pronouns rather than masculine as some earlier translations.

Personally, I doubt any English version of the Holy Scriptures is truly without a single translation error. As I said, I think this version is good. I especially enjoy the beautiful language of the Psalms. I noticed the phrase “faithful love” frequently took the place of “steadfast love” (KJV). Is there any difference in meaning? I’m not sure, but reading “faithful love” over and over in the Psalms emphasized God’s love for me and brought my heart the comfort that comes with being faithfully loved.

The CSB Illustrator’s Notetaking Bible is clearly designed to appeal to women, but if a man enjoys notetaking and coloring as part of his Bible study, this edition would certainly be suitable. I like this Bible very much. Five stars!

Many thanks to Lifeway Christian Resources for providing a sample of the product for this review. Opinions are 100% my own.

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More Information:

• The CSB Illustrator's Notetaking Bible features the highly readable, highly reliable text of the Christian Standard Bible® (CSB). The CSB captures the Bible’s original meaning without sacrificing clarity, making it easier to engage with Scripture’s life-transforming message and to share it with others.


• Over 600 line-art illustrations, including filigree, text, and other Scripture art.
• Wide, two-inch lined margins for journaling and notetaking.
• Durable Smyth-sewn, lay-flat binding.
• Single-column text format.
• Topical subject headings.
• Large, easy-to-read 9.5-point type size.
• Black-letter text.
• Two ribbon markers for easy referencing between pages.
• Concordance.
• One-year Bible reading plan.
• Presentation page for gift-giving.
• Full-color maps.
• 7.25” x 9.375” page size


• This beautiful Bible provides the perfect place for meaningful creativity and personalization, over time creating an incredible keepsake for your journey. Order your copy of the CSB Illustrator’s Notetaking Bible, Large Print Edition today! Learn more at Lifeway.

• Find similar products in the Holman Gift Guide.

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Giveaway:

One winner will receive 1 copy of CSB Illustrator’s Notetaking Bible, Large Print Edition. Enter by leaving your full name and email address in a comment. US only. Giveaway ends April 19, 2025, at 11:59 P.M.