This volume serves as a primary reference tool for the study and liturgical use of the Revised Standard Version of the Bible. The text provides a scholarly translation of the Old and New Testaments, utilizing a formal equivalence approach to maintain fidelity to the original Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek manuscripts. It is designed for readers requiring increased legibility through large-type formatting and integrated cross-referencing systems.

Scholars and clergy frequently cite the Revised Standard Version as a balanced translation that bridges the gap between literal accuracy and modern English readability. Readers often select this specific edition for its accessibility and the utility of its reference apparatus in personal study.