The NIV Open Bibles
Following the 2019 and relaunch of the NKJV and KJV Editions of The Open Bible, Thomas Nelson has FINALLY released the NIV Edition of the Open Bible, an edition that I have been waiting 20 years for and some have been waiting nearly 40 years to launch
Pictures of the Open Bible
Disclaimer: Thomas Nelson sent one black imitation leather with thumb indexing free of charge in exchange for an honest review. My opinions are my own.
Some information from Thomas Nelson
Product Description
The Open Bible is a great way to explore Scripture with the tools and helpful information that you need to understand it better. It features an easy-to-use topical index of over 8,000 names, places, concepts, events and doctrines. It also includes book introductions and outlines to with information on the historical context and themes of each book in the Bible. The Open Bible is sure to help you glean more from God’s Word.
Features include:
- Topical index with 8,000 plus names, places, concepts, events, and doctrines
- Book introductions and outlines provide historical context and themes of each book in the Bible
- References include both verse and page number
- Visual Survey of the Bible
- 9-point print size
Layout
We will start with the biggest change first…The layout has always been a double column verse by verse format and that has not changed. Happily, in the NIV Edition, Nelson returned to not having a center column full of references.
There are 3 types of notes, each of which is laid out differently. Translators footnotes are found at the bottom of the right column. References, separated by a solid black line, are located at the bottom of the page, similar to what you will find in the NKJV Preaching Bible, except when there is a section of expositional notes. When expositional notes are provided, the references are placed into a box above the notes.
My review copy includes Nelson’s readily identifiable half-moon thumb indexing tabs.
Cover, Ribbons and Binding
I’m reviewing the imitation leather one but there are also genuine leather and hardcover versions available as well. The text block appears to be sewn as the Bible does not have any issues lying flat where I open it. There is some cockling (that popcorn sound) when you open the book. The cockling sound is a little irritating but it is not overly terrible. Like the NKJV, the cockling sound will go away with more use. We receive two ribbon markers for your daily OT and NT reading.
Font
We have Nelson’s Comfort Print series in 9-point font. The Open Bible is a red-letter edition and the red is really well done. Different publishers will often have trouble with the red lettering but Nelson executed quite nicely; The red letters are deep and rich. For most people the font should be very easy to read.
The NIV Edition is, to my eyes, more readable than its NKJV cousin, even though it is not verse by verse like its counterpart. With the center column removed, the page looks less busy and if, like me, you need glasses, you will find this much easier to read.
Biblical Cyclopedic Index, now called The Topical Index
This is the standout feature of the Open Bible but it had been renamed for 2019 and is now called the Topical Index. There are 8000 entries cataloguing various topics in scripture. I have always found this to be most useful. It is very similar to the indexing that Kirkbride does with the Thompson but its keyed to NIV Reference System.
I would argue that this is one of the most important features in the NIV Open Bible. Many teachers lack resources for lesson preparation and this Topical Index easily provides a lifetime of lesson preparation material
Paper
The paper is surprising. It is fairly heavy (maybe 30-34 gsms) and quite opaque. This would work really well with colored pencils or with very fine tipped liquid highlighters.
We have similar paper in the NIV and NKJV editions BUT the paper is much less ostentatiously white in the NIV. That, coupled with the darker black in the NIV font makes readability much less of a chore.
Christ in the Scripture
Each book introduction includes a section showing how that book portrays Christ and shows Him throughout the whole of Redemptive History.
Survey
Each introduction also includes a brief survey of the book to be studied. The survey provides an overall summary of the book to be studied.
Exegetical and Expository Notes
Unlike most Study Bibles, the notes in the Open Bible are not commentary but exegetical and expositional in nature. The notes give you a solid foundation for your exegesis of Scripture.
Additional Helps
The Front and Back Matter includes the Following Articles and Charts
How to Study the Bible
Christian’s Guide to the New Life
Guide to Christian Workers
The Scarlet Thread of Redemption
Harmony of the Gospels
Laws of the Bible
Miracles of Jesus
Prophecies of the Messiah Fulfilled in Christ.
Parables of Jesus
As a Preaching Bible
The Open Bible’s size leaves it ideally suited to preaching ministry, it is challenging for my bifocals and I. A pastor who is not visually impaired should not have any issues.
Overall Thoughts
The Open Bible is a Bible which I have enjoyed regularly in the past. Overall it will be something I will continue to enjoy.
I am quite glad to see that my dissatisfactions have been addressed. It has been worth waiting 20 years for an NIV Edition.