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The NKJV Open Bible Review

The NKJV Open Bible Review

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2019 sees the relaunch of what the late Dr. Jerry Falwell called the best study-reference Bible in existence, the Open Bible. The Open Bible has been a perennial favorite for me and I think it is one that you will enjoy it as well. 

Click for photos of the Open Bible

 

Disclaimer:  Thomas Nelson sent two copies, one brown imitation leather and one black imitation leather free of charge in exchange for an honest review. My opinions are my own.

Some information from Thomas Nelson

Product Description

The Open Bible (NKJV) 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 (NKJV) 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. What has changed, though, is the referencing. They are now center column and feature all 72,000 of Nelson’s references. Candidly, I don’t like the new format. The end of verse references that we had before were, to me, quite sufficient. I find that the new format looks just a little busy for my taste.

Cover, Ribbons and Binding

I’m reviewing the imitation leather ones but there are also genuine leather and hardcover versions available as well. The binding 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. 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.  Overall the font is very easy to read.

Biblical Cyclopedic Index

This is the standout feature of the Open Bible but it has 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 the Nelson Referencing System.

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.

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 confess that I do not care for the center column references but overall it is a very worthwhile Bible to own.

 

 

 

 

 

Wiersbe Study Bible Review

Wiersbe Study Bible Review

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Note: Thomas Nelson provided two copies of the Wiersbe Study Bible, one hardcover and one black leathersoft, free of charge in exchange for an honest review. My opinions are my own.

 

From Thomas Nelson

Dr. Wiersbe’s top-quality Scriptural instruction is now available all in one place with The NKJV Wiersbe Study Bible! Dr. Wiersbe has impacted millions of people with God’s Word through his “Back to the Bible” radio ministry, and insightful “Be Series” commentaries. Now the wealth of Dr. Wiersbe’s solid Biblical guidance is presented as helpful commentary alongside the text of the Bible itself. Grow deeper in your knowledge of God’s Word with The NKJV Wiersbe Study Bible.

 

Features include:

  • Over 7,800 verse-by-verse notes by Dr. Wiersbe
  • Hundreds of Catalyst notes which more deeply reveal important biblical themes
  • Book introductions featuring Dr. Wiersbe’s historical background, themes, and practical lessons for each book of the Bible
  • Thousands of cross references, showing the connections throughout the Bible
  • Index of Preaching Outlines
  • Concordance with key words for deeper word study
  • Full-color maps
  • Clear and readable 10.5-point NKJV Comfort Print®

Dr. Wiersbe was the former pastor of the Moody Memorial Church in Chicago and general director of the Back to the Bible radio broadcast for 10 years. He was also awarded a Gold Medallion Lifetime Achievement Award by the Evangelical Christian Publishers Association.

Product Information

Format: Genuine Leather
Number of Pages: 2272
Vendor: Thomas Nelson
Publication Date: 2019
Dimensions: 9.50 X 6.50 X 2.25 (inches)
ISBN: 0785221050
ISBN-13: 9780785221050		 Series: Comfort Print
Text Color: Red Letter
Text Size: 10 Point
Note Size: 8 Point
Thumb Index: No
Ribbon Marker: Yes
Spine: Sewn

 

Translation:

The Wiersbe Study Bible is offered in the New King James Version of the Bible, the 1982 update/revision to the King James Version. It is one of three major translations that use the Textus Receptus New Testament. It is one of my two most used translations with over 1000 lessons, personal counseling sessions, and hospital visitations being completed out of the New King James Version. It is fastidiously literal yet still beautiful to read, much like its predecessor. The NKJV is an excellent choice not only for any pulpit but also for Christians at every level of maturity.

Cover and Binding

This Bible is available in three covers, all with a sewn binding: hardcover, leathersoft/imitation leather, and genuine leather. The genuine leather feels like calfskin although it is not specified.

The leathersoft/imitation leather is very convincing and if you did not know it was imitation, you would be certain you were handling real leather.

 

Paper, Font, and Layout

We are presented with a double column paragraph format. There are no center-column references. Instead, Nelson has borrowed from Crossway and placed the references at the bottom of the 2ndcolumn. Like the Bible text, the notes are in a double column format.

The font is Nelson’s 10.5 Comfort Print in a red-letter edition. Nelson has really stepped up their game on red-letter editions and this one is very crisp, clear, and consistent. Many times you will find a pinkish hue in the “red-letter” edition but you do not have that trouble here.

I find the paper a little thin but the opacity was a pleasant surprise; I was actually expecting more show through than what you really get.

 

Helps:

Catalyst Notes:are more in-depth discussions of particular Bible themes and character issues to help you to be transformed by the Scripture.

Be Transformed: This showcases the life transforming impact of particular portions of Scripture.

8,000 Expository Notes: The notes provided give you a basic explanation of the Scripture.

Index of Preaching Outlines: For the person who is new to teaching the Bible, the Index of Preaching Outlines provide a teaching plan for each Bible Book

Introductions and outlines: As is typical, these provide an overview of the book including themes, background, and practical lessons

 

Who is this Bible’s target audience?

The Wiersbe Study Bible is geared toward two groups primarily: the New Bible Expositor and the New Disciple. For the new expositor, the helps will guide into lesson prep with beginning materials to deep dive into. For the new disciple, the helps will provide a solid overview of the Bible.

 

Overall Thoughts

The text is a smidge crowded for me but I do like it. Dr. Wiersbe is one of the top Bible teachers of our generation and I love that fact that a whole new generation of Christians will be able to benefit from his teaching.

The Pastor’s Quad: Brief Comparison of the Preaching Bibles

The Pastor’s Quad: Brief Comparison of the Preaching Bibles

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There are 4 Bibles chomping at the bit to be your new preaching Bible. I have reviewed them individually and today I want to compare them for you. They are ESV Preaching Bible (Crossway), CSB Pastor’s Bible (Holman), The Preaching Bible, NKJV and KJV (Thomas Nelson), and The Preacher’s Bible (GTY/Steadfast Bibles)

Let’s dive in…

ESV Preaching Bible

Translation English Standard Version

Cover and Binding Pebble grain goatskin, leather edge-lined

Font 10-point

Margins 1.25”

Format Single Column Paragraph

Stand Out Feature(s) Most liturgical sounding of the 4. Bolded verse numbers for ready references. 36 gsm paper, ideal for writing.

Drawbacks None

Well known pastors who use ESV John Piper, Allistair Begg

Why should you choose this Bible? The experience of using this Bible is unlike any other I have ever used (see my review). The translation coupled with generous margins and very heavy grade paper makes this a perfect choice for the Reformed or Reformed leaning Expositor.

Aside from the translation, I would say the paper is the top reason to choose this Bible. Many pastors, especially those of us who lean reformed, have a tendency to make marginal annotations (pictures, word study, cross references) and this paper is quite nice for doing just that. {Note: Alaways test your writing instrument on a page in the back first}

Nelson Preaching Bible

Translation King James and New King James Version

Cover and Binding Ironed Calfskin, leather edge lined

Font 11-point

Margins Non-existent

 Format: Double column, verse by verse

Stand Out Feature(s) Only Bible in the group that offers references

Drawbacks Tiny margins

Well known pastors who use NKJV Phillip DeCourcy, David Jeremiah, the late R.C. Sproul, Voddie Baucham, Mike MacIntosh

Why should you choose this Bible? Thomas Nelson has been producing KJV Bibles for nearly half the time the KJV has existed and, in honoring that legacy, also produce the New King James. These are the only Bibles in the group that offer the original translation (NKJV, which to date has not been revised/updated/or otherwise tinkered with). Nelson has the utmost in quality offered here and if you are looking for the most conservative of the translations available, these are it.

NKJV and I are the same age, both having entered the world in 1982 and we have a special connection. It has been with me so often that I had not even realized it was my go to Bible; I thought I was the NASB guy. That, though, is your ultimate goal in choosing your Bible- it needs to be so comfortable and so familiar that it is not just a tool in your hand but it is an extension of you. 

 

CSB Pastor’s Bible

Translation Christian Standard Bible

Cover and Binding Ironed goatskin with paste down liner

Font 10.5-point font

Margins 1”

Format Single column, paragraph

Stand Out Feature(s) Pastoral helps section for various services. Old Testament quotations in bold print.

Drawbacks Thin paper. Paste-down liners are less than flexible. Newest translation in the group.

Well known pastors who use CSB  Ed Hindson, JD Greear, Robby Gallaty, David Platt, Professor David Dockery

Why should you choose this Bible? CSB is almost a perfect blend of literal and readable. It offers and excellent balance of academic and devotional reading. This is ideally suited for age diverse congregations or congregations whose members primarily have English as a second language.

 CSB is growing at an extremely rapid pace. Formerly the Holman Christian Standard Bible, it is in its 3rd iteration and has been very well received by many. A number of smaller churces use the CSB as their main teaching Bible. The age of this tranlation seems like a problem at first, but when you read it you will see that it is sound, accurate and readable. If it were possible for the fastidiously literal NASB and the incredibly readable NIV to produce offspring it would be the CSB.

The Preacher’s Bible

Translation New American Standard Bible (1995 Updated Edition)

Cover and Binding Pebble grain goatskin, leather edge lined

Font 11-point

Margins 1.5”

Format single column, verse by verse

Stand Out Feature(s) 65 gsm paper, heaviest currently available in a Bible. Designed by John MacArthur, largest margins of the 4.

Drawbacks Largest Bible currently in production weighing in at nearly 5 pounds.

Well known pastors using NASB John MacArthur, Charles Swindoll, Steve Lawson, HB Charles, Charles Stanley

Why should you choose this Bible? The Preacher’s Bible carries the heaviest paper on the market, virtually guaranteeing no bleed through. With the largest margins in the group and generous spacing between lines, this is the ideal choice for the pastor who loves to write notes in the margins.

This is a juggernaut of a Bible and it isn’t easy to carry. This Bible is for you if you want to keep it on your desk, you pulpit, and not many other places. I am actually using this not as a preaching Bible but to create a Family Legacy Bible. Notes and passages marked from 3 generations of my family are being transferred/recorded here so that if the Lord tarries, I will leave it behind to the pastor who steps into my place when I pass and I will leave him a robust legacy of a strong faith. 

Is there a clear winner?

I am forced to declare a tie between Nelson and Crossway. Crossway looked deep into my soul and created the perfect Bible BUT I have realized that over 80% of my lessons over the last 22 years have been from NKJV (My most heavily marked up and used Bible is NKJV). Habit, more than anthing else, will keep the Nelson Preaching Bible in my briefcase and on my pulpit. Aesthetic appreciation will keep the ESV Preaching Bible right next to the Nelson in my briefcase and on my pulpit. Why choose? Both are perfect in their own right.

The truth of the matter is this: When you choose your preaching Bible, the translation should be your primary choice. It needs to be faithul to the original languages and as acccurate as possible. The choices represented here offer the best English translations available. Beyond that, for a Bible that you will take into the pulpit, less really is more. Your essentials are a large enough font to read from without eye strain and as few distractions in the text as possible. I happen to be peripatetic at times so I also look to be able to carry the Bible in one hand as I move about behind the pulpit. 

I commend to you any of the 4, but especially the Crossway or the Nelson. I would encourage you to try both. Be advised, both Bibles are so excellent that you may find yourself in the same boat as me and not able to choose.

Nelson Preaching Bible…Nearly Perfect

Nelson Preaching Bible…Nearly Perfect

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The Preaching Bible from Thomas Nelson is nearly perfect, nearly. There is only one negative in this Bible and I will address is right away so we can move on to what I like about the Bible. It’s missing wide margins. I will deal with that more later.

Disclaimer: Thomas Nelson provided 2 copies, one in NKJV and one in KJV in exchange for an honest review. I was not required to give a positive review- my opinions are my own.

First, some details from Thomas Nelson

Book Summary

Every detail of the Thomas Nelson Preaching Bible is tailor-made with preaching in mind. With features crowdsourced from actual pastors, the verse-by-verse format, large type, and an edge-lined calfskin binding makes the Preaching Bible ideal for both sermon preparation and pulpit use.

About the Book

Every detail of the Thomas Nelson Preaching Bible is tailor-made with preaching in mind. With features crowdsourced from actual pastors, a flexible calfskin cover, durable sewn binding, and elegant layout, the Thomas Nelson Preaching Bible is the ideal choice for those who have been called to the sacred task of preaching the Word.

Features include:

  • Verse-by-verse layout for easy navigation
  • Thomas Nelson’s exclusive Comfort Print® fonts
  • Premium high-contrast Bible paper
  • Ultra-flexible calfskin binding and durable edge-lined construction
  • 3 satin ribbon markers
  • 11.5-point print size

Translation Choices

The preaching Bible is available in both KJV and NKJV, the most conservative and faithful English translations available. I preached from both enjoyed both. Truthfully, I am very hard pressed to prefer one to the other.

A Side Story about the NKJV

I started teaching Sunday School in 1996 at the age of 14 and I have taught the Bible in various capacities for the last 22 years. Over the course of those years, the Bible that I have used most has been a Thomas Nelson product, model 334, the Giant Print Reference Bible. That Nelson 334 has been with me through 12 years and over 1000 lessons (an irony because I thought the NASB was my favorite) and so, it is the Bible against which all other Nelson Bibles are judged. Time and time again I have marked in that Bible, tossed it in a backpack, left it in the car in Arizona’s unforgiving heat, and it stubbornly holds on; no matter how much I use it, it does not wear out and I love that. I hope to get the same usage out of the Preaching Bible.

Cover

We start with a calfskin cover with edge-lined leather liner. The KJV that I received was brown while the NKJV was black. The leather is not quite ironed but the grain is not very pronounced either. It is very pleasing to the touch though.

The brown calfskin has a very natural look to the color, similar to the natural leather covers from Crossway. I grew up not too far from Amish country and this particular leather coloration is very familiar to me. It brings back fond memories even though I am very partial to the black calfskin.

Page Layout

Nelson really hit a couple of my favorites with this layout. We get a double column, verse by verse format with the references at the foot of the page. This layout is my ideal format for a Bible, especially one that I will take into the pulpit.

Paper, Font and Margins

This paper is absolutely outstanding, possibly the best that I have ever seen in a Thomas Nelson Bible. I would estimate it at a 36-gsm paper. It is very opaque and this is, perhaps, the most important feature in a Bible other than the font used to display the text. You should not have any issues with a highlighter or ball-point pen to mark in this Bible.

My friend and colleague Randy Brown (Bible Buying Guide) loves to rave about the paper and I heartily agree with him. The choice that Nelson made is just right and would be the ideal paper for a wide margin Bible.

The font is Nelson’s Comfort print and it is very easy on the eyes. The font is very crisp and dark. It works well for me in many lighting situations. Unlike most Bibles, I do not have to hold this one close to read from it when preaching, I can let it rest on the pulpit and still see with no issues.

As I mentioned earlier, this is not a wide margin edition and I cannot, for the life of me understand why it isn’t. So many pastors make annotations in their Bibles and with this paper, the Preaching Bible would be the perfect choice for note-making.

Pulpit Use

All of the Bibles that I review get real world usage before the review is written. I am very peripatetic while teaching and this Bible’s design makes it very easy walk around with it while teaching. I did notice an interesting, sort of niggling little detail while using both Bibles- the KJV lays flat with more ease than the NKJV. I have no clue as to why that is the case, it just is.

The only other Bible that has given me as much enjoyment to teach from is my beloved 334 from Nelson (it’s the thumb-indexed one in the photos).

For carry/Field Ministry

I carried both editions daily for ten days. For personal study and devotions, I turned to the KJV edition and for person to person ministry, the NKJV. It is very bright in Arizona and I expected to have some challenges reading in direct sunlight but I did not experience any issues.

Final Thoughts

The best compliment I can give the Preaching Bible is that it has retired my model 334 Giant Print Reference Bible which served for 12 years and 1000+ sermons

 

 

Vines Expository Study Bible Review

Vines Expository Study Bible Review

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Let me start by saying, “It’s not what I expected and everything I want in a study Bible.” Years ago, there was Vines Expository Reference Bible and, at first, I thought that this was a re-release of that Bible; it is not. On some levels it is so much better and on other levels it is equal to the old Vines Expository Reference, both of which were published by Thomas Nelson.

Disclosure: Thomas Nelson provided a hardcover edition free of charge in exchange for an honest review. My opinions are my own.

From the Publisher…

Product Description

The Vines Expository Bibleoffers scriptural truth alongside guided explanations of key passages from influential preacher Dr. Jerry Vines. With biblical exposition and practical teaching culled from years of faithful ministry, Dr. Vines presents helpful insights from God’s Word are presented in a warm, pastoral manner.

Features Include:

  • Paragraph-style text with in-text subject headings
  • 200 “Presenting the Message” detailed outlines from Jerry Vines’ sermon archive
  • 100 “Living the Message” articles with illustrations for living the Christian life
  • 200 “Applying the Message” notes that help you see the relevance of Scriptures for your walk with Christ
  • 300 “Discerning the Meaning” word studies that illuminate the meaning of key words in Scripture
  • Book Introductions
  • Topical Index
  • Concordance
  • 9.5-point print size

 

Content

200 “Presenting the Message Outlines”

These are sermon outlines that were taught by Dr. Jerry Vines in the pulpit of his church. They serve a couple of helpful functions: explaining the point of the passage to the reader and guiding a teacher through explaining the passage. One could, in theory, consider this to be four years of material to get your church an overview of the Bible. I always recommend doing your own work but if you had absolutely no experience with lesson prep, these outlines would be very helpful.

100 “Living the Message” Articles

These are practical application articles demonstrating “real life” applications of the text.

300 “Discerning the Meaning” Word Studies

Even though W.E. Vines and Jerry Vines are two different pastors, one could hardly have a Vines Resource without word studies. These articles cover key words that are essential to understanding the Bible.

200 “Applying the Message Notes”

The Applying the Message Notes, much like the Living the Message Articles are designed to help you apply the text of the Bible to your every day life. They are designed to answer the question, “I understand this passage, now what do I do about it.”

Topical Index

The Topical Index breaks down the major subjects of the Bible for study. While I recommend book-by-book study, I realize that topical study is the most common method of lesson preparation and the topical index, here, will give you several years worth of material for study/teaching.

The Physical Book

Paper

The paper is a touch thin. This is not necessarily bad as you need thin paper in order to pack a lot of content into a study Bible. If you were going to mark in this Bible, you definitely do not want a liquid highlighter. A ball-point pen or a hi-glider from Luscombe would be your best choice here.

There is some shadowing (see through of the other side of the paper) but not enough to be overly bothersome.

 

Font

We have Nelson’s new Comfort Print font in 10-point. It is much easier to read than some other font families on the market. As its name indicates, the Comfort Print Font prevents eye strain so you can study for long periods without developing tired eyes or a headache. 

Cover and Binding

The edition I am reviewing is the jacketed hardcover. The cover is red cloth over a book-board. It is fairly sturdy and will hold up to normal wear and tear fairly nicely. For a Bible that will remain on your desk or go into your backpack, hardcover is your best choice.

The binding is sewn to ensure a lifetime of use.

Ribbons

Nelson provides us with 2 red silk ribbons, 3/8″ in width. I generally use the ribbons to mark OT and NT daily readings. I also use them to mark passages relevant to ministry texts based on the upcoming ministry activity such as a hospital visit or discipleship.

Who is this Bible for?

The Vines Expository Study Bible is designed for the new teacher/student. If I were to recommend this Bible to a particular group of people, it would be to pastors in Asia and Africa who may not have access to the resources needed to prepare expository lessons on the Bible.

Overall Thoughts

I am a Bible teacher, so I am a little biased here but I really like the Vines Expository Study Bible. Some may consider this to be entry level and, to a degree, it is. That being said, for its intended audience, it is an excellent tool.

I would rate it 4.5/5. The shadowing is what caused me to withhold a perfect score. Nelson should be able to get us better paper. They are, after all, part of the Harper Collins Group, the largest publisher in the US.

 

 

Choosing A New Bible

Choosing A New Bible

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On, at least, a weekly basis, I am asked for help in choosing a new Bible. Today, I would like to answer that question for you. There are certain criteria that should factor into your criteria.

Translation Choice:

The most important consideration for your new Bible is the English Version/Translation that you will use. The translation should be easy for you to understand but it should also be accurate to the original languages. I won’t get into the differences between form based (word-for-word) and meaning based (thought-for-thought) translations but I would like to recommend 4 English Versions for you.

NLT: My 1st recommendation is the New Living Translation. The NLT is the Bible that we preach from at Abounding Grace Baptist Church. The English is very easy to understand as it is translated at or near a 6th Grade reading level. NLT is the ideal choice for the disciple who has never read a Bible before and for the disciple for whom English is not a native language. NLT is a meaning based translation that endeavors, quite successfully, to capture the the thought of the original scriptural author.

CSB: Christian Standard Bible is what is called a mediating or optimal translation because it is pretty well in the middle of form based and meaning based translations. It reads at or near 8th Grade. CSB is perfect for the intermediate level disciple who wants to go deeper in their study and it is a great choice for academics. If you are enrolled in/considering a Christian School, at any academic level, I would highly recommend the CSB.

ESV: English Standard Bible is the translation taking the conservative community by storm. Reformed Christians of all stripes love ESV for its accuracy, its word-for-word rigor, and its liturgical feel. Listening to the cadence of an ESV being read aloud, you can tell it was designed with pastors in mind. ESV read’s at or about a 9th Grade level. When I am preparing my lessons, ESV is my normal study text in parallel with NLT.

NKJV: New King James is a perennial favorite of many excellent teachers, not the least of whom are David Jeremiah and the late Dr. R.C. Sproul. Like the ESV, NKJV is very word for word yet still easily readable. I would also rate it at 8th/9th Grade. NKJV is an ideal translation in almost any situation.

Now here is my secret: I love all 4 and use all 4 regularly. I could not choose just one so I use all 4 in different scenarios.

If I were to be pushed into making a choice of only one, it would be the NLT; I have found none better for my one to one discipleship efforts.

Helps:

There are several helps that you may want to consider, only one of which I would deem essential and we will talk about it first.

References:

There are two types of references available, end-of-verse and center-column. Center-column references are the feature that I would consider to be essential. We believe that Scripture interprets/explains Scripture and center column references are the best way to experience that. By following references, you will be able to follow the thought patterns/themes of Scripture.

Commentary

There is a class of Bible called a “study” Bible. The study portion stems from the fact that they include commentary on the Scripture; some even include introductory materials for each book and an outline of each book. These features are not bad, per se, but I would encourage you to do the work yourself. My 4th grade teacher, Miss Cortell, told me that, “you must hunt, search, and dig, for what you want to know. Knowing is your payment for doing the work of learning.”

Concordance

A topical concordance is a very useful tool to have. It will help you to follow what the Scriptures teach on a host of topics. Some concordances are more in-depth than others but almost every Bible has one. I highly recommend that you use the one in your Bible.

Wide-margins/Journaling Paper

Wide margins are one of the best features available for a Bible today. It is a wide margin Bible that you make truly yours because you fill in your own notes and references. Some even go so far as to add drawings and charts etc. to help with memory aids.

Choosing a new Bible is very important, perhaps the most important choice you will make in your life as a disciple. I hope the materials above will help you to choose your new Bible. I congratulate you on your decision to answer Christ’s call and become a disciple. I pray that your new Bible will help you to grow in your knowledge of Christ.

NKJV Readers Reference Bible Review

NKJV Readers Reference Bible Review

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NKJV Reader’s Reference Bible Review

Scripture interprets Scripture; perhaps you have heard that before and you have wondered how that works out. Sure, there are plenty of reference Bibles on the market; some are end of verse and some are center-column but all of them can leave you wondering which passages are most relevant to the passage you are studying. It happens that Holman Bible Publishers has remedied that problem by bringing us the NKJV Reader’s Reference Bible. Note: This Bible was acquired at my own expense; Holman did not solicit this review and they did not receive advance notice of its writing.

About this Bible

Translation

Holman made an excellent choice in using the NKJV; it is a very well done translation with excellent footnotes and utilizes the Textus Receptus Greek NT. I would absolutely love to see the Reader’s Reference Bible to be released in CSB as well.

Text Block

For this Bible, Holman has used a single-column paragraph format, which is commonly called a Reader’s Edition. It is called this because it lays the text out more like a traditional book thereby making it easier to read. Under normal circumstances, this would not be my preferred format. That being said, I find the layout very useful. We will discuss further in the section on the refences.

The text block is bound in hardcover with a sewn binding. To remind you, a sewn binding is to be more desired because sewn bindings will last significantly longer than a glued one.

Font, Paper, & Readability

We have been given a bright white paper with fairly strong opacity. I believe that the paper is the same gsm weight as the HSCB Study Bible, perhaps even a little thicker or it might even be more on par with the HCSB Minister’s Bible. There is a tiny amount of see through, not so much as to be irritating, though; it is more of a faint shadowing on the page.

This is a 9-point font, which many publishers consider to be a large print. Holman does not bill this particular Bible as a large print so I will not bill it as such either. This Bible has a black letter text but there is a surprise with the references. They are in a bright blue text. At first the color takes a little adjustment but it is very clever; almost all of the major Bible publishers offer a red-letter edition and to the best of my knowledge, I have never seen a blue-letter edition. Overall, this coloration is quite interesting, which is part of the reason why I decided to purchase and review this Bible. As is my habit, I compared the text in a number of lighting settings. The only issue I found was very slight and it was in direct sunlight; it can be a bit severe in direct sunlight because of how white the paper is.

I found the Bible to be quite readable. It is often the case that, with a reader’s edition, you can easily get lost in the text. It is easily possible to consume large amounts of text in a single sitting, which I have done repeatedly.

References

Holman has provided the references in two different formats for us, traditional end of verse and full text references. The full text references are what I was referring to earlier when I said that Scripture interprets Scripture. In the Old Testament, you can see the foreshadowing of the New Testament with the appropriate references provided. In the New, you can look back to the old to see the continuous harmony of the text as the singular Word of God. We often refer to seeing the “scarlet thread” of redemption throughout the Bible but, in this edition, we can follow a “blue line” through the unity of the Bible. There are also end of verse references and I would like to see many more of those.

Some things left to be desired

Despite Holman giving us an excellent tool for understanding the Scripture, there are a couple items left to be desired. Here are my suggestions for what could be added.

Introductions

There needs to be some measure of an introduction. We don’t need the usual study Bible introduction but since Scripture interprets Scripture and that fact is the main point of this Bible, it would be nice to see, at least, a small introduction showing how each book fits into the whole of the Scriptures.

Wider Margins

If ever there was a Bible that screamed for wide margins, this is it. The likelihood of learning something new is extremely high and a wide margin would be a perfect fit for the student of the Bible.

Notes Pages

I have seen several of the premium Bible publishers include lined note pages in the back of their Bibles. Notes pages would be ideal for the same reason as wider margins. It is extraordinarily likely that you will find new insights that you want to jot down for ready reference. 

Footnotes

The NKJV text has some excellent footnotes that are provided. However, they are noticeably absent here.

Final Thoughts

This is one Bible that I can recommend without any reservation. I can virtually guarantee it will provide a noticeable impact into your study. I would imagine that this will be a first edition and it is very well done. I hope to see Holman take the suggestions that I have offered, it may well be the best reference Bible ever made.