I think the single most important thing we need to have is an awakening to the transcendent majesty and holiness of God.”
– R.C. Sproul
If you are new to this space on the internet, welcome! If you have been around awhile, hang on to your hat, because I have a treat for you with this review. As part of the Bible Gateway Blogger Grid team, I have opportunity to review many Bibles. Often, depending on my writing and life schedule, I have to say no. But lately I have been enjoying reviewing Bibles to keep me in good writing form and scripturally savvy. I think about it like the workout at the gym as you train for an upcoming competition or event. I can’t always write poetry, deep introspective and reflective writing, right? Well, maybe I can, but sometimes it is wise to save some writings and meanderings for my journal (and God’s eyes and ears alone) than the public forum! However, I was very excited when I was offered the opportunity to review the Bible, I am sharing with you today.
Let’s get to it.
The Premier Collection from Thomas Nelson/Zondervan is a group of beautiful Bibles of exceptional quality. They feature custom Comfort Print® designed exclusively for the publisher by 2K/DENMARK- a company of designers who specialize in this art. You can learn a bit more about the process in this video. It’s quite fascinating all that goes into creating typefaces! The next features to mention are the three ribbon markers which are quite durable for long term use. Red, Blue, and Brown. Perfect for holding three places for devotional reading or study. The pages are Premium 36 GSM European Bible paper which is much nicer than some flimsier offerings more commonly used. The binding is Smyth Sewn, Edge Lined. The Bible I was sent is Brown Goatskin Leather and has a beautiful reddish-gold gilded edge. There is a reasonable yap (the amount of cover overlap to help protect the gilded edge detail) which gives protection, but this Bible is both Large-Print (10.5 font) and Personal Sized!
Wait, what? True story!
You know I don’t buy without the fly…in other words, I must try out in real life a real-life Bible, just like shoes, there must be a proper fit. I must be able to use this book! Daily. That is the purpose of having Holy Scripture available at our fingertips. So, over the past few weeks, I have been getting a feel for some of this Bible’s specific features IRL (in real life). I want to share my thoughts, and then I will aim to fill in any gaps with the publisher’s details and links.
I admit, that this Bible is special. It’s one of heirloom quality. A great gift you’re probably thinking but perhaps too nice for your practical Christian life, right? Well, I admit, this leather Bible is so beautiful it could feel indulgent if it wasn’t so amazingly readable, and pleasant to handle. I confess it has upped my morning reading to a more straightforward, and beautiful experience.
The End-of-Verse references keep the reading visually uncluttered while still offering appropriate references (based on the NKJV references). The print is clear and lovely- so easy on the eyes. The format I received was a double column, and again- extremely readable in that 10:5 purposefully designed font.
The features I do appreciate most are:
- Readability- Perfection!
- Size- it’s NOT too big despite the larger font. I could take it easily along with me to church or Bible Study. However, its beauty and quality possess me to keep it in my quiet time desk space- at least for now.
- The big surprise I love is that each verse starts on its own line so they’re easy to find. No more searching for the tiny numbers to find a scripture reference verse. It is one of those things that you didn’t know you needed (or appreciated) until you had it!
- Quality- I do believe God’s Word is holy, and sacred. While my Bibles are worn, or written in and that’s fine, this Bible is helping me renew my appreciation for the treasure that Holy Scripture is! It’s refreshing to NOT write in it. At least for a season.
Another important note I should mention is that these Bibles are guaranteed for life! I registered my Bible on the website (Yes, there is a place for that!). From the website:
“Premier Collection Bibles are backed with a Lifetime Guarantee. If a Bible fails because of manufacturing defects, you may return it for a free replacement. If the same Bible is no longer available, it will be replaced with a bible of the same or greater value. This guarantee does not apply to normal wear and tear. “
So if you are looking for a new Bible and you appreciate the NKJV, I recommend you get this one. As of this writing, it is on sale for half-price on the FaithGateway website. Because it is guaranteed and of heirloom quality, I think you can make the decision to buy this Bible comfortably confident in your investment (especially if you have a birthday or special milestone- or if your Bible is worn out). It is a beautiful gift as well for a loved one for graduation, retirement, leaving for college etc. God’s Word is a treasure. This Bible encourages treating it as such!. It will hold up as long as you do. Very cool.
OK, I think I will give you the publisher’s listed features as I have stated my personal faves already. Please don’t hesitate to ask me a question if you have one. The sale is on FathGateway through 9/10/23. It is also available on Amazon. And remember Lifetime Guarantee!
Publisher’s Features List:
- Verse-style Scripture format starts each verse on its own line so it’s easy to navigate the text
- Extensive Verse-by-verse cross-references give you to find related passages quickly and easily
- Portable personal-size format allow this Bible to be a perfect travel companion wherever you go
- Premium European Bible paper, 36 gsm for limited bleed
- Concordance for looking up a word’s occurrences throughout the Bible
- Full color maps show a visual representation of Israel and other biblical locations for better context
- Three satin ribbon markers, each 3/8-inch wide for you to easily navigate and keep track of where you were reading
- Art gilding on page edges: red stain under gold
- Generous yapp serves to protect the high-end gilding
- Gilt line stamped and perimeter stitching
- Smyth-sewn and edge-lined construction to lay open with ease for personal study or preaching
- Easy-to-read 10.5-point NKJV Comfort Print
Additional Info:
ISBN-13 9780785258292
Weight (lbs)3.1 lb
Dimensions 10(h) x 6.88(w) x 2.1(d) inches
Pages 1856
FaithGateway website: Check out this Bible
Thank you to The Bible Gateway Team for this opportunity. I received this Bible for free as a member of the Bible Gateway Blogger Grid, in return for an honest review- which is what I have given! Soli Deo Gloria
#BibleGatewayPartner
Enthusiastically, Dawn 