Welcome to a new Bible review here on Enthusiastically, Dawn. I am happy to bring you this latest review as it is one of the few journaling Bibles which has made its way to me for review. A bit ironic, yes? I mean…I am The Journal Enthusiast…but I digress. Let me introduce you to this Bible, its features, and my opinions yadda, yadda, yadda.
Ready?
First things First
The Amplified Journal the Word Bible is a journaling Bible newly published by Zondervan for 2024. It uses The Amplified Translation of scripture. A version I read in my early days as a new Christian, but not recently, which made me a bit more curious and open to revisiting. If you are unfamiliar with the Amplified Translation, it claims to be a “Literal Equivalent”. It aims to clarify through words that help deepen the reader’s understanding. These words are in brackets and offer multiple ways, through word alternatives, of seeing the intention of the writers drawn from the original languages . Depending on what you are looking for in your reading (and this can vary at times, I have found) or devotional times, this can be helpful or it can be frustrating. If you are looking for flow without interruption and poetic immersion in the word, then you might think it’s a bit jolting. But for journaling, word exploration, and pondering, it can be a wonderful version to use. Comparing the Amplified version to another translation is like comparing two different excursions. Let me attempt to clarify. Let’s say it’s like riding in a Range Rover on Safari over the bumpy roads of the Bush in South Africa, as opposed to a scenic drive along the winding roads of Scotland’s scenic coastline. They are both amazing, just depends on what you are up for, yes? And, you might well want to experience both at different times. See what I’m saying? OK, onward.
The Details
This journaling Bible includes the complete Amplified Bible text and features a Leathersoft™ cover in a caramel-colored brown. It looks and feels like leather. It lays flat when open. It has a double-column layout. The faint lines on the outer edges of the page are ideal for notes, prayers, comments, or doodles. The font in 9.5, easy on the eyes and the paper is a cream color. The thickness of paper is thicker than the paper-thin usual Bible paper but not overly thick either. There are no additional study notes or maps. The ink is black throught the full text. At the end of the Book of Revelation there are 9 lightly lined pages designated (and clearly marked) for NOTES (which means 18 pages altogether). The Bible has two satin ribbon markers, one is brown, one is gold.
My Impressions and Thoughts
First, I have to admit I was very interested in this Journaling Bible and excited for the opportunity to have a closer look. I think this is a great tool for Bible Journaling because of the translation. While journaling, and free-writing, I often am very open to exploring word meanings, and alternative uses. I think this translation lends itself very well to a journaling Bible format because of it’s amplification of word meaning. As a companioin for journaling prayer I can see this as an empowering resource. Additionally, if you happen to be a fan of this Bible version and enjoy taking notes in your Bible or Bible Journaling, you have an excellent option available now that I don’t believe has been available before- so that is a big deal!
I did a quick pen-check with a Black Pilot G-2 in 07 and there was more than a hint on the other side. The Micron 01 fared better. I am not sure of the paper weight, but a guess at maybe 50-60 GSM. (This is a guess. I believe Bible Paper is usually 30-50 GSM. So this is a bit thicker, but I will have to follow up on how much. The Cream color adds a layer of color, and perhaps impacts how these pens, pencils and markers behave on the page. The Zebra Mildliner (beige) handled itself well. The ZigClean Color Dot (black) bled through. This was a random sampling, but you get the idea. I always check pens on the paper to determine what’s ideal. I personally prefer white paper for my Bible reading, journaling etc. But that won’t stop me from using this beauty! It has a great feel in the hand, like a very fat A5 sized notebook. Zondervan has its dimensions at 6.9 x 1.76 x 9.04. So it is larger than A5 but it definately does not feel bulky to me. So more like a FAT Erin Condren Life Planner! However, note it is 2.8 lbs and 1600 pages so…not purse sized either. It has a compact fatness, which is huggable. I may have crossed the I love my Bibles way too much line here, yes?
The font size (9.5) and clarity is excellent. I would give this aspect a 10 out a possible 10 points. I have a couple of Journaling Bibles and of them all this is by far the clearest, easiest to read.
Overall and Concluding Thoughts
If I had to rate this Amplified Journal the Word Bible overall on a scale of 1-10, I would give it a 9. Minus 1 for cream paper. I know many love cream paper, but I am Team White for Bible reading. Cream is harder on my eyes. Zondervan also gets a GOLD STAR rating for offering the Amplified Translation in a Journal the Word format. I enjoy reading differnt versions/translations and appreciate options. Also a double star for the delicious Caramel Leather like cover which gives it an elegant, timeless and classic look, while adding durability. Ways it could be improved, are by offering white paper and a higher GSM paper (maybe 70?). Other than that- this has been one of the nicest Journaling Bibles I have seen, and I have seen quite a few. The faults I have found with most of them so far has been font size too small, paper too thin, and too bulky in size. The ones that are small enough usually compromise with the font size, lack of margin or do not have the full Bible. This is a solid offering for those who are open to read The Amplified Translation and who enjoy journaling prayers or writing sermon/study notes alongside scripture.
Questions, comments, thoughts are welcome. Please let me know what answers I can provide for you about this BIble. Thank you for taking the time to read and comment. Is there something I missed that you want to know? Comment below!
Disclaimer: I received this Bible free of charge from the publisher in return for a review. The opinions expressed are my own.
Enthusiastically, Dawn 