NASB Wide Margin Bible Review

Today I am sharing a review of the newly released NASB Wide Margin Bible by Zondervan.

I received this new release Bible from the publisher- rest assured the opinions expressed are mine. You already knew that, right?

Let’s check this latest Bible out…

The Bible I received is made with a Leathersoft cover in brown. It comes in the exclusive NASB Comfort Print typeface on 36 GSM paper, and the print is 9.5. This is the 1995 edition New American Standard which is an excellent translation for study. The combination of white paper, reasonable size and clear font are very pleasing to the eyes on first glance. This is a two-column Bible. The pages have a beautiful, gilded edge. There are two satin ribbon page markers (1 brown, 1 gold).

The beauty of this new release is in the next three features.

First, there are wide margins on both sides of the columns. This makes it easy to take notes on both sides of the print without it being crammed in. Also from an aesthetic sense, it just looks amazing. Such a small thing but it adds this roomy, spacious quality that is appealing, even inviting to the eyes. I’ll come back to this point in a minute with some pictures to compare to another Zondervan NASB I own.

Secondly, the chapter divisions and the words of Christ are in red. However, an interesting use of the red ink is made in that each new paragraph’s verse number is also in red. So, as you study the chapters, you get a sense of the original structure, sequence, and flow. It is subtle but new to me, and I find it fascinating. It enhances and does not distract in any way.

Thirdly, this Bible features an excellent concordance. I appreciate the inclusion of this excellent resource chosen as the main study help. I put a tab in mine for easy access. This concordance is not skimpy as sometimes can be the case in the back of Bibles. There are 97 pages generously donated to this study tool. A concordance is invaluably useful for Bible study, and certainly was important to me as a new believer. The first book one of my pastors suggested I have access to early on besides my Bible was a Strong’s Concordance. It was good advice then and is now.

On a side note, there are no maps. I mention this in case you expect to find maps in the end pages. There is a Table of Contents, a Foreword, NASB Principles of Translation, Explanation of General Format and the NASB (1915 Text) Abbreviations, after which we jump right into the Old Testament until we hit the Concordance. I think this is all that is needed. Although the size is not personal sized, for everyday carry, it could be taken to church or Bible Study – it’s not over the top giant BUT I am adding the dimensions and weight for better context! It weighs ‎about three pounds, so there is your fact checking. It’s approximately 7X10. It does not feel overly heavy to me.

My smaller NASB for size comparison. Both are nicely made, but there is no room for writing notes in the smaller, older version.

I think this is a great study Bible for the three reasons being: the version, the convenience of a concordance and the ample room on each side of the page for notes.

I have to say this is the most practical Bible for straight forward Bible study I have received for review, because it does not have additional notes and input. I am looking forward to using this for a small group Bible Study I will be participating in in May.