Customer Reviews

NASB Update Side-Column Reference; Burgundy Genuine Leather

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4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
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If I had no Bible and if I could have just one and could never have another, I'd choose this version and this Lockman Foundation edition of it above all others.Reasons are not hard to find.Foremost in importance is the translation itself. The New American Standard Version has, for a sufficient number of years to lend credence to the claim, been hailed by minds far keener and better informed than mine to be the most literally accurate translation available in modern English. It is of vital concern to me to have a rendering of God's word that is truly faithful to the best manuscripts of the original biblical languages that we have.This Bible is printed in a single column across the page and set in clear 11-point type. This results in a page that is both inviting and comfortable to read. I don't experience the eye strain that often accompanies the effort to read Bibles that are printed in near-microscopic type.The side references are of two kinds: related scriptural passages and translators' notes, which are generous and extremely helpful. For example, in 2 Timothy 3:16 the phrase "inspiration of God" has this side note: "Literally, God-breathed." In many instances the translators' notes shed more light on the passage than some of the so-called "study Bibles" I've seen. This is not to say that study Bibles should all be thrown in the trash heap. A few are quite good.This Bible has a fair-sized (82- page) concordance and 10 maps. The maps are adequate for general reference, although not in color.The physical characteristics of this Bible (I refer to the genuine leather edition) are commendable indeed, particularly in light of the declining quality of book-binding in America today. The leather is grained, decently thick and supple. The spine is Smyth sewn. This is important if you plan to keep the Bible for a long time and put it to daily use (a worthy goal!) Many Bibles today (even very expensive ones) have what the publishing people call "perfect bindings" -- but don't let the word "perfect" fool you. It simply means that the book is put together with glue, not thread sewn. It has been my observation that over time the binding tends to separate in clusters of pages (called signatures) which may literally come loose and fall out. Moreover, Symth-sewn Bibles will lie flat when opened. Glued ones won't.This Bible, not as bulky as most study Bibles, is easy enough to carry around, but it won't fit in your shirt pocket. On the other hand, you won't need to carry a magnifying glass with you to read it.If you are considering a good, solid, well-made reference Bible in a reliable translation -- one that with ordinary care should last you for a lifetime -- I commend this one to your attention without any reservation whatever.

One starts by selecting a translation and the NASB is unsurpassed for study. But then there is a confusing array of choices. I selected this particular volume because of (a) the wide margins for notes, (b) the single column format and (c) side column references. It does not disappoint.

The only possible improvement would be in the opaqueness of the paper. I like to use highlighters and some (not all) will show through on the other side. Obviously, this would have added to the thickness of the volume and the publisher made a marketing choice.

Nonetheless, an excellent study Bible.

Some of my thoughts might echo some of what others have said. Let me start with what I feel are this Bible's negatives. I have noticed that the quality of the leather cover is not very great, but I don't think I can expect it to be for this price. Another negative, albeit not catastrophic, is that several books run together. In other words, many of the books in this bible do not start on their own pages. A final negative, which I understand might be open to debate, is that the words of Christ are not in red. Now, to be fair, let me share what I feel are this Bible's positives. First, the print size is large, and I love that. Second, the single-column design is wonderful. The single-column design allows this Bible to read like a novel. Third, the wide margin style, although it's not a true wide margin style, is nice. You have more of a wide left or right margin instead of a wide margin on all four sides, including the top and the bottom. I believe that a true wide margin edition should be more centered on the page, with significant white space surrounding it. I do believe the positives far outweigh the negatives, especially for this price. I hope this review helps.

Other than the rather bland "rose colored" burgundy leather cover which I expected to be a deep burgundy with something of a sheen to it, this bible is a pleasure to use. It is heavy but not cumbersome.The point size of the font could be reduced to a 9pt and still be very readable thereby reducing the thickness and therefore the weight by some meaningful measure.

This is my second copy since I sent the first back because of excessive creasing of about 20-25 pages beginning with the psalms.This is apparently a problem at Foundation since others have made the same comments as far back as 2000.

The second bible is much better in that regard with creasing still present but to a lesser degree than the first.

The paper is very nice indeed albeit crease-prone. Nonetheless this is a quality bible which will serve me well. It reads very nicely with the single column being a perfect length for quick reading as well as more meditative reading. The type is consistently dark and sharp. Very easy on the eyes in part due to the larger font but just a tad smaller and it still would be excellent.

I think this will be one of my favorite reading bibles along with the New Jerusalem Bible.

In spite of my negative comments on the creases which I pass on to forewarn people of the possibility, this is a very high quality bible. I recommend it highly since my exchange was better than the first and Amazon's handling of the return was exemplary.

This is an excellent study edition of the NASB. The print size is great and the margins are wide enough for taking notes, but are not too wide. The leather is beautiful. If you like to collect leather Bibles add this one to your "wish list." The cross references are very good too. The NASB is a very literal or formal equivalent translation. It tries to present as much as possible the sentence structure of the original languages of the Bible, Hebrew and Greek. That makes the NASB very useful for close study of the Bible. Use of the NASB with the RSV/NRSV, NIV, REB, NLT, CEV, TEV and the venerable KJV will provide the student of the Scriptures with a wealth of information. This Bible has a very important place on the study desk.

I continue to use this Bible. It is beautiful and one
of the best bibles on the market. It gets an A++ from
me. The translation is outstanding. I use it right
beside the ESV. Again, this is well worth the money.
An excellent Bible. Updated 9/16/2002

The NASB update is my bible, because it is, in my humble opinion, the most literally accurate translation of Scripture in contemporary English. The 1995 update has greatly improved readability and clarity of this translation.

This reference bible appears to be a very high quality binding and workmanship. The leather editions are smyth sewn, which I understand produces a binding of the highest quality. My personal preference would be a slightly smaller, handier size reference bible. However, the large 11-point type and wide margins make this impossible. Overall, I would give this fine Bible a 5-star rating, especially for someone in the market for a basic reference Bible of the highest quality.

(Additional comments as of July, 2002: Having owned and used a number of Bibles the past few years, I have returned to this edition from Foundation as my primary Bible. As Rev. Comninos so accurately put it, it is indeed the finest Bible I own. Besides the overall dignity, accuracy and enhanced readability of the Updated NASB, the quality workmanship found in this edition as published by Foundation is supurb. The font print size is indeed PERFECT. The binding and overall craftsmanship are excellent. By comparison, I really like the new ESV translation, but the quality workmanship of Crossway leaves a great deal to be desired. IMHO, they would be much better off contracting with Foundation to print their Bibles; Foundation Bibles are that good.)

The new (updated) NASB brings the scriptures to life in a most accurate and easy to understand translation. Borrowing from the best available manuscripts and rendering them into what is possibly the most accurate translation to date.

I would highly recommend it for serious Bible study and for everyday application. The side column reference is especially handy for writing notes (plenty of space) and the cross references are outstanding aids to searching the scriptures.

I love the wide margins, and nice readable print of this bible. The single side column format allows for a more natural flow when reading than a double column format. I love burgundy bibles because it reminds me of the precious blood of Christ which was sacrificed for us. This edition is a bit lighter in color than any burgundy bible I've seen. This is an excelent value for a bible of this quality. I spent a lot of time surfing and comparing prices.
Maps are black and white but very detailed. There are no notes so your only help will be the Holy Spirit. I prefer this method of study initially, and then I resort to scholars notes and study aids. The only bible I've seen better than this one is the same bible in calfskin for about $60 more.

Exceptional quality.

I had an old one (1977 edition) and I was very impressed with that one from the point of view of the side column and the point 11 font.

The updated version gives a much wider margin for note taking which I love to do while updating the language order.

The stitching is of the highest quality (Smythe sewn) and all in all an excellent Bible for study with several cross references.

Peter Sarjeant

I find the NASB very readable. I have a copy of the 1900 American Standard Version, which I used for over 40 years. My eyesight is not as good as it once was, so I like the larger print. I really like my NASB.
I have one suggestion for keeping your leather or bonded leather binding soft and pliable. Rub the binding with mink oil. Allow it to set for an hour or so and then take a dry cloth and shine it. The main benefit of the mink oil is the fact that it will keep the leather from getting too dry and start splitting. Even bonded leather bindings will be softer and last longer. I have been doing this for over 20 years. I have Bibles that are more than 15 years old, and the binding is as good as new. If you want your Bible's binding to last, give it a try. After the first treatment, do the above at least 3 times a year.