Customer Reviews

TNIV Thinline Bible: Burgundy/Pecan European Leather (Today's New International Version)

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

This review is for the TNIV thinline Bible. I have become a fan of the TNIV since it came out, and this the TNIV thinline is almost perfect. If it had slightly thicker paper and didn't have the split column, I think it would be perfect (even if that made the book a little thicker). I am a grad-student in religion so most of my classes require reading in Hebrew, Greek, or Aramaic, and I'll admit that the TNIV isn't necessarily the most 'literal' translation (if you want that, then read NRSV or maybe NASB), but I do find it the most readible. I think the gender changes from the NIV are (for at least 98-99% of the time), completely fine. I find the changes (when applied to Psalm 8) for instance in Heb. 2:6-8 a little akward. The other translational changes (not related to gender) I think are all wonderful. One last point concerning gender in the bible. Lots of people don't seem to realize that _every_ English translation I have ever seen smears over the literal rendering of grammatical gender. Hebrew, for instance has no neuter: you go to the door and open him, you pick up the scroll and read her, Abraham says, refering to the land, "How will I know that I will possess her (Gen. 15:7)?" So I think now English speakers are just trying to find ways to be consistent in translation.

I have read through the TNIV New Testament and am delighted with my new TNIV Thinline Bible. I find the translation in step with the state of the language we speak today and particularly clear in communicating what is intended when referring to males, females, or both. I'm conservative in my view of Scripture, believing that God has inspired it and preserved his Word as our authority for living. In that light, I have found the TNIV dependable and invigorating to read. The format of this edition is also quite nice. The Italian leather has a comfortable and durable feel, better than bonded leather (which always ends up cracking on me). And the typeset is very readable as well. I recommend this Bible!

I have found this version to be honest to ancient texts, balanced, and consistent to accurately meet the challenges of the ever changing English language.

I recently ordered this after looking at different TNIV options for some time. All seemed fine. The price was right, the cover seemed of high quality, the font was readable (even to my 50 year old eyes). Then I happened to stumble across a section of maybe 20 pages that were aligned perfectly, but completely loose! Not bound in any way. Very disappointing! This one went back, and now I'm hesitant to reorder, as it seems Zondervan has the monopoly on the TNIV printing.

If you do buy this bible, be sure to flip through it from end-to-end to check for the same binding issue. I'm just glad I discovered the flaw while I could still return it.

It is written in contemporary english so it is easier and more enjoyable to read. I ended up reading chapters and chapters at any one particular sitting rather than just reading small verses and contemplating it.

This is a wonderful Bible that makes more sense than any other one I've tried to read!

Size is small enough to slip into my briefcase and take with me. While print is small, typeface is very clear and easy to read for text. Notes are another matter. Then again, I AM 57 and need to wear reading glasses. Translation is very good. Gender inclusivity does not bother me. I often compare this translation to the New Revised Standard Version, and while I like them both, this one is my "go to" bible. I am saddened that Zondervan bowed to the crowd that did not like the gender inclusive translation and is discontinuing this version. The King James was not well received when it first came out, either.

Rev. Don Trent - Hot Springs Village, Arkansas

Because of previous good experience with Zondervan, I chose to ignore warning reviews about this edition --- to my regret. It does, indeed, use paper so thin and so translucent that print on the back of the page bleeds through; more so than some other thin Bibles. The ink chosen adds to the difficulty in reading: it isn't actually black print with the words of Jesus in red. The colors are more accurately gray and pink. There is plenty of white space between words, lines, paragraphs and columns; which would ordinarily make for easier reading, if it were not for the other faults.

This modern TNIV translation itself is excellent, and it improves on my previous favorite, the NIV.
I like the colors of the leather binding, and prefer the silver edges to gold. Hopefully, later printings will eliminate the problems.

Just one sentence about the translation: handy as a second translation, but not suitable for study or liturgical use; the NRSV is still unbeaten. Now to the strange taste. Burgundy/brown leather with silver(!!) page edges. So kitsch. Why not gold? Silver makes the publication look so cheap. Now for the binding: glued. Not the best way to bind a bible with a leather cover. Made in China: why China? What happened to the US or EU book binders? Red letter text: why does Zondervan ignore the express wishes of the translators by using red letter text in the NT? Zondervan seems to know better. There are other black letter publications of the TNIV out there.
The above more than justifies the three stars. But ... at last there is a version of the TNIV which can be used by adults. Most versions seem to be aimed at putting off adults from buying it because of the gaudy covers which seem to be aimed at young people with little or no taste. Zondervan seems to be afraid that adults will get to like the text and stop using the NIV. For other versions suitable for adult use try those from Cambridge University Press.
Zondervan seems to be more interested in milking the bible for big $$$ than offering quality.