Note: I am not going to review the New American Standard Bible translation as there are many reviews of it online elsewhere and it's such a personal choice to choose one translation over another that I can't possibly know what you want or need to hear about it.
This bible uses the updated 1995 version of the NASB.
I am impressed with this bible. It really lays flat when open, even at either end of the bible. That is extremely impressive to me for a low cost (non-premium, like Allan, Cambridge or Schuyler) bible.
The black Leathertex has little to no smell at all, and I have an extremely sensitive sense of smell. The pages on the other hand are pretty strong smelling of chemicals. I am allergic to those chemicals but hope over the next few months they will dissipate so that my eyes don't burn and my nose doesn't swell up inside. I am getting light migraines from the odor but nothing more serious than that and usually ibuprofen takes care of most of it.
Some background about this purchase:
I purchased another Lockman Foundation bible about a week and a half ago on the Christian Book website. It was genuine leather and also printed in China. Well the next day I realized the reason I was having horrific allergies. My allergies to THAT bible included sneezing, runny and stuffy nose, burning and stinging eyes, strong migraine, and even mood changes (yes, allergies can cause inflammation in the brain which can alter mood), PLUS my hands were burning, itching and stinging severely which caused a whole lot of tiny blisters everywhere (allergic eczema). I had to put the Bible somewhere not near me AT ALL in order to get relief of the non-hand allergies. I contacted Christian Book and am going to return it. I put it in a sealed container with baking soda under and on top of it but it did not remove any of the odor at all. I then took it outside, got a bowl of water and a rag and castile soap and scrubbed the heck out of the cover and it didn't remove the toxins I am allergic to, but it did remove a lot of the excess dye they didn't remove and no it didn't damage the cover at all. Since I was still highly allergic to that bible in every way I have to return it. Anyway...
This NASB Side-Column Reference Wide Margin Leathertex Bible is absolutely amazing! I do have a sensitivity to the odor of the pages (same odor as in the other bible I recently purchased) but the strength of the odor is about half of the other Lockman bible.
The Leathertex cover is amazingly smooth and soft. It feels like real leather that has no grain in it. It has that "worn-in" or "lovingly used" feel like a leather bible has after a few years of moderate to heavy use. The cover is flexible, I've encountered some bibles that the covers are extremely stiff (even if NOT hardback) and this is not one of them. The cover seems really slick so if you laid it on your lap and moved enough it will likely slip off and even possibly slip from your hands depending on your hand strength. I have not been able to find out what exactly Leathertex is made of.
The layout is very nice, and the text is nice and clear and is 11pt font which is awesome! I do see ghosting from the text on the underside of the page but it generally isn't an issue for me. As someone else mentioned it would help if you put a black piece of paper under the page you are reading to visually remove the ghosting.
The bible paper itself is okay. I've seen and felt better (though never experienced premium bible paper so I can't compare). It is quite thin as most bible paper is and it easily wrinkles or creases. I've grown used to that in my past bibles so it isn't much of an issue for me anymore.
The layout is verse-format. Each verse has it's own line. It makes it extremely easy to quickly find the verse you are looking for.
I have noticed that some of the books start underneath the ending of the previous book and some are on a new page. I have no idea why that is but that's how this bible is laid out. The references are on the outside of the bible pages instead of in the center of 2 columns of scripture, which I have found I absolutely love! It's so much easier to read that way. The margins are considered "wide" but in my head I don't see them as "wide" but they are wider than non-wide margin bibles.
The pages are gold guilted.
I fanned the pages a few times to help unstick the pages and to my surprise it really was much easier than bibles I've had in the past.
The bible I received has 2 small issues that would probably make it a "second" quality bible. Where it was stored (I think) caused the cover to have a slight indent on the edge of the top cover, not very noticeable. And the pages themselves have a 1.5 inch long mark on them, which looks like a box cutter sliced them, but is in fact pressure from being pressed against something thin and hard. It was possibly that way from the factory, but due to the non-protective packaging (not the Amazon shipping box) it is likely it was stored in such a way that caused it. No big deal I guess, it's not significant in looks and I don't notice it when I have the bible open and am reading, it's not that significant at all.
This bible is not a Red Letter Edition as stated on the back of the packaging, though the Amazon listing has it correct as a black letter version.
The dimensions listed on the listing here are incorrect, albeit slightly. I measured it as accurately as I could (due to the spine being curved) and mine is 9.5 inches tall (long) by 7.0 inches wide, by 1.5 inches deep/thick. Amazon shows it as "1.6 x 7 x 9.8 inches" which is a little off by my ruler. I did not measure the pages themselves but the cover. It is quite possible that the thickness is 1.6" but I measured it after fanning it out so that would likely make it thicker ever so slightly.
I did have an issue with Amazon customer service (twice, actually) as they told me via the chat that this bible was made in the USA when in fact I called Lockman Foundation Publishing just before I received it to verify it was made in the USA and it is NOT. It is printed in China and when I received it, yes, it says so on the copyright page near the bottom.
The maps are very vibrant yet it doesn't show the proper route of the Israelites crossing the Red Sea. In fact it shows that they DO NOT cross the Red Sea. They stay on land the entire time according to that map. So that is highly inaccurate and needs to be fixed or removed if there is no known route. That bugs the heck out of me.
There is a little concordance in the back and even a books of the bible summary page with each book having a paragraph about what is in that book.
I have high hopes that the pages will air out over time and will not cause migraines anymore but only time will tell.
So if you are looking for a nice USA-made NASB translation reference bible, I'd steer clear of Lockman and Zondervan (owned by HarperCollins Christian Publishing) published bibles as I honestly don't know of any bible they produce that is USA-made. I had called them twice to inquire about multiple bibles they produce and none I asked about were USA-made. I know that Kirkbride (owners of Thomson-Nelson) are coming out with the chain-reference NASB bible in Spring of 2015. So if you really want one of those, I'd wait for it to be released.
I haven't weighed this bible but it is less heavy than my NASB MacArthur Study Bible (Raven edition) and that is mostly why I purchased this bible as I needed a less cumbersome bible to carry with me. Plus I found I do not agree with John MacArthur's commentary some of the time. I just searched and and I'm not finding an accurate actual product weight for this bible, though one ebay UK listing shows the weight as "1225 grams" which is converted to 2.7 pounds, which seems quite accurate. It is not a compact or light bible but by no means is it of the heaviest personal bibles out there. I find it quite easy to carry and move around hand to hand without strain even though I have weaker than average hands for a 30 year old female.
I highly recommend this bible if you are looking for the NASB translation and only need a reference bible and not a devotional or study bible and don't mind or have sensitivities to the chemicals and ink used when printed in China.
If I didn't address something you would like information about, please add a comment and I will do my best to answer it for you.
Loading your book clubs
There was a problem loading your book clubs. Please try again.
Not in a club? Learn more
Join or create book clubs
Choose books together
Track your books
Bring your club to Amazon Book Clubs, start a new book club and invite your friends to join, or find a club that’s right for you for free.
Download the free Kindle app and start reading Kindle books instantly on your smartphone, tablet, or computer - no Kindle device required. Learn more
Read instantly on your browser with Kindle for Web.
Using your mobile phone camera - scan the code below and download the Kindle app.
Flip to back Flip to front
Follow the Author
Something went wrong. Please try your request again later.
What other items do customers buy after viewing this item?
Page 1 of 1 Start overPage 1 of 1
From the Publisher
Side Column Reference Wide Margin Bible
Leathertex (high quality imitation leather), black
The NASB Side-Column Reference Bible is a convenient study tool, complete with over 95,000 full-column cross references to enrich your reading, full color detailed maps, and a concordance. This edition features a 1 inch outside margin, with a large 11 point font in single column format to make for smooth and steady reading. This edition features a black, leathertex (high quality imitation leather) cover that feels great in your hands. This is a perfect Bible for daily study or casual reading.
Details
- Black Letter Text
- Concordance
- Full Color Maps
- Verse Format
- Single Column Text/Wide Margin
- Full Column Cross References
- Presentation Page/Family Record Page
- Font Point Size 11
Limited-Time Offer
3 Months FREE of Audible Premium Plus. Get this deal
Videos
Page 1 of 1Start OverPage 1 of 1
Videos for this product
10:06
Click to play video
Customer Review: I've been looking for this Bible!
Michael T
About the author
Follow authors to get new release updates, plus improved recommendations.
Opt for a Cabridge or wait for the new 2020 Lockman WM instead!
Reviewed in the United States on September 1, 2019
This is a VERY nice bible BUT it has quite a few draw backs where it REALLY falls short esspecially for the price. In this review my standard is going to be the Cambridge wide margin in calfsplit leather (which actually costs a little less). Here's where this bible falls short (for the price!)- my biggest qualms is the paper, it is SO incredibly thin/low quality that you can ONLY use wax/bible highlighters in it and ballpoint pen ink, ANY other type of writing instrument will bleed through, even MICRONS and copic fine liners which proves VERY low quality paper, I'm not talking shadowing, im talking actual bleed through! I understand it needs to be thin, it's a bible, but my 10$ bible has better paper in it! This is unacceptable for a bible that was made for note taking! I can't even USE my personal note system in it because of this!- the dedication and family info pages are absolutely hideous! The graphics look like they were designed in the 1980's and are LITTERALLY even BLURRY! not to even mention the glossy cardstock, they're just plain tacky!- finally, the lack of sufficient blank note pages is my other big complaint. The Cambridge wide margin has almost 80 blank pages for notes and indexing and they're on the same bible paper the rest of the bible is printed on. In THIS bible there are only 3 blank pages in the front and 3 in the back and they are all very thick cardstock, they could have given us 70 blank pages on bible paper (I measured!) for the exact same thickness these cardstock pages take up, it's just not practical, I can't figure out their reasoning for doing it this way.- I've only had this bible for 6 days and the guiding on the page edges is already flaking off onto the cover lining and it's really difficult to get off.- the font is gigantic, the bible could be easily smaller or have wider margins if the font was just 2 points smaller (I understand this is a personal preference but it's mine so yeah)And the good things (though you can have most of these without the negative points in a Cambridge wide margin for the same, sometimes less, price):- the leather used for the cover is incredibly soft, supple and flexible, it is really nice to hold, I also love the raised bumps on the spine.- there is amble space through the chapters in the margins for notes.-the binding seems to be super high quality, I can't imagine this bible falling apart on me even with heavy use.- it DOES lay flat even in Genesis straight out of the box.- I really like the single column layout, it's the only thing NOT available in the Cambridge wide margin, but you can get that in their heirloom which IS also a wide margin, just not as much writing space.That's it, I wish I could return this but I didn't know how bad the paper was until I wrote in it, everything else I could get over but the paper is a total deal breaker unfortunately. Wish I would have gone with the Cambridge to begin with, that's what I'm ordering next to be my foundational study bible, seriously, don't make the same mistake I did, the layout (single column) is not worth the downsides of this bible, get a cambridge or wait for the new release of Lockmans redesigned wide margin in February 2020, I would hope they've heard enough complaints to fix these issues in the new version.
Reviewed in the United States on September 1, 2019
Images in this review
Top reviews from the United States
There was a problem filtering reviews right now. Please try again later.
Reviewed in the United States 🇺🇸 on October 2, 2014
Reviewed in the United States 🇺🇸 on September 1, 2019
- my biggest qualms is the paper, it is SO incredibly thin/low quality that you can ONLY use wax/bible highlighters in it and ballpoint pen ink, ANY other type of writing instrument will bleed through, even MICRONS and copic fine liners which proves VERY low quality paper, I'm not talking shadowing, im talking actual bleed through! I understand it needs to be thin, it's a bible, but my 10$ bible has better paper in it! This is unacceptable for a bible that was made for note taking! I can't even USE my personal note system in it because of this!
- the dedication and family info pages are absolutely hideous! The graphics look like they were designed in the 1980's and are LITTERALLY even BLURRY! not to even mention the glossy cardstock, they're just plain tacky!
- finally, the lack of sufficient blank note pages is my other big complaint. The Cambridge wide margin has almost 80 blank pages for notes and indexing and they're on the same bible paper the rest of the bible is printed on. In THIS bible there are only 3 blank pages in the front and 3 in the back and they are all very thick cardstock, they could have given us 70 blank pages on bible paper (I measured!) for the exact same thickness these cardstock pages take up, it's just not practical, I can't figure out their reasoning for doing it this way.
- I've only had this bible for 6 days and the guiding on the page edges is already flaking off onto the cover lining and it's really difficult to get off.
- the font is gigantic, the bible could be easily smaller or have wider margins if the font was just 2 points smaller (I understand this is a personal preference but it's mine so yeah)
And the good things (though you can have most of these without the negative points in a Cambridge wide margin for the same, sometimes less, price):
- the leather used for the cover is incredibly soft, supple and flexible, it is really nice to hold, I also love the raised bumps on the spine.
- there is amble space through the chapters in the margins for notes.
-the binding seems to be super high quality, I can't imagine this bible falling apart on me even with heavy use.
- it DOES lay flat even in Genesis straight out of the box.
- I really like the single column layout, it's the only thing NOT available in the Cambridge wide margin, but you can get that in their heirloom which IS also a wide margin, just not as much writing space.
That's it, I wish I could return this but I didn't know how bad the paper was until I wrote in it, everything else I could get over but the paper is a total deal breaker unfortunately. Wish I would have gone with the Cambridge to begin with, that's what I'm ordering next to be my foundational study bible, seriously, don't make the same mistake I did, the layout (single column) is not worth the downsides of this bible, get a cambridge or wait for the new release of Lockmans redesigned wide margin in February 2020, I would hope they've heard enough complaints to fix these issues in the new version.
Opt for a Cabridge or wait for the new 2020 Lockman WM instead!
Reviewed in the United States 🇺🇸 on September 1, 2019
This is a VERY nice bible BUT it has quite a few draw backs where it REALLY falls short esspecially for the price. In this review my standard is going to be the Cambridge wide margin in calfsplit leather (which actually costs a little less). Here's where this bible falls short (for the price!)Reviewed in the United States 🇺🇸 on September 1, 2019
- my biggest qualms is the paper, it is SO incredibly thin/low quality that you can ONLY use wax/bible highlighters in it and ballpoint pen ink, ANY other type of writing instrument will bleed through, even MICRONS and copic fine liners which proves VERY low quality paper, I'm not talking shadowing, im talking actual bleed through! I understand it needs to be thin, it's a bible, but my 10$ bible has better paper in it! This is unacceptable for a bible that was made for note taking! I can't even USE my personal note system in it because of this!
- the dedication and family info pages are absolutely hideous! The graphics look like they were designed in the 1980's and are LITTERALLY even BLURRY! not to even mention the glossy cardstock, they're just plain tacky!
- finally, the lack of sufficient blank note pages is my other big complaint. The Cambridge wide margin has almost 80 blank pages for notes and indexing and they're on the same bible paper the rest of the bible is printed on. In THIS bible there are only 3 blank pages in the front and 3 in the back and they are all very thick cardstock, they could have given us 70 blank pages on bible paper (I measured!) for the exact same thickness these cardstock pages take up, it's just not practical, I can't figure out their reasoning for doing it this way.
- I've only had this bible for 6 days and the guiding on the page edges is already flaking off onto the cover lining and it's really difficult to get off.
- the font is gigantic, the bible could be easily smaller or have wider margins if the font was just 2 points smaller (I understand this is a personal preference but it's mine so yeah)
And the good things (though you can have most of these without the negative points in a Cambridge wide margin for the same, sometimes less, price):
- the leather used for the cover is incredibly soft, supple and flexible, it is really nice to hold, I also love the raised bumps on the spine.
- there is amble space through the chapters in the margins for notes.
-the binding seems to be super high quality, I can't imagine this bible falling apart on me even with heavy use.
- it DOES lay flat even in Genesis straight out of the box.
- I really like the single column layout, it's the only thing NOT available in the Cambridge wide margin, but you can get that in their heirloom which IS also a wide margin, just not as much writing space.
That's it, I wish I could return this but I didn't know how bad the paper was until I wrote in it, everything else I could get over but the paper is a total deal breaker unfortunately. Wish I would have gone with the Cambridge to begin with, that's what I'm ordering next to be my foundational study bible, seriously, don't make the same mistake I did, the layout (single column) is not worth the downsides of this bible, get a cambridge or wait for the new release of Lockmans redesigned wide margin in February 2020, I would hope they've heard enough complaints to fix these issues in the new version.
Images in this review
Top reviews from other countries
DavidL
Alive and 'to the point'.
Reviewed in the United Kingdom 🇬🇧 on September 24, 2019
St Remeze
Loving the Word, Line By Line!
Reviewed in the United Kingdom 🇬🇧 on November 8, 2014ian
Best for reading superb references
Reviewed in the United Kingdom 🇬🇧 on February 16, 2021
