As a Bible reviewer on this blog for a while now, I regularly receive free copies of new editions, which keeps me surrounded by God's Word - literally!
I love these versatile voices and choices in
translations, each of which says the same truths but in a unique way that helps
us to see different aspects of scripture we might not otherwise notice. Nevertheless, I have continued to look for THE Bible
that suits my particular needs and preferences, and so I bought the NKJV (New King James Version) single-column
reference Bible from Thomas Nelson’s “Premier Collection.”
Since I use my favorite Bibles a lot, my needs and
preferences include: at least a 10-point
font to ease eye strain; a poetic translation that's easy to understand but
also known for its accuracy; and an edition that shows the publisher's respectful handling of the Bible through such
features as Smyth-sewn pages of good quality paper, bound in a soft, flexible,
yummy-to-the-touch premium leather.
As a Bible discussion leader in our Christian community,
I also value the addition of references showing alternate translations of a
word or phrase and, especially, showing the dialogue in God’s Word between the
prophets and the Person of Jesus as prophecy after prophecy is fulfilled in His
life, death, and resurrection. And, because of the placement of the biblical
references alongside the single-column text, I now have room in this edition for my own conversations with God’s Word
as I write down the prayers and insights the Lord inevitably brings to me - and to those who ask.