I received a black-cover edition of The Holy Bible by Thomas Nelson as a gift for my review.
ISBN-13: 978-1400344253
Introduction
This NKJV Large Print Reference Bible was released on January 14, 2025. It is titled “The Holy Bible: Red-letter Edition,” but the copyright page calls it the “NKJV Large Print Reference Bible, Sovereign Collection.” Honestly, I had difficulty determining the exact title of this Bible, so I am calling it The Holy Bible in this review. This could be a problem when telling a potential reader which Bible to purchase, as many people do not know that using a specific ISBN Number can lead one to the correct edition.
First Impressions
Upon opening the elegant box, I was impressed by the black leathersoft cover. The Bible cover features gold lettering, gold-edged pages, a nicely stitched cover, and a lovely imprinted spine. It comes with two satin ribbons, one red and one black, making it a suitable gift option. The 10.5-point NKJV Comfort Print may be difficult for some, including myself, but this depends on personal preference.
Presentation and Design Features
A lovely presentation page includes Psalm 119:105: “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” The thumb indexing helps find books of the Bible easily, while the black-and-gold contrast on the thumb index looks sharp. Before the text, a preface explains the Bible’s purpose and design, followed by a clear table of contents.
Layout and Readability
The layout features a two-column format with a distinct block-letter design for chapter beginnings. Each page includes cross-references to related verses. The paper, while thin, holds up well. A highlight is the brief personal summary at the start of each chapter. For example, the Book of James mentions how “Faith helps us resist the devil and draw near to God,” making the text relatable.
Additional Features
At the end of the Book of Revelation, there’s a concordance and eight maps. The concordance’s rust-colored print makes it easy to read. While there are some margins for notes, they may not suffice for those who write a lot. While it includes references, I wouldn’t classify this Bible as a full-study Bible; it leans more towards being a semi-reference Bible. This Bible is also available in brown, purple, and black leathersoft without the thumb indexing.
Copyright and Usage
NKJV Bibles can be quoted or reprinted without permission for up to 500 verses, as long as less than 50% of a complete book is used with the verses. Thomas Nelson requires proper copyright acknowledgment.
Target Audience
This Bible is suitable for those who want a straightforward reading experience without distractions from commentaries, topical information, or illustrations. This Bible is excellent for congregational or individual use, but it might be too heavy for a pastor to carry across the platform when preaching or proclaiming at 2.5 pounds and dimensions of 6,85 x 1.7 x 9.85 inches.
Drawbacks
As mentioned earlier, my main drawback is the font, which isn’t ideal for me, but others might find it satisfactory, enjoying the large print. However, the print is not exceptionally large, but bigger than many Bibles I have seen.
Final Thoughts
I recommend this Bible for those seeking a clear and simple version of the Scriptures. It’s perfect for devotional reading, new believers, and seekers by fostering a personal connection with the text. I’m giving it 4.5 stars, but it could easily deserve five stars. The difference hinges on the purpose one wants for the Bible.
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