The Pastor decided he wanted to read the New Living Translation of the Bible this year. This is a “thought for thought” translation, which differs from the English Standard Version he usually reads, which is more “word for word”.
I have accidentally created a Bible snob, so when he said he needed a physical copy of the NLT, I knew that meant it needed a certain level of fanciness since he has become accustomed to the ESV heirloom Bibles.
Before he got hooked on the ESV heirloom Bibles, he loved his thinline reference Bible. So, I decided to try to bring those two things together in choosing a Bible for him. It needed to (1) not break the bank, (2) still feel a little fancy, and (3) hopefully be a thinline reference Bible.
Positive Features of the NLT Thinline Reference Bible
There were several cover options available for this Bible (brown leatherlike, black leather, brown leather, teal leatherlike, etc.) but I went for the olive green genuine leather cover. It is a textured, pebble-like leather that is a super dark green. The cover feels very nice in hand.
This Bible has classic Bible paper with golden gilding. The paper isn’t the type that gets stuck together easily. The font is also well-spaced and easily readableI also like the Visual Bible Overview in the back of the Bible. It has full color maps and charts that are helpful in understanding the Scriptures.
The Bible has a Smyth-sewn binding that lays flat (for the most part) when open. It does struggle to lay flat in the very front few and very back few pages due to it not being heavy enough.
This is a great size Bible. It is thin and has that “flop” in hand. It is about 5.5″ x 8.75″ in size and less than 1″ thick!
The cross-reference are minimal and are tucked neatly at the bottom of the page, so they aren’t distracting from the text. It does have the words of Christ in red.
Places the NLT Thinline Reference Guide Could Use Improvement
It only has one single ribbon marker! We all know, I think four ribbon markers should be standard (Old Testament, Psalms, Gospels, Letters). Three is acceptable. Two is okay. One is just a crime. Since The Pastor is using this Bible for his reading through the Bible, one will work.
Overall Impressions with NLT Thinline Reference Bible
Overall, The Pastor likes this Bible, which was the goal. It isn’t my kind of Bible, but it wasn’t for me. (I am not the biggest fan of two-column Bibles and I like more “stuff” in my Bible– notes, wide margins, etc.) But for what he wanted and needed, it is perfect. It was under $100 (under $50 when I bought it, actually), is a little fancy with the genuine leather green cover, and is a thinline reference Bible.
Now, if you need more “stuff” in the Bible, Tyndale does have the Filament app that goes with this Bible. There is a QR code in the front on the Bible that you can download to use along with the Bible. You don’t need the app, but if you want all the extras and don’t want them in the Bible– you can still have both. The Pastor was worried there would QR codes throughout the Bible, but there is only one in the front.
If you’re looking for a thin, simple Bible with easy to understand thought for thought translation, the NLT Reference Bible would be the perfect choice. You just may need some extra bookmarks.
Other Posts You Might Like
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