Thomas Nelson NKJV Single Column Reference
A slightly smaller, but equally impressive single-column reference Bible from the Premier Collection.
If you read or watched my reviews of the NIV and NASB single-column reference Bibles from the Premier Collection, you know that I’m a big fan. These Bibles are extremely well designed, beautifully crafted, and a joy to read… and the New King James Version edition from Thomas Nelson is no exception.
In fact, the NKJV might be my favorite of the single-column Premier Collection Bibles.
NKJV Single Column Reference Bible – Overview
The Premier Collection is a line of premium Bibles from Zondervan and Thomas Nelson (both part of HarperCollins Christian Publishing) that debuted in 2018. These Bibles feature high-quality materials, excellent craftsmanship, and unique typefaces for each translation that are designed by 2K/DENMARK.
The first thing I notice about the NKJV Single Column Reference Bible is its size. Unlike the NIV and NASB editions, which each have a trim size of 6.25” x 9.25”, the NKJV edition is an inch smaller on both sides, making it 5.25” x 8.25”. I assumed that this would mean the font size was tiny, but thankfully that’s not the case! It has a 10.5pt type size, which is line matched and placed on lovely 36 GSM paper, so the readability is excellent. Perhaps the only downsize to all of this is that is forces the Bible to be pretty chunky (it comes in at just under 2” thick), but that’s not a deal breaker for me, and I really like the overall footprint.
FEATURES
• Single-column format
• Edge-lined goatskin
• Smyth-sewn binding
• Art gilding
• Three ribbon markers
• 36 GSM European Bible paper
• Line Matching
• Cross-references
• Concordance
• Full-Color Maps
• 5.25” x 8.25” trim size
• 1.95” thick
• 10.5pt type size
Just Right
The NASB Single Column Reference Edition was loaded with so many features that I was almost overwhelmed by it. This NKJV includes over 72,000 cross-references, a concordance, full-color maps, and a handy one-year Bible reading plan. To me, that’s just right. It has everything you need to get into a consistent rhythm of reading and studying without adding in a bunch of extras.
One thing that I notice the more I use this Bible is the thoughtful page layout. It is a black letter text, but the designers have mixed in red type for the chapter numbers, section headings, and cross-references in a way that feels natural and breaks up the page just enough.
Despite the excellent interior of this Bible, I keep finding myself drawn to its exterior. The brown goatskin looks and feels fantastic, and I am a big fan of the three colors Thomas Nelson chose for the ribbons. Aesthetically, this Bible seems to bridge the gap between modern and classic, and that feels very appropriate for an NKJV Bible.
The Top of My NKJV List
I don’t consider myself a power user of the NKJV translation, but I have always been fond of it (perhaps because it debuted in the same year I was born). It’s not the kind of translation that I need multiple copies of, so what I really want is one great NKJV that ticks all of the boxes in terms of aesthetics, readability, construction, and features.
This Bible does that for me.
It’s beautiful, well made, fun to read… and quite possibly… the perfect size.
BUYING THIS BIBLE*
• The Premier Collection NKJV Single-Column Reference Bible retails for $189.99, but can be ordered at a discount from EvangelicalBible.com and Amazon (usually less than $130).
• If that’s a little too pricey for you, Thomas Nelson also makes this exact same Bible in non-premium editions: Genuine Leather, Cloth Over Board, Leathersoft, and Compact Size.
*Pricing and Availability subject to change.
