NET Full Notes Edition
A closer look at a Bible that contains over 60,000 translator notes in addition to the biblical text.
In the early days of Bible Review Blog, my friend John sent me a message and encouraged me to check out the NET Full Notes Edition. I was only somewhat familiar with the New English Translation, and I had never owned a physical copy of an NET Bible, so I placed an order for the cloth-over-board edition and started reading up on the translation.
There is a ton of background information about the NET Bible, and all of it can be found on their website, but here’s a list of highlights that I think are most important:
a completely new translation of the Bible from the original languages done by a team of over 25 scholars
First Edition released in 2006 (two previous “Beta” editions), most recently updated in 2019
commissioned by the team at www.Bible.org as a translation that could be downloaded for free online
includes over 60,000 notes from the translation team that documents their decisions
That last bullet point is what makes the NET Full Notes Edition so unique. These notes used to only be available online, but in this edition all 60,000+ notes from the translators are in the Bible. When my copy arrived, I quickly discovered that it was unlike any other Bible in my library.
NET Full Notes Edition – Overview
Thomas Nelson publishes several editions of the NET Full Notes Bible. The one you see pictured here is the gray cloth-over-board edition. They also offer two Leathersoft editions (teal and black) and one genuine leather edition (brown). It’s a big Bible with a 6.125” x 9.25” trim size that is just over 2” thick. Thankfully, the Smyth-sewn binding seems capable of helping this Bible hold up over time.
What makes this Bible to unique is what happens when you get inside.
I literally laughed out loud when I opened to Genesis and saw that the first page only had two verses on it (see photo below). Those two verses – centered on the page in a line-matched, single column layout with an 8.75pt custom typeface from 2K/Denmark – are surrounded by three columns of translator notes in a 7.25pt font that is slightly lighter in color than the biblical text. This is the format that continues throughout the Bible. It takes a few minutes to get used to, but once you do, it’s a really fun Bible to read.
FEATURES
• 8.75pt type size (Biblical text)
• 7.25pt type size (translator notes)
• 6.125” x 9.25” trim size
• 2.1” thick
• over 60,000 translator notes
• custom NET Typeface from 2K/Denmark
• Smyth-sewn binding
• Single-column biblical text with line matching
• Two ribbon markers
• Maps
Full Notes
The NET Bible’s translator notes have become a very important part of this translation, because they allow readers to essentially look over the shoulder of the team that did the translation. The publishers promote this as a level of transparency, which is certainly is, but I find it works even better as a study tool. As someone who loves to study the Bible, I’m fascinated by the work scholars do to translate the original Hebrew, Greek, and Aramaic texts into English, and this Bible allows me to engage with that very work as I’m reading and studying the text.
The NET Full Notes Edition includes three different types of notes:
Translator Notes [TN] – explain the rationale for the translation and give alternative, interpretive options, and other technical information
Text-Critical Notes [TC] – highlight alternative readings found in various Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek manuscripts
Study Notes [SN] – explanatory notes that include comments about historical or cultural background, explanation of obscure phrases or brief discussions of context, discussions of the theological points
To be honest, this Bible really doesn’t make sense unless you’re using the notes. The layout is so unique that you’d never want to pick this up just to read and enjoy the Bible. The point of owning this Bible is to have immediate access to those notes (which are also available online) right there with the words of scripture.
I find that this Bible fits into my study routine best as a reference tool. My regular study time includes reading a passage of the Bible and then referencing some sort of commentary or study companion. The NET Full Notes Edition is fun to compare with other translations that I’m reading, and when I notice a difference in the translation, I can quickly reference the translator notes to find out why this difference occurs.
A Unique Study Tool For Bible Lovers
That laugh I had when I first opened the NET Full Notes Edition quickly turned into a grin. It’s a quirky edition, but I love it. This Bible creates a really fun and unique reading and study experience that allows us to get some great insight into the process of Bible translation.
Bottom line:
If you love diving deep into different translations or the original languages as you study the Bible, or you just want to be able to get inside the minds of the scholars who do this type of work, the NET Full Notes Edition is a fascinating Bible to add to your collection.
BUYING THIS BIBLE*
• The NET Full Notes edition starts at around $25, and can be purchased from Amazon or ChristianBook.com.
*Pricing and Availability subject to change.
About Tim Wildsmith: “I’m a pastor, writer, and musician from Nashville, where I live with my wife, Becca. I have always loved a Bible that is beautifully designed, well-crafted, and practical, and I’m convinced that finding a Bible you love and enjoy reading will make you want to spend more time with it.” Click here to read the full bio.
