Zondervan NIV Single Column Reference
A closer look at this modern single column reference Bible from Zondervan.
I grew up with the New International Version (NIV) as the primary Bible translation that we used at home and at church, but like a lot of millennials, I eased my way over to the English Standard Version (ESV) after it took the evangelical world by storm in the early 2000s. These days I tend to bounce around between various translations, and what I’ve noticed is that the NIV is easily the translation that is most rooted in my mind when it comes to some the Bible’s most beloved verses. I guess that goes to show that what we learn as kids really does stick with us.
As I began to explore the world of premium Bibles, I wanted to include the NIV in my search, and of course I found great options from publishers like Schuyler, Cambridge, and R.L. Allan (more on those soon), but the most unique NIV Bible I came across was the Deluxe Single-Column Reference Bible from Zondervan’s Premier Collection.
Premier Collection NIV Single Column Reference – 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 custom typefaces designed by 2K/DENMARK.
The first thing I notice about the NIV Single Column Reference Bible is the edge-lined goatskin cover. It’s extremely soft and smooth and has a terrific texture. The other aesthetic feature that stands out is the raised spine hubs, which is a nice touch. This is a fairly large Bible with a trim size of 6.25” x 9.25” and a thickness of about 1.4”, but it still feels very sleek.
The word “modern” comes to mind more than once as I look at this Bible from the outside, and that only continues as I flip it open. I love single column Bibles, and I think that format has a naturally modern feel to it. The NIV SCR makes use of this format well with a bevy of additional features, including cross-references, textual notes, topical links, a full concordance, and eight pages of full-color maps. To say this Bible comes fully loaded is an understatement.
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
• Topical Link System
• Full-Color Maps
• 6.25” x 9.25” trim size
• 1.4” thick
• 9.5pt type size
Feeling Blue
The theme color throughout this Bible is blue, and it appears in the text, art gilding, and ribbons. This is not overwhelming to me, but blue is one of my favorite colors. My wife, on the other hand, thought it was a little too blue. I agree with her that the color gives this Bible a youthful feel, but it’s certainly not anywhere close to a “teen” edition.
Reading & Studying
As I mentioned above, the NIV Single Column Reference Bible is full of great features that make this an excellent edition for both reading and deeper study. The 9.5pt type size is a hair small for a Bible this large, but the 36 GSM paper is fantastic, and the text is line matched, so all-in-all you get a very clean reading experience. With over 100,000 cross-references, a full concordance, and Zondervan’s unique Topical Links feature, you can also really dig with this Bible if you want to do some serious studying.
Clean and Modern for the Win
With the NIV Single Column Reference Bible, Zondervan has offered premium Bible lovers a modern take on the NIV that stands out as very unique and extremely well done. And you can easily find one for a great price. If you’re in the market for an NIV Bible that is beautiful, practical, and fun to read, then this one is definitely worth checking out.
