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NASB, Super Giant Print Reference Bible, Leathersoft, Brown, Red Letter Edition, 1995 Text, Comfort Print
The Largest Print Size Available in the NASB
Featuring an extra-large print size, this reference Bible gives you a clear and easy reading experience of the translation celebrated for faithfulness to the original biblical languages.
Universally recognized as the gold standard among word-for-word translations, the beloved New American Standard Bible, 1995 Edition, is now easier to read in Zondervan’s exclusive NASB Comfort Print® typeface.
Features:
The full text of the New American Standard Bible, 1995 Edition
Double column format
Full NASB cross-reference system
NASB concordance
Satin ribbon marker
Words of Christ in red
Exclusive Zondervan NASB Comfort Print typeface
16.5-point print size
Featuring an extra-large print size, this reference Bible gives you a clear and easy reading experience of the translation celebrated for faithfulness to the original biblical languages.
Universally recognized as the gold standard among word-for-word translations, the beloved New American Standard Bible, 1995 Edition, is now easier to read in Zondervan’s exclusive NASB Comfort Print® typeface.
Features:
The full text of the New American Standard Bible, 1995 Edition
Double column format
Full NASB cross-reference system
NASB concordance
Satin ribbon marker
Words of Christ in red
Exclusive Zondervan NASB Comfort Print typeface
16.5-point print size
- GenresChristian
2400 pages, Leather Bound
Published May 26, 2020
49 people are currently reading
39 people want to read
About the author
Zondervan
1,574 books90 followersZondervan is an international Christian media and publishing company. Zondervan is a founding member of the Evangelical Christian Publishers Association (ECPA). They are a part of HarperCollins Christian Publishing, Inc. and has multiple imprints including Zondervan Academic, Zonderkidz, Blink, and Editorial Vida. Zondervan is the commercial rights holder for the New International Version (NIV) Bible in North America.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
August 15, 2022
The NASB95 is a great literal translation and worth your time to read. This edition has a gorgeous blue buffalo leather cover. It is very sturdy yet supple enough to easily bend. Even though I have transitioned to the LSB in my preaching, I plan to use this Bible in my personal study and small groups for years to come.
December 8, 2020
God’s Word has seemed to become increasingly important during these unprecedented times. I believe there is a place for premium Bibles that honor sacred Scripture with unsurpassed design and quality. The NASB Preacher’s Bible (Premier Collection) by Zondervan is a superior quality Bible that is worthy of the pulpit and study.
Gold Standard
The NASB 95 translation is universally recognized as the gold standard among word-for-word translations. It is absolutely fitting for it to be housed in this beautiful Bible particularly fashioned for preachers. It’s the translation that I grew up with, and one that I still return to when I want to get serious about studying God’s Word.
Aesthetically, this Bible’s hand-bound goatskin leather cover gives it a premium quality that is unparalleled. It’s beautifully soft and incredibly supple. The gold print on the spine really pops, and it’s beautifully contrasted with the dark black leather. The goatskin has a distinguished texture while remaining exceptionally smooth. I can’t help but enjoy holding it and admiring the craftsmanship behind it. There is a distinguished look that is given to this Holy Book.
Luxurious and Durable
Using Premium European Bible paper, 36 gsm, is fitting for this elegant Bible. The double-column, verse-by-verse format works well, and the exclusive Zondervan NASB Comfort Print typeface makes the text seem larger than its 10-point print size. The Art Gilt red-under-gold page edging, with gilt line and perimeter stitching, and dark red accent colors add personality to each page.
This Bible feels fantastic to carry around. The raised spine hubs feel good to grip. The Smyth-sewn and edge-lined construction allow the Bible to lay more than flat, giving it maximum flexibility. It’s lightweight and thin, weighing 2.71 pounds with dimensions of 8.75 x 1.5 x 10.75 inches. It felt luxurious while I held it at my side, but it also felt durable while holding it open in my hands.
Prominent and Elegant
This Bible would make the perfect gift for a preacher you want to help feel the prominence of God’s Word. If you’re purchasing it for yourself, family, or friends, it will help you appreciate the elegance of the Holy Scriptures. This is a Bible that does not belong on the shelf. It belongs open on your desk, at your bedside, and in your pulpit. And it’s one that you’re going to want to keep and take with you for the rest of your life. The NASB Preacher’s Bible is worthy of the Premier Collection title, and it is fitting and suitable for use in the pulpit and study.
I received a media copy of the NASB Preacher’s Bible (Premier Collection) and this is my honest review.
Gold Standard
The NASB 95 translation is universally recognized as the gold standard among word-for-word translations. It is absolutely fitting for it to be housed in this beautiful Bible particularly fashioned for preachers. It’s the translation that I grew up with, and one that I still return to when I want to get serious about studying God’s Word.
Aesthetically, this Bible’s hand-bound goatskin leather cover gives it a premium quality that is unparalleled. It’s beautifully soft and incredibly supple. The gold print on the spine really pops, and it’s beautifully contrasted with the dark black leather. The goatskin has a distinguished texture while remaining exceptionally smooth. I can’t help but enjoy holding it and admiring the craftsmanship behind it. There is a distinguished look that is given to this Holy Book.
Luxurious and Durable
Using Premium European Bible paper, 36 gsm, is fitting for this elegant Bible. The double-column, verse-by-verse format works well, and the exclusive Zondervan NASB Comfort Print typeface makes the text seem larger than its 10-point print size. The Art Gilt red-under-gold page edging, with gilt line and perimeter stitching, and dark red accent colors add personality to each page.
This Bible feels fantastic to carry around. The raised spine hubs feel good to grip. The Smyth-sewn and edge-lined construction allow the Bible to lay more than flat, giving it maximum flexibility. It’s lightweight and thin, weighing 2.71 pounds with dimensions of 8.75 x 1.5 x 10.75 inches. It felt luxurious while I held it at my side, but it also felt durable while holding it open in my hands.
Prominent and Elegant
This Bible would make the perfect gift for a preacher you want to help feel the prominence of God’s Word. If you’re purchasing it for yourself, family, or friends, it will help you appreciate the elegance of the Holy Scriptures. This is a Bible that does not belong on the shelf. It belongs open on your desk, at your bedside, and in your pulpit. And it’s one that you’re going to want to keep and take with you for the rest of your life. The NASB Preacher’s Bible is worthy of the Premier Collection title, and it is fitting and suitable for use in the pulpit and study.
I received a media copy of the NASB Preacher’s Bible (Premier Collection) and this is my honest review.
December 30, 2021
Finished another year in the M'Cheyne (sp?) Bible reading plan. I love this plan and recommend it for any believer, new or old in the faith.
November 10, 2020
As we face the unexpected future, Christians need a reliable Bible that can keep up with our busy lifestyle. The Zondervan NASB 1995 Edition Thinline Bible is one built to last and stay.
Rugged and Premium
The NASB Edition Thinline Bible comes in a blue genuine buffalo leather edition. The buffalo leather has a rugged yet premium feel, and the blue cover is a refreshing and beautiful way to break away from a typical black Bible. The Smyth-sewn binding and edge-lined construction give it a muscular flexibility and modern durability. It continues to catch my attention and I constantly want to hold it in my hands.
This Bible was meant to be taken with you everyday, and it is definitely one that I would want to take everywhere with me. The double-column layout with a 10.5-point Comfort Print Typeface makes for an intimate reading experience without feeling restrained. There are no cross-references, and I appreciate how this actually enhances the flow of the text. The Bible has a compact profile at less than one inch thick, and It fit comfortably in my backpack and felt just right when I walked and held it at my side.
Comfortable and Connected
The NASB 1995 translation is universally recognized as the gold standard among word-for-word translations. It’s the translation I grew up with, and it’s the translation I still use today when I want to get serious about my Bible study. It is quite fitting for it to be housed in this skillfully crafted Bible. It will serve you well as you spend hours pouring over the Word - but it is also worth your trust and time during a short devotional read.
Holding and reading this Bible helped me feel connected to the text. I have become so used to reading God’s Word on a screen, and this experience seemed different. I was reminded of the treasure that we have in God’s Word. I was encouraged to interact with, respond to, and cherish it. My eyes are drawn to God, and I am moved to hide his word in my heart.
I received a media copy of the NASB 1995 Edition Thinline Bible and this is my honest review.
Rugged and Premium
The NASB Edition Thinline Bible comes in a blue genuine buffalo leather edition. The buffalo leather has a rugged yet premium feel, and the blue cover is a refreshing and beautiful way to break away from a typical black Bible. The Smyth-sewn binding and edge-lined construction give it a muscular flexibility and modern durability. It continues to catch my attention and I constantly want to hold it in my hands.
This Bible was meant to be taken with you everyday, and it is definitely one that I would want to take everywhere with me. The double-column layout with a 10.5-point Comfort Print Typeface makes for an intimate reading experience without feeling restrained. There are no cross-references, and I appreciate how this actually enhances the flow of the text. The Bible has a compact profile at less than one inch thick, and It fit comfortably in my backpack and felt just right when I walked and held it at my side.
Comfortable and Connected
The NASB 1995 translation is universally recognized as the gold standard among word-for-word translations. It’s the translation I grew up with, and it’s the translation I still use today when I want to get serious about my Bible study. It is quite fitting for it to be housed in this skillfully crafted Bible. It will serve you well as you spend hours pouring over the Word - but it is also worth your trust and time during a short devotional read.
Holding and reading this Bible helped me feel connected to the text. I have become so used to reading God’s Word on a screen, and this experience seemed different. I was reminded of the treasure that we have in God’s Word. I was encouraged to interact with, respond to, and cherish it. My eyes are drawn to God, and I am moved to hide his word in my heart.
I received a media copy of the NASB 1995 Edition Thinline Bible and this is my honest review.
December 11, 2022
The NASB is my favorite translation with the ESV running a close second. I always love reading the Bible and this beautiful version brought me much joy and peace in 2022. I finished a little early because of the Christmas holiday but I will be starting again on January 1, 2023 with a new plan.
August 5, 2022
The Bible is a five star (really beyond a rating) read, always. This review is for this particular translation/edition.
The New American Standard Bible (NASB), and in particular the 1995 edition, is often mentioned as being the most faithful to the original Hebrew and Greek texts. I found this translation to be very readable, and appreciate the authors updating measurements (with the original units in the footnotes), as this made these many sections easier to comprehend through modern eyes. I also found the notes about the goals of the translation and the formatting explanation to be valuable.
I may bump this rating up to a five star, but for now, the inclusion of italics throughout the text irked me: "Italics are used in the text to indicate words which are not found in the original Hebrew, Aramaic, or Greek but implied by it." While some of these added words made perfect sense and others felt like overkill, there were multiple instances where the added italicized word(s) actually completely changed the meaning of a sentence. If a word is implied, it should not alter the meaning of a statement. After noticing this several times, I ended up ignoring most of the italicized words unless I found that a statement did not make sense without their addition.
I did a 90 day chronological read through of this edition, which I finished in 82 days (5/16/22-8/5/22). While the reading guide I used from a blog was not entirely chronological, I love reading the Bible in this way to truly see the whole narrative come together. While reading at this accelerated pace does not always lend itself to truly studying the Word, it does help to familiarize oneself with the text and to draw connections that aren't as easy to do when reading over an entire year, or longer.
The New American Standard Bible (NASB), and in particular the 1995 edition, is often mentioned as being the most faithful to the original Hebrew and Greek texts. I found this translation to be very readable, and appreciate the authors updating measurements (with the original units in the footnotes), as this made these many sections easier to comprehend through modern eyes. I also found the notes about the goals of the translation and the formatting explanation to be valuable.
I may bump this rating up to a five star, but for now, the inclusion of italics throughout the text irked me: "Italics are used in the text to indicate words which are not found in the original Hebrew, Aramaic, or Greek but implied by it." While some of these added words made perfect sense and others felt like overkill, there were multiple instances where the added italicized word(s) actually completely changed the meaning of a sentence. If a word is implied, it should not alter the meaning of a statement. After noticing this several times, I ended up ignoring most of the italicized words unless I found that a statement did not make sense without their addition.
I did a 90 day chronological read through of this edition, which I finished in 82 days (5/16/22-8/5/22). While the reading guide I used from a blog was not entirely chronological, I love reading the Bible in this way to truly see the whole narrative come together. While reading at this accelerated pace does not always lend itself to truly studying the Word, it does help to familiarize oneself with the text and to draw connections that aren't as easy to do when reading over an entire year, or longer.
July 7, 2025
First time reading the NASB; it reads quite easily (more than I expected) and is very close to the ESV in its accuracy AND its readability. This was the first bible I've ready without cross-references or book introductions. This version also begins each verse as its own, new, paragraph. You get used to it quickly and I believe it helps highlight individual verses.
August 21, 2022
Amazing translation. My favorite book of the Old Testament is Job. My favorite of the New Testament is Revelation.
December 31, 2022
I like this translation. Also, this was the first time I’ve read the Bible in chronological order.
October 27, 2022
Translation Philosophy:
There is an ongoing effort to make modern English Bible translations as accurate as possible, while also allowing it to be as readable as possible. The NASB has traditionally been known as the most accurate word-for-word modern translation. For readers who have grown to love this more literal style, the 2020 edition of the NASB is a step away from that philosophy. For the most part, the translation still lands on the more literal end of the spectrum. According to the Preface, however, the translators goal was to “render the grammar and terminology in contemporary English. When it was felt that the word-for-word literalness was unacceptable to the modern reader, a change was made in the direction of a more current English idiom.”
This philosophical change is most prevalent in the translation of gender based words. For example, the 1995 edition translated the Hebrew word adam and the Greek word anthropoi as “men.” The new 2020 edition translates these words as “people.” Another example of this change is found in the translation of the Greek word adelphoi. The 1995 edition translated this word as “brethren.” The new 2020 edition translates this word as “brothers”, while including “and sisters” in italics because the implied meaning of this Greek word includes both men and women.
While some fear that these changes indicate a liberal shift in translation philosophy, these changes simply reflect the trend of many modern English translations including the NIV and the NET. The ESV places a footnote everywhere this word occurs, indicating the inclusion of both men and women. The inclusion of both genders in these words is something that would have been understood by the original readers, but was lost in the English translation. Rendering these words as “brothers and sisters” is an effort on the part of the translator to provide the most accurate translation possible.
Given the popularity that the NASB has enjoyed for generations, the Lockman Foundation made the decision to keep the 1995 edition in print. For those who love the older edition, they can still enjoy it for years to come. Yet for those who want an essentially literal translation that attempts to convey modern English idiom, the 2020 edition is an excellent option. The Lockman foundation is to be commended for having both editions of the NASB in print. Many Bible publishers take older editions out of print and only publish the latest editions of their Bible translation. There is certainly room, for now at least, for both editions.
Zondervan Thinline Edition:
Zondervan Bible Publishers offers the full text editions of both the NASB 2020 and the NASB 1995. The edition that RFTG was allowed to review is the NASB 2020 Text Thinline Bible Large Print. Features include a leather soft binding, two ribbon markers, 10.5 point font, and the Zondervan NASB Comfort Print typeface. One feature of the Zondervan edition that is missing is a concordance, without which this edition feels incomplete. A concordance is a must have feature for any Bible and is typically included in most Bibles. Yet this feature not withstanding, the Zondervan NASB 2020 Thinline Bible is a good edition of one of the most trusted translations in the English language.
Overall, the NASB 2020 edition is solid reliable essentially literal translation of the Bible. It is an excellent choice for personal study, preaching, teaching, and small group study. Like it’s predecessor, this new edition will be a trusted translation of the Bible for generations to come. In addition to the editions available through Zondervan the NASB 2020 is available directly through the Lockman Foundation.
Check out the full review here: http://readingfortheglory.com/2022/10...
There is an ongoing effort to make modern English Bible translations as accurate as possible, while also allowing it to be as readable as possible. The NASB has traditionally been known as the most accurate word-for-word modern translation. For readers who have grown to love this more literal style, the 2020 edition of the NASB is a step away from that philosophy. For the most part, the translation still lands on the more literal end of the spectrum. According to the Preface, however, the translators goal was to “render the grammar and terminology in contemporary English. When it was felt that the word-for-word literalness was unacceptable to the modern reader, a change was made in the direction of a more current English idiom.”
This philosophical change is most prevalent in the translation of gender based words. For example, the 1995 edition translated the Hebrew word adam and the Greek word anthropoi as “men.” The new 2020 edition translates these words as “people.” Another example of this change is found in the translation of the Greek word adelphoi. The 1995 edition translated this word as “brethren.” The new 2020 edition translates this word as “brothers”, while including “and sisters” in italics because the implied meaning of this Greek word includes both men and women.
While some fear that these changes indicate a liberal shift in translation philosophy, these changes simply reflect the trend of many modern English translations including the NIV and the NET. The ESV places a footnote everywhere this word occurs, indicating the inclusion of both men and women. The inclusion of both genders in these words is something that would have been understood by the original readers, but was lost in the English translation. Rendering these words as “brothers and sisters” is an effort on the part of the translator to provide the most accurate translation possible.
Given the popularity that the NASB has enjoyed for generations, the Lockman Foundation made the decision to keep the 1995 edition in print. For those who love the older edition, they can still enjoy it for years to come. Yet for those who want an essentially literal translation that attempts to convey modern English idiom, the 2020 edition is an excellent option. The Lockman foundation is to be commended for having both editions of the NASB in print. Many Bible publishers take older editions out of print and only publish the latest editions of their Bible translation. There is certainly room, for now at least, for both editions.
Zondervan Thinline Edition:
Zondervan Bible Publishers offers the full text editions of both the NASB 2020 and the NASB 1995. The edition that RFTG was allowed to review is the NASB 2020 Text Thinline Bible Large Print. Features include a leather soft binding, two ribbon markers, 10.5 point font, and the Zondervan NASB Comfort Print typeface. One feature of the Zondervan edition that is missing is a concordance, without which this edition feels incomplete. A concordance is a must have feature for any Bible and is typically included in most Bibles. Yet this feature not withstanding, the Zondervan NASB 2020 Thinline Bible is a good edition of one of the most trusted translations in the English language.
Overall, the NASB 2020 edition is solid reliable essentially literal translation of the Bible. It is an excellent choice for personal study, preaching, teaching, and small group study. Like it’s predecessor, this new edition will be a trusted translation of the Bible for generations to come. In addition to the editions available through Zondervan the NASB 2020 is available directly through the Lockman Foundation.
Check out the full review here: http://readingfortheglory.com/2022/10...
May 13, 2022
What sets this Bible apart is its beautiful gauffered edges. I looked it up online if this is indeed a new thing (as it is to me), and I found out that it was actually a thing done in the 16th century for the luxury binding of books. I highly commend Zondervan for resurrecting this beautiful work of art which makes the edges truly art-gilt, and this premium Bible more luxurious. Aside from its thoughtful design, it is also praiseworthy that the first and last signatures of the text block have overcast stitching for additional reinforcement. The text block is smyth-sewn and edge-lined for durability - a standard in quality and construction of Zondervan Premier Collection Bibles.
Readability-wise, the NASB 2020 text is printed clear and very readable in a 9-point exclusive Comfort Print typeface specially designed and created for NASB by the renowned 2K/Denmark. This is a black-letter edition (the words of Christ) with a two-color page design throughout - having the titles, chapter numbers, and section headings printed in red. The texts are line-matched and set in a double-column verse-by-verse format which makes it more pleasant to read, and makes finding particular verses easier. This Bible uses a 36 gsm premium European Bible paper. It has no cross-references but textual footnotes are in place. Maps are also not included in the back but add-ons like indexes of Miracles and Parables of Jesus, and the like are added. It also includes a nice presentation page and three beautiful double-sided satin ribbon markers.
The first NASB 2020 premium offering from Zondervan is pretty irresistible! It has impeccable quality, stunning design and presentation, easy readability, and portable size - all in one Bible. If you are still having second thoughts about getting this translation, this edition might change your mind.
Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of this Bible from Zondervan in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Readability-wise, the NASB 2020 text is printed clear and very readable in a 9-point exclusive Comfort Print typeface specially designed and created for NASB by the renowned 2K/Denmark. This is a black-letter edition (the words of Christ) with a two-color page design throughout - having the titles, chapter numbers, and section headings printed in red. The texts are line-matched and set in a double-column verse-by-verse format which makes it more pleasant to read, and makes finding particular verses easier. This Bible uses a 36 gsm premium European Bible paper. It has no cross-references but textual footnotes are in place. Maps are also not included in the back but add-ons like indexes of Miracles and Parables of Jesus, and the like are added. It also includes a nice presentation page and three beautiful double-sided satin ribbon markers.
The first NASB 2020 premium offering from Zondervan is pretty irresistible! It has impeccable quality, stunning design and presentation, easy readability, and portable size - all in one Bible. If you are still having second thoughts about getting this translation, this edition might change your mind.
Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of this Bible from Zondervan in exchange for a fair and honest review.
December 30, 2022
The missing star is for my personal preferences regarding the format, not the content. I am more familiar with the ESV translation, and the NASB reads very much like it (yes, I know the NASB came prior to the ESV). Some syntactical wording sounded strange to my English ears, but that’s a small quibble. As regards the format, I much prefer leather to hardcover when it comes to Bibles, but this pew edition was sturdy and an appreciable size for me. I’m also not much of a fan of double column or verse-by-verse layouts, but I will say that the special typesetting was nice and noticeably so. Overall, I purchased this Bible because it was inexpensive, knowing that I would only keep it for this year while I read through the NASB for the first time. It served its purpose and comes highly recommended for what it is.
June 17, 2023
I bought this Bible during the Covid pandemic in 2020, so that I could read through the NASB version. I bought this Bible because I think it has a very beautiful design. I love the cloth cover board, the typeface, the book headings. But, I also really enjoyed reading the NASB translation for the first time. It was refreshing, and I fell in love with the prophets this time through.
June 30, 2022
The truth. Amazing truth. I read this in six months which I almost can’t believe. I feel better each time I read this promises!
February 24, 2025
The living word
October 26, 2023
ISBN: 978-0310109419. NASB 1995 XL. God. Zondervan. 2021. 1664 pages. [Source: Bought]
First sentence: In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. The earth was formless and void, and darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was moving over the surface of the waters. Then God said, “Let there be light”; and there was light.
I do love the New American Standard Bible. I love the 1977 and the 1995 most. Though there are others with that name. 1971 and 1973 are long out of print. 2020 is 'new'. I don't actively dislike the 2020. I don't, I'm not one of those extremists that must avoid it at all costs or a rant will be forthcoming. I am perfectly fine with the 2020.
The format of this one IS unique. It's a square essentially. The columns are VERY wide as the pages themselves are very wide. This Bible takes up all of your lap. (For better or worse). The font size is generously large. It is purposefully bulky and awkward.
I did enjoy this one MORE than the NRSV XL which I also reviewed this year. The paper was not extra wrinkly. You could look at the NRSV XL and the pages would start to wrinkle, fold, crumple. It was a MESS.
I liked this one mostly. I love, love, love the translation. But it wasn't easy to read in lap. Maybe it wasn't meant to be.
It is verse by verse. It is black letter. It is double column. The font size, as I mentioned, is large. It is comfort print. It has many things that are positive. I just didn't exactly love the square awkwardness.
ISBN 9780310460534. NASB 2020. Thinline Bible, Premium Goatskin Leather, Brown, Premier Collection, Black Letter, Gauffered Edges, 2020 Text, Comfort Print. God. Zondervan Publishers. 1216 pages. [Source: Bought]
First sentence: In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. And the earth was a formless and desolate emptiness, and darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the surface of the waters. Then God said, “Let there be light”; and there was light.
Start date: May 30, 2023. End date: July 13, 2023.
From GoodReads description (provided by publisher):
Features:
The full text of the New American Standard Bible, 2020 Text
Hand-bound in a supple goatskin leather cover
Smyth-sewn and edge-lined construction for flexibility and durability
Gauffered page edges (printed gilded edges), with gilt line and perimeter stitching
Three double-sided satin ribbon markers, each 3/8-inch wide
Premium European Bible paper, 36 gsm
Generous yapp
Raised hubs on spine
Two-color page design throughout
Line-matched Bible text minimizes see-through
Black-letter edition
Less than one inch thick
Double-column, verse-by-verse format
Full-color presentation page
Exclusive Zondervan NASB Comfort Print typeface
9-point print size
My thoughts: I love this one. I do. I love it so much. I love just about everything about it.
This isn't the first time I've read the NASB 2020 text. But it is the first time I read it and began to love it. I'm not saying it will replace the NASB 95 or the NASB 77. I still wish the psalms "sang" to me more in the NASB 2020. I'm not saying the translation is less accurate or inaccurate. Just that it doesn't "sing" to me like the wonderful, majestic older translations--particularly the 77 which retained the thees and thous. Still, even if I don't love, love, love the psalms as much as I'd hoped, the rest of the books definitely make up for it.
Psalm 23:1-6
The Lord is my shepherd,
I will not be in need.
He lets me lie down in green pastures;
He leads me beside quiet waters.
He restores my soul;
He guides me in the paths of righteousness
For the sake of His name.
Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I fear no evil, for You are with me;
Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.
You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies;
You have anointed my head with oil;
My cup overflows.
Certainly goodness and faithfulness will follow me all the days of my life,
And my dwelling will be in the house of the Lord forever.
I think one of my favorite things about this edition in particular were the three ribbon bookmarks. Would I have loved it even more with four? Probably. But it's so nice to have more than one or two! I loved reading from three different books. I think that helped me keep a good, strong pace through this one.
I also loved that it was black letter.
First sentence: In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. The earth was formless and void, and darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was moving over the surface of the waters. Then God said, “Let there be light”; and there was light.
I do love the New American Standard Bible. I love the 1977 and the 1995 most. Though there are others with that name. 1971 and 1973 are long out of print. 2020 is 'new'. I don't actively dislike the 2020. I don't, I'm not one of those extremists that must avoid it at all costs or a rant will be forthcoming. I am perfectly fine with the 2020.
The format of this one IS unique. It's a square essentially. The columns are VERY wide as the pages themselves are very wide. This Bible takes up all of your lap. (For better or worse). The font size is generously large. It is purposefully bulky and awkward.
I did enjoy this one MORE than the NRSV XL which I also reviewed this year. The paper was not extra wrinkly. You could look at the NRSV XL and the pages would start to wrinkle, fold, crumple. It was a MESS.
I liked this one mostly. I love, love, love the translation. But it wasn't easy to read in lap. Maybe it wasn't meant to be.
It is verse by verse. It is black letter. It is double column. The font size, as I mentioned, is large. It is comfort print. It has many things that are positive. I just didn't exactly love the square awkwardness.
ISBN 9780310460534. NASB 2020. Thinline Bible, Premium Goatskin Leather, Brown, Premier Collection, Black Letter, Gauffered Edges, 2020 Text, Comfort Print. God. Zondervan Publishers. 1216 pages. [Source: Bought]
First sentence: In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. And the earth was a formless and desolate emptiness, and darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the surface of the waters. Then God said, “Let there be light”; and there was light.
Start date: May 30, 2023. End date: July 13, 2023.
From GoodReads description (provided by publisher):
Features:
The full text of the New American Standard Bible, 2020 Text
Hand-bound in a supple goatskin leather cover
Smyth-sewn and edge-lined construction for flexibility and durability
Gauffered page edges (printed gilded edges), with gilt line and perimeter stitching
Three double-sided satin ribbon markers, each 3/8-inch wide
Premium European Bible paper, 36 gsm
Generous yapp
Raised hubs on spine
Two-color page design throughout
Line-matched Bible text minimizes see-through
Black-letter edition
Less than one inch thick
Double-column, verse-by-verse format
Full-color presentation page
Exclusive Zondervan NASB Comfort Print typeface
9-point print size
My thoughts: I love this one. I do. I love it so much. I love just about everything about it.
This isn't the first time I've read the NASB 2020 text. But it is the first time I read it and began to love it. I'm not saying it will replace the NASB 95 or the NASB 77. I still wish the psalms "sang" to me more in the NASB 2020. I'm not saying the translation is less accurate or inaccurate. Just that it doesn't "sing" to me like the wonderful, majestic older translations--particularly the 77 which retained the thees and thous. Still, even if I don't love, love, love the psalms as much as I'd hoped, the rest of the books definitely make up for it.
Psalm 23:1-6
The Lord is my shepherd,
I will not be in need.
He lets me lie down in green pastures;
He leads me beside quiet waters.
He restores my soul;
He guides me in the paths of righteousness
For the sake of His name.
Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I fear no evil, for You are with me;
Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.
You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies;
You have anointed my head with oil;
My cup overflows.
Certainly goodness and faithfulness will follow me all the days of my life,
And my dwelling will be in the house of the Lord forever.
I think one of my favorite things about this edition in particular were the three ribbon bookmarks. Would I have loved it even more with four? Probably. But it's so nice to have more than one or two! I loved reading from three different books. I think that helped me keep a good, strong pace through this one.
I also loved that it was black letter.
June 28, 2024
This is by far one of my favourite text blocks for a thinline Bible.
Some pros (just my opinion):
1. It is verse-by-verse.
2. It's a black letter text with red accents at all the right places (verse numbers). Paragraphs are indicated by bolded verse number/first letter. This is amazing as its almost not noticeable and creates more of a seamless reading experience
3. 2 column format helps me read faster than single-column (preference)
4. 36gsm held up well to a bunch of highlighters and pencil scribbles
Some cons:
1. 10pt font is extremely readable but it would be nice if they were able to add references (would've made the Bible perfect
2. 36gsm makes this Bible feel deceptively heavier than it looks. You will get tired of holding this Bible with one hand (or I guess I'm just weak)
3. The goatskin is amazing and floppy but if planning to carry it around as-is, the floppiness can be somewhat of a pain to handle
Some pros (just my opinion):
1. It is verse-by-verse.
2. It's a black letter text with red accents at all the right places (verse numbers). Paragraphs are indicated by bolded verse number/first letter. This is amazing as its almost not noticeable and creates more of a seamless reading experience
3. 2 column format helps me read faster than single-column (preference)
4. 36gsm held up well to a bunch of highlighters and pencil scribbles
Some cons:
1. 10pt font is extremely readable but it would be nice if they were able to add references (would've made the Bible perfect
2. 36gsm makes this Bible feel deceptively heavier than it looks. You will get tired of holding this Bible with one hand (or I guess I'm just weak)
3. The goatskin is amazing and floppy but if planning to carry it around as-is, the floppiness can be somewhat of a pain to handle
December 3, 2020
Excellent edition of the Holy Bible.! This is a really literal translation formatted for single column reading. It has tens of thousands of cross references and a wide margin to write notes. Although not a Premium Bible, it is really high quality with an imitation leather cover that is flexible.
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