Nelson Classic Giant Print Center-column Reference Bible

Now there is a New King James Version Reference Bible available in giant print. With center-column references, self-pronouncing text, topical running heads, messianic prophecies with stars, 8 pages of maps, and concordance, this is a true reference Bible.

The giant 13 1/2 point type makes reading easy! A dependable reference Bible, this giant print Bible is also an excellent choice for a pulpit Bible. The 8-page family record offers room to record important milestones, such as births, weddings, and family history. Available in durable leatherflex, the Nelson Classic Giant Print Center-Column Reference Bible comes in popular colors.

But then I began to investigate the issue of Greek text type. And my research convinced me that the Critical Text that the NIV and NASB are based on was less reliable than the Textus Receptus that the KJV and NKJV utilize. So I switched to the NKJV as my primary Bible, and have been using it as such for over a decade now.

Now I know there are many KJV-onlyists who consider the NKJV to be a "perversion" of the KJV. But I have taken the time to research their arguments and have found them to be faulty. I present my counter-arguments to the KJV-onlyists' arguments against the NKJV in much detail in the section on "KJV-onlyism" in my book Differences Between Bible Versions.

In my book I quote from numerous KJV-onlyist sources. I look at their arguments against the NKJV in general along with evaluating in detail their complaints on specific verses. And I conclude that yes, there are times the NKJV is not translated as accurately as it could be, but the same could be said for the KJV. And overall, both versions are very reliable.

But the big difference between these two versions is the KJV's use of Elizabethan English can make it very difficult to understand while the NKJV utilizes modern-day English and thus is relatively easy to read. And frankly I see no reason why I should struggle unnecessary with the KJV's archaic English when the NKJV is just as accurate while so much more readable.

To conclude, the NKJV is a very readable and accurate Bible version. One can read it with confidence that they are utilizing a reliable version of the Bible. If the reader wants even more confidence in this regard, then see my Bible versions book. Along with looking at the KJV and NKJV, my book also reviews over 30 other versions of the Bible.


Super Readable and Functional   January 29, 2000
 32 out of 33 found this review helpful

If you are of the bi-focal age and looking for an easy to read format of the NKJV, without commentary and notes, this is the one you want. The format is the classic two-column format, rather than the book-style format, and the print is large enough to read without eye strain, yet not too large to be gaudy. The Center-Column Reference helps you locate passages with similar ideas or the exact ideas.


Another Shlocky Item from Thomas Nelson   January 7, 2004
 28 out of 29 found this review helpful

Up until approximately ten years ago, Nelson Bibles were quality, and I am referring to their Leather-bound editions. They were Smyth-sewn/whipstitched, and would last for years. Unfortunately,except for their "Signature Series" Bibles, which are priced at $99 and more, Nelson (and Crossway) Bibles, in my opinion, are the most inferior on todays market. They are all glue-bound, and have a limited life-expectancy. This is a prime example of it. The New King James translation is an excellent translation. Unfortunately, it is Nelson's house translation, and they charge unreal royalties to any other publishing house who wishes to use it.
If you wish to have a decently made, quality NKJV, seek out the offerings from Broadman/Holman. They will last.


Excellent Edition of the New King James Version   July 26, 2000
 11 out of 14 found this review helpful

I received this edition as an anniversary gift, and have not been able to put it down. The cross-references are wonderful, and the translation definitions are very useful. I would recommend this highly - a beautifully bound, durable book.


Binding split; replaced under warranty; very pleased   April 30, 2005
 8 out of 8 found this review helpful

I have been very pleased with this Bible. The NKJV is my favorite version, since it is based on the same Greek text as the KJV, the Textus Receptus (TR). I really like that the center-column lists all the places in which the similar Majority Text or the less-similar Critical Text (on which most modern versions are based) deviates from the TR. The two-column print is dark and easy to read, with the pages thick enough to have minimal bleed-through. I also really like the four-page preface which explains the translation philosophy and the underlying Hebrew and Greek texts used. As another reviewer has noted, the durability is questionable. I bought mine in January 2001 and a few months ago I noticed that there is a split from top to bottom right in front of the preface. Fortunately, the box says that Nelson offers a lifetime guarantee against failures due to manufacturing defects, so I have just contacted them via their website to see if they will make that good. 29 April 2005.

- UPDATE: I received a replacement copy 20 May 2005. My only out-of-pocket cost was media mail postage to return the defective copy. I am very satisfied with their customer service.