So I have a video review in process of being edited - it’s perfectly nerdy and bilbiobloggish!
But, since then I have had some time to interact with the new TNIV Reference Bible and so far, I really like it.
The thing I like most so far is the layout - I’m coming to really like the single column layout - it’s a lot easier on the eyes than the standard two-column layout, though most of us are used to the two column style. The cross-references are on the outer edge of the page, which is really great since sometimes they in the inner side and get caught down in the fold and that makes it too hard to see sometimes. It looks like they somehow set it up so the references start from the middle of the page and work out (up or down). What I mean is the references are centered in the middle of the page so that on some pages with only some references, the list is short leaving room for marginal notes. However, there are pages where there are a significant number of notes leaving little if any room for marginal notes.
Another feature I like and I think really contributes to the process of Bible study is the paragraph layout. I have the International Inductive Study Bible and while it is in the single column layout, they did not section out the text in paragraph format, but rather in a verse by verse layout. Why is this important (the paragraph lay out)? Because the biblical text flows in units of thought and whether one agrees with where the editors chose to close one thought and begin the next (side note: I’ve often noticed commentators segmenting the text a verse or two different than the average Bible) the point is, it really helps the average pastor or person studying the Bible to have the text laid out in paragraph form, especially for the Inductive Method. (If you want to learn more about what I am talking about here, consider David L. Thompson’s Bible Study That Works, Evangel Publishing House, 1994 - this little book is an absolute gem!). Also, it helps when preaching through a book, one know where the next section begins, etc.
I also like the Topical Ties segment located at the bottom of most pages. What are the Topical Ties? It is a topcial reference system inteded to complement the cross-reference system highlighting various topics found in Scripture. To me it seems like having a condensed Nave’s Topical Bible right in your main Bible. It’s should be noted, this is NOT a study Bible in the technical sense, but I think in some ways it is a great study Bible! How so? Because of the strong cross-reference system and the topical ties system. It helps you study the text of Scripture on your own! The study notes in most study Bibles are typcially background based (a very good one is the new NLT Study Bible, with few exceptions, its notes are second to none (that is, in my opinion.)
Here are some Topical Ties to consider: (picked at random)
Deut 32:22 Fire of judgment from God. Ge 19:24-25. Nu16:35 <—–> 2 Ki 1:9-12. (arrows here indicate addtional verse (or verses to consider).
A survey of these verses show that in some cases, fire is used to in God’s judgment against wickedness or disobedience, and so on.
Acts 22:14-16 Baptism in the early church. Mt 28:19. Ac 16:31-33 <—–> 1 Co 1:13-17
Based on these verse we see that baptism is part of the process of being saved though not necessarily required for salvation - it symbolizes our inclusion in the larger Body of Christ (as does faith).
So these are just a couple examples of Topical Ties. Perhaps later I’ll have to follow one through from beginning to end to see how it develops and what comes of it.
Finally, I think the Dictionary of TNIV terms at the end of the Bible, before the maps, will come in handy for quite a few folks, even myself when I need a reminder or come across a term I am not familiar with. The descriptions are short and to the point. They are not intended to be exhaustive. That is what a Bible Dictionary is for! (e.g., Eerdmans or some other).
Here are a couple of examples:
Firstborn Oldest son and the possessor of special priviledges. In the Old Testament the term often described the priviledge and favor God granted to Israel (Ex 23:19). In the New Testament, the term is applied to Jesus (1 Co 15:20) and to believers (Jas 1:18).
Kingdom of God God’s rule over all creation as the Creator (Ps 103:19; 145:11-13). His special rule over Israel is also sometimes referred to as his “kingdom” (Ex 19:6; 1 Ch 17:14; 28:5: 29:11; 2 Ch 13:8; Ob 21). The kingdom of God as God’s special rule in the hearts of believers and his gracious restoration of the goodness of the creation was initiated through the coming of Christ and will be consummated when Christ returns to bring his saving work to completion.
If I were to list some weaknesses of the TNIV Reference Bible: Renaissance Leather Edition, the main one would be that the thinness of the paper allows it to flold a little too easily - I have already had to unfold a few page corners here and there I don’t remember folding. I hope too, the paper lining on the inside of the leather cover does not soon begin to pull away. Hoepfully it has been glued well enough to stay strong for a long while. I already see some fraying on the smyth sewn binding so I hope it won’t continue to be a problem.
It might be fine leather Bible, but still, care and attention will be needed to see that it lasts.
Thank you Zondervan for this review copy of the latest TNIV Reference Bible: Renaissance Leather Edition - it is and has been and will be a tremendous blessing!
Whoo-hoo, both Debbie and I received free review copies of the newest 