Quality Bible Construction

A couple of years ago, my Bible was clearly in need of an upgrade.  Hence, I started one of the most frustrating searches of my life…seeking a Bible constructed in a manner that is durable and usable.  After searching for a while, I found Bibles the frayed at the edges easily, Bible the had spines breaking in the first few months of usage, and other Bibles that required two C-clamps and an anvil to hold the pages open without the Bible flapping shut.

Then, there is the issues of page layout.  I found a wonderful single-column layout with a good amount of side-column references, but soon found that I was limited to the poor quality Bible construction that I spoke of earlier.

To make things even more frustrating, there are precious few stores that have a good selection to get your hands on to get a feel of the Bible.  In Kansas City, there is a Mardel with a huge wall of Bibles.  Sadly, the huge wall of Bibles is 75% NIV, 20% KJV, and 5% other.  In fact, NASBs are not on the wall at all.  The three editions carried are thrown over with the Bible software.

In the end, I found my Bible (NASB Update Side-Column Reference; Burgundy Genuine Leather).  I have been using it for over a year and no problems so far.  It opens and lies flat during studying and the large single-column layout is wonderful for preaching and teaching.

So, here’s my question to you: Do you have good or bad experiences to report from the quality of your Bible’s construction?

7 Comments

  1. Nathan W. Bingham

    Wed 14th Jan 2009 at 6:32 am

    I have not had experience with it, but Dr. James R. White really loves what he calls the “Uber Bible”.

    This is a preacher’s Bible. It lays open. It hangs over your hand. The leather is the softest, smoothest, most awesome feeling stuff you’ll ever happily carry in your hand. I love my copy, and you’ll love yours! It was out of stock for a good year or so, but now it is back! Had to let you know as soon as possible! (Source: <a href=”http://www.aomin.org/aoblog/index.php?itemid=2995″http://www.aomin.org/aoblog/index.php?itemid=2995)

    I personally have a Study Bible, and some cheaper normal Bibles that I read; however I have not settled on my Uber Bible as yet. If I had the finance, Dr. White’s recommendation would be on the top of my list as I prefer the NASB.

  2. Steve Ward

    Wed 14th Jan 2009 at 8:56 am

    Thanks for posting Nathan! Hope all is well for you. I haven’t been able to get my hands on the calfskin edition that you mention, but I’ve heard it’s soft like butter!

    I found out that Cambridge has a NASB now (I’m not sure how long they have sold it). A long time ago, I had a Cambridge KJV and it was one of the best-constructed Bibles that I have ever owned. I wonder if anyone has experience with their NASB?

  3. Christy

    Thu 15th Jan 2009 at 2:54 pm

    I have an “Open Bible” NASB, and I love it. Alas, it has been duct-taped and the pages are falling out. :(

  4. Steve Ward

    Thu 15th Jan 2009 at 3:42 pm

    Christy…that one deserves a picture on the blog to preserve its legacy!

  5. Nathan W. Bingham

    Thu 15th Jan 2009 at 4:49 pm

    @Steve: A good friend of mine has a Cambridge NASB which he absolutely loves. His only complaint was that the type was a little smaller than he was accustom to. This is where the Dr. White’s Uber Bible may come in, as I recall reading it had a good font size.

  6. Jack Haynes

    Sun 29th Jan 2012 at 3:02 pm

    I have found the Nelson and Thompson bibles to have paper so thin, its like tissue paper. I have two bibles that have pages ripped within two years.

  7. Jack Haynes

    Sun 29th Jan 2012 at 4:37 pm

    I found “THE” source for finding a good quality bible. Go to this web site. It has all the vernacular and what to look for. In the end, wide margin bibles are best for opaqueness because they have thicker paper for writing:
    http://lavistachurchofchrist.org/LVarticles/QualityBibles.htm

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