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?

5 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.

Add comment