Over the last year I have been transitioning toward using the New Revised Standard Version translation of the Bible for my schoolwork and personal study times. As you could probably guess, the NRSV is an updated version of the RSV translation. Translators from a wide range of denominations around the world contributed to the development of the NRSV to ensure Scripture was being communicated in a way that makes sense to a modern reader, while remaining faithful to the original manuscripts.
Hendrickson Bibles offers the Gift & Award Bible with the Apocrypha in the NRSV translation that would be perfect for churches looking for a low-cost option as a gift for those being baptized or confirmed, or to provide a take-home Bible to anyone who needs a copy. I like to see churches make free copies of their preferred translation available during their weekly services, and this Bible would be perfect for that.
This gift & award Bible is available in black, burgundy, blue, royal purple, dark green, and white – the color of the copy that I reviewed. The Bible is 5 ½ by 8 ½ inches and is printed in a 9-point double-column format, making it easy to read. The cover is made of an imitation leather and opens immediately to a presentation page, table of contents, and translator’s notes. I am very impressed with the thickness of the paper, especially considering the price, and the lack of ghosting on the pages. Many times, a gift Bible will be distracting to read because of the text showing through from the back of the page, but that is not the case here. The page margins are minimal, so the reader will not be taking notes directly onto the pages.
The Bible contains three maps in the back which illustrate the land of Israel/Palestine in the First Century, Jerusalem and the Temple in Old Testament times, and Jerusalem and the Temple in New Testament times.
The cover of the Bible is thin, as you would expect from a low-cost Bible, but the binding appears to be very durable in a way that you wouldn’t expect. I read this for five days before reviewing it, folding pages back and doing a bit of “Bible yoga” with it. The quality of the binding impressed me; I believe it would hold up for quite a while.
As I said earlier, this edition contains the Apocrypha. If you do not own a copy of the Bible containing the Apocrypha, then I would highly recommend purchasing one. The books contained give priceless insight into the cultural events that contributed toward the political, social, and cultural environment and issues leading up to the birth of Christ.
Hendrickson Bibles’ New Revised Standard Version Gift & Award Bible with the Apocrypha is a great value for individuals and churches seeking an inexpensive Bible to give in celebration of milestones, events, or any other purpose. It is available for purchase from Amazon, Christianbook, and Hendrickson Publishers.
Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of this book from Hendrickson Publishers for the purpose of a fair and honest review.
Wonderfully Plagued 