Holy Bible: Filament Edition - A Review

Holy Bible:
Filament Edition

New Living Translation

WOW ... Wow ... wow ...

Tyndale may have just introduced the next generation Study Bible. By combining a well-known paper translation (which must be purchased) with notes, videos, graphics, and devotionals, supplied digitally (via a free app), the reader is introduced to the best of two worlds. Fonts in the printed version can be larger — space does not need to be consumed by the Study Bible notes. Fonts in the notes are not scalable, but they are larger than those found in many Study Bibles. The notes are helpful and thorough. It is unclear who are the individuals involved in preparing the study notes for each section. Credit is given for each devotional entry — being drawn from a variety of previously published resources. Credit is also given for some of the videos to The Bible Project, a non-profit animation studio whose mission is to make the biblical story accessible to everyone, everywhere.

Given the new format, it is difficult to compare the amount of content present to a more traditional Study Bible, but my first guess is that there is more material than would be found in other similar resources. Even if the notes are comparable to a more traditional resource, to that one must add the devotional material and the audio/visual material — the result is a generous set of resources.

A couple of concerns should be mentioned. I already mentioned that the text is not scalable — not a big problem for this reader, but it might be for some. Another issue that should be made clear up front is that audio/visual resources require that the tablet or phone being used to scan page number require that the device is connected to the Internet. Study notes and devotional material are supplied with the app. Finally, notes that one may want to incorporate into one’s personal Bible Study or into a set of digital sermon preparation notes (e.g. OneNote or Evernote) will need to be copied/typed by hand. At this point, there is no Windows version of the app. One workaround would be to mirror the phone screen onto a desktop or laptop — but until a later version of Windows 10 is released, that is not part of the default operating system.

In addition to addressing the above issues, the app might be embellished in other ways. It would be interesting to see the app integrated with publicly available websites containing public domain resources. Similarly, it might be interesting to see the app’s search tools integrated with one of a major Bible Software programs (e.g. WordSearch or LOGOS). The product could also be enhanced by introducing material found in other Study Bibles which are sourced using The Living Translation.

This new approach to Bible Study will find a home in the hands of any serious Bible Student — college student, seminary student, layman, or pastor. I hope that Christian Bookstore can make a sample version along with a tablet available for customers to try. Once a user has had the opportunity to experience this new Study Bible, it should easily sell itself.

______________

This review is based on a free copy provided by the publisher for the purpose of creating this review. The opinions expressed are my own.

NLT Illustrated Study Bible - A Review

NLT Illustrated
Study Bible

A Review

Over the last four years I have been privileged to receive  number of study Bibles for review. Many are good - and serve the audience for which they were designed, but do not stand out from the crowd. But occasionally an editor or publisher will bring together material that will serve a wide audience for many years. Such is the case with the NLT Illustrated Study Bible.

From the opening flyleaf which quotes Hebrews 4:12 “For the word of God is alive and powerful” to the closing flyleaf which quotes Psalm 119:18 “Open my eyes to see the wonderful truths in your instructions.” it is clear that the (un-credited) editors have a high regard for both the Scriptures and for those who will be using their book as a guide to those Scriptures. A single page list contributors to the Bible from a wide variety of backgrounds - but even there the list is of names and their contributions without any mention of their academic credentials or affiliations. But the names are known and respected by those familiar with Biblical scholarship - both popular and scholarly.  This list is separate from the individuals (also listed) who contributed to the NLT translation - though there is a great deal of overlap. This means that the very scholars who translated the NLT have contributed to the Study Bible coming with the translation’s name.

The Study Bible begins with a 10-page timeline bringing together both Biblical history and world history as it is generally understood. To give a sense of its conservative bent, it should be noted that Abraham’s birth is dated at 2166 BC, Moses’ birth is dated to 1526, the Exodus is dated at 1446, and David is anointed king, becomes king of Judah, and becomes King of Israel in 1025, 1010, and 1003 BC, respectively.

The Biblical notes are extensive - occupying ⅓ to ⅔ of each page, cross references (not heavy, but present) are included in the inside margin of each page. Brief notes describing key historical events, people, themes, and theological discussion are placed between the Bible text and the study notes at the bottom of the page. These brief notes occur on about ½ of the pages.

The text is of medium size - easily read in bright light, but more difficult to read in a more subdued setting. It would be nice to have the book available as an e-book to use along with the paper version. I expect one or more of the major software publishers (WordSearch, LOGOS, etc.) will license the material for use - at least I am hoping so. The Biblical text and the accompanying notes take up nearly 2400 pages.  (This does not include the aforementioned timeline or the material which follows the Biblical text).

The timeline is continued (on a smaller scale) on four additional pages introducing the reader to the first half-century of church history following the closing of the canon. The book concludes with a number of helps - “Hebrew and Greek Word Studies”, An index of the brief essays (“Features Index”) included in the text. A comprehensive “Notes Index“ gives access to the study notes which form the main content of this study Bible. The book concludes with a nice “Dictionary and Concordance” and the expected set of Biblical maps.   There is a brief index (I wish it was more comprehensive) to the maps - it does not allow the reader to find all locations shown on the maps, but to find maps focused on the major events or people found in the Scriptures.

The Bible certainly belongs on the desk of most lay people wanting to more deeply study the Bible. Pastors will find it helpful as they seek background material and comments as they prepare themselves and their messages each week. Students will also find this book as an easily accessible study aid as they complete Biblical coursework.  

Though I was lucky enough to receive a free review copy, the NLT Illustrated Study Bible will be kept close at hand as I seek to meet the needs of the people God has allows me to serve.

______________

This review is based on a free copy provided by the publisher for the purpose of creating this review. The opinions are mine alone.