2023 NKJV Thompson Chain Reference Bible Review
One of my passions in life is studying the Bible. When I open Scripture and begin to read it, I really want to know what it says. For instance, if I am studying a particular topic in the Bible, I’m not content to find one verse on that topic and build my theological views around it. I want to find every Bible verse I can that touches upon that topic. To do that, you need a Bible with extensive cross-referencing that few Bibles offer.
One Bible that excels in this area is The Thompson Chain Reference Bible. First published in 1908, this Bible is one of the oldest study Bibles on the market today. One of the unique features of this study Bible is that it is not filled with an editor’s commentary on various passages. Instead, the Bible margins contain “chain-references” that allow you to identify references to various topics, ideas, people and places throughout the Bible.
The benefit of this is that, when you study the Bible, you aren’t reading one person’s commentary but are learning what Scripture says about itself!
Over the years, many editions of this Bible have been published. The latest edition – the 2023 Thompson Chain-Reference Bible NKJV from Zondervan – contains substantial improvements to consistency throughout plus more than 500 pages of comprehensive Bible Helps in the back of the book! Some of my favorite resources in this section include the chart of Messianic Prophecies and their Fulfillment – the overviews of key figures in the Bible – and the memory verses and aids to memorization.
But the best thing about this Bible, of course, is the amazing chain-references!
If you ever wondered how people studied the Bible before computer software and the Internet existed… if you’re traveling and need a comprehensive study guide… or if you’re looking for a tried, true and trustworthy study Bible, the Thompson Chain Reference Bible is it.
Recommendation: If you are a serious student of the Bible, you will want to add this to your Bible collection. Purchase the largest print version you can find in your favorite translation. The regular print in the NKJV hardcover is tiny.
I rate this Bible 5 out of 5 stars.
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What is your biggest challenge when it comes to reading the Bible? Share your thoughts in the Comments – our community would love to know!
Resources
For More Information
- Visit Faith Gateway to purchase your Thompson Chain-Reference Bible .
- Visit the Bible Connection to learn about this Bible’s rich history.
- Visit Zondervan to learn how the chains work.
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I received a copy of this product through the Bible Gateway Blogger Grid. Although I’m a #BibleGatewayPartner, the opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.
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I like a concordance for topical study but also have a Bible with cross references, although probably not as extensive as the Thompson Chain one. I’m pretty sure my mom had a Thompson Chain one, I’ll have to go see.
Twitter: CreateWithJoy1
says:
A concordance is a n essential tool for serious Bible study Karen- so glad you have one! When we’re at home it’s easy to use these tools! If you need to access resources like these on the go (concordance are mighty heavy to lug around) this Bible is a great alternative! 🙂
It sounds like a great Bible! I like a good chain-reference. I would have a hard time with the tiny font, though. As my eyes grow older, I have a harder time reading that fine print. I’m not sure why they don’t take that into consideration when making Bibles. Low light at church makes it even more difficult. Part of aging, I guess!
This was a helpful review. Thank you for sharing it at the Sunday Sunshine Blog Hop
Laurie
Twitter: CreateWithJoy1
says:
Glad you enjoyed the review and yes, it has never made sense to me why publishers don’t make more truly large print Bibles since the majority of their audience wants them! But I’m glad you stopped by and enjoyed the review Laurie!