Midweek: Enduring Word Study Bible, NKJV

Today, I am very excited to bring you Thomas Nelson's NKJV Enduring Word Study Bible. I have used pastor/teacher, David Guzik's Enduring Word online commentary for years. His supporting information and insights are helpful as are the additional quotes and commentary by other great pastors and teachers. Obviously, a single printed volume including Bible text cannot include all the helps found on Enduring Word's online format; but this Bible is a wonderful verse-by-verse study resource. Guzik's thorough but simple commentary is suitable for all understanding, and this edition would make a nice gift for anyone serious about Bible study.

As for the specifics, the free copy I received came in a sturdy printed box. It is bound in black leather with gilded edges. The spine is also stamped in gold. Two permanent satin bookmarks (of different colors) and a presentation page complete the classic look. The text is in a two-column format in 9.5-point Comfort Print®. The words of Jesus are in red. At the bottom of the text are cross-references translator notes. Beneath these are the study notes from Pastor Guzik. 

At the start of each book is an introduction that provides background information and prompts the reader to take note of themes present in the book. Throughout the text are four hundred application notes to help one apply Bible teaching to daily life, and fifty in-depth articles that address important biblical topics and theological questions. Helpful charts include Scriptural references explaining our Identity in Christ, and reading plans for Thirty Days of Getting to Know God and Thirty Days of Getting to Know Jesus. Another chart breaks down books of the Bible into their literary categories. Just a few words about this chart. Its layout is giving Periodic Table of the Elements. However, the books are, for all intents and purposes in order of their placement in the Bible (separated only by Old and New Testaments), and the colored coding system is very difficult to distinguish in print: the light blue has little to no variation from the medium blue, has little to no variation from the dark blue. It's a bit disappointing, to be honest. What I do enjoy is the article Between the Testaments that is located between the Old and New Testaments, of course. This period of four hundred years of history (between Malachi and Matthew) is addressed with little more than a blank page in most Bibles. An article covering the importance of this period is refreshing to see.

Lastly, the back matter includes a concordance with more than two hundred entries and behind this, colorful maps. 

The NKJV Enduring Word Study Bible is currently listed at $99.99, but is available on Amazon for $75.03 or through christianbook.com for $66.99. There are hardcover and Leathersoft™ editions available as well.

The bottom line? If I was a study Bible kinda gal, this would probably be the one. As I mentioned before, Guzik's unvarnished, easy-to-understand commentary is perfect for providing clear explanation while leaving deeper diving or specific application to the reader and his or her submission to the Holy Spirit.