Midweek: NKJV/NET Parallel New Testament

Thomas Nelson has given me the opportunity to review another one of their tremendous selection of Bibles for free! This time, I chose the NKJV/NET Parallel New Testament. I'm pretty excited because, frankly, I know nothing about the NET (the New English Translation): this is a great way for me to not only pass along a Bible to someone but do a little research and comparison on this more modern (late1990s) version. The fact this is a parallel New Testament is something with which many readers may not be familiar; hopefully this will expand your horizons as well. So, here goes.

This edition is as thick as the personal Bible I carry to church every week and, as I mentioned, it is only the New Testament. Obviously, it is two versions of the same testament, but the NET is loaded with notes. Thomas Nelson's website says it has over 17,000! These are largely footnotes explaining the translators' decisions with regard to interpretation and presenting other variations of translation. The collaborators of the NET were well-known experts in Hebrew, Greek, and Aramaic, pastors and academics; one contributor, Dr. Daniel B. Wallace has done extensive work cataloging and studying ancient New Testament manuscripts. If I could use one word to describe the NET, it would be transparent. The team of translators demonstrates a passion for language and context, literacy and readability, and to that end they copious explain all of it. That being said, I, personally, do not have a use for such an edition on the regular. Would I consult it from time to time? Online, as I'm doing research? Absolutely. Would I ensure I had a copy in my library? No. Every translation has its nuances, and the NET is no exception, but I'd never get through my daily devotions or even complete one article if I spent time musing over each one. Suffice to say, this might be a good translation for you if you're looking to simply read or to dig deeply into the languages of the day, but for those who are mid-spectrum, seeking to learn without attempting Greek studies, this might be a bit of a distraction.

The parallel aspect of this book, the NKJV side-by-side with the NET, could be very helpful for those who attend a church or group that uses the NKJV (as many with which I am familiar do), but require the more succinct nature of the NET or enjoy its familiar language when doing their personal reading. As you'll notice in the below photo, the text (Acts 20:7-20:29) is presented in two columns, in both versions on the lefthand page.

Notes from the NET begin in the lower half of the page and continue in two columns on the righthand page. Loaded with notes, as I said. Comparing one translation with another can add depth to study and, let's face it, the way information is disseminated --well, sometimes, it just hits differently. A parallel Bible is helpful in that way. 

As for additional amenities, some pages naturally have wider margins, beneficial for note-taking. The NKJV text has the words of Christ in red. Both texts are printed in 9-point Comfort Print® typeface. The usual finishing touches are present, a presentation page and a satin ribbon marker. The copy I received is a brand-new release, bound in black Leathersoft™ with red stitching and silver gild edges; the spine is stamped in silver, as well, making this a beautiful color combination. Its Smyth-sewn binding allows the book to lie flat for easy study. It, of course, comes with Thomas Nelson's quality lifetime guarantee. 

So, while it may have more than what I'm looking for in a Bible, it is a unique and finely executed addition to Thomas Nelson's product line. It is currently available on Amazon for $50.08, and at christianbook.com for $44.09.