Midweek: The Jonathan Edwards Study Bible, NKJV

Welcome to Wednesday and the chance to explore a great study Bible with me! Great because it's from our friends at Thomas Nelson who are so kind in providing me with a complimentary copy of this wonderful text for my review. And, great because this Bible comes loaded with quotes from the 18th-century pastor and theologian, Jonathan Edwards; his writings, sermons, and letters. Edwards, if you don't know, became a licensed pastor at the age of nineteen, assumed his father-in-law's pastorate at the age of twenty-six, and preached his most famous sermon, Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God, to an initially not-so commendatory response (a response which has, over time, shifted). Edwards himself once argued, "If I am in danger of hell, I shall be glad to know as much as I possibly can of the dreadfulness of it." The Jonathan Edwards Study Bible from Thomas Nelson is a beautiful tribute to his life and work. The copy I received is bound in genuine black leather, embossed with Jonathan Edwards initials in gold script on the front, a stamped binding (Smyth-sewn, allowing the book to lie flat when open), and two satin ribbon bookmarks. The print is 9-point Comfort Print® in double-column format; red-letter edition, New King James translation.   

From the front-matter of the book:

Inside this Bible, you will find:

• * Commentary on the Scriptures by Edwards in the form of study notes located at the bottom of the page.
• * Over eighty essays to guide you through Edward's work and impact on the church, including factors that helped him ignite the flames of the First Great Awakening.
• * Charts relaying information on places, people, doctrine, sermons, and key moments in the First Great Awakening central in the life of Edwards.      

Additionally (and this is from Thomas Nelson's website) features include:

• * Articles on specific doctrinal topics for focused theological study
• * Full-page essays covering Edwards’ theology, life, spiritual practices, and the first Great Awakening
• * Introduction to Edwards’ miscellanies note-taking system with space to develop your own Bible study method
• * Translator notes at the bottom of each page for added clarity
• * Maps and concordance for reference and deeper study

If all that isn't enough, this edition includes Edward's sermon, Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God and another, Heaven Is a World of Love, in their entirety. Also included are a list of practices and rigors for pursuing a life devoted to God, his Resolutions of 1722, written as the new year bore down on him. They are an exercise in circumspection as well as a caution against legalism.  

There is just a ton of stuff going on here! Now, I've said before, I am not a "bells-and-whistles" kinda gal, however, for this, I could be persuaded: I've been a fan of this devoted pastor since my homeschooling days. Edward's legacy is celebrated honorably, and his input makes this edition inspirational and informative. My admiration notwithstanding, it is truly a beautiful Bible and would make a wonderful gift for anyone looking to explore the depths of God's love for us. It retails for $139.99 but is available for preorder (release date: August 18, 2026) through Amazon for $103.85 or christianbook.com for $103.65.