How Have Bibles Changed through the Decades?

[@wbt46]

This was fascinating. I have a Bible I got in 1954 for my birthday, cost $5.50 and genuine leather. World publishing and amazingly it has held up all 72 years. Very well read.

[@Lily_Anne]

I imagine we have the same one. It is by World Publishing, has wonderful illustrations, and a white zipper cover with a little gold cross hanging from it. It is falling apart, so alas it now has to live in the cedar chest.

[@wbt46]

@@Lily_Anne inside is probably the same but mine is black w/o zipper but my dad thought black was best. I read it a lot but I kept it in my top dresser drawer which is now where it lives. It's amazing how fast today's bibles wear out when I got 22 years of hard wear out of my World Bible.

[@Caddo_Art]

@@wbt46 That's great that you still have it. In a pinch, I would still use it. Wish they still made the same one. And I agree - not as good a quality unless you pay a lot more than we did. Not everything was a disposable as nowadays, but I never thought I would see it apply to Bibles.

[@HkFinn83]

@@wbt46fyi 5.50 is the equivalent of about $65 in todays money. You have a choice of very high quality bibles at that price point.

[@WillenaFlewelling]

I still have my World publishing Bible, given to me for my 10th birthday in May 1963. It used to have a zipper once upon a time. :p I used it for 8 years, till it was falling apart.

[@j.dieason7527]

There has always been expensive things in the world. The point where it becomes sin is when you honor the “ expensive” items more than God. But let me remind ppl that God chose very best items to have his temple made, or the garments of the priests. Good materials usually cost more but they also usually last longer as well.

[@dawnmichelle4403]

I love the old-school pictures that Bibles used to have. But I think the best Bible is a read Bible. Thanks for your videos!

[@Twiceborn_by_grace]

I was 8 years old (1998) when I got my first bible. It is a Thomas Nelson KJV in bonded leather.

[@Pastor-Brettbyfaith]

Hello Tim, Thanks for the video. The first 2 Bibles were genuine leather, with the tooled hubs and meshed liner. The NKJV was easier to read because of the leading (space between the lines). The rainbow colored Bible was the basis from which Zondervan created the "Rainbow Study Bible". That NASB is a huge step up in quality. Buffalo leather is one of my favorite leathers to work with with. I use it for my liners. Thomas Nelson/Zondervan Bibles have been consistently well built. Though you did not show any, I am a Schuyler fan. I believe they are the best built Bibles in the world. Thanks for the video brother.

[@Runningtherace51]

I've noticed people in the Schuyler fanclub are compelled to announce it at every opportunity.

[@Pastor-Brettbyfaith]

@@Runningtherace51 This is why I am compelled to share the quality of Schuyler Bibles.kzbin.info/www/bejne/en-wZ2V7atiZf9E

[@rickjames7576]

When I read your thumbnail "how Bibles have changed" I must admit I thought you meant the scriptures themselves. This was interesting though, just surprised me. IMO older is always better. And I carry that opinion over into almost EVERYTHING. Thanks for sharing.

[@Steve_Blackwood]

I’ve got Bibles all the way back to the 50s on my shelves, and almost every aspect has improved over time. Better paper, better type, better arrangement, better materials (the last may be influenced by me paying more, but… 🤷🏻‍♂️). When I need to grab an old Bible off the shelf, they are just harder to read. It’s a good time for finding excellent quality Bibles.

[@skolsaw1080]

Love the 50’s look with the classic red dyed pages 👍 I think it’s just a much classier touch than the gold foil that just scratches and wears off. There should be more options for people that don’t like the gold on their Bible. Or people that want to dye the pages themselves and give it their own touch. that’s why I think that Bible Publishers should start coming out with untreated page edges. I know you can still dye over the gold but you’ll still have the gold on there. More options are always better. But really enjoyed the video. Thank you. I really loved looking at all the different decades and comparing them together. Great idea.

[@Blakefan2520]

I have an RSV Harper Study bible that was given to me by my church when I graduated from high school in 1976. It is a long primer format I believe. I recently had to have it repaired as it was starting to separate from the cover a little. I own several newer premium bibles, but there is something about the font, layout and feel of the 1970s RSV that makes it my favorite bible (not necessarily my favorite translation). Great video. Thanks for the walk down nostalgia lane.

[@manfredcaranci6234]

Tim, I wish Nelson were still making Bibles like that 1952 RSV. That edition you featured was simply a classic that outshone all the others.

[@viviancampbell2106]

Thanks Tim. This is a great review. Enjoyed seeing the different bibles👏 Blessings to you and your family 🙏

[@christianhartmann24]

Brother, I LOVE Bibles. I randomly just came across your channel! Really enjoyed

[@PrentissYeates]

I actually had the 1980’s NKJV in burgandy leather. A super cool bible and alas didn’t get in the truck during a move. Just a great Goldilocks bible. Great fun, thank you Tim.

[@jeffcarlson3269]

@PrentissYeates I don't know how you feel about the NKJV now.. but years ago.. I was a NKJV fan... our church waffled back and forth between the KJV and the NKJV.. someone actually used an NASB....BUT around the year 2006... I STOPPED using the NKJV... due to all the things I was reading regarding the translation of it... and also things I have seen for myself... certain changes that were made from the KJV.. that SHOULD have been in order to make a bible like the KJV.. easier to read and less archaic... well that was a lie.. the NKJV translators... messed with and changed verses they did Not have to change... just in order to advance their own biases.. or ideas... if you go on line you can find any number of bible teachers that will tell you about the errors in the NKJV... but as I said.. I have seen these myself as well..

[@guymontag349]

That was fun, Tim. Unquestionably, Bible quality in terms of layouts, bindings, fonts, paper, etc. have improved in recent decades. However, there is still something special about an old Bible, especially if it is from Cambridge. When one holds a Bible that is 100 years old (or older), you tend to wonder how many hands of how many people held that same Bible. And you begin to wonder about the people as well - who they were, what they did, how they lived and how they died. Regarding the older Bibles you displayed, I must admit that I am impressed with the corner work on the inside covers and how well the paste down liners have held up over the years. Those Bibles were clearly well cared for.

[@BeachsideHank]

"...and how they died." How had they died? Many are known to have died in absolute terror, thinking they had not been pious enough and were headed to Hell because of that belief.

[@jeffcarlson3269]

@@BeachsideHank your words : "Many are known to have died in absolute terror, thinking they had not been pious enough and were headed to Hell because of that belief." I hope that cannot be said of ANY genuine Christian today... yes we should fear God... but No True Christian should EVER die... fearing the "wrath of God".. or dying in terror as you stated... dying in fear is for Non- believers.. that being said.. my only hope is that I do Not have to suffer long before I die.. I am praying I will go to sleep and wake up in heaven one day.. I am not afraid to die... I am just afraid of being tormented beyond belief before I die..

[@BeachsideHank]

@@jeffcarlson3269 What I posted is attested to by many in the hospice community and is fact, not much else to say about it really.

[@jeffcarlson3269]

@@BeachsideHank well I would hope... that anyone who owned an old bible...and thought enough about the bible.. to mark down important dates in it.. even in a hospice community.. ..would be a professing Christian who had trusted the Lord as their Savior... but... I get what you mean... I was raised as a Catholic... and I bought my folks their first bible... when I was 10 years old by redeeming S&H green stamps my mother let me have... my mother was a devout Catholic who liked her beer... and my dad was a non church going Episcopalian... years later after my mother had passed away... I got this bible back.. ... my sister had found it...I told her that was the ONLY thing I wanted of my mother's... when I got it back I saw that my mother... who NEVER read any of the bible... had written in the names of my grandparents who had died and the years they died.... I remember thinking... that is so sad...that mom... ONLY used the bible to keep a record of our past.... I am sure she died.. not knowing if she was saved or not..... I tried to share 1 John 5:13 with her. .once.... but her priest told her.." if you think you are going to heaven when you die... that is a sin.".. perhaps many in hospice are just like my poor dead mother...

[@BeachsideHank]

@@jeffcarlson3269 "No Christian ever believes that the Bible means what it says: The Christian is always convinced that it says what THEY mean." ~George Bernard Shaw And that is most apparent when a priest interprets it. You did the right thing for her, well done. The sad thing about mothers though is that they take the home with them when they go.

[@BrendaBoykin-qz5dj]

Great topic, Brother Tim 🌹⭐🌹⭐ Excellent presentation,Sir. One of my faves,Tim. Reminded me of your old series of Bible A vs. Bible Z, BACK IN THE DAY🌞

[@SepulvedaBoulevard]

American Bible Society had simple, hardback, very readable, no-frills editions. My 1960 KJV is still my favorite❤

[@fnjesusfreak]

They're still in print.

[@7Dorie]

Interesting video, Tim! Takes me back in time.... I agree that Bibles have improved overall.

[@kylespringer4960]

Love the old India paper that’s been banned but the covers have improved exponentially!! I also love an old map!!

[@jdl763]

I echo those thoughts. Starting with the 90's Bible, the paper started having ghosting. I have an RSV from the 50's, with zero ghosting, that's thinner than anything else I've seen.

[@davecrawford4377]

Hi Tim I think the Bibles have definitely gotten better. God Bless 😊

[@WillenaFlewelling]

I really enjoyed this video! I still have my little white Bible given to me for my 10th birthday in May 1963. I used it for 8 years, and it's falling apart, but it is precious to me. I also have a brown Zondervan Bible, also KJV, given to me as a wedding gift by my first husband in June 1976. I used that one for 18 years. At the time, brown wasn't fashionable, but these days I have several beautiful new study Bibles which are brown. I love my old Bibles, but I agree the new ones are aesthetically more pleasing, and certainly easier on my aging eyes.

[@pappywinky4749]

switching from french to english bibles was a shock for me. I couldn't believe the quality and variety of layout. Plus choosing a translation was really hard. We don't have nearly as many in french. I don't think I've ever seen a premium bible growing up. The expensive ones were trutone usually.

[@elisavintervejr]

Beautiful Bibles. Really great to see. Thank you. I really like that 50´s Bible.

[@jamesbarksdale978]

Yes, improvements, on the whole. Good video!

[@MAMoreno]

My impression is that Bibles of the 1950s-1960s were quite good, but there was a dip in quality afterward that was not alleviated until Crossway started pushing for higher standards.

[@scottforesman7968]

Crossway? I remember when they first came out with the ESV. The Bibles were CRAP. They have improved, but not much. I'm fed up with returning Bibles with Amazon because of the POOR quality. I'm almost ready to just use my Kindle.

[@nobodyspecial1852]

​@@scottforesman7968they have things across the continuum minus the extremely nice and absolute trash. They improve every year.

[@AITheWise]

A summary of how Bibles have evolved over the decades, from the 1950s to the 2010s, highlighting changes in materials, design, and features like ribbons, page edges, and maps. Key moments: 00:00 The video explores how Bibles have evolved over decades, comparing editions from the 1950s to the present day, showcasing changes in quality and design. Viewers are encouraged to share their opinions on whether Bibles have remained the same, declined, or improved over time. -Comparison of Bibles from different eras, focusing on editions from the 1950s to the present day, highlighting changes in quality and design over time. -Encouragement for viewers to engage by sharing their thoughts on whether Bibles have maintained their quality, deteriorated, or improved as seen in the showcased editions. 05:05 The video discusses the features and differences between Bibles from the 1950s, 1960s, and 1980s, highlighting aspects like maps, construction materials, and design elements. -Comparison of maps in the 1950s and 1960s Bibles, noting preferences and details like the environs of Jerusalem, showcasing the evolution of map styles over time. -Exploration of the construction materials and design elements in the 1980s Bible, emphasizing the transition in leather quality and ornate features compared to earlier versions. 10:09 The video discusses the features of Bibles from different eras, highlighting details like ribbons, page edges, materials, and design changes over time, offering insights into the evolution of Bible aesthetics. -Detailed examination of ribbon quality, page edges, and color coordination in Bibles from the early 80s, showcasing design variations and material improvements. -Comparison of map quality in Bibles from different decades, expressing preferences for map styles from the 50s and critiquing the design of maps from the early 80s. -Transition from 80s to 90s Bibles, noting changes in design aesthetics, spine features, and materials like bonded leather, reflecting evolving trends in Bible presentation. 15:13 The speaker compares different editions of Bibles from various eras, highlighting the readability and features like red lettering, concordance, and maps, while discussing personal preferences and nostalgia associated with different Bible designs. -Comparison of Bibles from different eras based on readability, features like red lettering, concordance, and maps, and personal preferences and nostalgia. -Evolution of Bible designs over time, focusing on the transition to paragraph format, red lettering, and the influence of Crossway's ESV Bibles on Bible formatting trends. 20:18 The evolution of Bible production over the years showcases a shift towards modern, clean formatting with attention to detail and quality, culminating in the introduction of features like Comfort print and genuine leather materials. -Transition from traditional to modern formatting in Bible production, emphasizing clean layouts and minimalistic design elements. -Introduction of Comfort print and use of genuine leather materials marking a significant shift towards higher quality and attention to detail in Bible manufacturing. 25:19 The modern look of title pages in Bibles has evolved with features like Comfort print, line matching, and cleaner designs, reflecting advancements in technology and reader preferences. -Evolution of poetry formatting in Bibles to break lines with phrases for better readability, especially in double column layouts, is a notable improvement in modern designs. -Improvements in red letter consistency, print quality, and the enduring design of maps in Bibles indicate an overall positive trend in the quality and features of Bibles over the years. Generated by sider.ai

[@scottmcmullen6782]

I was given an cheap knockoff of the 1950's Nelson RSV in 1969, when I was in 3rd grade. It was the 1952 RSV, not the 1971 revision, of course. Manufactured by Melton instead of Thomas Nelson. Same maps as yours (which I also like). The paper is pulpy and has yellowed dramatically. Paper liners have been separating. I'm sure the churches bought them by the case to give out to each 3rd grade cohort. I've read mine cover-to-cover, and it's held together with packing tape and shoe goo at this point. I still enjoy using it. In retrospect, I'm surprised we were able to make sense of it; the RSV is considered to be at a 12th grade reading level. Not every church issued bibles to children, so I'm grateful mine did (a Lutheran congregation).

[@justinj_00]

A lot of these changes I could take or leave, but line matching has really been a total game changer in Bible production quality

[@erichoehn8262]

Great idea for a video!

[@FredHenry1850]

I can appreciate the modern comfort print that has been coming out recently. My main Bible is a Schuyler NASB with a nice readable double column format. With that, though, I absolutely love Allan's format for the NASB, which is the same as the original NASB1995 from Lockman. One reason that I like it is that it has an older feel to it, while being new and high quality. It is almost nostalgic for me, which brings me comfort. That is funny because it is not comfort print.

[@red.362]

This was a great and interesting video over a cup of coffee. As someone newish to the faith I only have experience with modern Bibles that I have bought. I'm not sure what to make of 80s box for the Nelson Imperial Reference Bible. On the one hand it does kinda scream of the 80's and on the other it looks like the cover of old car manuals haha. The last one, the NASB95 looks really nice in quality, brown is not my favourite colour but the shade of brown going on with that Bible works well. I need to get an NASB95 Bible. Thanks Tim for the great video! Really cool to see.

[@SAY.8.18]

I have an NASB from 1971 that is absolutely terrific. Excellent paper. Excellent binding. Excellent cover. Obviously, the quality of most Biblesn has improved drastically.

[@alex-qe8qn]

The Victorian and Edwardian Bibles were superb. The fonts - Brevier, Bourgeois, Pica, Longprimer, etc.- were highly readable, the pages were clean, and the type was well-spaced. And they were so portable! Altogether, a better Bible for carrying and everyday use. Moreover, Bagster, Eyre and Spottiswoode, Oxbridge, etc. produced excellent Bibles with a huge amount of Bible helps etc., from which one educated oneself up to college level.

[@damarrbrown4915]

I definitely love comfort print

[@KMM61873]

This is the first time I ever knew what comfort print meant. I had no idea that’s what it meant.

[@sounddoctrine54]

Overall, I would say "Improvement!" Leatherflex and other very similar imitation leathers which are being used currently are softer and (dare I suggest) seem to be at least as durable as most genuine leather Bibles were only a few years ago. As I age, I'm upgrading to super giant print editions of my favorite versions (when I can find them) in leatherflex. I love them! When I was growing up, you weren't "spiritual" until you had an Old Scofield. Bless Oxford's heart! Oxford Bibles don't hold together well, at all! Yet, I'm still nursing the hardback Old Scofield which my parents gave me when I was 12. I carried it all the way through Bible college classes -- placing it in snap Bible cases, Scotch taping it, duct taping it, placing it in a vinyl zipper Bible case, and finally buying a used Old Scofield simply to tear apart for parts to replace my fallen-out pages and my dilapidated cover with a leather one. Of course, I had bought myself, my dad, and my mom each a leather-bound Oxford Old Scofield when I was about 16. Why did/does Oxford do no better? I noticed this past Lord's Day, just before I stood to preach, that I am missing a couple more pages in my old hardback. I hope that I can find the notes from those pages in another Bible, so that when I replace them, I shall still have my ancient class and study notes! Moody Press is not a great deal better. However, I shall forever use and recommend the Ryrie Study Bible! Greatest study Bible ever! Interesting segment, Tim!

[@knothead35]

I would say overall improvement. But it really depends on the translation. There's a lot of Bibles that I would never buy. I think overall quality seems similar based on materials of the Bible. I love finding old Bibles in the thrift stores and eBay. I love the inscriptions and sometimes find notes and pictures.

[@chrisfields6981]

The verse by verse single column format is what I grew up on so I love it. I think every translation should over that format in a thinline edition

[@MFPWM2010]

That first RSV Bible you looked at was almost identical to my dad‘s Bible that he had since he was confirmed by the Lutheran Church as a teenager back in the 60’s.

[@michaelmyers7064]

I like those scarred gilding pages that have been made through use of the Bible. I think it adds character.

[@derrickdavis9630]

I’m a sucker for the red stain pages and a readable classic. This is why I like the sovereign collection as a modern design with an old world look.

[@lkreinmiller-author]

The inside cover textured paper was called linen paper, I think. I have a Bible from the late 1890s. The main difference between it and my hardcopy Bible (1977) is the type is smaller and the paper is thinner. My working Bible is completely digital. Quite a difference.

[@jmcgregor316]

My first Bible was a KJV from the 50s'. It had a stiff paper cover in black and just the text, no helps. I loved that Bible but it was lost in a house fire in 1990. My second Bible was a nice RSV given to my wife and I on our wedding day by my preiest. It was also damaged in the house fire. Curiously, it had survived a car fire in 1975. It is still our family Bible 54 years later. I had it recovered in leather. I have many Bibles now and study daily.

[@terrycairl5479]

I have an identical RSV with one difference - mine says Augsburg on the spine instead of Nelson. Everything else is the same. The cover is starting to split apart, so I bought the materials for rebinding it. If it goes well, I have a couple of other older bibles that I would like to rebind.

[@fnjesusfreak]

I think Nelson printed bibles for churches under contract. I've got a Nelson RSV somewhere that says "Cokesbury" on the spine.

[@richardgreene8171]

Yes I believe that Bibles have changed for better, regarding their design, cover options, line matching and formats. I'm grateful that I have more options to choose from than the verse by verse Bibles with bright red letter text that damaged your eyes 👀. However, there were a few vintage Bibles that are great maybe better than some of the Bibles today. Things have also changed in the sense that some Bibles focus less on theology and more on some kind of niche group.

[@rondarayl1536]

I have a national Bible copyright 1943 in it's original binding and the binding is still in excellent condition and I have a 1965 Hertel that is in excellent condition with it's original binding. They were well taken care of.

[@sueregan2782]

My experience with imitation leather has been that they are great when new, but after about 8-10 years just disintegrate to little crumbles. Had to use clear contac coverages to keep them from making a mess of my bookshelf and wherever else they are.

[@ianmichaelsmith]

Having owned some nicer bibles from the 1950's and 60's in the past, one of the problems here is that you are comparing different bibles sold at different price-points from different publishers. Oxford, Cambridge, Nelson always had leather-lined higher end Bibles available, but they were printed in smaller quantities and are hard to find in good condition on the market. To do this video well, you would likely need to find a collector with a many older bibles of various types covering these decades. I used to own an RL Allan Longprimer from the 50's/60's in mint condition, and it was one of the most beautiful pieces of craftsmanship I have ever seen--but not even comparable to what Samuel Bagster was making a century earlier. Trends in Bible binding and printing change, but we are coming into something of a renaissance for the broader market, where higher end bibles are more easily accessible than in previous generations.

[@Perktube1]

It would be interesting to find a video that went through the history of one version or translation per video. 😉

[@CynVee]

I have Bibles from all eras, all versions and I love them all. My eyes aren't as good as they once were so the smaller print Bibles no longer work for me. I also like taking notes in my Bible, something ppl didn't really do much in the past but very common now so I like the one column Bibles with room for notes. I also miss the illustrations but I like the extras some of the teaching Bibles have (maps, concordance, cross ref Scripture, intros). As others have said, the best Bible is the one you read every day.

[@jaredmcintosh4178]

I really appreciate how the imitation leather covers have made less expensive Bibles feel much better.

[@winburna852]

ESV is my favorite, but the only issue I have with them is their page quality, alot of bleeding.

[@ISayToMyself]

Wait!!! My mother has the “Marked Study Bible.”

[@brendatrude1497]

My mom used to have a Good News Bible in the 1970's. When did that version come out? I think it's a different version than the NIV.

[@richardvoogd705]

I have two copies of the RSV, both printed in Great Britain by Collins. I'm not sure when they were published, but one has the 1946 New Testament, and the other has the second edition of the New Testament, from 1971. The Old Testament has the 1952 copyright.

[@weeb9332]

I really liked the Imperial Reference Bible. I thought it looked really sharp. I tend to love late 70’s early 80’s bibles

[@philr3381]

Vintage Bibles all have a certain quality to them. I love the compact size of most of the vintage Bibles I have seen and own. So many of them had study aids and maps plus were prited in the USA.

[@OneStepToday]

I dont understand, are those colourful highlighting on the KJV a part of that Bible edition itself, or the owner has highlited it so perfectly like printing?? How is that possible and why is it full of highlights? It looks unique and great, but reading is hampered due to that highlighting.

[@bethann2165]

I actually have a bible from my grandfather that's from the 30s and the cover is a mess but the inside is still great! Just discoloration from age but the paper is still decent.

[@j.woodbury412]

You know you have an old Bible when it doesn't tell you what translation it it. I have a Scofield Reference Bible from Oxford that belonged to my grandmother, Copyright 1901. The cover has a pebbly feel to it and is pretty banged up, especially the back cover and is Morocco Leather lined and silk sewed. The printing is very small, but other than that, it's a good Bible The only thing written on the spine is "HOLY BIBLE/CONCORDANCE; SCOFIELD REFERENCE EDITION and OXFORD.

[@jeffcarlson3269]

and Tim... I noticed you requested people to leave their comments below.. but You , yourself have NOT responded to anyone's comments... don't you think in all fairness... since people told you how they felt... you should leave them a note... agreeing or disagreeing with them.. WE the commenters would love to hear your comments to our comments as well..!..

[@aarondotpettus]

The first generation, pre-1984 zondervan NIV bibles were some of the best. I have a few copies and they’re more enjoyable to read than any modern Bible. They still hold up, and the font is very readable.

[@scottforesman7968]

The average Bible (under 40 bucks) today is NOT up to the quality of 25 years ago. Not even close. I have an old NIV Study Bible, leather, from 2000. Great quality, and NOT printed in China. I have an Oxford NRSV Study Bible (I love the format) leather, from 1994 that is STILL in great shape. I have an Oxford RSV Study Bible, leather, from 2002, STILL in great shape. Today, most of the under 40 dollar Bibles today are just NOT up to quality. I've returned MANY that I ordered from Amazon because of this. I'm thinking that perhaps for my own sanity and my own wallet that I'll just be content with downloaded Bibles for my Kindle.

[@sufiameen6093]

I was raised using the KJV, the only translation. Todays versions are called Easier, though I would use the terms Dumbed Down.

[@ISayToMyself]

Why is “Holy Bible” not centered on the cover of older Bibles? Is it just a style thing?

[@guymontag349]

I've often wondered the very same thing!

[@Ron4dino]

I love the 1980s NKJV bibles the paper and gold patterned edging is hard to beat, I have a few of them. The 90's were a disaster, too many glued bindings, very thin leather, and cheap and nasty all round. The new mid and top range are amazing but would love to see more of the guilded patterning; the LSB has a lovely pattern not just a gilt line. Mark Bertrand led the charge for change and now we all benefit from his early drive for quality

[@fnjesusfreak]

I feel like the 90s (and to some extent the late 80s and early 00s) were a kind of "dark age" when it came to bible publishing, that most of what was available was thinlines with mediocre build quality and, at best, bonded leathers.

[@krm398]

people do tend to forget that the original Bible has been translated 13 times into different languages so that's one reason some words don't seem to fit the quotes or sentences they are in.if a dozen different 'religious believers' translated anything, then their personal views got mixed in.

[@MrSeedi76]

As a German my favourite Bible is a Luther Bible in gothic script from 1936 bound in leather. Just beautiful. It always shocks me when I open a modern Bible and see "printed in China" in them. Wo has bibles printed in an evil antichristian dictatorship? I wish there were still quality versions of the KJV printed in the USA. I hope someone still prints English/American bibles in the US or UK.

[@jeffcarlson3269]

as far as bibles changing over the years... ALAS ..we live in an age where EVERYTHING.. from cars to refrigerators...to bibles and candy bars are made of lower quality or smaller amounts than they used to be... 60 years ago.. a refrigerator was expected to last 30 years...nowadays we are lucky if they last 15... the current one I have has been working non- stop since 1992 5 cent candy bars would take about a half hour to eat... now a 2 dollar candy bar can be eaten in less than 10 minutes.. a 36 page comic book with ads cost about 10 cents... now they are close to 8 dollars... and contain.. less than 20 pages of material.. they are about an inch squared smaller than the ones from the 40's and 50's.. even our minted paper money was shrunk down to a quarter of the size it Once was.. back in 1934... at one time.. there were actually 500... 1000... and 10,000 dollar bills minted... the minting stopped in 1945.. and the usage stopped in 1969... AND bibles have NOT been immune to this cheapening of quality over the years.... years ago a bible did not have to be stamped as "bonded".. or "genuine".. leather... it was just assumed it WAS "genuine"... of course there were cheaper qualities of leathers around... but at least a person got what they paid for... many of the older bibles.. were well designed and structured in the interiors...very ornate.. AND there Have been a few improvements over the years.. such as Smythe Sewn and other little pluses .. but these do Not go into the bible for FREE.. they all come with a cost.. top grain leather is pricey as well as a high quality bible.. an example I have is my first Matthew Henry study bible from 1996.. when I purchased this it was 69.95 in top grain leather.. and the personal to and from pages and descendants... pages were in a thick.. burnt paper looking color... the next edition of these.. was on white paper... and then around.. 2004 or so... Nelson began publishing these.. instead of "World" publishing.. and they started mass producing them.. they bible text changed.. ad IMO the quality cheapened.. Old time bibles were meant to last.. and many are still around in fine shape... If you get one of these from an ancestor cherish it... and pass it down to your descendants..

[@HarryHafsak]

As with everything else, quality has gone down but profits have gone up for zondervan and Nelson!

[@GUAMANIANable]

Humble Lamb publishes some high quality Bibles.

[@HenryLeslieGraham]

im a theologian. so i know enough to know that the kjv isnt perfect. or the only reliable translation. but i know that if i purchase a kjv for my church or a gospel only version for use during mass/holy communion i know the formatting and style has a certain reverence. the constant changes, revisions and updates dont sit well with me. while i may be in a minority here, in my belief that not every pew news a bible, i do believe that God's word deserves a bit more reverence in its formatting and presentation. that doesnt have to mean that the bible should be super expensive, but i think it shouldnt look like other modern books if possible. large readable fonts are important, but sans serif is no good. and especially for a gospel book (as we in the anglican and lutheran churches use) should be suitably ornate. I cant explain it. but reproducing a bible for the church, should be like an icon (if your church has them), greater care should be put into making such copies where possible. i could be wrong.

[@tomlavelle8340]

Why are the Psalms called poetry?

[@bruceanable7739]

The quality of Bibles has absolutely dropped, in order to get high quality Bible, you have to pay a lot of money for it.

[@vasttrance877]

That’s simply not true lol what is your meaning of a “high quality Bible”

[@bruceanable7739]

@@vasttrance877 I used to pay in the early 80s $60 for genuine leather now it’s $200

[@BeachsideHank]

I took 4 or 5 Bibles to the Salvation Army. They told me they can’t sell the Word of God..

[@tereleegray3443]

The Salvation Army in my area does not sell Bibles, they give them free of charge.

[@Whatyoutakinbout]

Why is the holy Bible always to the left back in those days?

[@timhaley3459]

There are literally "tons of Bibles" available to read, from Matthew's Bible in 1537 C.E. to the Great Bible in 1541 C.E., the Geneva Bible of 1560 C.E., the Catholic Douay Version of 1582 C.E., the King James Bible of 1611 C.E., to the American Standard Version of 1901, to the Revised Standard Version of 1947, down to more "modern" Bibles, such as New International Version (NIV) first published 1973 C.E. But a sincere Bible reader only wants ONE Bible, one that is accurate, like an accurate map that leads its reader to the EXACT place he or she wants to go and does NOT get them lost, that is precise in its language so as to direct a sincere Bible reader to do as Jesus said in prayer at John 17:3: "This means everlasting life, their coming to know you, the only true God (Jehovah, see Isa 12:2, KJV), and the one whom you sent, Jesus Christ." You want a Bible that causes a sincere Bible reader "to know you, the only true God (Jehovah), and the one whom you sent, Jesus Christ", for Jehovah is the original writings of the Bible author, and Jesus Christ is his "only-begotten Son" (John 3:16), that is Jehovah's chief spokesman, as "the Word" at John 1:1. So, when a sincere Bible reader takes a Bible for "a test drive", what do they find ? More often than not, inaccuracy and bias, such as removing God's name of Jehovah, that is found in the Hebrew Scriptures almost 7,000 times, that is commonly but inaccurately called "the Old Testament". And why is the 39 "books" of the Hebrew Scriptures called "the Old Testament" ? Because of the mistranslation of the Greek word diatheke at 2 Cor 3:14, whereby both the Catholic Douay Version and King James Bible reads as "the old testament" that caused a misconception to arise, as if the Bible is divided between two "testaments" (which it is NOT, but is ONE book), instead of the Greek word diatheke meaning accurately as "the old covenant", speaking of the Mosaic Law covenant.(see verse 15; Note: the word "testimony" is the Greek word martus, as at Matthew 18:16, or "false testimony" that is the Greek pseudomarturia, at Matt 26:59) For example, at Genesis 13:1-4, the King James Bible has Abraham going south instead of accurately traveling north, not realizing that the Hebrew word negeb means not just "south", but "specifically, the Negeb or southern district of Judah" (Strong's Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible) and said that upon reaching Bethel, "there Abram (his name until it was changed by Jehovah at 100 years old, see Gen 17:3-6) called on the name of the Lord". So, when Abraham left Egypt, he traveled north towards the Negeb or southern district of Judah below the Dead Sea, and kept going north until he reached Bethel, some 12 miles north of Jerusalem. An accurate Bible reads at Genesis 13:1-4: "Aʹbram then went up out of Egypt to the Negʹeb, he and his wife and all that he had, together with Lot. Aʹbram was very rich in livestock, silver, and gold. He camped in one place after another as he traveled from the Negʹeb to Bethʹel, until he arrived at the place where his tent had been between Bethʹel and Aʹi, to the place where he had previously built an altar. There Aʹbram called on the name of Jehovah."(2013 New World Translation) Or another misrendering of the King James Bible is at 1 Chronicles 20:3: "And he brought out the people that were in it, and cut them with saws, and with harrows of iron, and with axes. Even so dealt David with all the cities of the children of Ammon. And David and all the people returned to Jerusalem." An accurate Bible reads at 1 Chronicles 20:3: "And he brought out the people (of the Ammonite city of Rabbah) who were in it and put them to work at sawing stones and at working with sharp iron instruments and with axes. That was what David did to all the cities of the Amʹmon·ites. Finally David and all the troops returned to Jerusalem."(2013 New World Translation) How critical to have an accurate Bible, in order to come and know "the truth". Otherwise, a person remains "lost".

[@billstafford7535]

The KJV is the same except for it used to be 80 books. But the true reason that most people can't understand the Bible. Is that they don't keep God's commandments and statutes! Ya'll can read and study your whole life. But if you don't do what God wants you to do. You will never find him or his son, Jesus. You have to live by God's standards, not by yours.

[@1989pfrost]

The worst thing older Bibles did was self pronouncing. It makes it much harder to read

[@joeseczulaica3053]

They are pretty pretty expensive But that's the way the world is If you know what I mean And it's not God it's man

[@MikeTMike]

Too much for "perfect and unchangeable.

[@OneStepToday]

Did the 40s Bibles call used the name of Israel, or "Palestine" before the formation of the state? The scholars and bible study notes still use Palestine for Israel, which is antisemitism.

[@brennathompson1855]

Palestine and Palestinian used to refer to the land and anyone who lived in what we now call Israel and Palestine. The Jerusalem Post used to be called the Palestine Post and was a Zionist newspaper, for example

[@normmcinnis4102]

When humans are involved, things always diminish