NKJV Maclaren Series Bible Review

A look at the new NKJV Maclaren Series Bibles from Thomas Nelson and how they compare with several other verse-by-verse NKJVs.
Written review - biblebuyinggui...
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Thomas Nelson provided these Bibles in exchange for an honest review.

[@megalyon]

I love the Maclaren series too Randy.. agree so much - good binding, great font & print quality. Love the blue accents instead of red and love the font size 😁😁 Another win by Thomas Nelson.

[@gleasonparker1684]

NKJV IS about my FAVOURITE just because 9f the quality of THIS BIBLE ..

[@RobertP_1960]

I was able to get both NkJV and KJV Maclaren Leathersoft black for $23 each...very nice feel and love the paper and blue highlights. Those Goatskin ones are very beautiful..take care

[@douglasj2254]

Thanks for a great review. The NKJV is probably my favorite translation but I haven't been too thrilled with what has come out the last few years. I wind up using a few old, beat up Nelson personal size giant prints that I got 2011-2014, with that crummy paper. But this one looks awesome. And I so appreciate that you share my difficulty with excessive see-through or "ghosting" in Bible paper. That has prevented me from enjoying many otherwise nice editions. Be well.

[@shuttergirlUK]

It's a beautifully clean layout. Thanks for the review - super helpful. I agree about the maps - they need to put a good, numerous selection of them in there!

[@brittanyfisher1341]

Literally answered the question I had in the first 10 seconds 😂 watched the rest anyways for appreciation. Really wish that outer margin a smidge larger.

[@zp2010mo]

Good review job. Do you know if the new Maclaren thinline will be verse by verse? They say they will be released on 5/9, can you get a hold of one before then? Christ' words in blue will be interesting. Thank you, and keep up the awesome reviews! God bless.

[@BibleBuyingGuide]

Thanks for subscribing! Unfortunately, I don't have any information on that one. I'll see if I can get any information. I do plan to review it, but I'm not sure if I can get a pre-release copy. Thanks for checking! May Jesus richly bless you too!

[@nickvasiliades4537]

Incredibly thorough review Randy. Also, incredibly helpful.

[@BibleBuyingGuide]

Thanks Nick!

[@Airik1111bibles]

Hi brother Randy hope you're doing well. These are nice , the font on the nkjv is now my fave out of them all. I'm not big on those vinyl and paper liners but that's the budget side of life isn't it. That leather soft looks really nice actually, I would love that if it was edge lined. I think the perfect bible cover would be the old classic genuine leather covers with a flexible synthetic liner. A nice hybrid cover..weird I know but, I think it would be so cool. I'm kinda sad that the industry is moving away from treated genuine covers. They were tough for a reason , I will always love a good morroco grain or split calf cover . No scratches no snags just toss it in a bag and go.

[@BibleBuyingGuide]

Hi brother. I'm doing great. Thanks for checking. I know what you mean about the old-school editions. I have a Collins that is edge-lined and every page opens flat. It doesn't try to close. I'd love to see that design come back.

[@gleasonparker1684]

I like what you say about NKJV format. I think I like IT ALSO esp in calf leather. Just for bible size and translation I like 1. NKJV McLaren. Leather. 2. ESV w buffalo leather in 12 point FONT. 4.75 x 8.75.

[@crucified4me]

Awesome review! Received my copy yesterday, hopefully I’ll be able to review it soon. This whole collection looks great. Blessings 🙏🏽

[@BibleBuyingGuide]

Thanks! I can't wait to see your review!

[@gleasonparker1684]

The layout of NKJV with format of Nelson..and BLUE hilites ..and appropriate-ness of leather.. when combined.. makes for almost a perfect BIBLE. I think.

[@gleasonparker1684]

I have learned a lot about readability including white space and room between the lines and such from watching you the last few months. And of course FONTs.

[@joest.eggbenedictus1896]

I have the McClaren commentary from the 1940s, found in my church's library storage. I use it often, its incredible!

[@adrianalonzo7973]

AE Bibles plans on rebinding with various leather offerings soon.....Great idea Randy!

[@BibleBuyingGuide]

Excellent choice!!

[@gleasonparker1684]

TODAY THIS IS MY FAVOURITE BIBLE.

[@gleasonparker1684]

I like blue in this series...for accents and names of books. 2 colours help a lot. For readability.

[@HouseofChains81]

Good looking bibles. I prefer center column reference myself. Edit: I see you're at the center column reference now. I have the black leathersoft center reference and I really enjoy it. I'm not a fan of the spine as I wish it had raised hubs like on the Maclaren but it's what's on the inside that matters

[@mrken1720]

Thanks for that review! Hope you'll do a giveaway

[@Hospody-Pomylui]

I picked up the KJV Preaching Bible for $35 off Amazon when it was on a pre-Christmas sale. Calfskin for leathersoft price! the NKJV never got that low though.

[@ShoelessPoimen]

Hey Randy, is the text block and paper the exact same between all additions? I like the idea of purchasing the leather soft and having it rebound.

[@BibleBuyingGuide]

Hi Mike. They are the same except for the goatskin edition which has overcast stitching in the front. The paper is the same on all editions.

[@gleasonparker1684]

I like NKJV layout too. Plus it is the QUENTEL in this format 2 cols w refs and notes at bottom.. with up to 11.5 font in preaching bible. McLaren IS a smaller font at 10.5. Glad they were honest. ..to NOT call it 11.5. Both are readable as is even 9.5 in SOVEREIGN.

[@gleasonparker1684]

I think I don't like center-column references except in the Cambridge King James Version type cuz they have it in bold where you can pretty much see it. AND the Cambridge Concord puts the verses close to the references they go to and so you can sort of follow them along. I don't think I would ever read many of the notes in the bottom but it's good to know they're there.

[@gleasonparker1684]

I really like NKJV layout especially in psalms etc. Poetry.

[@gleasonparker1684]

I think Nelson erred on high side at 11.5 And low side at 10.5. It is at least as big as Quentel at 11 POINT. So probably 11.25..Whatever it is.. it is my favourite for NKJV.

[@edwardgraham9443]

The NKJV series looks better to me. Maybe it's the layout of the NKJV, but it's really nice. I have the NKJV Preaching Bible so other than the inclusion of the maps they are same Bible, so I'll pass. Notwithstanding, the series looks awesome. Thomas Nelson is releasing an all black letter edition of the verse by verse later this year and I'm very excited about this. I prefer the narrower columns of the verse by verse plus it has the Concordance and I use my concordance and maps. Like you, I wished there were more maps like the ESV Reference Bible. Great review on a fine series of Bibles in both NKJV and KJV.

[@noelsheen4843]

My name is Glen Sheen from Cochin Kerala India I am desperately looking for this Bible but can't afford to buy it. Can anyone gift me this Bible please

[@ilciasvjr]

Great review; thanks for the comparisons. Does the NKJV Maclaren format NT references to the OT in an italic or oblique font? Based on what I saw in the video, it doesn’t seem to, but just wanted to double check.

[@BibleBuyingGuide]

Thanks! It doesn't include that formatting. Thomas Nelson has moved away from that with the Comfort Print designs.

[@magicsysrq8453]

It's a pity that they don't differentiate quotes by font type. Perhaps the NKJV Comfort Print font doesn't include an oblique type. I know the NASB Comfort Print type still uses small caps for quotes though.

[@gleasonparker1684]

I would sacrifice small references at bottom for more readable text . I would use a magnifying glass for references and concordance..which I HAVE done...to have readability of text. I have found the NKJV center column. REFERENCE in about 10 FONT..PREMIER.. is good. AND in 13 point ..in leathersoft..IS readable references. Rare. I ordered several Nelson NKJV when I could NOT get a Quentel in that version. Now I am not sure I want one. Nelson is so good in PREMIER BIBLES. In large PRINT. Is all I buy.

[@normanrausch1223]

I have got this bible in leather soft and it is superb

[@victorgeorgian8634]

NEW Thomas Nelson's advertising of their new lines of premium Bibles: "Words of Christ in black for a reading experience that is easy on your eyes throughout Scripture. The black text, improving readability". AT LAST... They did say that! Remember brethrens: Red Letter - AGAINST Word of God...

[@Warriorstreetpreachers]

Great review! Do you recommend the Goatskin or the Genuine leather if you could only have one?

[@BibleBuyingGuide]

Thank you! I personally prefer the genuine leather because I like the way the pages lay flat. The goatskin will last longer, though.

[@Warriorstreetpreachers]

@@BibleBuyingGuide Thanks, I pulled the trigger on the genuine leather.

[@BibleBuyingGuide]

@@Warriorstreetpreachers please let me know how you like it.

[@danbratten3103]

Randy, does the stamped grain of the genuine leather smooth out over time? I recently purchased 3 different NKJV deluxe leathersoft from Thomas Nelson and 1 of them the grain look is already smooth where my hand holds it (oddly enough it's the one I've used the least). I figured if anybody would know, it would be you. Thank you again for these videos and answering our questions. Blessings.

[@BibleBuyingGuide]

Thanks Dan! I've never had the stamped grain to smooth out over time.

[@gleasonparker1684]

I also have WM in this. Shows you CAN put big PRINT..in WM. Note to Cambridge.

[@richardhowell9535]

Is the paper the same in all of them? Excellent review.

[@BibleBuyingGuide]

Thanks! It is the same.

[@tomjjackson21]

If you could choose any bible, at any price point, which would you recommend? I'm really wanting a ultra high quality, personal sized Bible. Idk why, I'd like to start collet Bibles. I've gone through many cheap ones, and desire some real heirloom quality books. Thanks

[@BibleBuyingGuide]

Good question. My favorites are the Schuyler Personal Size Quentel/Canterbury series and the Cambridge Clarion series. They're made in the Netherlands by Royal Jongbloed and designed by 2K/Denmark. The Schuyler covers are of higher quality than the Cambridge, but both are high quality.

[@aarondodson8332]

Did Nelson fix the previous binding issue that they had with the Preaching Bible in this edition? I’ve read where often the Preaching Bible [the one that is much like this one] was reported as having binding issues. Do you know if this one is made any different or is more durable? Thanks in advance

[@BibleBuyingGuide]

Hi Aaron. None of mine have any binding issues, but my Preaching Bibles didn't either. What are the issues so I'll know what to look for?

[@aarondodson8332]

Signatures in the NT became detached from the spine.

[@BibleBuyingGuide]

@@aarondodson8332 thanks. I've never had this issue.

[@PaDutchRunner]

I wish Nelson would license the ESV.

[@Tax_Buster]

I’m drooling!!!

[@gleasonparker1684]

As I recall the RED TOPAZ is calfskin instead of calf split.

[@gleasonparker1684]

I have KJV Cambridge turquoise..and large print..and Nelson KJV large print personal size.

[@josephlawson1531]

Has Thomas Nelson quit offering their Premier line in the brown goatskin?

[@BibleBuyingGuide]

I'm not sure, but I haven't seen it in the last few Bibles they've released.

[@josephlawson1531]

@@BibleBuyingGuide Me either. It's a shame. That brown is really nice. Thanks for another great review! I believe you like a lot of the same elements as I do, so I always enjoy your videos.

[@BibleBuyingGuide]

@@josephlawson1531 thanks!!

[@gleasonparker1684]

I would never buy the RSV Quentel since they reduced the FONT from 11 TO 10. I guess to make room for apocrypha. Plus typos make it less desirable.

[@gleasonparker1684]

I think Amazon is generally cheaper than Christian book.

[@gleasonparker1684]

It seems to me that the goatskin hump takes away the gutter MORE than the calfskin leather.

[@gleasonparker1684]

I love leather McLaren over goatskin or leather like.

[@gleasonparker1684]

RED in Nelson including verse #s. Is unparalleled .

[@brendaboykin3281]

Thanx, Pastor 🌹🌹🌹

[@gleasonparker1684]

Love the leather.

[@palivelapremadhararao8285]

requesting for free bibles for distributing to poor and needy and who took the baptism newly in India

[@gleasonparker1684]

I am NOW against anything that reduces the potential of the font size in the text of the Bible and that includes center-column references when they can be put at the bottom just as easy just as the Quentel and the other.. Canterbury Bibles..do it seems. The exception might be the CONCORD lay out w/ references close to verse it goes to ...and the Cambridge dark bold PRINT.

[@gleasonparker1684]

As long as Nelson and Zondervan are using 36 GSM vs. 28 in Schuyler..I will err on side of PREMIER.

[@Giancarlo_1997]

And they’re much cheaper with better paper for people who highlight ALOT and underline in case of these I can’t write notes but I have the premier collection VBV center column red letter but I barely use it as much as I used to because Jesus’s letters are in red and I can’t highlight important verses unlike my favorite (NASB95) SCR bible by Zondervan which I use every single days for reading and studying I don’t like the Nkjv as much because all the corrections are literally translated correctly in the NASB95 though I think I’d use it more if it was black letter and for this price it’s great.

[@douglasj2254]

Did I miss the dimensions? Thanks!

[@joannetravis6429]

Is the paper exactly the same in the goatskin as in the others?

[@BibleBuyingGuide]

Yes it is.

[@noelsheen4843]

My name is Glen Sheen from Cochin Kerala India I am desperately looking for this Bible but can't afford to buy it. Can anyone gift me this Bible please

[@deanstoronsky4371]

ONCE YOU GO WITH THIS NKJV BIBLE. THERE IS NOTHING BETTER. HAHA! My leathersoft Maclaren bible blows away my Schuyler, my rebinds and my NASB Premium. It has to do with the text block, font, color and layout. I art gild mine with the same color blue. WOW! I can't put it down..

[@christinawynkoop4027]

The paper is it the same in all these bibles? GSM?

[@d.c.sodyssey4783]

do they make this in paragraph reading format but double column?

[@BibleBuyingGuide]

Unfortunately, no. The closest is the large print thinline, but the font is smaller. Here's my review of that one. kzbin.info/www/bejne/eHnHh2OIm6ibe6M

[@pm4393]

What is the font size ... Do they come in giant print

[@privacyiskey83]

Randy which one would you choose out of the four?

[@BibleBuyingGuide]

I use the genuine leather. I just like how it stays open and it isn't as floppy as the goatskin.

[@gleasonparker1684]

Dr Zhivago would hate the TOPAZ. No poetry special layout.

[@cpcourtney6570]

Is the paper across all three, goatskin, leather and leather-soft, the same 36gsm?

[@BibleBuyingGuide]

Yes, it's the same at least in this first run. I'm not sure about the current run.

[@gleasonparker1684]

RED is much easier to see with black. Blue is good but not AS good..being closer to black.

[@gleasonparker1684]

Good print+white space= readability.

[@gleasonparker1684]

Are ALL NKJV verse by verse?

[@BibleBuyingGuide]

No. The Thomas Nelson Single Column, Compact Single Column, and Premier Collection Large Print Thinline are paragraph. The Holman, Schuyler, and Cambridge editions are also paragraph.

[@pamelah6431]

I'd just love to find a Bible that doesn't refer to the land of Canaan or Israel as "Palestine" in the maps and notes!

[@gleasonparker1684]

NKJV layout is better than KJV.

[@JesseRoland]

I'll be glad when TN leaves all that gaudy gold stamping off the spine. .

[@gleasonparker1684]

Iike KJV only.

[@victorgeorgian8634]

These Chinese made Bibles will get worn very quickly. I have seen already a such Bible (leather edition) after using. So I'm not going to pay a pile for that poor execution of Holy Word. And I don't believe theirs' cross-ref. and notes☝️. Buy what is stricktly based on Classical Scrolls, not Ctitic☝️al texts. And brethren, buy what is made in Christian countries☝️, please.

[@fredeskridge22]

NKJV would be better if it was the kjv lol