The Best Premium Personal Size Bibles

[@JacobDoddVlogs]

My parents bought me a Cambridge Clarion for my baptism when I was 12 (November 2012). It's really nice, and i know you mentioned it here, but it's personal sized but on the thicker side. But while I was a teenager I mostly read on my phone, and then I was given a study Bible which I've always used as a young adult. I recently went and looked at the old clarion... and it's MISSING the entire book of Leviticus, half of Numbers and chapter 40 of Exodus. Long story short, I finally got through their customer service, and they granted me a warranty replacement. All that to say, I'm excited to jump into my new clarion and start bringing it with me as i get into reading from a physical Bible, as it's much more portable than my Crossway ESV study bible!

[@TheRealNoxxus]

FYI for those that are interested, the HHC CSB personal size in marbled slate calfskin is 40% off on Lifeway's website as of 12/11/24. 64.99$ is solid! Ordered one myself.

[@nicslager334]

Fantastic video Tim! Those new CSB Bibles look very cool. Also, I just found out that I was gifted a channel membership from a fan. I have no idea who gifted it to me, but I just wanted to take a moment to say thank you! God bless!

[@shannonmiller5618]

Yes definitely!❤❤❤❤

[@philr3381]

The Cambridge Cameo, Pitt Minion, and PSQ are my 1,2 and 3 favorite true personal size bibles.

[@timwildsmith]

I should have included the Cameo in this video.

[@philr3381]

@@timwildsmith your video was awesome! The Allen 7c and the Cameo are extremely similar, with similar clarenden font and center column references.

[@megalyon]

@@timwildsmith Oh yeah the Cameo would have been great! I would love to see how it compares to the others

[@guymontag349]

Good choices!

[@philr3381]

@@guymontag349 the Cambridge Reduced Concord and TBS Classic Refernce (same pagination) are also good choices if you are looking for good compact KJV.

[@williamclarke2020]

Hi brother Tim! I absolutely love your channel along with brother Nickles,

[@sarose9689]

For those that would like a smaller Bible but are a bit sight-challenged, I found a wonderful Bible and I’m really surprised I can only find it in one translation. It is the NLT compact giant print by Tyndale. It’s 5 x 7, 1.5” thick, and 11 point font. Only available in a leather soft option, but perfect size and print size for an EDC.

[@kris.1095]

I could not agree more about the NLT giant print compact. It’s thick but still portable, and the type is so much easier to see. It’s my reading-in-bed Bible. I have the Mahogany LeatherLike one with the Celtic Cross. Unfortunately the textile zipper compact version has smaller 10 point type, still quite readable, but not for me. It’s my son’s now.

[@yeishaadhosein6510]

Pitt minion is underrated by many tbh. I always recommend once a person’s eyesight can take the print. I reach for mines regularly.

[@freddyt86]

Ended up giving mine to a young man I was discipling. Print was just too small. Loved the size of it though. The PSQ is about perfect for me. I love the references in it, but if they removed them and filled the page with text, it’d get even thinner.

[@guymontag349]

I consider my four Pitt Minions to be nearly perfect Bibles. Unfortunately, my eyes are aging faster than the rest of me! I can still read my Pitts if I'm in good light, though. The new larger font Cambridge Diadem is a very worthy step up from a Pitt Minion.

[@craigpatterson3612]

Part of what sets the Pitt Minion apart (and above) all these others is how thin it is. In terms of portability, I think this makes a big difference.

[@candicebeshears6772]

The humble lamb history Bible is on my wishlist! One of these days I will have one! Love its chunkiness!

[@grantkruger3689]

I have a PSQ ESV and its great. That zippered Imperial Blue looks great for traveling. I like what Holman are doing with marbled calfskin, and I hope they make an NASB 2020 in that sometime. The Crossway Alpha and Allan Brevier look very nice and interesting.

[@CliffR]

Love the handcrafted bibles, but PSQ is my favorite from these. Out side of those I love the Heritage and Clarion

[@RealDiaFr]

I've never owned a premium bible but if I get one I'll have to go with Allan. There is something about that full yapp leather look that is marvelous. Definitely grabbing one when they release a color combination I am satisfied with.

[@levistewart8419]

Great video. Just got a Pitt Minion because it literally fits in the back pocket of my jeans which keeps me from misplacing it at Church. I love how portable it is. Also, a little surprised not to see the Lockman NASB 2020 Prime Large Print Compact in this video. It’s probably my favorite personal sized Bible.

[@daltonburroughs3811]

Holman is definitely making my favorite looking Bibles right now

[@kositphanthanusorn4238]

I really want an ESV Alpha in the Wellington leather. Looks so good!

[@clintgaskill5162]

I love my new lsb portable paragraph! Great for on the go. Easy on the eyes.

[@brentwood8081]

The PSQ is on my wishlist because it’s everything I would ask for in a personal size Bible…size, color, font size….perfect!

[@16ton7]

I have a NASB 1977 compact SCR that I have currently sent off to get rebound. I cannot wait to get it back. Recently I found a rare Cambridge Cameo NASB that I am going to get rebound as well.

[@chrisb5391]

They are all lovely, but I now have my eye on the Humble Lamb HisTory in.the orange color. Thank you for all of your reviews. They are informative and helpful.

[@timsaco4793]

I have the PSQ and the Pitt Minion. I love the Pitt Minion’s portability and layout. And in some situations, I can read the Pitt minion without a problem. But if the light is low, I struggle to read it. So more often I carry my PSQ. Which I can read in just about any situation. I have awful eyes and always have glasses. The PSQ is a good middle ground it’s still portable, but has the larger text that I need to be able to read it.

[@tacticaltradingpennystocks7206]

Allen makes the best Bibles IMO. I have a Blackface, very similar to the 7C, an absolute beauty. Schuyler does a great job as well, but Allen makes an old style classic Bible

[@jonathanspilger]

The regular version of the Allan 7C is the 7. It’s the same text as the 5WM (but obviously without the margins)

[@thesalsalthe]

Thanks a bunch Tim for this review, just what I needed and very well done as usual. First look here I would prefer the Alan primarily as I age I find myself much more comfortable with the - not necessarily the largest but the larger end of the type face, 8 would probably be the smallest. I will review the individual videos and the links to purchase as well. Thanks again !

[@loriweible1512]

Great video. I do have two KIng James versions that fit in my pocket. The type front isn't to small on one of them but my oldest one is around 70 years old and the type front is smaller but I still read it. One us a Thomas Nelson printed in 1970. Not premium leather still great I do carry it. The other one that I have that's about 70 years old I've had it since I a young girl around 7 years of age . It does have very nice leather cover it has the queens crest in it.

[@theologisch]

I really like both of those gray/slate CSBs 😍

[@kthatley]

I’d love to see the new PPR against some of those!

[@littlemama4two]

4 x 6 is an awesome size. However I'd say its a compact size and the thinline is personal size jmho Added to say in the world of planners the 4 x 7 is just about the size that is considered personal size 😊 My fave is pitminion [cuz smallest in size] then CSB cuz i love the translation.

[@abc123fhdi]

The CSB is nice with the color accent for the chapters and good font size, would be better if they did it as single column inside reference, this form factor should be more common especially with smaller bibles.

[@clivenewton7609]

Tim! Another top draw masterpiece and no mistake 😂If I had to choose or rather if my bank account could stand it, it would have to be the Schuyler!! Having just received my 316 Legacy Premium (Disappointing😢) I’m going to have to save before I even dare to mention another premium purchase!! Every blessing. Clive

[@timwildsmith]

Thanks, Clive!

[@JoeWimsatt17]

I wish Allan Single Column Reference was NOT verse by verse. I love the references in the gutter and wish more publishers would do that. I just prefer paragraph format. Hope to see more gutter reference bibles in the future. Great Video.

[@valeriehallmark6467]

Great video, thank you! I am still searching for a Schuyler PSQ in the color black. I’d prefer NIV but I’d take any translation if I could find it. The zippered model is still available but I don’t want the zipper. I’m going to keep searching……😊

[@MrSteveb1]

Hi Tim, one I own that I believe qualifies is the Steadfast Bibles (Three sixteen publishing) NASB 95 large print compact text edition in Black Goatskin . Printed & bound in South Korea . This Bible is very well crafted and very compact. I wear corrective lenses and have no issues reading it .

[@definit1on119]

I have the Esv alpha. Love it.

[@DavidS-mg2so]

The PSQ is my favorite; the heirloom alpha is giving it a run for its money.

[@charlesleibyjr1951]

Great Video Tim! 🦬🌳🌳🌳

[@movdqa]

I have a Nelson 4 1/2 x 6 1/2 x 1 1/2 KJV from the 1980s or possibly the 1970s and it is very well-worn. Old typeset print with a little ink bubbling. I got my wife a Zondervan NIV Study at 4 1/2 x 6 1/2 x 1 3/4 and she has used it for probably 30 years. There are notes all over it and it fits in her handbag and is very easy to carry. I personally wish that I could get another one of these. It doesn't seem like there's anything comparable in the market today. I do really like the study notes in the bottom third of the page. I also wear prescription glasses for reading and I could get magnified prescription reading glasses if my vision gets weaker in the future. It seems that modern personal/compact Bibles are a little bigger than they were in the 1970s and 1980s by 1/4 to 1/2 inch width and 1/2 inch on the length. My Bible is larger and I wouldn't call it a desk Bible but more of a briefcase-sized Bible as I used to carry it around in a briefcase along with a notebook and a few other things. Your video implies that you pick the company that makes the Bibles and then select the translation and style from what they offer.

[@luisborjas682]

I love my PSQ. It’s perfect for my EDC. I throw it in my backpack and I’m ready to go.

[@johnveazey6534]

The PSQ is definitely my favorite overall but I really wish we could get modern translations in modern typsettings (paragraphed without self pronouncing text) in vintage typefaces like the Allan Clarendon’s. If that was a thing, that would be far and away my favorite. Also, it doesn’t come in a premium binding (yet!) but I really love the CSB Single Column Compacts, which are solidly personal-size. Those are extremely readable.

[@jbulick]

I have a Clarion and a PSQ. The PSQ has much better leather and paper, in my opinion. The Clarion, being single column paragraph, while thicker and with basically the same font size, has more letting and thus is a bit easier to read.

[@monicaaleixo5378]

I don’t have any of those yet. However, my favorite would be the Skyler . I’ve been eyeballing that for a long time and hope to get one in the near future.

[@lizardwanderer]

I wish I could get a personal size bible but my eyes need the billboard size bible!

[@beckycaughel7557]

That’s what I was thinking😂

[@timwildsmith]

🤣🤣🤣

[@RandallChase1]

My pastor loves the CSB, so I am getting into it more.

[@moosinekim]

The only one I could read comfortably would be the Allan. Maybe a different color leather?? 😊

[@danielblakeney7575]

Just over a year ago, my wife and I joined a church that uses the KJV. To have a Bible to take to church, I purchased TBS' Classic Reference Bible. I fell in love with the physical size, the font, the reference system (no markings on the text) that it became my daily use Bible. Now it gets annoying to use a "mid-size" Bible 😂.

[@marcwilliams4097]

What a great selection! Can't wait.

[@johnwyatt2846]

I love my PSQ zippered version for travel and protection.

[@matsuda150]

Thanks, Tim, for an informative and timely review of fantastic personal size Bibles. I really enjoy your reviews and your excitement of Bibles from various publishers. Although I don’t own any of the Bible’s that are in your review, my favorites would be the Holman CSB personal size and the Cambridge Pitt Minion. Would the Cambridge Clarion be considered a personal size Bible? The one that I use that I consider “personal” size is my 1991 Thomas Nelson NKJV, genuine leather, center-column references, 2-column text, verse-by-verse, red letter, with Concordance, translation notes, complete Preface, and “How to Use this Reference Bible”. It measures leather cover 5.13 in X 7.5 in; paper size 4.75 X 7.25; and thickness is 1.38 in. I don’t know what font size it uses, maybe a 7.5 or 8 point comfort print, but the paper and printing are really high quality, which still allow my bad eyes to read the text with little to no eye fatigue. As always, I look forward to your Bible unboxing and reviews.

[@timwildsmith]

Thanks so much!

[@Dr.Mike.Rev.Napier]

I love that slat calf Skin ❤ from Holman

[@KJSCalderon]

Single column personal size are my favorite

[@veedub95]

Do a video for the CSB personal size and compare it to the last version. I have two of the previous version one in Genuine leather and the other in soft touch or whatever Holman calls their imitation leather.

[@Digable.]

Humble Lamb NASB HIStory, KJV Brevier Clarendon, and the ESV Heirloom Alpha are the personal size premiums I own. They all have their own unique qualities and highly recommend any of them

[@pattimachugs1945]

I love the personal size but I have to have larger print to read them but I use a thinline personal sized ESV bible that is perfect for toting to church every time.

[@mfacundo7]

Pitt Minion is King. Great video big dawg.

[@awanen]

I honestly expected you to pull out the portable paragraph reference from steadfast. It's very close to the pit minion, just a lot thicker and apperantly it's at 9.5 font size

[@timwildsmith]

I recorded this video before it arrived!

[@BenHowe-d9m]

I love my ESV Pitt Minion and the personal size CSB (not premium) Bibles as my on the go bible. But I’m more a fan of the medium sized Bibles like my CSB single column and my NASB 2020 double column reference Bible. That 8.5 by 5 is the perfect size IMHO

[@JoshuaInTheWoods]

I regularly cry in my coffee because I can no longer read from the Pitt Minion due to my feeble little eyes. Diadem is on my list.

[@richardvoogd705]

I, too, sometimes struggle with reading smaller size print. I've had my "d'oh" moments when unboxing compact size Bibles and checking them ou.

[@charming7722]

Amazon has some great reading glasses! Think they are about $5 for a pair. Use mine all of the time.❤🧡💛

[@ericmoore6498]

The Mighty Sight Magnifying Glasses have a built-in light. They are perfect for reading in a dark room.

[@JesseBingham]

I sincerely wish there was a way for one of these publishers to make a truly personal size single column Bible. I know that it may simply be impossible, especially because of thickness. My favorite (and most used) edition is the ESV Heritage. I love everything about it, including the size. It’s just about the perfect compromise for me. The interesting thing about it, though, is that it’s just big enough that I sometimes wish for a smaller format to carry around (travel with), but it’s just small enough that when I pull out the PSQ it feels like they’re so close that I might as well carry the Heritage. Haha. Something like the Pitt Minion would probably be the ideal “personal size” for me to feel like it’s enough smaller than the Heritage to be worth it for the times I wish for something smaller.

[@RedeemedSinner92]

I thought my single column personal size was going to be around the size of the actual personal size. Just a little thicker, but I don't mind having the larger font at times.

[@mattconstance2196]

Schuyler PSQ (Original size) not the new one nails it for "Personal" and "Portable". My Schyuler PSQ NKJV is my travel bible.

[@souldier2425]

PSQ for me. I think it has the nicest typesetting, most readable font, not overly small or big, best materials and full cross references. Any reason you didn't include the new NLT PSQ in the comparison?

[@timwildsmith]

I mentioned that it's too big to be called "personal."

[@IgorSacara1]

Have you concidered switching to a 4k camera? Absolutley love your videos but everything is blurry at 1080p. I would love crisp videos to see the finer details on beautiful bibles.

[@timwildsmith]

I just bought two new Sony 4k cameras... now I just need to find the time to set them up and learn how to use them!

[@johnbankston72]

…yes. I was thinking it was my TV but the same bluriness happens on my iPhone.

[@jonburnett4950]

I was comparing my Alpha Wellington and my old ESV PSQ in British Tan. I think I prefer the color and simplicity of the Alpha, but the goatskin, layout (sans references), and typeface of the PSQ. Is there an LSB that would fall in this 5x7 range? God bless!

[@weast6388]

Tim i think you're trying to make the compact Bibles be personal size. Im personally a fan of thinlines, but the midsize makes the best personal Bibles because they are useful for notes and sometimes have those nice helps that they include from the publishers

[@TimHall1973]

I have a CSB PSQ and I love it love it love it. It is the original size in the Tuscany cowhide with full yapp. I love the portability while retaining good legibility. I do like the new leathers from Holman Handcrafted though. I have the marbled burgundy and marbled slate in the "Personal" size single column [one is mine, one is my wife's]. I am definitely considering this personal size Bible in marbled slate. Are the verse numbers in red like the single column ones?

[@geoffreyverkade8760]

Waiting till the LSB PPR comes out in the goatskin!

[@quietedbyHISlove_Zeph3.17]

PSQ#1, then Pitt Minion, but yes little small- for lighter reading. PSQ perfect

[@Ginamayy]

Can anyone recommend an easy to carry around bible that also has a little note room but also has a good easy to read font? I would also love it to be real leather. I am on the lookout and it’s hard to find something that checks all the boxes. Thanks in advance!

[@kris.1095]

Thank you for the education on how to size Bibles. Because publishers are so inconsistent, I try to pay more attention to the measurements instead of what they’re called. Perhaps it’s time to return to Folio, Quarto, Octavo, Duodecimo, Sextodecimo. And what the heck is handy size? 😂

[@bbenkert]

The LSB vbv double column is the perfect size weight width height paper font size etc but I prefer ESV though.

[@lizardwanderer]

I'm partial to Schuyler!

[@joelfields9807]

I agree and I'm excited for my mid size quentel ESV lol

[@ChrisSheridan-k9z]

Super helpful. Thank you.

[@charming7722]

PSQ is my favorite. I have a few. 🤓

[@worshipdrummer08]

PSQ is the only one I personally own BUT I’ve said a thousand different times that I wish they did that vintage type face (I believe you referred to it as “letterpress”) in a modern translation. Maybe the ESV as a continuation of the KJV tradition? 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@johnveazey6534]

I’ve thought the same many times! I’d love to see a vintage typeface, like the Clarendon’s or Longprimers in a modern typesetting (i.e. paragraphed) with a modern translation. I find them to be so readable.

[@tonioday]

Would you consider the LSB PPR be compared to these?

[@timwildsmith]

Yes! I filmed this video before that one showed up!

[@v7dal]

I started my premium bible search with a Schuyler Quentel but that was far too big. I returned that and got (and waiting to receive) my PSQ Canterbury KJV Black Pearl which I think is a perfect size. I have found my lifetime bible but if I ever do buy another I really hope Schuyler keeps the size as is and not the new 8’ size.

[@gomezxv]

Hi Brother Tim, greetings and blessings. I have a question for you, can you recommend a rebinder in South Florida? Thank you and God bless!

[@justindeharlingen]

I think some descriptors, though would be helpful to consumers beyond imagination, simply don't appeal to marketing departments. Like, "small print personal size" or "thick-spine midsize".

[@timwildsmith]

Good point!

[@philipparish2990]

What is the difference between pocket & personal size?

[@CLayneH10]

I've been trying to find the smallest viable note-taking Bible, but I've had no luck. I'd love a 5x7, single-column with a decent margin.

[@johnbankston72]

…impossible for a 5x7 to have decent margin.

[@Firewalz]

The ESV Alpha seems to be the best compromise between size and readability. The classic Pitt is simply to small and hard to read for middle aged eyes.

[@deanbrandon3615]

PSQ for the win. I hope the new larger PSQ is not too big.

[@jamiehan5103]

aren't the Holman bibles marketed as "Compact"? -- I've got the personal size ones and they are bigger!

[@timwildsmith]

This little one is called the CSB Personal Size Bible.

[@gypsylane8723]

The allan 26 is the blackface and it has the cyclopedic concordance and also its self pronouncing, its a little thinner but not by much 7c

[@jameskosch4052]

And a few years ago they did a 7 without the cyclopedic concordance.and, of course, without the "c" designation. I wish they would do that again. The cc is so outdated at this point it's only an historic novelty.

[@tacticaltradingpennystocks7206]

I have the 26, Blackface. I absolutely love it

[@austinjesseman]

what is your favorite Bible

[@Daiheart01]

Hi, Tim, Can you review “ The Care & Counsel Bible NEW KING JAMES VERSION” When it releases, Please??

[@tony.biondi]

TN do a NKJV Personal Size Large Print Reference Bible in the Premier Collection and their Single Column Reference Bible has a similar footprint.

[@realpapamorty]

I have a Cambridge Pitt/Wide Margin. But that PSQ…..

[@micahwatz1148]

The vintage type font in the allen is the best. Easier to read

[@benjaminrandolph8972]

Missing something from 316

[@sannyyou]

Love my compact sized LSB from them

[@KeithWV]

Yep. They are great.

[@Dr.Mike.Rev.Napier]

Watching on the way to my Masters Graduation (Masters in Pastoral Psychology) if you wanted to send me that CSB Slat personal size as a Graduation present that would be awesome.

[@timwildsmith]

Congrats!

[@Dr.Mike.Rev.Napier]

@@timwildsmith thanks Tim it’s been a lot of work. Now working on my PhD in Pastoral Psychology

[@sheldon3996]

Hi Tim, any thoughts on the size requirements of a ginormous Bible?

[@timwildsmith]

Ha!

[@iamjustjoshin]

Do you have a Trevaris I can buy from you?

[@timwildsmith]

No

[@brandonvaara4060]

Looks like I guessed correctly a few weeks back

[@pastorabrambagunu]

Nice

[@chriswooten1846]

Wish I didn’t have to watch a political ad from Kamala Harris before your amazing videos Tim. 😂

[@timwildsmith]

I'm getting them, too! It's that time of year... I'm not sure if I can tell YT not to play political ads or not.

[@gblan]

I just can't deal with those heavy vintage typefaces. The eye strain is real. If Allen were to make an edition with a clean, modern typeface without self-pronouncing I'd be on a personal size in a second.

[@movdqa]

I think that I just asked about these in the previous video.

[@tinofsardines]

Cambridge Pitt Minion guy myself, own three of them in NKJV, ESV and NIV translations.