Thompson Chain Reference Bible 4th and 5th Editions Compared

[@bhsher]

Really helpful video. Thanks for going through the differences between the two editions. I ordered a used 4th edition so I hope it's in good shape. I'll know in a few days!

[@BurtonBibles]

Thanks Bryan and you’re welcome!

[@helpfulcreation8238]

Great comparison!! I love this bible, and read those archeological articles a lot! I just saw the TC on the Olive Tree app is over 8,000 chains, so they’re still doing the research. Hopefully come out with another version some day! Thanks for the detailed video! So many people have this bible and don’t realize the other study aids that are available besides the text chains.

[@ThriftStoreBibles]

Thanks, this was very helpful! I recently picked up a fourth edition hardcover just to check out the TCR for the first time and wondered what I might be missing.

[@OrthodoxJourney359]

Good news! CBP just got the okay to actually print the midsize and large print Thompson Chain one time and they should be available in February

[@skjones91199]

Maybe they got permission before Zondervan officially bought them!

[@MarcellHobbs]

My hubby has a 4th edition that I bought him for Father’s Day 1984. Last month I bought this 5th edition from CBP, but had to return it due to a chunk of 1,000 crinkled pages and loose stitching around the corners on the front cover. Other than that, I was pleased with it. I haven’t been able to get a replacement yet because they are out of stock. Thanks for sharing. By the way, I did share my two editions on my channel. Blessings❣️

[@Raphmattic]

they are back in stock. Got one today

[@MarcellHobbs]

Raphmattic Thank you so much! I ordered it yesterday! Excited! Blessings❣️

[@terencealbertmcbain8041]

Thank you Mark, I purchased the 5th edition of the Thompson chain reference Bible from the KJV Store here in the USA so far I have not found any issues with it, the block is from Kirkbride. Thank you again for your videos.

[@BurtonBibles]

You’re welcome ☺️

[@skjones91199]

I finally found the revised or second edition of the TCB (1917). I need to have it rebound, but found it interesting that the only helps in it were the page or two on Bible study in the back and the condensed cyclopedia. Also, the numbers next to the topics in the margins were not there. Just the topics. in the third edition they added the numbers to the new testament, and in the fourth they added them to the whole Bible. Very interesting to see the evolution of this great Bible. I am hoping Zondervan continues this!

[@BurtonBibles]

Great stuff, let’s hope so! 👍

[@skjones91199]

You are so right about the quality! It's too bad, because they were really the standard for so long.

[@fnjesusfreak]

I kind-of wonder what would happen to the quality, if Kirkbride contracted with Zondervan to produce the TCR, like the organization that handles the Spanish version of the TCR. The Spanish TCR seems to be a bit nicer than the English TCR5.

[@loveisall5520]

I still have my large print Fourth edition that I bought new, still have in the box. You are so very right about the difference in quality. I also own a fifth edition NASB with Flimsy paper and a feeling of overall cheapness. Even after a half century (I bought my fourth edition in college in the 70s) It is still supple and eminently usable. I don’t feel deprived missing the updates. Poor swap to get those in exchange for the drop in quality. Thank you so much for a great video!

[@MissyNotMissi]

Can you provide a link for the 5th edition. I’ve been searching and can’t find the right one. I love the fact that it gives the definition of the words. I.e. “pate” That’s so helpful when studying.

[@LeonardoBacalzo]

I have a TCR from CBP too but it's from Platinum series and the misalignments that you mentioned are not there.

[@RJ-hx5nb]

I love the Thompson Chain Reference Bible ! Thanks for the review.

[@jonathanspinasanto1281]

Wow, this answers my questions perfectly! Thanks, brother! I will definitely be planning a rebind for my 4th edition now. :)

[@BurtonBibles]

Great stuff, glad to help!

[@clannard1]

I have a fourth printing of the KJV TCR 5th edition from Kirkbride in black bonded leather, purchased new in 92/93. It doesn't have any of the text misalignment issues shown in your CBP edition.

[@BurtonBibles]

Am pleased for you. Unfortunately this is the problem in my opinion, very hot and miss production. I had several over the years that have been sent back for fairly major issues. Am hoping the TCR can get some consistent quality now as it deserves it. 👍

[@deaconjohn7875]

My 5th edition regular size published by kirkbride does not have the same alignment issue . I checked the first page of Zechariah like you demonstrated. I wonder if it is only in the Large Print edition? My Large Print does have the same issue that yours had. I sold my handy size one...so I could not check it...

[@BurtonBibles]

Yes it’s just disappointing and seems to be a lottery whether you get a good one or not. So frustrating. I am hoping that standards improve with the Zondervan purchase.

[@annabelmccubbin4899]

Hi Mark I have a Tompson chain reference 1964 bonded leather with zip. (as new condition) but can't find any info on the ones with zip. Can you help please x

[@BurtonBibles]

Sorry Annabel I can’t help on that one sorry!

[@williamlang2354]

Available in larger print?

[@skjones91199]

If you haven't seen the press release, Zondervan has purchased Kirkbride. So, kirkbride will be going out of business and zondervan will be releasing all future Thompson Chain reference Bibles. I think this is very sad because they only print in China as far as I know. I talked to a lady at kirkbride today and she confirmed this.

[@BurtonBibles]

No I haven’t. I have mixed views on this. Harper Collins at least have some experience with Thomas Nelson so I’m hopeful they’ll do a good job with the TCR. Let’s hope so.

[@Rachierooh]

I would love to know how to use it and whether I need to buy one! Lol xx

[@BurtonBibles]

How to use it is fairly straightforward I think I have an example in one of my TCR videos. As for do you need one, I guess not but it’s up to you! 😀

[@recoveringknowitall1534]

I have a 3rd edition, 1957

[@CLM1987]

Even the glossary isn't perfect. Alot of the modern definitions are wrong and I wish that CBP would refuse to add the "origin and growth" pages due to the corruption of the modern versions. But alas they overlook that and even the errors Dr. Thompson and whoever else compiled the study material put together

[@farlowalexify]

May of 2022 in a comfort print Thompson chain edition will be available

[@BurtonBibles]

Great stuff, yes I’d heard the comfort print was coming! 👍

[@williamjhunter5714]

Thats why i bought the 5th Edition wide margin. Plenty of room for detailed notes and not near the edge.

[@RUT812]

I just won a bid on a genuine leather Kirkbride 1964 4th Edition KJV Thompson Chain Reference bible. I paid just under $35 for it including shipping, & it’s in very good condition. The only issue with it is that someone’s name is imprinted on the front. The pages are all clean - no highlighting or notes. A couple of pages are yellowed around the edges. That’s it. I had been looking at TCRs, both used & new, & they’re pricey. I just happened to stumble on the one I bought when there was only 18 minutes renaming on the bidding. A pastor is mailing me a Kirkbride NASB TCR, & it’s supposed to arrive tomorrow. I don’t know what shape it’s in; only that someone’s name is imprinted in the front. But it’s free, & free is good.

[@BurtonBibles]

Nice one!

[@RUT812]

@@BurtonBibles I’m so excited. I had all but given up on finding a really good used one. Even the TCRs that are marked up & very used are expensive.

[@BurtonBibles]

If you can find a good one they’re great! That’s the problem!

[@fnjesusfreak]

The Spanish TCR has a similar chart for the history of the Spanish Bible. XD

[@skjones91199]

I have actually been to the Kirkbride headquarters in Indianapolis. It actually took a few minutes for somebody to come out and acknowledge us. Very strange visit. My CBP copy does not have any of the printing issues you showed. I think the ones published by kirkbride are definitely of lower quality. Also, the typeface is very different.

[@BurtonBibles]

Yes a strange publisher altogether I feel. If they can’t do it properly license it to someone who can! Glad you got a good one. I’ve had several disastrous ones! 😀

[@skjones91199]

@@BurtonBibles I ordered a genuine leather and a bonded leather copy from Kirkbride. Both are printed and manufactured in China. I didn't realize they started doing this. The quality of both is way below previous editions and my CBP edition. So, they *are* outsourcing this now. Unfortunately, they outsourced to the wrong place. Very disappointed, and will let them know. Will let Kirkbride know that I will not be buying any other items from them until they take ownership of their product. 😞

[@BurtonBibles]

👍😔

[@skjones91199]

Update! I called Kirkbride and spoke to a very nice lady who informed me that TCRs ordered from CBD (Christian book distributors) are made in CHINA! I had no idea! When I said I ordered two of them I should have written they were from CBD. SO, if you order a Bible from CBD it will be made (rather cheaply, IMO) from China. I have ordered one directly from Kirkbride and will receive it today (I joked with the fellow on the phone that since I live about 30 mins away from their office I should have just driven down and picked it up!) So, I will compare to the CBD copy and let you know how they match up! Also, the lady from Kirkbride told me the Leather standard KJV should be out before the end of this year. The new ESVs should be out the first of next year. The new 2020 NASBs will be at least a year (which I assume is because they are waiting on the updated translation).Thanks for the great videos. I plan to order a Cambridge from your website soon.

[@BurtonBibles]

Thanks Scott that is interesting pls keep us posted! 👍

[@joeymac6970]

Thanks for the info!

[@DHARMASAINIK]

The Bible worth with black cover is not 4th edition.

[@eyeonart6865]

Where money is involved quality of God’s Bible suffers. So sad.

[@Texasguy316]

I love you

[@gregorycastaneda4735]

I know you didn't mean it but at 7 minutes in to the viedo you used your middle finger to point at the additions of the translations of the 5th edition bible

[@BurtonBibles]

I use whatever digit feels handy at the time! Also I have a bent index finger from when I broke it which I’m very self conscious about ☹️