Tuesday, September 5, 2017

Book Review :: NKJV Teen Study Bible

The NKJV Teen Study Bible is a Bible from Zondervan, specially designed for teens. The hardcover is printed with the image you see - there is no dust jacket.
The pages in the NKJV Teen Study Bible are appealing and very easy on the eyes. I especially appreciate the easily readable font. It has all black text (including the words of Christ) with various blue accents (headings, chapter numbers, etc.), laid out in two columns. This is the NKJV version of the Bible (© 1982). The text is standard size - not large, but not extra small. It does contain some basic footnotes. There is a nice presentation page (on glossy paper), printed with an image similar to what you see on the cover.

There is a brief, single-page introduction for each book of the Bible. Each introduction covers a few basic things about the book, some "headlines" (written newspaper-style), a short preview list, and then some information about world events that were taking place at the time the book was written.

Besides the book introductions, there are several special features that are placed throughout the NKJV Teen Study Bible. The special features really help put practical application to the ideas found in Scripture. I would consider this more of a practical application Bible than a study Bible.
Here are the feature types and a quick description of each:
- We Believe (short studies on the phrases from the Apostles' Creed)
- Panorama (main theme of the book)
- To The Point (frank, Scriptural explanations of topics that may come up in life)
- Dear Jordan (advice column style questions and answers with modern day topics)
- Instant Access (practical applications for Biblical ideas)
- Bible Promises (highlighted verses)
- Q&A (questions & answers)

I do think it is important to point out that there is a reason this Bible is marked for teens - the topics in a few of the features reference dating, sex, pornography, smoking, dark arts/occult etc. Whether or not you decide your child (teen or otherwise) is ready to take on these topics is up to you, but I wanted to be sure to make it clear that these topics are addressed so that you can make an informed decision. These features are placed throughout the Bible, and you can find the index listing all of the topics at the back of the Bible in the "Teen Life Index".

There are a few study helps at the back of the NKJV Teen Study Bible such as: a Table of Weights and Measures, "What Do I Read Today?" (reading plan ideas and Bible chart with check boxes), "Bible Truth Index", and "Teen Life Index". There are some full-color maps as well. 

All in all, I think that the NKJV Teen Study Bible is a good choice for a Bible for teens. 
FTC Declaration: The publisher has provided me with a complimentary copy of this book or advanced reading copy through their book review bloggers program. This does not change the fact that I will give my honest opinion in my reviews.

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