6. NASB 95 Inductive Study Bible

6. New American Standard Bible 1995, New Inductive Study Bible. GOD. 1995. 2296 pages. [Source: Bought] [Bible, bible review, 5 stars]

First sentence: In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. The earth was formless and void, and darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was moving over the surface of the waters. Then God said, “Let there be light”; and there was light.

Start date: March 3, 2026

End date: August 4, 2026

The New American Standard Bible is one of my all-time favorite, favorite translations. Particularly the 1977 and 1995. This is the 1995 update. I have also read the New Inductive Study Bible in the NASB 1977. So I've now read this particular 'study' Bible in two translations.

This Bible is a study Bible if and only if you put in the work to make it so. The Bible includes detailed instructions on how to do inductive Bible study, how to mark up your Bible, how to write in your Bible, how to interpret and understand what you're reading, what you're marking, etc. It does include some maps, charts, illustrations, etc. that you could benefit from regardless of if you are doing the inductive part. Because this is a Bible that's meant to be marked, written in, etc, there's plenty of space to do so. Perhaps not as much as a wide margin or journaling Bible, but more than your regular Bible.

This is a SINGLE COLUMN, black-letter Bible. The font size is decent, perhaps more than decent. It is not large print or giant print. But it isn't tiny print either. This Bible is HEAVY. That's the trade-off for all the extra space for writing. I believe it is also verse by verse (and not paragraphed). There are no headings, sub-headings, etc. There are lines for YOU to fill in the headings. 

This is an older edition of the New Inductive Study Bible. I believe it has been reprinted several times. 

© Becky Laney of Operation Actually Read Bible

5. KJV MacLaren Large Print Reference Bible

5. KJV (King James Version) MacLaren Large Print Reference (Thomas Nelson). 2021. 1504 pages. [Source: Gift] [5 stars, Bible, King James Bible]

First sentence: In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth. 

Start date: April 23, 2026

Finish date: July 9, 2026

I love the King James Bible. I love new King James Bibles. I love old King James Bibles. There are pros and cons to both old and new. This one is decidedly new. It uses comfort print font. It is 10.5 font size. The chapter and verses are in a distinctive blue. The copy I read was imitation or trutone or "leather" like. It was decent. DOUBLE column, not single. Words of Christ in BLACK. The cross references appear at the BOTTOM of the page. There are paragraph headers though it is verse by verse reference edition. This one is not broken into syllables with a pronunciation guide. (Older KJV Bibles often are like this). 

It is relatively light weight. The size of the font makes for a mostly comfortable reading experience. It isn't GIANT print or SUPER GIANT print. 

It would be a good introduction to the King James Bible. It isn't particularly intimidating, it has many of the things you'd expect in a "modern" Bible. It is line-matched. It does lay flat. 

© Becky Laney of Operation Actually Read Bible

4.5 Tyndale's 1534 New Testament

4.5 Tyndale's New Testament. William Tyndale. Edited by David Daniell. 1996. 466 pages. [Source: Bought] [5 stars, New Testament, Early Bible Translations]

First sentence: This is the book of the generation of Jesus Christ the son of David, the son also of Abraham.

This edition is a modern-spelling edition of the 1534 Translation. The translation of the New Testament into English from its original Greek was printed in Germany in 1534 and smuggled back into England. It was not the first translation of the New Testament into English. The Wycliffe New Testament was translated from the Latin Vulgate and not the Greek New Testament. Also the Wycliffe was not widely distributed and for everyone. (The Wycliffe New Testament was BEFORE the invention of the printing press.) The Tyndale--though forbidden and illegal--was meant to put the Word of God into the hands of everyone. Tyndale wanted the Word of God known by the people of God. Actually known, read, studied, interpreted. The invention of the printing press was providential in spreading the ideas of the Reformation and printing Bibles. 

I enjoyed reading Tyndale's New Testament. I did. I would definitely recommend this edition of the New Testament. 

You can really tell that Tyndale meant his translation to be read and understood by everyone. It is clearly and beautifully written.

And it fortuned while they were there, her time was come that she should be delivered. And she brought forth her first begotten son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger, because there was no room for them within in the inn. And there were in the same region shepherds abiding in the field and watching their flock by night. And lo: the angel of the Lord stood hard by them, and the brightness of the Lord shone round about them, and they were sore afraid. But the angel said unto them: Be not afraid. For behold, I bring you tidings of great joy that shall come to all the people: for unto you is born this day in the city of David, a savior which is Chris the Lord. And take this for a sign: ye shall find the child swaddled and laid in a manger. And straightway there was with the angel a multitude of heavenly soldiers, lauding God and saying: Glory to God on high, and peace on the earth: and unto men rejoicing. (Luke 2:1-14)

For God so loveth the world, that he hath given his only son, that none that believe in him, should perish: but should have everlasting life. For God sent not his son into the world, to condemn the world: but that the world through him might be saved. He that believeth on him, shall not be condemned. But he that believeth not, is condemned already, because he believeth not in the name of the only son of God. And this is the condemnation: that light is come into the world, and the men loved darkness more than light, because their deeds were evil. (John 3:16-19)

No man can come to me except the father which hath sent me, draw him. And I will raise him up at the last day. It is written in the prophets, that they shall all be taught of God. Every man therefore that hath heard and hath learned of the father cometh unto me. Not that any man hath seen the father, save he which is of God: the same hath seen the father. Verily verily I say unto you, he that believeth on me, hath everlasting life. I am that bread of life. Your fathers did eat manna in the wilderness and are dead. This is the bread which cometh from heaven, that he which eateth of it, should also not die. I am that living bread which came down from heaven. If any man eat of this bread, he shall live forever. And the bread that I will give, is my flesh, which I will give for the life of this world. (John 6:44-51)

And he said unto his disciples: Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God and believe in me. In my father's house are many mansions. If it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go to prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you even unto myself, that where I am, there may ye be also. And whither I go ye know, and the way ye know. Thomas said unto him: Lord we know now whither thou goest. Also how is it possible for us to know the way? Jesus said unto him: I am the way, the truth, and the life. And no man cometh unto the father, but by me. If ye had known me, ye had known my father also. And now ye know him, and have seen him. (John 14:1-7)

As soon as Jesus had received of the vinegar, he said: It is finished, and bowed his head, and gave up the ghost. (John 19:30) 

When he saw the people, he went up into a mountain, and when he was set, his disciples came to him, and he opened his mouth, and taught them saying: Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted. Blessed are the meal: for they shall inherit the earth. Blessed are they which hunger and thirst for righteousness: for they shall be filled. Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God. Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God. Blessed are they which suffer persecution for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are ye when men revile you, and persecute you, and shall falsely say all manner of evil sayings against you for my sake. Rejoice, and be glad, for great is your reward in heaven. For so persecuted they the prophets which were before your days. (Matthew 5:12)

I beseech you therefore brethren, by the mercifulness of God, that ye make your bodies a quick sacrifice holy and acceptable unto God which is your reasonable serving of God. And fashion not yourselves like unto this world: But be ye changed in your shape, by the renewing of your wits that ye may feel what thing that good, that acceptable, and perfect will of God is. (Romans 12:1-2)

This edition has modern spelling. It makes Tyndale's translation a comfortable choice. Here's a small taste of the original spelling:

I beseche you therfore brethre by ye mercyfulnes of God that ye make youre bodyes aquicke sacrifise holy and acceptable vnto God which is youre resonable seruynge of god. And fassion not youre selves lyke vnto this worlde: But be ye chaunged in youre shape by the renuynge of youre wittes that ye maye fele what thynge that good yt acceptable and perfaycte will of god is. (Romans 12:1-2)

For God so loveth the worlde yt he hath geven his only sonne that none that beleve in him shuld perisshe: but shuld have everlastinge lyfe. (John 3:16)

And he sayd vnto his disciples: Let not youre hertes be troubled. Beleve in god and beleve in me. In my fathers housse are many mansions. If it were not so I wolde have tolde you. I go to prepare a place for you.And yf I go to prepare a place for you I will come agayne and receave you eve vnto my selfe yt where I am there maye ye be also. (John 14:1-3)

© Becky Laney of Operation Actually Read Bible

4. ESV Women's Study Bible

4. ESV Women's Study Bible. God. 2021. 2336 pages. [Source: GIFT] [Bible, study Bible, 5 stars]

First sentence: In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth. 

Start date: November 29, 2025

End date: May 2, 2026

I loved, loved, LOVED, LOVED, LOVED, LOVED this Bible. It is the BEST of both worlds. It offers devotionals AND study notes. It also features articles, maps, timelines, illustrations, profiles cross references, glossary. It was just the right balance too. There are plenty of features that make this a true study Bible. YET it isn't as overwhelming as the ESV Study Bible. The devotions are present--obviously. But they are not carrying all the weight either.  The translation is the English Standard Version. (This is the 2016 text edition). 

It is double column, words of Christ in black. 

As I mentioned, I love this one!!! I loved the substance of this one. It was SOLID. It is probably the best Women's Bible I've ever owned, ever read. I can't think of a better. 

© Becky Laney of Operation Actually Read Bible

3. King James Chronological Life Application Study Bible

3. KJV Chronological Life Application Study Bible, Second Edition. God. 2025. 2128 pages. [Source: Bought (Gift)] [5 stars, bible review]

First sentence: In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth. 

What you should know about this Bible?

The Chronological Life Application Study Bible is available in the King James Version AND the New Living Translation. 

This is the second edition of the Chronological Life Application Study Bible. It has a few new features including more insight from Jewish scholars. The first edition has been out of print for quite a while.

It is double column. It is black letter. The Words of Christ appear in black--not red.

There are study notes, profiles of characters, maps, charts, articles, appendices. 

Being a life application Bible, the notes are more on the application side as opposed to scholarly, academic, or contextual. 

What didn't work for me personally:

I found some of the notes to be highly, highly, highly speculative. It is okay just to admit you have no idea 'how to read' a passage. I am thinking particularly of Song of Songs or Song of Solomon. The notes are 99.9% speculative fluff. There is NO WAY to read the passage and come to their conclusions without a lot of imagination and speculation and just reading into the text. 

I found the amount of notes to text to be overwhelming--again depending on the book. Anytime a page of the Bible is 90% notes and 10% Scripture, I just find it TOO overwhelming to read any of the notes at all. 

I have realized I don't really enjoy the chronological approach to reading Scripture. I just don't. Some may. I don't. 

© Becky Laney of Operation Actually Read Bible

2. New King James Version Wide Margin Sovereign

2. New King James Version, Sovereign Collection, Wide Margin. God. (Thomas Nelson Publisher). 2022. 1696 pages. [Source: Bought] [Bible]

First sentence: In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. 

Start date: December 30, 2025

End date: April 21, 2026

This was my second time to read through this Bible. The first time I did not write or underline in it. This second time through I have begun. I will add more each time I read it through perhaps. (The first read through ended in February 2024.)

I love, love, love, love, LOVE the layout of this Wide Margin Bible in the Sovereign collection published by Thomas Nelson. It is DOUBLE COLUMN. It is red letter. [I would have preferred black letter, but you can't have everything.] The margins are just about perfect. 

There are many New King James text-only Bibles out there. There are probably even many wide margin New King James Bibles out there. I love the quality of the Sovereign collection. 

Is it a must if you already have a New King James Bible you love? Probably not. But if you are looking for either a wide margin Bible [this one comes in the New King James and the King James Version] OR a NKJV with great layout, then this one is worth considering. 

© Becky Laney of Operation Actually Read Bible

1. RSV Sovereign

1. RSV Sovereign. God. 1977. Thomas Nelson. 1488 pages. [Source: Bought] [5 stars, Bible review]

Start date: December 30, 2025

End date: March 9, 2026

In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. The earth was without form and void, and darkness was upon the face of the deep; and the Spirit of God was moving over the face of the waters. Genesis 1:1-2

About the RSV: The Revised Standard Version was a revision of the American Standard Version of 1901. The New Testament was released as early as 1946. The Old and New Testaments together were published in 1952. The translation went through several updates becoming finalized, I believe, in 1977.

According to Wikipedia, the VERY first copy of the RSV to come off the press was given to Harry S. Truman in September 1946. It was released to the general public a few days later.

Not every Christian embraced this new translation especially regarding the Old Testament. A strong reaction against this NEW translation in part led to a King-James-Only Movement. The fuss was over how Isaiah 7:14 was translated.

Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. Behold, a young woman shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel. Isaiah 7:14

Some pastors preached sermons and wrote pamphlets against this "horrid" "modern" translation. A few even made a spectacle of themselves by burning it. 

The RSV has been the basis for two different revisions: the NRSV (1989) and the ESV (2001). 

My thoughts:  I was not aware of the controversy before I started reading it! I didn't always love, love, love how they translated particular verses. But I wouldn't have been an angry protester, at least I don't think! But then again, I did get quite upset with the Common English Bible over how they translated a verse in Genesis, so maybe I would have been. 

I CAN ONLY IMAGINE the fuss that would have resulted if the MESSAGE had been published in 1952. It would actually be a little fun to imagine the uproar. 

I have read the RSV three perhaps four times. It is not my favorite translation. It is not my least favorite translation. 

The method I used to read this one was to start with TWO ribbons--or bookmarks--with one in Genesis and one in Revelation. To read forwards from one and backwards from the other. (Revelation, Jude, 3 John, 2 John, etc. and Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, etc.) I was curious WHERE I would meet in my read through. I ended up meeting in Isaiah. 

The Sovereign was a nice printing of the RSV for the most part. Sometimes the verse numbers are too close to the verse. BUT I love the size and weight of the Sovereign collection. 

© Becky Laney of Operation Actually Read Bible

16. Holy Bible, KJV (435E1B Paragraph Bible)

435E1B Paragraph Bible, Holy Bible, King James Version. Local Church Publisher. 1950 pages. [Source: Gift] [5 stars]

First sentence: In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.

I love, love, love, love, love, love, love, LOVE, LOVE, LOVE the ironed calfskin leather. LOVE. The feel was super amazing. It was just a JOY, an absolute joy, to hold this one. Based on how it *felt* it is easily one of my favorite Bibles to hold in hand. 

I also LOVE, LOVE, LOVE, LOVE the layout of this Bible. I love that it is 11 point font. I love that it is single column. I love that it is paragraph instead of verse by verse by verse. I love that it is BLACK LETTER. It does NOT have self-pronouncing text. 

I should also note that this Bible while not being marketed as a READERS Bible is without chapters and verses. This may make you super sad or super confused. But for those looking for a PRINT edition of the KJV without verse numbers, it is a dream. (I do own a hardback KJV Readers Bible but the ghosting is absolutely horrible in it. A true distraction.) 

It was a great balance of size and weight. Font is large enough to read easily. NOT a heavy Bible to carry. The paper was not super thin or super thick. There is some bleed through or ghosting. But not more than you'd find in almost any other Bible published in the last ten to twenty years. And I'd say it was probably less ghosting than some Bibles published recently. It wasn't bothersome enough to impact reading or the duration of reading.

Many of the individual books (though not all certainly) were read in one sitting. There was no eye strain. 

This Bible has two ribbons. I personally like ribbons. I am thankful for any Bible with at least two ribbons. Bibles with just one ribbon are a little sad. While there may be such a thing as having too many ribbons in a bible--two is a reasonable amount for most any reader. I've read the Bible through cover to cover and so far the ribbons are holding up well. 

I really love the King James Version. I do. It is not my only translation. I am not King James Only by any stretch of the imagination. But I find the KJV hard to resist. I do. I have a weakness for it. 

This is the Bible that checks all my own personal boxes. 

From the publisher: 

Size: Hand Size
Number of Pages: 1,950
Translators to the Readers: No
Presentation Page/Family Tree: No
Self-Pronouncing Text: No
Center Column Reference: No
Notes: No
Words of Christ in Red: No
Ribbons: Two
Concordance: No
Maps: No
Font Size: 11 Point Font,  Large Font
Cover: Executive (Ironed Calfskin)
Cover Style: 1 Piece Black
Open: 13″ x 8.75″
Closed: 8.75″″ x 6″ x 1.5″
Margins (in/out/top/bottom): 0.5″ x 0.5″ x 0.375″ x 0.375

As of December 2025, it IS in stock at Local Church Bible Publishers. 

© Becky Laney of Operation Actually Read Bible

15. New American Standard Bible 1995

15. New American Standard Bible (1995 text) Large Print Pew Bible. (Lockman Foundation). 1995/2005. 1267 pages. [Source: Bought] [5 stars]

First sentence: In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. The earth was formless and void, and darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was moving over the surface of the waters. Then God said, “Let there be light”; and there was light.

Start date: October 18, 2025

End date: December 15, 2025

I listened to the NASB (New American Standard Bible, 1995 edition) on audio on YouVersion using the Bible in 90 Days plan from that app. It is *not* the same Bible in 90 Days that you find elsewhere online. The narrator was Dale McConanchie. He was fine as a narrator. 

I love this translation of the Bible. It is always a favorite translation to read.

I do love reading the Bible in 90 days, however, the YouVersion was weird. Maybe some readers don't mind breaking up chapters of the Bible 90% of the time. But I do. So I'd always have to listen to the rest of the chapter from the next day's reading. There's nothing wrong with that. In fact, I ended up usually listening to two to three days readings in one day because of it. You might have noticed my start and end dates are NOT in fact 90 days. 

Would I recommend this translation? YES.

Would I recommend this narrator? Maybe. Not the best. Not the worst. Perfectly fine.

Would I recommend this reading plan? Possibly. It was incredibly convenient to have the app keep track of the readings. But they were also broken up in exceedingly odd places. IF one was reading the Bible in 90 Days with others,  you'd have to make sure you were using the *right* Bible in 90 days. If everyone uses this version from the app, no problem. 

© Becky Laney of Operation Actually Read Bible

14. HCSB The Minister's Bible

The Minister's Bible. Holman Christian Standard Bible. (HCSB). 2010. 1806 pages. [Source: Bought] [5 stars, Bible review]

First sentence: In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.

Start date: August 27, 2025

End date: November 4, 2025

The Holman Christian Standard Bible is no longer in print. It has been replaced with the Christian Standard Bible. Unfortunately. I found this one at a thrift shop at a great price. It is single column, black letter. It is genuine leather. 

I appreciated the quality of this one--particularly for the price I thrifted it. While single column is not my favorite or best, this one was for the most readable--I speak in personal terms for my vision. 

It had been YEARS since I read in the HCSB. I remembered why I enjoyed it. I do wish it had never been "updated" and replaced with the CSB. 

Since this is a translation readers may not be familiar with, I thought I'd share some passages.

Psalm 23

The Lord is my shepherd;
there is nothing I lack.
He lets me lie down in green pastures;
He leads me beside quiet waters.
He renews my life;
He leads me along the right paths
for His name’s sake.
Even when I go through the darkest valley,
I fear no danger,
for You are with me;
Your rod and Your staff—they comfort me.

You prepare a table before me
in the presence of my enemies;
You anoint my head with oil;
my cup overflows.
Only goodness and faithful love will pursue me
all the days of my life,
and I will dwell in the house of the Lord
as long as I live.

Psalm 100

Shout triumphantly to the Lord, all the earth.
Serve the Lord with gladness;
come before Him with joyful songs.
Acknowledge that Yahweh is God.
He made us, and we are His —
His people, the sheep of His pasture.
Enter His gates with thanksgiving
and His courts with praise.
Give thanks to Him and praise His name.
For Yahweh is good, and His love is eternal;
His faithfulness endures through all generations.

John 1:1-5

In the beginning was the Word,
and the Word was with God,
and the Word was God.
He was with God in the beginning.
All things were created through Him,
and apart from Him not one thing was created
that has been created.
Life was in Him,
and that life was the light of men.
That light shines in the darkness,
yet the darkness did not overcome it.

John 3:16-21

“For God loved the world in this way: He gave His One and Only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send His Son into the world that He might condemn the world, but that the world might be saved through Him. Anyone who believes in Him is not condemned, but anyone who does not believe is already condemned, because he has not believed in the name of the One and Only Son of God.

“This, then, is the judgment: The light has come into the world, and people loved darkness rather than the light because their deeds were evil. For everyone who practices wicked things hates the light and avoids it, so that his deeds may not be exposed. But anyone who lives by the truth comes to the light, so that his works may be shown to be accomplished by God.”

John 14:1-6

“Your heart must not be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in Me. In My Father’s house are many dwelling places; if not, I would have told you. I am going away to prepare a place for you. If I go away and prepare a place for you, I will come back and receive you to Myself, so that where I am you may be also. You know the way to where I am going.”

“Lord,” Thomas said, “we don’t know where You’re going. How can we know the way?”

Jesus told him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.

© Becky Laney of Operation Actually Read Bible

13. KJV New Scofield Study Bible

13. The New Scofield Study Bible, King James Version, God. 1967. 1400 pages. [Source: Bought] [5 stars, Bible]

First sentence: In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.

Start date: August 27, 2025

End date: October 24, 2025

The King James Version is perhaps my favorite and best translation of the Bible. It is in my top three at any rate. (I also love the New American Standard Bible, 1977, and the New King James Version.) The New Scofield lightly--oh so lightly--updates the text of the KJV gently, softly, mostly for the better. It also features study notes from Dr. C.I. Scofield. These notes--I believe--have been updated, improved, adapted, something along those lines. This is not the original Scofield Bible published in 1909. 

Did I read the notes? the book introductions? Yes and no. I started off reading most of the notes and all the book introductions. At one point--probably when I started Genesis--I stopped reading the notes.  (I didn't start reading with Genesis, by the way. I believe I started with either the Chronicles or perhaps Job.) Of the notes I read, I agreed with some and disagreed with others. There were definitely some helpful notes and charts. I definitely appreciated the extra helps with the major and minor prophets. 

I did appreciate that this one had limited use of the self-pronouncing text--very, very, very lightly used. I loved, loved, loved that it was WORDS OF CHRIST IN BLACK LETTER. I appreciated the double columns and the CENTER COLUMN reference. 

My copy was thrifted and it is the 1967 version. The paper quality is good. Obviously it would have been even better in 1967. There is not much ghosting of the text--when you can read the text on the other side of the page. The printing seems bold enough and not faint. The paper being so old was prone to tearing here and there. I think this was an age issue. I did highlight in it and had some trouble with the pen tearing pages here and there. Again I think it an age issue. The binding is floppy YET holding together just fine. 

© Becky Laney of Operation Actually Read Bible

12. New King James 746 (Nelson)

12. New King James Version Nelson 746. God. 1983. 1393 pages. [Source: Bought] [5 stars, Bible]

Start date: August 29, 2025

End date: October 16, 2025

First sentence: In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. The earth was without form, and void; and darkness was on the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters. Then God said, “Let there be light”; and there was light. 

I have come to love the New King James Version in recent years. Is it in my top three? I'm not sure. Is it in my top five? Absolutely. 

The Nelson 746 has a layout and design that is almost perfectly perfectly perfect. IF ONLY it was black letter instead of red letter. IF only the red letter was darker. But the size of the Bible, the weight of the Bible, absolutely perfect. The font size worked with the size and weight. It is, of course, on the smaller size being a compact Bible. I absolutely love, love, love that it is center column reference. It is double column.  

This is one of my favorite thrift-finds. 

As for the Bible, I love, love, love reading the Bible. The New King James Version is a good translation choice. 

© Becky Laney of Operation Actually Read Bible

11. Berean Standard Bible

Berean Standard Bible, Holy Bible, (BSB) God. 2022. 1504 pages. [Source: Bought]

First sentence: In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.

Start date: August 2, 2025

End date: October 14, 2025

I used YouVersions 'To the Word' reading plan and mainly exclusively listened to the Berean Standard Bible this time around. I did read several of the days instead of listening. But for the most part, I listened. I enjoyed it. I do prefer reading to listening. HOWEVER, I was looking for a translation that I could listen to in the background as I prepped food, cooked, did dishes, etc. I wanted it to be a translation that I enjoyed and loved. I wanted a good narrator. 

The 'To the Word' reading plan is slightly odd. I'm not sure I'd recommend it over other more traditional reading plans. There is a lot of repetition--for better or worse. For example, once a week, the day's reading would be Exodus 20. There were several days where you would just repeat something you'd already read--in some cases several times. For example, I lost count how many times the plan has you read Ephesians. For the record, I love, love, love Ephesians. But it is a choice, for sure, to repeat readings so often. The plan would alternate between Old Testament and New Testament. Psalms and Proverbs were spread throughout the reading plan. The plan didn't seem to have any outstanding, obvious logic to the order of readings. It wasn't specifically chronological. The choices sometimes seemed intentional but also sometimes random. 

The Berean Standard Bible (originally published as the Berean Study Bible) has become one of my favorite translations. Definitely top five or six material. This, I believe, is the second printing of the BSB. Mine came with some defects, but, the first printing did not. I do not hold it against the translation itself. One of the sheets of paper was NOT attached in anyway. 

From their website, "The Berean Standard Bible is a completely new translation based on the best available manuscripts and sources. Each word is connected back to the Greek or Hebrew text, resulting in a transparent and honest text that can be studied for its root meanings. The Berean Study Bible text is the result of a careful translation and styling process to maintain core meanings and produce an English text of high literary quality, effective for public reading, study, memorization, and evangelism. We believe that the Scriptures are meant to be studied and shared freely. Just as Paul encouraged the churches to pass on his letters, we are developing digital resources that will be free to access and free to share in websites, apps and software."

I do absolutely love, love, love, LOVE, love this translation. It feels like coming home. It feels familiar, right.  Of course, many translations feel familiar. But that is often the result of months even years. It is hard to explain. 

It is black letter, double column, nice layout.

Psalm 23

The Lord is my shepherd; 

I shall not want.

He makes me lie down in green pastures;

He leads me beside quiet waters.

He restores my soul;

He guides me in the paths of righteousness

for the sake of His name.

Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,

I will fear no evil,

for You are with me;

Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.

You prepare a table before me

in the presence of my enemies.

You anoint my head with oil;

my cup overflows.

Surely goodness and mercy will follow me

all the days of my life,

and I will dwell in the house of the Lord

forever.

© Becky Laney of Operation Actually Read Bible

61. CSB Scripture Notebook: Psalms

61. CSB Scripture Notebook: Psalms. God. 2020. 432 pages. [Source: Bought] [5 stars, Psalter]

First sentence: How happy is the one who does not walk in the advice of the wicked or stand in the pathway with sinners or sit in the company of mockers!

Essentially this one is a psalter with a built-in journal. On the left hand side of each spread, the Scripture text appears--the Psalms in the Christian Standard Bible translation--and on the right side of each spread is a lined page for journaling. The paper has a slightly creamy color to it. (Though I've seen creamier pages in Bibles. But it definitely isn't white-white.) The font size is 12 point. 

I read this one using the Book of Common Prayer's psalter schedule. I did read the last two or three days on one day so that I could get this one reviewed by the end of the month. 

This one would be great for those who a) enjoy the CSB b) want to give the CSB a try c) want to deep dive into the Psalms d) are looking for a SUPER portable way to carry Scripture with them. 

The CSB is not my favorite translation. I have read it through a handful of times, and, it's just not my favorite translation. I don't particularly care for how they translate the psalms. I like my psalms to "sing" to have a literary beauty and elegance. However, I was glad to spend time with this book. I would love it even more if it was in one of my favorite translations. The weight of the book, the font size, the lay out, everything is quite good. 

Psalms 23

The Lord is my shepherd;
I have what I need.
He lets me lie down in green pastures;
he leads me beside quiet waters.
He renews my life;
he leads me along the right paths
for his name’s sake.
Even when I go through the darkest valley,
I fear no danger,
for you are with me;
your rod and your staff—they comfort me.

You prepare a table before me
in the presence of my enemies;
you anoint my head with oil;
my cup overflows.
Only goodness and faithful love will pursue me
all the days of my life,
and I will dwell in the house of the Lord
as long as I live.

Psalms 100

Let the whole earth shout triumphantly to the Lord!
Serve the Lord with gladness;
come before him with joyful songs.
Acknowledge that the Lord is God.
He made us, and we are his—
his people, the sheep of his pasture.
Enter his gates with thanksgiving
and his courts with praise.
Give thanks to him and bless his name.
For the Lord is good, and his faithful love endures forever;
his faithfulness, through all generations.

© Becky Laney of Operation Actually Read Bible

10. NASB 2020 Giant Print Reference Bible

10. NASB 2020 Giant Print Reference Bible, Holman Published. 2022. 1776 pages. [Source: Bought] [5 stars, Bible]

First sentence: In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.

Start date: June 30, 2025

End date: August 27, 2025

This was my fifth time, I believe, to read the NASB 2020. I remain undecided on if I love this particular update of the NASB. I absolutely LOVE, LOVE, LOVE, LOVE, LOVE, LOVE, ALL THE LOVE the NASB 77 and I love, love, love, love, crazy love the NASB 95. I really LOVE the NASB 1973 as well. So without a doubt, I love the tradition of the New American Standard Bible. I don't know that I have any current plans to reread the NASB 2020 any time soon. 

This is a giant print reference Bible published by Holman Bible publishers. It is GIANT PRINT. Not just large or extra large, but giant. If you need a giant print Bible, this would be a good fit perhaps.

Double column

Words of Christ in red

Psalm 23:1-6

The Lord is my shepherd,
I will not be in need.
He lets me lie down in green pastures;
He leads me beside quiet waters.
He restores my soul;
He guides me in the paths of righteousness
For the sake of His name.

Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I fear no evil, for You are with me;
Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.
You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies;
You have anointed my head with oil;
My cup overflows.
Certainly goodness and faithfulness will follow me all the days of my life,
And my dwelling will be in the house of the Lord forever.

© Becky Laney of Operation Actually Read Bible

9. KJV Thompson Chain Reference (2022)

9. KJV Thompson Chain Reference Bible. God. 1923 pages. [Source: Bought] [5 stars, Bible]

First sentence: In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.

Start date: June 26, 2025

End date: August 27, 2025

I've read through the Thompson Chain Reference Bible in several translations--the KJV, the NIV 84, the NASB 77, and the NASB 95. Zondervan acquired the Thompson Chain Reference and they have been republishing the Bible. [Newer layout, slightly rearranging the study helps, etc.] It is now available in Zondervan's "easy-to-read" Comfort Print. (Each translation has their own "Comfort Print.") It is now line-matched as well. Also included in this 'refresh' is the addition of color accents; that is color accents beyond just the Words of Christ being in red. 

It is double columned.

The Words of Christ are in red.

The font size is 9.5 which I think--particularly for a Thompson Chain Reference Bible--is larger than one might expect. The older Thompson Chain Reference Bibles do have a smaller font, I believe.

I love, love, love, love, LOVE the King James Version. I do. It is one of my favorite translations. 

I also have a 'weakness' for the Thompson Chain Reference Bible. 

© Becky Laney of Operation Actually Read Bible

8. New King James Version, Audio

8. New King James Version. Audio Bible. Narrated by Tinasha LaRay. God. Accessed through YouVersion Bible App. 1982 for NKJV translation. Not sure when the audio was recorded. [5 stars, Bible, audio book]

First sentence: In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. 

Start date: January 22, 2025

End date: August 1, 2025

Brief thoughts on the NKJV translation: This translation is in my top five. I do love it. I do use it. I do keep coming back to it. 

I listened to the NKJV audio bible narrated by Tinasha LaRay on YouVersion over many months--January through July essentially. I was following a specific Bible reading plan: "Reading God's Story" by George Guthrie, I believe. It is a chronological reading plan. YouVersion currently has two narrators for the NKJV. 

This was my first time to listen to the Bible all the way through using an audio Bible. I found the narration to be good, pleasant, uplifting for the most part. It was clear and easy to understand. While the words were annunciated, they did not seem overly emphasized or unnaturally emphasized. The narration was smooth and had a flow to it. 

I listened for the most part while doing more 'mundane' (but necessary) tasks: prepping meals, cooking, cleaning, checking emails, etc. This was never my 'main' way to feed--to feast--on the Word of God. I think I'll always prefer a print Bible for that. However, this was a way to absorb the Word in bits and pieces as I went about my daily life. As such because it never had my absolute sole attention, I do feel I probably missed bits and pieces that if this was my only 'reading' of the Bible I would have regrets about my split attention. 

© Becky Laney of Operation Actually Read Bible

7. ESV Creeds and Confessions

7. ESV Bible with Creeds and Confessions. Crossway. 2020. 1424 pages. [Source: Review copy]

First sentence: In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth.

ETA: I read the ESV Creeds Bible the third time in 2025. My start date was January 8, 2025. My end date was July 28, 2025. I decided that since it was my third time through this Bible, and, it is becoming "mine" that I should feel comfortable marking in it. The paper was GREAT for marking with my Micron pens. 

How do I feel about the newly published ESV Bible with Creeds and Confessions?! I absolutely love, love, love, love, love, crazy love and adore this one. [ETA: I do wish the pages were less glaring or shiny when read under bright light. I have had to choose *where* to read this one so it is read in dimmer light.]

I read the TruTone edition of the ESV Creeds Bible. It was without a doubt the best FEELING Tru-Tone I've ever held in my hands. It is LOVELY. I typically make covers for my Bibles--this one won't be getting one. I love the feel of it too much. 

It is the text of the ESV translation. I do love the ESV. It is in my top three definitely. I love, love, love the ESV, the NASB, and the KJV. Those are my top three--have been for the past decade--and they take turns being the top. A little friendly competition between translations, I suppose! [ETA: I have found myself liking other translations more these days. The NKJV has moved up and the ESV has moved down one notch.]

Font size vs. Weight. I thought this was PERFECTLY BALANCED. The weight of the overall bible is just about perfect. The font size is 10.5. That is so much larger than the average Bible being printed nowadays. (The ESV Prayer Bible is 9.25; the ESV Study Bible is 9 point; ESV Student Study Bible is 8 point; The ESV Reformation Study Bible is 9 point.) It's light enough that you can hold the Bible and read--as opposed to a Bible you HAVE to read at a table because it's too heavy for the lap to sustain. Because it's light weight, the font size was very manageable even though my vision is poor.

Double column. The ESV Creeds Bible is double column. The bleed-through was on the minimal side. I didn't need to use black construction paper. I think the text was blocked in such a way that it helped prevent bleed-through.

Black letter. The ESV Creeds Bible is a black letter Bible. The words of Christ are not printed in red. I am thankful for this!

The Creeds and Confessions were found in the back of the Bible. They include the Apostles Creed (ca. 200-400), the Nicene Creed (325), the Athanasian Creed (381), the Chalcedonian Definition (451), the Augsburg Confession (1530), the Belgic Confession (1561), the Articles of Religion (1563), the Canons of Dort (1618-19), the Westminster Confession (1646), the London Baptist Confession (1689), the Heidelberg Catechism (1563), the Westminster Larger Catechism (1647), and the Westminster Shorter Catechism (1647).

I loved the variety of what they included. Some were familiar to me; others were new-to-me. They didn't include every single creed, confession, or catechism. One they did leave out was the Scots Confession (1560). Another was the Second Helvetic Confession (1566). 

It does include more creeds than the ESV Reformation Study Bible which only includes the Apostles’ Creed, the Nicene Creed, the Definition of Chalcedon, the Heidelberg Catechism, the Belgic Confession, the Canons of Dort, the Westminster Confession, the Westminster Larger Catechism, the Westminster Shorter Catechism, and the 1689 London Baptist Confession. 

It also has more creeds than the KJV Reformation Heritage Bible which only includes the Apostles' Creed, Nicene Creed, Athanasian Creed, Belgic Confession, Heidelberg Catechism, Canons of Dort, Westminster Confession, Westminster Shorter Confession, Westminster Larger Catechism.

I think the ESV Creeds Bible would make a great Bible to carry to church. It would be a great only Bible as well.

I think ESV should publish a Bible perhaps with families in mind and include the full text of the NEW CITY CATECHISM.

© Becky Laney of Operation Actually Read Bible

6. NASB 95 (New Inductive Study Bible)

6. New American Standard Bible 1995, New Inductive Study Bible. GOD. 1995. 2296 pages. [Source: Bought] [Bible, bible review, 5 stars]

First sentence: In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. The earth was formless and void, and darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was moving over the surface of the waters. Then God said, “Let there be light”; and there was light.

Start date: May 5, 2025

End date: June 30, 2025

The New American Standard Bible is one of my all-time favorite, favorite translations. Particularly the 1977 and 1995. This is the 1995 update. I have also read the New Inductive Study Bible in the NASB 1977. So I've now read this particular 'study' Bible in two translations.

This Bible is a study Bible if and only if you put in the work to make it so. The Bible includes detailed instructions on how to do inductive Bible study, how to mark up your Bible, how to write in your Bible, how to interpret and understand what you're reading, what you're marking, etc. It does include some maps, charts, illustrations, etc. that you could benefit from regardless of if you are doing the inductive part. Because this is a Bible that's meant to be marked, written in, etc, there's plenty of space to do so. Perhaps not as much as a wide margin or journaling Bible, but more than your regular Bible.

This is a SINGLE COLUMN, black-letter Bible. The font size is decent, perhaps more than decent. It is not large print or giant print. But it isn't tiny print either. This Bible is HEAVY. That's the trade-off for all the extra space for writing. I believe it is also verse by verse (and not paragraphed). There are no headings, sub-headings, etc. There are lines for YOU to fill in the headings. 

This is an older edition of the New Inductive Study Bible. I believe it has been reprinted several times. 

© Becky Laney of Operation Actually Read Bible

5. KJV (King James Version) Clarion Reference

5. King James Version. (KJV) Clarion Reference Bible (Cambridge). God. 1970 pages. [Source: Bought] [5 stars, Bible]

First sentence: In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.

I 'thrifted' this Cambridge Clarion. It was a more expensive thrift, for sure it being a more 'premium' Bible, but I think it was a good decision. 

The Clarion is more compact in size than your average, regular Bible. It is highly portable.

The Clarion is single column.

It is also black letter (as opposed to Words of Christ in red). 

It is also in paragraph format (as opposed to verse by verse). 

The references are on the outside margins of the text.  

It lays flat beautifully. The text does not run into the gutter.

There are two ribbon bookmarks.

I absolutely love the King James Version of the Bible. While I am not KJV only, I do lean towards KJV preferred. It would never be my one-and-only translation. Yet, I honestly can't imagine a day without reading from the KJV.

My favorite books to read from the KJV are the four gospels--Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John--and the books of Psalms and Proverbs. It is harder perhaps to untangle Paul's complex ideas in the KJV, but, I still love this translation overall. It pairs nicely with other translations that are easier to understand. 

The Clarion is a Bible that I definitely see myself reading again. And if I ever come across Clarions in other translations, I'd definitely be interested. 

© Becky Laney of Operation Actually Read Bible