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Holy Bible: NIV Thompson Chain Reference Bible-NIV
More than 100,000 topical references
More than 8,000 chain topics
Concordance
16 pages of exclusive full-color maps
Archaeological supplement
75 unique study features
6 5/8 X 9 3/8 % Font size: 9
More than 8,000 chain topics
Concordance
16 pages of exclusive full-color maps
Archaeological supplement
75 unique study features
6 5/8 X 9 3/8 % Font size: 9
1963 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1908
92 people are currently reading
117 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
June 27, 2022
The Thompson Chain-Reference Bible is something I’ve heard a lot about, but had little familiarity with. I’m diving in to bring you a review of the newly revised and updated edition of the NIV version of this legendary Bible. I’m reviewing the hardcover version.
This edition includes two double-sided satin ribbon bookmarks. One is navy and the other is gold. It’s no secret that I’m a huge fan of Zondervan’s ribbons, so to put two of these in a hardback is really nice!
I’ll note up front that the paper seems quite thin in this Bible. However, paradoxically, I don’t think the ghosting is bad at all. I’m not sure how they did it, but I am impressed by it. The only thing to watch out for is wrinkling and creasing of the pages. I believe it could happen pretty easily.
What makes this Bible so attractive is the reference system and textual helps. As I said, I was unfamiliar with the Thompson Chain-Reference, but after reading the short intro, I already understand how to use it. I can see why people love this Bible. The reference system doesn’t only include cross references, it also includes topics. This is hugely helpful with study. The amount of references are massive boasting over 100,000.
The back of the Bible contains many more helps including principles of Bible study, an alphabetical index of topics, a numerical index of topics, Bible character studies, Bible harmonies and illustrated studies, Hebrew times, seasons, and festivals, the NIV concordance, as well as maps. This a wealth of resources included in one Bible.
This edition includes two double-sided satin ribbon bookmarks. One is navy and the other is gold. It’s no secret that I’m a huge fan of Zondervan’s ribbons, so to put two of these in a hardback is really nice!
I’ll note up front that the paper seems quite thin in this Bible. However, paradoxically, I don’t think the ghosting is bad at all. I’m not sure how they did it, but I am impressed by it. The only thing to watch out for is wrinkling and creasing of the pages. I believe it could happen pretty easily.
What makes this Bible so attractive is the reference system and textual helps. As I said, I was unfamiliar with the Thompson Chain-Reference, but after reading the short intro, I already understand how to use it. I can see why people love this Bible. The reference system doesn’t only include cross references, it also includes topics. This is hugely helpful with study. The amount of references are massive boasting over 100,000.
The back of the Bible contains many more helps including principles of Bible study, an alphabetical index of topics, a numerical index of topics, Bible character studies, Bible harmonies and illustrated studies, Hebrew times, seasons, and festivals, the NIV concordance, as well as maps. This a wealth of resources included in one Bible.
March 10, 2012
I wish it had bigger margins to take notes in, but he maps and archaelogical info in the back are useful. Having worked with the Greek and beginning to look at the Hebrew, I'm starting to prefer mor literal translations such as the RSV, the NASB, or the ESV. However, I grew up on the NIV and memorized a lot of verses using it.
September 10, 2021
College graduation gift from my church.
"Praise the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits - who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion, who satisfies your desires with good things so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's." Psalm 103:1-5
2021 A book your pastor recommends
"Praise the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits - who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion, who satisfies your desires with good things so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's." Psalm 103:1-5
2021 A book your pastor recommends
May 24, 2012
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. . . The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.
September 17, 2024
First sentence: In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.
Start date: August 7, 2024
End date: September 17, 2024
The translation is the NIV (New International Version) the 1984 edition. The first edition for the whole Bible was the 1978. The latest edition for the whole Bible was 2011. Some--myself included--do make a big distinction between the "NIV" and "NIV 84." The 84 has been out of print (and removed from the internet) since the 2011 was released. It can still be purchased second hand. It is relatively easy to thrift the 84. (Perhaps not as easy as it is to thrift KJV, but close).
I love the NIV 1984. I do. It is one I like to revisit semi-regularly. I don't read this one perhaps as much as other translations like the KJV and NASB, it is a FAVORITE that feels like home.
The Thompson Chain Reference Bible is a constant. It has been around for over a century. The first 'edition' was released circa 1908! It has been through many editions and updates. I have read it in the KJV, the NASB 77, the NASB 95, and now the NIV 84.
This is a large print edition. Large print is a bit of a stretch, HOWEVER, when compared to the "regular" font type/size usually found in the Thompson Chain Reference, you can tell it is definitely larger.
Double columns. TCR comes only in double columns. The sides of each column have reference chains. No bible text could ever be in the gutter, though perhaps a few of the chains might be in some editions.
Red letter. This is a red letter edition. Some TCR are black letter, but most are red letter. I don't know if any NIV 84 TCR's exist.
There is an edition of the NIV Thompson Chain Reference that uses the NIV 1978 text.
Kirkbride was the original publisher, now it is published by Zondervan.
Start date: August 7, 2024
End date: September 17, 2024
The translation is the NIV (New International Version) the 1984 edition. The first edition for the whole Bible was the 1978. The latest edition for the whole Bible was 2011. Some--myself included--do make a big distinction between the "NIV" and "NIV 84." The 84 has been out of print (and removed from the internet) since the 2011 was released. It can still be purchased second hand. It is relatively easy to thrift the 84. (Perhaps not as easy as it is to thrift KJV, but close).
I love the NIV 1984. I do. It is one I like to revisit semi-regularly. I don't read this one perhaps as much as other translations like the KJV and NASB, it is a FAVORITE that feels like home.
The Thompson Chain Reference Bible is a constant. It has been around for over a century. The first 'edition' was released circa 1908! It has been through many editions and updates. I have read it in the KJV, the NASB 77, the NASB 95, and now the NIV 84.
This is a large print edition. Large print is a bit of a stretch, HOWEVER, when compared to the "regular" font type/size usually found in the Thompson Chain Reference, you can tell it is definitely larger.
Double columns. TCR comes only in double columns. The sides of each column have reference chains. No bible text could ever be in the gutter, though perhaps a few of the chains might be in some editions.
Red letter. This is a red letter edition. Some TCR are black letter, but most are red letter. I don't know if any NIV 84 TCR's exist.
There is an edition of the NIV Thompson Chain Reference that uses the NIV 1978 text.
Kirkbride was the original publisher, now it is published by Zondervan.
July 17, 2017
I found "Messenger of the Holy" to be so informative and direct. I've studied alternate spiritual paths and comparative religion for many years. Maybe it's just the timing for me and for the world, but the message Michael shares is clear and encouraging. He gives us information received from the spiritual realm along with the very personal ways these messages affected he and his family. Delightful, deep and so very encouraging.
April 16, 2022
Finally finished reading this version of the Bible. It took me 16 months to read it, the longest, from the four versions I have read. While more accurate, the NKJV is harder to understand than the NIV. The Message version is great, for context, but too much latitude.
January 26, 2015
I will confess that I haven't read the whole entire Bible. But thanks to a course at my church combined with some additional reading throughout the years, I can honestly say I have read 90% of it, which may be as good as it is ever going to get since I don't think I'll ever sit down and read it cover-to-cover. (The class I took had us read the majority of the Bible, but we didn't always read sequentially.) I at least feel like I have a very strong grasp of what is (and isn't) in the Bible, based on my actual knowledge of having read it, not just what other people have taught me about it. That's a good feeling.
I wouldn't feel right giving the Bible less than 5 stars because it is such an important historical and spiritual work, and trying to rate it as just any other book is impossible. It has fascinating, sometimes frightening, sometimes inspiring stories. It has beautiful poetry. It has enough puzzling elements to mull over for years. It isn't always an easy read (except for some books, which ARE very easy reads). Overall it is a complex book that allows for multiple readings, multiple interpretations, and multiple lessons.
I wouldn't feel right giving the Bible less than 5 stars because it is such an important historical and spiritual work, and trying to rate it as just any other book is impossible. It has fascinating, sometimes frightening, sometimes inspiring stories. It has beautiful poetry. It has enough puzzling elements to mull over for years. It isn't always an easy read (except for some books, which ARE very easy reads). Overall it is a complex book that allows for multiple readings, multiple interpretations, and multiple lessons.
December 30, 2013
This is my second time reading completely through the Bible. I followed the "Through the Bible in a Year" by the American Tract Society. I love the well known stories in the Old Testament: Adam & Eve, Noah, Abraham, Joseph, etc., but I admit it's tough reading through some of those Old Testament chapters with their laws and measurements. I never fail to be amazed at how the Israelites had God right there with them and still didn't trust in Him completely. I love Luke's telling of the birth of Jesus, and the first verse of John, "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God." My favorite discovery is in 2 Kings 20, where Hezekiah is told by God through Isaiah he will not recover from his illness. He prays to God to remember his faithfulness, and Isaiah receives a message from God that he has heard his prayer, seen his tears, and will heal him. That passage gives me great hope. I feel a huge sense of accomplishment having read through this for the second time, and will likely do it again. I find something new every time.
September 16, 2013
For the first time in my Christian life, I have read the entire Bible, cover-to-cover. I pulled out Matthew Henry's commentary occasionally to help me understand difficult passages, but other than that, I didn't read anything else for my devotional timeIt took me two years, reading a little everyday, and I am so glad that I did it.
Never have I felt as though I got a glimpse of the bigger picture of my faith. God's big picture is amazing, and I am just going to start over and read through it. Again and again and again.
Never have I felt as though I got a glimpse of the bigger picture of my faith. God's big picture is amazing, and I am just going to start over and read through it. Again and again and again.
October 24, 2014
A steady companion and great help in early days being a Christian to learn and understand life themes throughout the Bible .. Studying patience when I desperately needed it! Love for the unlovable - me - or so I thought at times. Forgiveness.. me again - for making mistakes and then for others. Wisdom.. a lifetime work in progress. Always at hand this book is a daily help as Jesus is.. Forever loving always forgiving our closest friend .. Even if we don't choose him, he still loves you, is the ultimate 24/7 helpline and is even available on Christmas Day.
March 26, 2008
For someone like me with neverending curiosity and a thirst for understanding, the Thompson Chain Reference Bible is a must-have. There is so much historical information and incredible study tools built in to help amplify the Scriptures. I ended up getting this Bible as a gift because my college roommate got sick of me constantly borrowing hers! Fourteen years later, I still have it (though it's battered) and still highly recommend this version to serious Bible-readers.
June 20, 2012
It is a very easy read. Though there are some problems with translation it still holds true to the word of God. It allows for cross referencing, checking and has easy indexing. Overall I love this bible translation. It works well with the many other bibles that I study and read on a regular basis. I would recommend this bible for someone who is a new christian and wanting to study the word of God.
December 31, 2014
The New International Version is my favorite Bible translation. Of course, I revere the King James Version, and actually prefer it when reading Psalms, but I'm convinced most readers don't really understand a good percentage of the KJV. Elizabethan English was just a wee bit different from our modern language. The Thompson Reference helps section is very good, too; I really like the archaeological supplement in this edition. All things considered, this is a fine study Bible.
February 5, 2015
This was my first Study Bible and it was incredibly helpful! The NIV was an understandable and easy to grasp translation, although I have since found it is not necessarily the most accurate one.
The Thompson Chain-Reference(c)system is unique among study bibles and very easy to use. For someone who is interested in learning more about people, themes and concepts in Scripture, there really isn't a better study bible to have on hand. I highly recommend it.
The Thompson Chain-Reference(c)system is unique among study bibles and very easy to use. For someone who is interested in learning more about people, themes and concepts in Scripture, there really isn't a better study bible to have on hand. I highly recommend it.
July 1, 2008
This is the Bible I have. I've been reading it since 1982 (No I didn't finish Judges, Kings, & Chronicles). I like the parts that don't make sense the first million times (Daniel 12:11-13), or the parts where I used 4 different "Hilighter" colors on (Matthew 6:34), oh and then the study notes on the margin that are mostly not helpful. Woo Hoo!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 22, 2009
The NIV is probably a better translation for modern readers, but I prefer the beauty of the King James Version. This edition has a lot of reference material added in. Useful if you like that kind of supplemental text.
May 24, 2012
I won't pretend to understand everything in this book. Heck, I won't even pretend to understand most of it. But, I do know that this book contains everything I really need, and will ever really need. This book is never moving out of my 'currently-reading' shelf.
February 12, 2025
Religion aside, this is an important book to familiarize yourself with if you are an avid reader because of its influence on so many authors. Direct references and subtle undertones of its themes can be found in countless writings over the centuries.
January 1, 2026
A unique method of Bible study. Notes in the margins refer the reader to the next place in the text that key words and concepts appear. This is great for word studies.
There is also an abundance of archaeological studies and further studies in the back.
There is also an abundance of archaeological studies and further studies in the back.
April 15, 2008
This is a Bible, it's fairly self explainitory.
April 12, 2009
Worth reading over and over and over...
May 23, 2009
I love this Bible. My students do to. It's great for in-depth study.
Currently reading
May 6, 2010Life lessons of all kinds....
April 16, 2014
It took a little longer to finish than I had hoped, but I did it! You are never too young or too old to read the #1 best selling book. Never stop searching for truth.
July 20, 2014
No book is more important, more timely, more full of guidance and help than God's Word.
November 24, 2021
Most important book one could ever read!
January 3, 2016
The greatest book ever written.
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews