The LSB Handy Size Inner Column Reference

If videos aren’t your thing and you prefer a written review then keep scrolling!

Pick it up here:
316 Publishing: https://316publishing.com/collections… Amazon: https://amzn.to/3L3ZMIj (affiliate)
Buy me a coffee! Venmo – @iamcam
Like, subscribe, and follow me over on Instagram: @realcamhyde
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this Bible in exchange for a fair and honest review.

Today we’re taking a look at the Legacy Standard Bible (LSB) Handy Size Inside Column Reference Edition — and let me tell you, I was super excited about this one. After spending some time with it, I can confidently say: I’m not disappointed.

First Impressions

This Handy Size Inside Column Reference Edition is a red-letter edition — and yes, that’s a topic of debate. Personally, I’m holding out hope for a black-letter version in the future. I picked up the black faux leather edition, complete with an imprinted sword on the front cover. It comes in a slipcase, and here’s what the back cover tells us.

The Specs

According to 316 Publishing, this Bible is:

“The perfect everyday carry for in-depth Bible study.”

And after using it, I’d say that’s pretty accurate. Here’s what you’re getting:

Over 95,000 cross-references
Red-letter text with a 9.5-point font
14,000+ translation footnotes
Red highlights for book titles, running headers, chapters, and page numbers
Single-column verse-by-verse layout
32 GSM Bible paper
1,632 pages
Smyth-sewn, paste-down binding
Perimeter-stitched faux leather cover
Rounded spine and corners
Two satin ribbon markers
Tables for weights, measures, and monetary units
Eight detailed black-and-white maps
Printed and bound in Korea

Build and Design

Let’s start with the exterior.
The imprinted sword is a nice touch — subtle but fun. The two ribbon markers are a solid length, though I do wish they were a bit wider. You’ll also notice that the page edges are plain white — no gilding here. That’s a cost-saving measure, and honestly, I think 316 made the right call.

In budget editions like this, you have to pick and choose your premium features, and they chose wisely.

If I could make a wish list for 316 Publishing, it would include two things:

A hardcover edition of this Bible.
A black-letter version.

Other than that, they nailed it.

Construction and Feel

This Bible is Smyth-sewn and uses what feels like a vinyl paste-down liner. But even as a faux-leather edition, it lays incredibly flat — even in Leviticus (which, let’s be honest, isn’t the most cooperative book for page testing).

The flexibility is surprising for a budget edition. I genuinely think 316 is making the best budget Bibles on the market right now. The 32 GSM paper feels premium — it’s smooth, opaque enough, and doesn’t stick together. The text block itself is excellent for this price point.

Readability and Format

I opted for the indexed edition, and I personally love the tabs (though I know not everyone does). Again, this Bible lays flat in books like 1 Timothy and Revelation — something that doesn’t happen in most non-premium editions.

Yes, it’s a red-letter Bible, and while that can be hit or miss, I think this one gets it right. The red is consistent and dark, not washed out. As long as it’s readable, I don’t mind red-letter text at all.

Comparing It to the Full-Size ICR

The Handy ICR uses the same pagination as the standard Inside Column Reference (ICR) edition — which is my favorite LSB layout. However, the original ICR is massive. It’s an excellent study or preaching Bible with an 11-point font, but it’s not something you’re throwing in your backpack.

When you hold them side by side, the difference is huge. The Handy ICR is significantly thinner and more portable — making it a great “everyday carry” option. It’s compact without feeling cramped, and it still maintains that clean, readable single-column layout with inside-column references and textual notes at the bottom.

This might just be the perfect-sized Legacy Standard Bible.

The Only Thing I’d Change

At the back, you’ll find black-and-white maps, tables for measurements and money, and a few dot-grid note pages — which I really like.

However… if I could change one thing, I’d ditch the maps and add a concordance instead.

The full-size ICR has an excellent concordance that’s incredibly helpful for in-depth study. Having even a smaller version in this Handy ICR would make it a much more complete on-the-go study tool.

Maps are nice, but personally, I rarely use them. A compact concordance would be far more useful.

Final Thoughts

The Legacy Standard Bible Handy Size Inside Column Reference Edition is an incredible value. It combines thoughtful design, quality materials, and faithful typography into a Bible that’s both portable and durable.

If you love the LSB and want something you can carry, study from, and enjoy daily — this is it.

Cam Hyde