The NASB 2020 Wide Margin Reference Bible in Blue Leathertex

I’m a huge fan of single column verse-by-verse layouts. My real gripe is that it is hard to find Bibles with this layout—especially that include references. Several publishers seem to finally be taking notice and more Bibles with this beautiful layout are starting to be created. I’m quite excited to be reviewing one of those layouts today. The Lockman foundation has created a beautiful single-column verse-by-verse layout that they are calling the Wide Margin Reference Bible. This layout is very similar to the Stridon that has recently been produced by Schuyler, but with one major improvement. Let’s talk about it.

I’m reviewing the blue Leathertex version. It’s quite nice for a faux leather version. The grain on the cover looks great and I find this blue to be a great shade. It puts me in mind of a Cobalt. There’s black stamping on the spine. The page edges are silver, which I think is a great accent choice. There are cobalt blue head and tail bands. Rounding out the outside are two double-sided satin ribbons that have a great width and length to them. One is blue and the other is black.

Inside is a black, vinyl paste-down liner and black vinyl end sheets. The Bible includes presentation and family records pages.

The block is where this Bible really shines. The paper is a beautiful white 32 gsm paper. As mentioned, the layout is as single-column, verse-by-verse. There is a 1.25 inch outer margin. This is where I think the Bible outshines the Stridon. It has much more space for taking notes and it really doesn’t increase the footprint of the Bible by much. There are over 95,000 cross references and the full set of translation footnotes appear in this Bible. They are arranged in two columns at the bottom of each page.

The type is 10 point and line matched. I find that the text really pops off the page. If I had one wish, it might be that the Bible included an accent color for the verse numbers and cross reference numbers.

In the back you’ll find a topical index, book introductions, and full color maps.

All in all, this is a fantastic Bible! I wish every publisher would make a Bible in this format, but I’m grateful that Lockman has chosen to do so. If you’re a fan of this format or of the NASB 2020 in general then you can’t go wrong with this Bible.

Pick up your copy of the NASB 2020 Wide Margin Reference Bible on Amazon (affiliate).

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this Bible from Lockman in exchange for a fair and honest review.