Frank Charles Thompson (1858–1940)

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

Start date: July 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.… (more)

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

Start date: September 24, 2023
Finish date: November 2, 2023

Was this my first time reading the NASB 1977? NO. I absolutely love, love, love, love this translation. This isn't even my first time reading the NASB 1977 in 2023. It is a true favorite.

Was this my first time reading the Thompson Chain Reference Bible? No. Though it was my first time to do so with the New American Standard text instead of the King James text.

This is a double column, red letter reference bible. It utilizes the chain references [and the chain reference system] of Frank Charles Thompson. This is one of the older "legacy" "study" Bibles available. It is available in many different translations--KJV, NKJV, ESV, NASB 1977, NASB 1995, NIV 1984, probably NIV 2011.

Traditionally, the Thompson Chain Reference Bibles have small font. This one does as well, though it might be slightly larger than the original. Maybe. My copies from the 1960s don't list a font size. This font size is 8.3. The newer ones have a larger font size. [The NASB 95 Thompson Chain Reference, for example, is supposed to have larger font.]

This is a LARGE Bible. It is heavy.… (more)

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

I started reading the King James Version--or rereading as the case may be--in May 2023. I read Psalms and Proverbs in May. I started the Old Testament and New Testament in June 2023. I finished July 28, 2023.

I discovered this 'gem' at a used bookstore. Though almost all Thompson Chain Reference Bibles that I've seen are red letter, this one is BLACK LETTER.

I would love to learn how to use the Chain Reference system. I didn't attempt to learn it this time around. I was just appreciating this one for the layout. I definitely plan to reread this one.

I love the King James Version. This was a good edition. It does have self-pronouncing text (syllable guidance). (This isn't my favorite feature. In fact it's a least favorite feature usually). It is verse-by-verse. I am getting more used to verse-by-verse, but I do prefer paragraphing.… (more)