Bibles I Don't Like 🚫 

As an Air Force veteran and pastor, I couldn't agree with you more about the patriotic bibles. Thank you for your gracious approach to this potentially difficult topic, Tim.

Nicely done Tim. I'm a vet and I have to totally agree on the "patriot" bibles. Our citizenship is in heaven.

I know I’m in the minority, but I wish more premium Bibles were offered with thumb indexing.

I haven't been to church since I was 10 and I'm 41 and drinking a 12 pack at 7am like every day and for some reason I had to click on this video. I don't know if its a sign or what but it's nice to see someone so positive and gives me hope. Thank you.

Just watched your video on ‘Bibles I Don’t Like’. Nicely done. Everyone has their personal preferences and it’s really good to finally see someone stand up and say what they like or dislike.

Since everyone else have already said all that’s needed to be said, I will just say thank you for your honesty on reviewing and admitting that there are actually bibles that you don’t like as much as others. Always a pleasure to watch your reviews, Tim! You’re still awesome!

Thank you Tim for your honesty!!! I’m glad you finally did a review like this one. It makes me trust your reviews more. That question was always lingering in the back of my mind as I watched your reviews. Your reviews have always been so positive for the most part. I knew there had to be Bibles that you didn’t like but you never really said anything about it. That made me question your reviews just a little🤔🤔🤔. Thank you for making and sharing this review✝️🙏🏽✝️🙏🏽✝️. You were very professional and genuine to the makers of these Bibles.

I really enjoyed watching this and listening to your points of view, Tim. It is perfectly good for us all to know what we love about our bibles, and what we buy! One thing I am doing is selling on eBay the ones I no longer read now that I have changed up my translations, however being sentimentally attached is making it hard!

Great video, I personally love the Thompson Chain. yes, the older ones were very "busy" but the new ones are much improved. I think what I like about the Thompson the most is that if you want to just read the Bible, it is there with no intrusions from super-scrips, sub-scripts, letters, numbers, or symbols, and no fear of the text falling into the gutter. if you find a passage interesting, you can look to the margin and and get references or parallel passages, or even follow the whole chain. the strength of the Thompson is that instead of an authors commentary (which may or may not align with your views), it really only uses scripture as commentary on scripture. Some of this may be nostalgia from when I was young and saw the maps in the back that showed the travels of different people laid out in an easy to understand form.

Your description of wanting your Bible to be about "god's word" and not wanting American stuff in there (or another stuff!), was so spot on. It hits the core of the issue perfectly.

I love how you approach this, as some two of my favorites are on your list. We all have different opinions on what we look for in a Bible.

Well done. Enjoyed this video, great job! Sorry that it was so stressful for you. Thank you for all your work and reviews to help us find the right Bible for each of us.

This discussion highlights how very fortunate we English speakers are to have such a multitude of choices! I don’t know of any other language in which the Bible is available in such a variety of translations, formats, editions, different study helps etc etc. So very blessed!

No need to stress Tim. I'm just happy we are so blessed with so many bible options. I just got a Treveris recently. I'm still up in the air on it. I think I may prefer the double column. But I'll give it a little more time.

I’m with you on all points Tim! Thanks for the video and your amazing channel.

That was brave! Way to go! This was a fun video. I appreciate all you do to help us find the right bible match for ourselves in these times of distraction and plenty.

I am 1000% with you on the patriotic bibles. Keep the main thing the main thing.

Hello Brother Tim. This was a great segment. Bibles are definitely personal and nobody likes the exact same bibles or else there would only be one format of bible sold. Blessings to you and your family 🙌👏

This felt like I just witnessed a tough therapy session 😂 Glad you got through it!

I LOVE your heart, Tim. Being critical isn’t a skill. Being an optimist is. And screw the haters, they aren’t worth your time!

I love colours and I love bright colourful Bibles! 💖❤🧡💛💚Im so glad they finally exist in premium Bible format 😍

This was so well done. Opinions abound, and people can get really divisive. You are correct in that you have regularly mentioned in your videos how certain things in a particular Bible you are reviewing are not your thing. Like, for example, the use of red letters. You are gracious as usual. I love your channel. And, you have helped push me into a true Bible nerd! 😀Take care, best to you and your channel.

Great video thanks Tim yes I always wondered what you don’t like too because you are always so positive. 👍🏾 Agree with you on the TCR, it’s so popular and I tried to get into it but agree it’s so overwhelming and I haven’t been able to use mine yet 😂 And yes I got an orange Humble Lamb because it’s so popular right now but it’s way to bright to take anywhere lol. I got a red as a replacement which I like much better. So on the bright Bibles it depends on the color you like. I love my KJV Treveris 😁😁

I still appreciate the single column, side column reference Bible, usually only in the NASB and also now in LSB. It’s very helpful in teaching and preaching. ESV had one early on but it’s seemingly out of print now.

It’s funny you say that about the Thompson Reference chain! I recently got it and my wife opened it up for the first time and she was like “whoa!” And immediately said she didn’t like it. There was just too much on the pages!

It took a lot of courage for you to do this, Brother, and I respect you and appreciate it. Also, I happen to have similar thoughts on most of those Bibles. Grace to you!

I really enjoy this, truth well-spoken. Sometimes we need to hear this kind. So satisfying, I'm so relief.😄

Fun video! Thanks so much for sharing! And thank you very much for your positive approach to Bible reviewing. I’m sure I can speak on behalf of a lot of your supporters when I say that we are grateful to have at least one sphere of our lives that isn’t drowning in negativity and cynicism! Again, thanks so much for all the amazing work that you do!

Great video, as always. I know it’s hard to say something negative about what someone else may like. My first study Bible was a Thompson Chain Reference. It was great, but I now have trouble seeing it. It’s too busy and I need larger prints. I absolutely love my Treveris KJV. It’s my first premium Bible and I was looking for a readers KJV. And I like the drop caps because it reminds me of old manuscripts (I have a degree in NT textual criticism). So for me this is perfect. But I realize it’s not for everyone. Again, great job on a topic I know was hard for you to do. And, apart from the Terveris I completely agree - and even here I understand it’s a matter of personal preference. 😊

100% on every point (and I am confessionally Reformed). Thanks for the honesty. Your reviews are always helpful to me when looking at purchasing another bible.

Great video, Tim! You can stop sweating now! I appreciate your heart in these matters. May the Lord continue to bless you and your ministry!

I appreciate your honesty and your videos, Tim! ❤

Thank you for your honesty! Appreciate you!

Huge fan of the Treveris, the layout is new and different, but did not take long to become integral to my study. I would consider it a perfect EDC bible and recommend it to anybody looking for a new bible. Cheers.

Thanks for having the courage and grace to speak about these and in such a helpful way! I love a nice hardcover edition and so a lot of these floppy leather editions aren't for me, but a nice high quality hardcover would be amazing! Artscroll publishers (orthodox jewish) absolutely knock it out of the park when it comes to hardcover binding, I wish christian publishers could match their quality and style for the rest of the books that Artscroll doesn't publish.

ALL GOOD BROTHER!!!! Thanks so much for the video! I don't like bright color bibles either but I recently got the yellow lunar from Humble Lamb. I was going to use it when I was invited to preach but my wife advised me not to do it :) I followed her advise.

Agree with your comment about the 5 solas. I recently preordered the LSB compact bible. I wanted the black goatskin, but thought having the 5 solas on the spine looked way to busy.

Love the TCR!! Have worn out several. I guess I’ll keep watching 😇

Keep up the good work and looking forward to your book coming out. So blessed by the Thompson though :)

The Thompson chain reference Bible, for me, is a reference tool. so not even in the category of an everyday Bible. My decision about the colorful Bible is still forming - I bought some Humble Lamb Bibles and one is colorful. It's an NASB HIStory version orenge and black. I like it because it's my high school's colors, but that's the only reason I got that color combination. But it's growing on me even while I think I'll get a more muted copy when they do their second run. I really like that version. Maybe they'll do an LSB. Great video, thanks.

Thanks for this. I've always thought that you never met a bible you didn't like - turns out that you have both positive and negative opinions..but are nice about it. People take note - we need more of this.

Great job Tim. I like how you tread lightly on these subjects. I’ve seen way too much bashing of bibles or translations. We should fear that the Lord is using said bibles in someone’s life and for us to squash that should be a fearsome thing.

You did a great job. No feelings hurt here, you were very diplomatic and kind. ❤😊

Your tats felt a bit weird at first, but your content and the way you deliver it have me coming back to your videos. Thanks for what you do. God bless!

Tim, I really value your insight and videos. Please ignore the haters, don't let the negative comments get you down. Keep doing what you're doing!😊

Well done! Thank you Tim 🙏

I appreciate your reviews. Very informative. I enjoyed this particular review and agree with most of your points. I'm not too fond of any study type of paper Bibles. There are many better options in the electronic format these days that make Bible study more efficient for my workflow.

Great job Tim! You handled the topic well.

It's kind of sad how many times Tim had to ask people to be kind in the comments section. Such a kind, humble person who's just trying to help people find a Bible that's a good fit for them. I think watching his videos helps me to learn how to appreciate the good in something even if it isn't up my alley. Thanks for your videos, Tim. You rock!

I overall agree- I feel sentimental about the Thompson Chain because it was the Bible that was super popular when my parents got in church and everyone had one back then. I think the new one is better than the old one.

I didn't know that the five lines was a reference to reformation. Never knew that. You learn something new everyday :)

Isn't it wonderful that we have so many different types of Bible's to choose from, that there is something out there for practically every taste.

Good morning everyone, hope everybody has had a great week. Well let’s get down to business Tim. If you don’t like the Bible, then it must be really bad. I can’t wait to see which ones they are

You did an excellent job of explaining of what you don't like.

I love the bright colors! I agree about the patriotic Bibles and the five solas rebinds. There have been so many beautiful rebinds that I wouldn’t buy because of the solas, and I’ve felt like the rebinders are excluding a lot of people from purchasing. I like the Treveris, but there are better readers. The drop caps are unappealing to me, and I wish they hadn’t included the verse numbers, but I enjoyed reading it more than I thought I would. Another Bible I don’t like is the Humble Lamb because of the illustrations. If there were an edition without them, I would try it out.

This is my second video of yours that I've watched. The first was about the LSB, "is it hear to stay?". You just seem to be someone who really enjoys what you do. The delivery, the smile, the photography always keep me glued. It's enjoyable watching someone who's genuinely happy in what they do. As far as this video's subject matter, don't "sweat" it. You were as kind and non judgmental as you could be. Keep up the good work.

Tim, you are probably the nicest guy on RU-vid, and I can't fathom anyone saying / printing hurtful statements against you--truly tragic! I agree with you about brightly-colored Bibles, the Thompson Chain Bible (TMI), and Patriotic Bibles. I appreciate all you do for us all. God bless!

Love drop caps. Love single column across the page. Love the simplicity of no headers, verse numbers, footnotes in the text. Love the Treveris - you did it, you found the Bible for me! And also, love this video and all your reviews. Thanks for what you do. Have enjoyed your videos for years.

I totally agree with you on every point, except the brightly coloured Bibles! I'm a sucker for them! Oh...and I can't personally speak for the Schuyler Treveris as I've never seen that one. I did buy a Thompson Chain-Reference Bible not long ago and haven't used it since. I had the same reaction as you, it's too 'busy' and overwhelming. I thought it would be a great main Bible to have because it would allow Scripture to interpret Scripture, rather than getting someone's personal interpretation, but I just couldn't handle it, so it just sits on my shelf gathering dust...I will probably give it away or donate it to an op shop eventually.

Great video. Love your honesty. You do a great job.

This was a fun one! I'm still trying to figure out why a man who wears subdued clothing would NOT want a bright bible for a pop of color. haha I'm with you on the Thompson and the treveris. I actually don't like the Schuyler Quintel because the words all blend together in my mind (all the pages look alike too) and it makes it hard to read and remember where something is. My son thinks the same way as I gave him mine. Could be us! It's a gorgeous bible though.

I like brightly colored Bibles! Makes me feel like the Bible is joyful and a Light! But, to each their own.

I bought an ESV Treveris last year. It's beautiful, but I never use it: my ESV Pitt Minion takes precedence. Around the same time, I bought an NASB PSQ, which I get much more use out of. I also picked up an older NIV TCR last year, but it also sits around collecting dust, because - you're correct - the layout is cluttered and uninviting. I adore Cambridge Bibles, but there are two I have which I don't particularly love: an NIV Clarion in black calf-split leather, and a loose-leaf KJV Concord Wide Margin. I thought that I would love the Clarion, but I don't know if it's the thickness or the layout, but I just never use it. It could be the translation, but then I have no desire to get one in a translation I use more frequently. As for the loose-leaf Concord (and this could apply to all loose-leaf bibles), while it's very cool to be able to insert note paper between any pages of the biblical text, flipping through 1000+ pages in a three-ring binder, without damaging the ring holes, is a tedious process. It also takes up a lot of space and isn't comfortable to hold, nor does it look premium in any way. I love the Concord's typeface and may spring for a goatskin version in the future, but the loose-leaf, like others I've mentioned, just sits around unused.

Polite and to the point. With all the Bible’s you review and see of course you’ll have preferences. I know I sure do! Thanks for sharing!

It's funny: my family has always used Thompson Chain Reference Bibles, so for me the layout doesn't bother me. It's what I'm expecting. Neat to hear that someone else has a different opinion. I probably feel similarly to interlinear or parallel Bibles - multiple columns do make the text harder to follow. The Thompson Reference "wings" just seem so natural to me that I don't notice them 😂

The 5 Solas hurt a little bit as I am reformed. Reformed Baptist specifically, but I respect your opinion sir. You did this video in a respectful way and it was great!

I have the newly released Humble Lamb NASB HIStory edition in bright yellow. For the most part, I don’t take it to church and I’ve definitely never preached from it in our adult settings. However, I did have it with me while teaching a youth class once and it came in clutch as an illustration. Also, I’ve found that it is a FANTASTIC conversation starter. Anything I carry a bible that sparks conversation (something that can’t really be said about other bibles I have,) it is always note worthy to me and I remember to try and carry it frequently. So I agree with your assessment of bright color bibles from a more personal stance, but I also see some place for them that could ultimately be valuable. Great video! P.S., 1000% agree on the patriotic Bible stance.

Love your videos and appreciate your honesty about what you don't like in/on bibles. I agree with all your opinions except maybe the Treveris. IMO it looks really clean and very much would draw me in to read it.

100% agree on the “patriotic” Bible. I love the Thomas Chain as a study tool. I agree that it is not the best for general reading. Great video.

I like the bright color bibles because they look pretty and girly. That's probably why you don't like them lol 😅

You and I have the same taste! My exact thoughts especially on the patriotic and Thompson Chain Bibles

I’m in full agreement, except perhaps on the TCR. I very much appreciate the very gracious and kind way you handled this topic. Love your reviews!

Great video Tim. I agree with you on 99 percent of what you said, but really man, the TCR. I'll pray for you brother. Keep up the good work.

I am so proud to be an American, it hurts.... but I think it's borderline blasphemous to put the U.S. Constitution into the Bible. How is that not adding to scripture?

The spine work had me cracking up! I agree completely and I still love the five solas. Just not on my spine! AND for sure agree on the binders logo!! I’ve been thinking that too! It’s hard to love someone’s re-binding work, but not love their logo. It just makes you not want to get a rebound from them. I love the idea of just putting it on the inside cover on the back cover. I think I’ve seen Rex rebinds do that which has been cool to see!

Thank you for a POSITIVE look at these Bibles. I honestly did not realize that the five ridges on the spine stood for the five solas. My favorite leather Bible has them on it and I had thought it was just for aesthetics and to protect the type from wearing off. Not a big deal for me but it is nice to know. God bless!

I really loved this video! You did a great job articulating features that you've found that make Bibles "that aren't right for you" -- often figuring out what we don't like about certain Bibles helps us narrow down and focus on the versions best for us. I'm unsurprised you're not a fan of brightly colored Bibles as I recall you mentioning that bright color not being one you'd personally want to bring to church. I love the look of brightly colored Bibles, but understand why many think they're garish or not somber enough for a daily Bible. Totally agree with you about the Thompson Chain-Reference Bibles! I've tried to use one before and found myself consistently overwhelmed or distracted. Glad they're around and so popular as many people seem to benefit greatly from them. It was a kindness to point out publicly that not everyone is looking to purchase a 5 Solas rebind and that rebinders are limiting their potential market when they make them without a particular purchaser in mind. You weren't unkind, didn't mention any companies by name in a negative manner, and if I were a small business owner this is feedback I'd be interested in. Love the Treveris! There's definitely been Bibles you've pointed out as some of your absolute favs that I wasn't enthused about -- we're so lucky there's such a wonderful diversity of Bibles to choose from in today's market! I completely agree with you about patriotic Bibles. I'd never been a fan of them as they seemed to be pandering, but you're right: it's really not cool to be mixing our allegiances to God and to our country in a copy of the Scriptures. Sorry, USA, but though I love you, you're coming in second place to God if there's a competition.

The Treveris looks lovely in my opinion. I might want to buy it now 😂

Great job, Tim! wonderful review of YOUR individual taste and preferences! You have a right to dislike elements of even the most gorgeous bibles. Right? right. I enjoyed you sharing your style preferences. Keep it up brother! Much love!

Tim, I respect your opinions concerning the various bibles you discussed. You were respectful and pleasant. Thank you!

Of those you listed, the patriotic Bibles turn me off the most. A lot of our patriotism treads too close to idolatry for my tastes, and patriotic Bibles always send me running. However, I like the look of the Treveris for the very reasons you don't. I hope one day they put up a KJV with Apocrypha (tall order, I know).

Thanks for sharing. As a Navy veteran, I agree with your position in patriotic bibles and brightly decorated ones.

Wow! Thanks! I learned something new. I never knew what the 5 raised areas on the spine of the Bible was. Never gave it any thought. Thank you for mentioning the 5 Solas. It will allow me to make an informed decision on any future Bible purchase.

Tim!! I could not have agreed more with you. Great job on how you presented this.

We love you, Tim! I’m very proud of the approach you took. And you never need to mention the topic again (don’t do a follow up)! Perfect!

Thank you for mentioning the logos. I don’t like them either. I love how you don’t like bright colors, and say so. I do, and I’d be happy to show up at a Bible study or Sunday school with a very bright Bible. Overly large stamped letters have ruined many a rebound Bible. Rebinders, please invest in small lettering.

8:15 on your point about the drop caps, I didn’t know what you were talking about until you showed it to which I was like UES!! Me too!! Bc when I got my recent bible (in person) and saw that it had that, I was thrown off! Like they’re pretty, but I never studied the Bible with that so it rubbed me wrong. But when I think about the ways people memorize the Bible by using the first letter of every word in a verse, I’m thinking maybe that’s the usefulness of it? To help with memorization 🤷🏾‍♀️ it’s an idea right😄 Praise the Lord!

Sounds like an interesting topic! I'm curious whether you're going to be focusing on aesthetic or usability (sometimes those are the same things when it comes to books).

You handled that well! 😊 Dear Humble Lamb, please making Bibles in traditional colors, WITHOUT art work of any sort. Stay innovative, and stay in your lane, but consider those of us who are boring!!!

I totally agree with you about the Bible you mentioned with reference to the US. If I want to read and know more about the Constitution I will get a copy to read. For me the Bible is GOD'S Word and is not a book about the US. I appreciate Bible reviews as I have bought many different translations over the years. Currently the Bible version I am using for my everyday devotions and reading is "The Living Bible". I find I am understanding this translation better. I feel a bible is a personal matter and choice. GOD just wants us to read the Bible to draw closer to Him and get to know Him.

I look forward to your videos on bibles. i have purchased several bibles because of the videos ive watched from you.

Great vid, you have a very pleasant manner that “ draws me in”. I have a 1985 Ryrie study Bible and I love it cuz it draws me in. The layout of the text, spacing, margins, everything, LUV IT. $5 at estate sale, hay you should do a vid on old Bibles from thrift stores and such, lots of great finds. God bless🙃

I laughed out LOUD! I have used my Thompson since 1970. We all have our opinions. What really matters is that I READ and study the word. Because of your honesty and positivity I am a new subscriber.

I would say any Bible that does not lay flat from Genesis to Revelation kind of irritates me now.

I'm looking to buy my first premium Bible. I think it's funny you mention the traveris as I absolutely adore that layout. Only reason I haven't gone for one is not seeing one in NASB. I also like the idea of the 5 solas, but Bibles with them always look too busy. Wouldn't mind one that just had sola scriptura

Ironically I decided to purchase my first bible rebind because of your channel and I ordered it with the the five solas 🤣

Good morning everyone

Yep! Love you more now. I'm right behind you regarding any nation/philosophy/current trend/etcetera being placed ABOVE God. It will always be God's prerogative to place favor as HE pleases. It is our responsibility to learn God's Word and to apply it in our lives...to serve and love God and to love our neighbor. By the way, I do love colorful Bibles but I, too, tend to own mostly black, brown, tan covered Bibles. 😅

I like the Thompson chain kjv format. With the verses in the center of the page I find it easy to highlight a verse.

Great video Tim. Thanks for sharing ❤