Bible Review: NKJV Explorer’s Study Bible

The Explorer’s Study Bible (NKJV). Thomas Nelson, 2009. 1440 pages.

Reading Level: Middle Grades, ages 10-12
Recommended for: ages 8-10 and up

Bottom Line: Reliable translation, some nice features, and a theme reminiscent of the best-selling NIV Adventure Bible.

When they say “explorers,” they mean it—the exploration theme picks up on the cover and carries on through. This may be the NKJV answer to the best-selling children’s Bible of all time: The NIV Adventure Bible from Zondervan.  The study tools in this version have names like “Digging In” (interpretive notes and background material), “Word Decoders” (definitions of bold-faced words in the text, found at the bottom of the page),”Discoveries” (life in Bible times), “Bible Explorers” (character sketches), and “Mystery Solved” (Frequently Asked Questions). There are no book introductions per se; instead, introductory material is scattered throughout the text.

The study helps are fairly standard.  Full-color inserts include various applications: “How to Study the Bible,” “Scripture Reliability,” “Character Qualities and Sketches,” “Life Applications,” “Christian Living,” etc. These are signed by several authors, including Phil Metzger, Jeremy Camp, Chuck Smith…the same Chuck Smith who founded Calvary Chapel? I’m not sure, but the doctrinal slant is broadly evangelical. Messianic elements in the Old Testament don’t receive a great deal of emphasis; Old Testament characters are seen more as examples than prefigures of Christ.  My favorite features are the “Word Decoders” and the “In-Text Maps,” both because I don’t like to break off reading in order to look something up—the information is right there on the page. The 12-point font is also welcome.  The volume is attractive and well-produced, but for children’s versions of the NKJV, I still like the Early Reader’s Bible best.

Overall Rating: 3.75
Categories: Middle Grades, Christian, Bibles, Bible Stories

Cover image from amazon.com