KJV Pew Bible Review|Holman Publishers Vs. Hendrickson Publishers

A couple years ago I came to the conclusion that I would like to use a hardcover pew Bible, as opposed to a leather bound study Bible. The Bible that I use gets beat up. My Bible is part of my everyday, less than pristine, life.

Stitched Signatures
The stitches are visible in the crack above.

Why A Pew Bible?

They are:

• Cheap

• Durable

• Bare Bones Scripture

• Easy to replace

Another thing that made me want to use a pew Bible is that they tend to be plain scripture without commentary and references.

I like this for two reasons:

1. I can come to my own understanding of what the Bible means without as many preconceived notions.

2. The Bible can be fewer pages from Genesis through Revelations. 

I have a Holman Publishers pew Bible that I have used for the past 31 months. It has served me well. It is showing signs of wear and has needed taping in a few areas inside the front and back cover. Mr. In The Mid-west just bought me a new Bible. My new one is from Hendrickson Publishers. I will do a little review and comparison between the two.

Hendrickson Publishers on the Left
Holman Publishers on the Right

Holman Publishers KJV Pew Bible

ISBN #978-1-5864-0942-5

Dimensions:

8"×5.5"×1.25"

Font style and size:

Construction:

Stitched Signatures ✓

Ribbon X

Number of pages from Genesis through Revelations:

1077

Special Features:

Words of Christ in red ✓

Salvation plan ✓

Paragraph delineation symbols ✓

Epistle of dedicatory X

Study helps X

Maps ✓ (2 maps)

Capitol letters and spellings in particular verses:

Gen. 1:2 Capitol S in Spirit ✓

Psalm 51:11 Capitol S in Spirit  X

John 6:63 Capitol S in Spirit  X

2 Tim. 3:17 throughly not thoroughly ✓

1 John 5:7 Capitol F, W, H,+G in Father, Word, and Holy Ghost ✓

1 John 5:8 Capitol S in Spirit  X

Hendrickson Publishers KJV Pew Bible 

ISBN # 978-1-59856-220-0

Dimensions:

8.75"×5.5"×1.125"

Font style and size:

Construction:

Stitched Signatures ✓

Ribbon X

Number of pages from Genesis through Revelations:

740

Special Features:

Words of Christ in red  X

Salvation plan  X

Paragraph delineation symbols ✓

Epistle of dedicatory  ✓

Study helps  ✓ (Key Bible Promises, Harmony of the Gospels, Miracles of the Old Testament, Miracles of the New Testament, Parables of the Old Testament, Old Testament Prophecies of the Passion, and Parables of the New Testament. Only 15 pages total)

Maps ✓ (3 maps)

Capitol letters and spellings in particular verses:

Gen. 1:2 Capitol S in Spirit ✓

Psalm 51:11 Capitol S in Spirit ✓

John 6:63 Capitol S in Spirit  X

1 Tim. 3:17 throughly not thoroughly ✓

1 John 5:7 Capitol F, W, H,+G in Father, Word, and Holy Ghost ✓

1 John 5:8 Capitol S in Spirit ✓

I really like the fact that both Bibles are constructed with stitched signatures. Stitched signatures are much more durable than glued in pages.

I find both fonts and size of the letters easy to read.

The thing that I am most excited about in my new (Hendrickson Publishers) Bible is that it is only 740 pages Genesis through Revelations. 

One feature that I think I will miss is the words of Christ in red that the Holman Publishers Bible features.

Have you considered using a pew Bible for your main Bible? 

Do you want to know any other details about these two Bibles that I compared?

Psalm 119:89

For ever, O LORD, thy word is settled in heaven.

Psalm 19:7-11

This portion of scripture is so poetic! It is reassuring of the confidence that we have in God's word. 

The law of the LORD is perfect,

converting the soul:

The testimony of the LORD is sure,

making wise the simple.

The statutes of the LORD are right,

rejoicing the heart:

The commandment of the LORD is pure,

enlightening the eyes.

The fear of the LORD is clean,

enduring forever:

The judgements of the LORD are true

and righteous altogether.

More to be desired are they than gold,

yea, than much fine gold:

Sweeter also than honey a

the honeycomb.

Moreover by them is thy

 servant warned:

And in keeping of them

 there is great reward.

This webpage has music to sing these verses with, verbatim. I am going to learn this song with our children this week! I am excited to have found this song!

P.S. Apparently, I grew up under a rock! This seems to be a fairly common song for children who grew up in Christian homes to have learned in their youth. Since writing this post I found a recording of the song that I really enjoyed. I'll share it here for your enjoyment, as well! :)

I hope you have a good week! Do you like to sing scripture songs? Do you have any resources that you would like to share? Do you make up your own tunes? I'd love to hear about it in the comments section!

Is The Word "Begotten" Important?

John 3:16
KJV
 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

NIV
For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.

ESV
For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.

NRSV
For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life.

Is Jesus merely the son of God or is he the begotten son of God?

In the first place, if Jesus is the only son of God, then the Bible has many contradictions. If Jesus is the only son of God, then John 1:12 cannot be true. If Jesus is the only son of God, then Luke 3:38 cannot be true. If Jesus is the only son of God, then Romans 8:14 cannot be true. If Jesus is the only son of God, then no one else can be a son of God. There are passages of Scripture that clearly say God has other sons or teach how one may become a son of God. So, can Jesus be the only son of God? Or, is he the only begotten son of God? There is a difference and it is a significant difference.

I didn't realize the significance of the word, begotten, until I watched a Muslim teacher explain his belief about who Jesus is (link below). He was asked to explain how followers of allah can be called sons of god in his religion but Jesus cannot be called the Son of God. He made several good points while explaining his beliefs and he even used the Bible to make his points.
He pointed out that followers of God are referred to as sons of God in the Bible, and in that sense, he believes it can be said of Jesus that he is the son of God. But, to say that Jesus is the only begotten son of God is heresy, in his belief system. Of course, the opposite is true, it is heresy to say that Jesus is not the begotten son of God.

Now do you see why the word, begotten, is so important?

Islam has no problem with the new translations of John 3:16.

The muslim teacher points out that Adam is called the son of God in the Bible, but that does not make Adam God.

Luke 3:38 KJV 
Which was the son of Enos, which was the son of Seth, which was the son of Adam, which was the son of God.

The teacher also brings up the passage in Romans 8 which states that those who are led by the Spirit are sons of God.

Romans 8:14 KJV
For as many as are led of the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God. 

The muslim teacher then points out that the newer translations of the Bible do not call Jesus the begotten son of God and that most "Christian" scholars agree that the word "begotten" is a fabrication.

You see, by eliminating the word "begotten" from John 3:16 these translators have made Jesus a pious person. He is no longer God in human flesh.
There are many passages of scripture that speak of people being sons of God.

John 1:12
But as many as receive him, gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:

If you are interested in listening to the video clip I referenced you can do so by clicking HERE. I thought it was very interesting. Good Muslims live very "holy" lives. They live separate from the world. They abstain from alcohol, they dress modestly, they pray five times a day, they observe times of fasting, they try to keep the law as given by Moses. In other words, they go about establishing their own righteousness and refusing the righteousness of God found in Christ Jesus.

Romans 10:3 For they being ignorant of God’s righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God.

God only has one BEGOTTEN Son and his name is Jesus. He is fully God and fully man. He is the only saviour for mankind.

  Acts 4:10-12

Be it known unto you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom ye crucified, whom God raised from the dead, even by him doth this man stand here before you whole.

11 This is the stone which was set at nought of you builders, which is become the head of the corner.

12 Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.

What Is Different Is Not The Same: 022

Mark 1:2

KJV 

 As it is written in the prophets, Behold, I send my messenger before thy face, which shall prepare thy way before thee.

NIV 

 as it is written in Isaiah the prophet: "I will send my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way"

ESV 

As it is written in Isaiah the prophet, " Behold, I send my messenger before your face, who will prepare your way,

NRSV 

As it is written in the prophet Isaiah, "See, I am sending my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way;

Oh no! There is a contradiction in the Bible!!

Actually, no, there is only a contradiction in the new perversions.

It is not written in Isaiah, Behold, I send my messenger before thy face, which shall prepare thy way before thee.
 Search for it. You won't find it. It is a lie to say that it is written in Isaiah when no such thing is written in Isaiah.
That quote is found in Malachi not Isaiah.(Mal.3:1)

What Is Different Is Not The Same: 021

Matthew 27:35

KJV

35 And they crucified him, and parted his garments, casting lots: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, They parted my garments among them, and upon my vesture did they cast lots.

NIV
35 When they had crucified him, they divided up his clothes by casting lots.

ESV
35 And when they had crucified him, they divided his garments among them by casting lots.

NRSV
35 And when they had crucified him, they divided his clothes among themselves by casting lots;


They have lost the fulfilment of Old Testament prophecy.

What Is Different Is Not The Same: 020

Matthew 24:36

KJV 

36 But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only.

NIV 

36 “But about that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.

ESV 

36 “But concerning that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but the Father only.

NRSV 

36 “But about that day and hour no one knows, neither the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.

the Father? What happened to "my Father" ?

What Is Different Is Not The Same: 019

Matthew 23:14

KJV

14 Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye devour widows' houses, and for a pretence make long prayer: therefore ye shall receive the greater damnation.

NIV

14 [a]

ESV

NRSV

Did I forget to finish this post? No! That is seriously all they say--- nothing.

What Is Different Is Not The Same: 018

Matthew 20:20

KJV 

20 Then came to him the mother of Zebedees children with her sons, worshipping him, and desiring a certain thing of him.

NIV 

20 Then the mother of Zebedee’s sons came to Jesus with her sons and, kneeling down, asked a favor of him.

ESV 

20 Then the mother of the sons of Zebedee came up to him with her sons, and kneeling before him she asked him for something.

NRSV 

20 Then the mother of the sons of Zebedee came to him with her sons, and kneeling before him, she asked a favor of him.

James and John worshipped Jesus because they knew he is God. 

They did not merely kneel to humbly ask a favor of this "famous Rabbi".

What Is Different Is Not The Same: 017

Matthew 20: 16

KJV

16 So the last shall be first, and the first last: for many be called, but few chosen.

NIV 

16 “So the last will be first, and the first will be last.”

ESV 

16 So the last will be first, and the first last.”

NRSV 

16 So the last will be first, and the first will be last.”

What Is Different Is Not The Same: 016

Matthew 20:7

KJV 

7 They say unto him, Because no man hath hired us. He saith unto them, Go ye also into the vineyard; and whatsoever is right, that shall ye receive.

NIV 

7 “‘Because no one has hired us,’ they answered.

“He said to them, ‘You also go and work in my vineyard.’

ESV 

7 They said to him, ‘Because no one has hired us.’ He said to them, ‘You go into the vineyard too.’

NRSV 
7 They said to him, ‘Because no one has hired us.’ He said to them, ‘You also go into the vineyard.’

What Is Different Is Not The Same: 015

Matthew 19:17

KJV 

17 And he said unto him, Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God: but if thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments.

NIV 

17 “Why do you ask me about what is good?” Jesus replied. “There is only One who is good. If you want to enter life, keep the commandments.”

ESV 

17 And he said to him, “Why do you ask me about what is good? There is only one who is good. If you would enter life, keep the commandments.”

NRSV 
17 And he said to him, “Why do you ask me about what is good? There is only one who is good. If you wish to enter into life, keep the commandments.”

What Is Different Is Not The Same: 014

Matthew 19:9

KJV 

9 And I say unto you, Whosoever shall put away his wife, except it be for fornication, and shall marry another, committeth adultery: and whoso marrieth her which is put away doth commit adultery.

NIV 

9 I tell you that anyone who divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, and marries another woman commits adultery.”

ESV 

9 And I say to you: whoever divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, and marries another, commits adultery.”

NRSV 

9 And I say to you, whoever divorces his wife, except for unchastity, and marries another commits adultery.”

What Is Different Is Not The Same: 013

Matthew 18:11

KJV 

11 For the Son of man is come to save that which was lost.

NIV

11[a]

ESV

NRSV

What Is Different Is Not The Same: 012

Matthew 17:21

KJV 

21 Howbeit this kind goeth not out but by prayer and fasting.

NIV 

21[a]

ESV

NRSV

Hmmmm........ I wonder who would want to keep you from learning how to rebuke a devil to make him depart???

What Is Different Is Not The Same: 010

Matthew 15:8

KJV
This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me.


NIV
“‘These people honor me with their lips,
    but their hearts are far from me.


ESV
“‘This people honors me with their lips,
    but their heart is far from me;


NRSV
‘This people honors me with their lips,
    but their hearts are far from me;

What Is Different Is Not The Same: 009

Matthew 12:35

KJV
A good man out of the good treasure of the heart bringeth forth good things: and an evil man out of the evil treasure bringeth forth evil things.

NIV
 A good man brings good things out of the good stored up in him, and an evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in him.

ESV
 The good person out of his good treasure brings forth good, and the evil person out of his evil treasure brings forth evil.

NRSV
 The good person brings good things out of a good treasure, and the evil person brings evil things out of an evil treasure.