What is the Thompson Chain Reference Bible...and why do so many people love it?
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- čas přidán 5. 04. 2024
- A viewer was kind enough to send me a couple of Thompson Chair Reference Bibles he no longer uses and asked my thoughts on it…so here you go!
This edition is available at: www.amazon.com/Thompson-Chain...
For more on the Thompson Chain Reference Bible visit the TCR blog at: www.zondervan.com/p/thompsonc...
For more Study Bible review videos, check out the playlist here on the channel: • Bible Reviews and Stuff
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Regardless of technology, this Bible should be in everyone's library. Book doesn't have same distractions digital can produce. Always be available in book form. You don't need power or Internet connection. Something about books study that really makes it feel personal and more intimate.
I prefer a real Bible and real books rather than a digital copy. My Kindle books whilst useful and easy to take with you wherever you go are the ones that are most likely to be unread.
All in on your last sentence!
There are places on the mission field that do not have electricity. I visited a church in the Philippines that had no electricity or computers. If I ever go back, I would like to take Thompson-Chain reference bibles as a gift.
I prefer hard copy Bibles and Theological works. You already see "problematic" works being edited online. IMHO, it's only a matter of time before publishers and Amazon come for Christian literature and either alter it or shadowban it. If I trust a resource, I want it in hand. Not on screen.
Dark, you said it all. I have E-Sword, and it is a fantastic study tool, and when I am sitting in a Dr. appointment waiting room or whatever, it is great to read on my phone. With that said, nothing whatsoever beats holding, feeling, a bible. I feel like I retain more of what I read and come closer to understanding it. Plus, I am able to get someone more comfortable than a computer desk. Nothing will ever replace a good study bible and books, IMO.
"It's a pre-digital way of hyperlinking Scripture."
~ James-Michael Smith
I am 70 years old and have used the Thompson Chain since my early 20’s I loved it. We had no internet in 1973. But the last 25 years I have learned to use the internet and Bible apps! My bibles were nice leather with Holy Bible with Thompson chain. It was so helpful for me as a new believer and raising a family. Go gives us what we need. I like your programs.
That's wonderful. I'm sure it was very useful prior to electronic Bible resources!
I read out of the TCRB in King James. I don't use the chain reference system except for highlighting certain verses. I typically don't use it for all its purposes.
The Thompson Chain in KJV was the first Bible I bought for myself (I was KJV Only at the time). I really enjoy mine and still use it when studying from time to time.
Great video on the TCR! I serve with African Pastoral Training and the Thompson Bible International Institut. We use the TCR as the primary tool for pastoral training in Africa where we are represented in more than 15 countries. Since its beginning more than 130,000 pastors and church leaders have been trained in expository preaching using the Thompson Chain in developing countries throughout the world where digital access and study tools are limited. The TCR has also now been integrated in the Logos Bible software. Agreed, digital searches are a plus, but nevertheless are based on word usage as in a concordance more than subject matter as in an index. In this respect, the TCR has the advantage. Thanks again for the great review.
My NIV just arrived and looking forward to using it!
Another great review. I have a copy of the older ones which I bought in the late 80’s but could never get into it but you have given me a better understanding of how to use it. Thank you.
Thank you, Brother JM. 🌹⭐🌹
This is the best explanation of the Thompson Chain Reference Bible that I've seen. Very nice!
The same text block is available without the Thompson references, and thus has a lot of margin space for your own notes. It's called the (95) NASB Wide-Margin from Zondervan. (There might be other translations available.)
Thanks for this. I've seen these, even inherited one, but I've never really spent the time figuring out how to use it, so I didn't see the value. I can see how it was useful back in the day. I'll have to spend some time with it.
It's a gold mine!! Definitely getting one.
A friend of mine had one that she loaned to me for a few days... over 20 years ago. I really, really liked it. For some reason i never ended up buying one, thanks for the reminder!! Great review!! 😊
Awesome Review!
Love your reviews! Imagine if you could design one that has everything. Like an ultimate Bible… just a thought.
Logos software
I have been tempted numerous times to get Thompson Chain Reference Bible, so I am really looking forward to this review.
I have bought reference bibles, concordance bibles & topical bibles - when I am stuck on something & want to find a specific scriptural verse, well, "quickly", is just not possible . . . obviously I don't understand how to use these resources properly. So, I have been skittish of buying yet another one that I won't be able to use how it was intended.
I watch your videos on this with hope & great anticipation.
Okay, excellent - I am one who does not have technical Biblical access; been thinking about it, perhaps I'm too stuck in my ways & don't want to try to learn something new, still thinking . . .
However, you have helped me make up my mind whether or not I could use this & whether I want to get one or not - YES - I'm not real comfortable with NASB (& I'm just discovering everyone's various opinions for or against NASB) I just try to read from NASB & find myself closing it & picking up my NKJV or I'm trying ESV & like that better, sometimes, I want to read a familiar text in KJV, kinda like "comfort food", just like sometimes I want to read from the Message!!!
BUT the majority of the time, I'm into serious study on a personal mission & I stick with NKJV, until I come to a problematic verse, which Paul is famous for, & read it again with ESV . . . sometimes, study notes lead you in the direction the commentator wants you to go instead of how you think the scripture clearly states,
"humm ? could I be reading that wrong? or is that the commentator's opinion?"
This is where the chain reference would be extremely useful - HOW DID GOD INTEND ME TO INTERPRET WHAT THE SCRIPTURE SAYS? By following a chain & letting me think for myself, pray for guidance & clarification & discernment . . . I think that is what scripture says is how God wants you to study.
Thank you for this review, you even helped me understand Topical Bibles a bit in the process. (I will browse thru your videos for help to better understand how to utilize concordance & topical)
I will eagerly watch the video on the ESV Thompson video & older version of the NASB - before I make my final decision, I will probably buy a NKJV Thompson Chain Reference. Again, thank you for this.
This is a great review. I have heard of this Bible but never have seen it in person. Since it seems to be a pre-digital way of hyperlinking Scripture, I hope you do some reviews in the future of the best digital Bible tools and how to use them.
TCR was my first Bible. I just received the Zondervan updated Comfort Large Print ESV. This is a wonderful tool for anyone in their journey with Lord Jesus of Nazareth
I love using this with my ESV study bible or the life application study bible. I think it's like you say, a good reference bible if you want to go "deeper" into the studies. I agree that I don't think it's a good study bible alone, but it wasn't meant to be one. Loved this review!
This Bible would also be very useful if for some reason you didn’t have access to digital study aids or electricity. Perhaps a great tool to have in a what if scenario.
Great review, I looked at the TCR when it became popular, but I didn't buy one because I'm so easily distracted that I think it would make it harder for me in my studies.
I have a Thompson Reference bible and I love it. I had a Zondervan study Bible before but found that it was biased in its study notes. The reference Bible let's me make my own decisions about the text I'm reading. I prefer it over digital ones and I have access to Logos.
i am a pastor in the philippines, is it possible to access Logos from here as i don't have money to buy it
@@provisionmediaproduction9266 not that I know of. If you really think you need it maybe the church can sponser you. I got access to it for $50 USD.
I have this in NASB '77. Have you reviewed the Hebrew-Greek Key Word Study Bible from AMG Publishers?
Back in the 1980s, in my 20s, I used a KJV Thompson Chain, an NKJV reference bible, and an NASB Open Bible in a Pentecostal Holiness independent fellowship. I still have a KJV and NASB Thompson Chain, though obviously I have other Study Bibles sand Bible apps.
The Thompson Chain was my favorite. I worked as a security guard for some of the time. The job allowed me to read when I was not walking rounds. The Thompson Chain was my constant companion!
I haven't been a Pentecostal since the mid 1990s, but I still identify with Wesleyan Holiness distinctives.
i would love to have THE NASB THOMPSON CHAIN REFERENCE BIBLE REVISED AND UPDATED COPY
From what I have gathered, Dr. Thompson was a Methodist minister. Even though I am not a Methodist, this comment is not for judgement. It is just for your information.
I have the Thompson Topical Bible which is compiled from the Thompson Chain Reference Bible.
I would like that better.
I own another comprehensive topical reference book that's conceptually similar to Thompson's system.
I keep telling myself that I should invest in Logos or Accordance, but the older I get, the less inclined I am to do it.
So, I just stick with my books.
@@jamesbarksdale978 I stick with books 📚 as well. Regarding topical Bibles I have 3 Nave's, MacArthur's and Thompson's. Is this other one you mentioned worth getting?
@@hillybobs56 OH, I have MacArthur Topical Bible, I love it, it's beautiful . . . I feel that I could be making better use of it . . .
Do you have any tips or suggestions that could help me?
I think we who love books will be happier when it really matters, that we will still be able to read our books when they can no longer access their gizmos & devices.
Honestly, the "name on the Bible" thing is why I went New Treasury of Scripture Knowledge. And although that's much more clunky to use, I've gotten used to it. And it doesn't have the 1 POV issue.
I think the Thompson-Chain Reference Bible is probably the most important study bible ever made. That is because of the chain reference system. With this system you can create your own commentary based on study. I also enjoy other study bibles with the commentary at the bottom of the page. Such as the ESV Study Bible or John MacArthur Study Bible. This is my opinion, but I like hearing from other Christians on this matter. Thank you for sharing this detailed video.
I love my John MacArthur Study Bible!!! I also have Ligonier Study Bible & can tell the difference between the way you are trying to be persuaded to believe, which most of it doesn't matter so much, UNTIL you come to Revelation - then you realize why they were guiding you to believe in a specific manner - it becomes quite clear.
Personally, anyone who is amillennial is not understanding their scriptures properly. John & RC had many theological debates over this issue & still loved each other despite their differing belief, I have great respect for both of them.
I have come to that realization from my own hard learned, personal experience, (so anyone who wants to argue with me - don't bother - been there, done that!!!) I'm tired of waffling back & forth on what is the truth based upon who can give the most convincing argument - so, I know what I believe & I'm concentrating on fine tuning my discernment of scripture so I cannot be deceived or misled.
All Glory to God, thank you, Father for Your Son & sending me the Holy Spirit for guidance.
@@sydney.g.sloangammagee8181I used to love John MacArthur until I heard him say you can be forgiven if you take or after you take the mark of the beast. I will never listen to him again. 🤦
@@JesusChrist_IsTruth-LoveForALL Whoa!!! I never heard that.
I'm not going to doubt you . . . I'd like to know more . . .
That is so out of context for him, the "tightrope" preacher for salvation . . . ? ? ? ! ! !
HOWEVER now that sermons of JMcA are spreading all over utube . . . I had just listened to a particular sermon . . . then another sermon with nearly same title, little shorter time, came up so I "rewatched" the same sermon back to back - it had been tampered with & JMcA words twisted out of context . . . I also caught on to this happening with Jack Hibbs sermons.
I specifically look for Grace To You & Real Life with Jack Hibbs or I don't watch them on utube as a result.
I go directly to each of their site to watch & listen, without ads from utube.
Please check your viewing history & verify the source of that video, make sure it is legitimate & not a fake!!!
@@sydney.g.sloangammagee8181 Oh wow!! Good points too! That's the sucky thing about the Internet and ESPECIALLY with the evolving A.I. people can create things that look good and "Original" but in fact it has been tampered with. Now you got me wondering about the John MacArthur Mark or the beast thing, but I THINK it was real, because another CZcamsr mentioned it too and doubled down with him and backed him up. I forget the guys name, I'll have to look them up again and get back to you, good points though to watch out for. 💪 I was watching this video because I wanted a reference bible, I ordered a Holman NASB2020 reference Bible, then cancelled it and ordered the NKJV Thomas Nelson Reference Bible that seemed have a little more meat, both arrived today. Im thinking of returning BOTH and getting the Thompson chain reference bible, based on this review it really looks good. I'm debating which version. What top 3 translations do you prefer? I mainly used ESV (have regular and a study Bible) but have CSB study bible, NKJV Ray comfort study bible, KJV (don't use because of language style) NIV (don't use really, was a gift), NLT from when I was a bit younger. I'm debating the NASB or NKJV for the Thompson chain reference. Started hearing a main editor or contributor of NASB regretted participating in it and it was a money grab, and denounced it later in life and said he made a mistake with it and to stay away (basically) so I got weirder out by it and am considering NKJV for the reference bible. Thoughts?
@@JesusChrist_IsTruth-LoveForALL
@@JesusChrist_IsTruth-LoveForALL
Thank you for asking, I'm no expert, so only my own opinion . . .
I agree with you, I don't like or trust NIV, wish it wasn't in every church pew, but I do understand its original intention was for foreign nations evangelism, help "them" learn English, however more & more translations in native languages is awesome.
I'm most familiar with NKJV & comfortable with it, so adjusting to ESV, just seems a little strange, at first, but I'm liking it, I also like NASB. (My son is a die-hard KJV only & I agree, must be older translation or not at all - there are times I just enjoy reading familiar passages.)
Not familiar enough with others, also why I'm here, for more experienced opinions . . . I'm also looking for Bibles for grandchildren, so for young new readers, I may consider the NrLV, perhaps as a transition for them from Bible Story picture book into a full Bible with activities to keep them engaged.
I really think I want a Thompson, been thinking about it for years - he actually convinced me that it would be right for me & I will get the NKJV for myself, but I would be ok with NASB too!
All my best to you!!!
I have the niv one updated one
Starts at 3:35 for impatient people
i have a thompson reference bible in spanish its from Editorial Vida in spanish its not that hot its la reinavalera 1960 edition
Kind reminds me of goosebumps make ur own scare series
The TCR is helpful and kinda cool but not necessary. As you said, it's subjectively sorted. Most people who avoid it are those who don't want the premillennial dispensationalist bent in Thompson's selections. And his notes.
My favorite things about the thompson is that there is no scripture in the gutter. Its flat. You can read it flat. No curved text. Thats why i love it.
Never understood why Bible reviewers are so enthusiastic about the Zondervan editions. Ugly, less readable typeface and they leave out half the extra material. So it’s not a TCR at all really. Just a cheap, dumbed down version of the one Kirkbride made.
True comment there.
Do you think this system encourages out of context Bible reading?
That is certainly a potential hazard.
I don't think it encourages out of context Bible reading it all. I've had it since 1984 and I've never had it lead me into the weeds or into other subjects.
For a particular verse it might give two or more similar subject oriented scriptures locations, but it's not a theology teaching system.
Neat idea but now that we have computers and great Bible software a chain reference seems like a lot of work with a built in subjective viewpoint.
It's actually pretty neat to use, and a nice addition to your library if you are like me and don't really like digital resources as much.
I seem to recall Thompson was Methodist.
I never got into it for a few reasons:
1. The page layout was too busy and crowded. I felt overwhelmed by it.
2. All the work was done for me.
3. The author's system may or may not have been biblically or theologically accurate. I would have to sift through a lot of material to be sure.
You bring up some very important considerations . . . Thank you!!!
That's why I picked up the second edition 1984 Thompson Chain reference NIV WIDE MARGIN LARGE PRINT in 1984. That solves the first issue for me.
Secondly it only chains together verses with similar words, it doesn't have a theological bent to it. That solves the second issue.
Thirdly, you can have any theological system with this book, it only provides links or references to similar subject matter. It's probably the most neutral book without notes I've ever seen.
Since my version has wide margins then I can write theological notes in it since 1984 and STILL have plenty of room. That should solve the third issue.
With that in mind since I have the 1984 version I wouldn't touch any NIV version after that because what has happened to the NIV in general.
By the way, the solutions I gave above are because I called the BB Kirkbride company and had it special built. You could do the same with Zondervan.
I cut my teeth on the Thompson Chain and that is how I learned the Bible. I also have the TCR in Accordance.
Names bother you? Then you don’t use Strongs concordance? Or Daniel Webster’s dictionary?
Names on ***Bibles.***
I thought I was clear on that, but in case I wasn't, that's what I'm referring to.
Have a look at the Legacy Standard Bible translation.
Why?
@@DiscipleDojoisn’t LSB just the NASB95 because MacArthur didn’t like the 2020?
It would be interesting to get John-Michael's take on that translation -- especially in the Old Testament portion.
It’s an update of the 95 NASB as an alternative to the 2020 update. A MacArthur guided update sounds good to me, but I don’t have a copy. The 95 was the first Bible I ever read, but was not impressed by the 2020 update.
@@DiscipleDojo it's has the same philosophy as the NASB but it's a new translation. The new NASB isn't as literal as the original but that is.
If the Bible says John baptized Jesus, if you then say "The Bible doesn't really mean that, Jesus clearly had to have been the one baptizing John!" - would you consider that twisting the scriptures or adding to or taking away from the Word ? (we all know adding or taking away from or intentionally misrepresenting the word is Against the word.. or so I thought! We have a popular mainstream Christian everyone knows doing this.) What say you? Did that person Sin? Wanna know Who?
Oh look another blue bookshelf
Riveting commentary
@@DiscipleDojo is there a secret behind the blue bookshelves I don't know about ? Does it mean something? I see a lot of people with the blue bookshelves.
@@DiscipleDojo is there a Bible translation that you recommend since the varying manuscripts they are translated from have material textual variations?
Don’t you worry about whoever puts together all these online Bible helps putting their theological leanings in their work just as much?
Yep...that's why this channel reviews study Bibles in more detail.
Nasb 2020 is gender accurate , it's not gender neutral
I often use those terms interchangeably, but I understand the distinction you are making.
I bought a Thompson Chain NASB Bible from Zondervan less than a year ago and the glued backing is broken already. It is NASB 95, it's a 2023 edition. I'm VERY DISSAPOINTED in it. Everything about the Bible I thought was very good, the text is easy to read with the two colors, etc.... but when the back started to break when I was using it turned me right off.
If I would have known that it was a glued backing I NEVER would have bought it. All the Bible is used for now ~ is looking cute as it takes up space on my book shelf.
I know how to treat Bibles (I have 17 different Study Bibles). It wasn't a cheap Bible - it spoiled a $100.00 Canadian dollars. So now I'm stuck with it, its not even fit to give away......
I deliberately read the advertisements and watched the videos on that Bible and NO mention was made concerning the binding, however the leatherette cover is quite comfortable to handle - yeah...I'll give it that much... Even the "reviews" I watched ignored that fact.
Think about it.... Its a Study Bible"! It's very nature dictates that it will be USED!....... but it falls apart when you do actually USE it! So please do make mention of the bindings in your reviews so that it would help others from making a very bad investment in their study of the Word.
Thanks for listening to my rant.
Honestly, I prefer paperback Bibles with contact paper on the covers. Bindings are just not something I care about, and think we place too much emphasis on something that is a luxury.
@@DiscipleDojo Its too bad that I have to use crazy glue to keep the pages from falling out.... but I'll make do and consider it a lesson learned. However my other study Bibles are well worn but without problems.
Thanks
Bible rebinding is a whole rabbit hole I've been researching. Some really good reviewers on yt. If you love the one you have maybe have it rebound.
@@KlingonPrincess Its not one of my top Bibles, and yes - I did repair it with glue as I did with the other "glued-back" Bible I have that fell apart on me. It is still useable but its now scared from "battle" ~ LoL.
@@DiscipleDojo I agree in general, I also don't "collect" Bibles, I have a 30 year old NIV and a 20 year old NASB, both were under $70, and have lasted. I have my grandpa's preaching Bible, well loved but sturdy still. The rebind would be for my dad's KJV Thompson Chain that saw him through OCS, Vietnam Nam, and beyond. For a 1966 gift from my grandparents it's in good shape inside but the cover is starting to crumble. I do want to preserve it before it gets worse. The best Bible is one you read. I mentioned it as an option as the whole concept is new to me. 😁
I dislike the extremely over-structured, unnecessarily arduous, subjective, and inefficient design, especially when sent to references that are a list sending me to further references.
You're not forced to go to the reference list in the back, the chain reference is next to the verse leading to another verse. This prevents you from having flipping back and forth all the time.
Speaking of the grossness of putting someone's name on a Bible will you be reviewing the Trump Bible?
Sorry, I just couldn't stop myself
Only if I wanted clicks and had zero integrity! 😅
@@DiscipleDojo fair 😆
If you really want to suffer, Tim Wildsmith just did a review.
😆😂🤣
DISCIPLE DOJO (JM Smith) reviews THE HOLY BIBLE (Thompson Chain Reference). 😉