I’ve kept several Bibles within reach this season. One of my favorite editions to read is the New American Standard Bible (NASB) Wide Margin Reference Bible, published by the Lockman Foundation. With its genuine leather cover, clean design, elegant construction, and useful resources, this Bible has quickly become one of my favorites. And when I say it is becoming one of my favorites, I don’t mean it’s just one of my favorites right now. It is quickly becoming one of my favorite Bibles of all time.

Bible Editions Worth Reading: NASB 2020 Wide Margin Reference Bible

In this series, Bible Editions Worth Reading, I take a closer look at Bible editions I have come to appreciate and recommend. I explore their translation, design, construction, and the features that make each edition worth reading and using. These are personal reviews informed by my experience as a pastor, student of Scripture, and lifelong Bible reader, and I write them to help others find editions that serve them well. In this post, I explore the New American Standard Bible (NASB) Wide Margin Reference Bible and how it has quickly become one of the Bibles I keep within reach for reading, studying, and personal reflection.

The New American Standard Bible

The New American Standard Bible, or NASB, began as a fresh translation project in 1959. The New Testament was released in 1963, followed by the complete Bible in 1971. A significant revision followed in 1977, helping the translation grow in popularity. At the time, the NASB retained much of the traditional language and feel of the King James Version. In 1995, archaic English was updated, making the translation more accessible to modern readers.

The most recent major revision came in 2020. This is the edition featured in the New American Standard Bible (NASB) Wide Margin Reference Bible I am reviewing here. The 2020 revision reflects developments in biblical scholarship, advances in manuscript studies, and improvements in translation methodology. The result is an English text that reads considerably better than previous editions, particularly the 1995 revision. It remains committed to a formal approach to translation while making thoughtful adjustments for clarity and accuracy. For example, it uses gender-inclusive language where the original language warrants it, including translating the Greek adelphoi as “brothers and sisters” when the context clearly includes the whole church.

I purchased this New American Standard Bible (NASB) Wide Margin Reference Bible directly from the Lockman Foundation through its discounted damaged-stock section for around $30. I am glad I did. The NASB had never been particularly high on my radar outside of academic study until the release of the 2020 edition. That revision changed my perspective. People often joke that the NASB is the “Non-Armenian Bible Translation,” because it is largely used in Reformed and Calvinistic churches. Though I am not Reformed, the New American Standard Bible (NASB) Wide Margin Reference Bible has become one of my favorites, most used, and most readable.

The Layout and Design

The New American Standard Bible (NASB) Wide Margin Reference Bible is in a class of its own. Each page features clean, easy-to-read black-letter text in about 10-point type. Even after thirty minutes of reading, the font typology and size remain readable.  It is a single-column, verse-by-verse layout, something I have increasingly come to appreciate over traditional two-column Bibles. I love single-column layouts because they do not interrupt your reading. You don’t have to train your eyes if you have never read a columned book before. The verse number on each line also helps with focus and preaching from, or reading publicly.

I particularly like the font they chose for the New American Standard Bible (NASB) Wide Margin Reference Bible. It is among the most readable Bibles I own, and the typeface has quickly become one of my favorites. The text lies flat on the page, reads much like a book, and benefits from a simplicity that makes extended reading enjoyable.

The New American Standard Bible (NASB) Wide Margin Reference Bible measures 6⅞ × 9½ × 1½ inches with the cover and contains 1,920 pages. It is a substantial volume, but its proportions feel well balanced for a wide-margin reference Bible, offering plenty of room for reading, study, and personal notes. The margin is wide. I like it for readability. You can jot a few things in the space, but it is not thick enough for exhaustive notes. Still, the margins of the New American Standard Bible (NASB) Wide Margin Reference Bible help with quick notes and jotted word meanings.

The New American Standard Bible (NASB) Wide Margin Reference Bible keeps verse numbers along the left side of the text, with each verse beginning on a new line. A generous 1¼-inch right margin provides room for notes, observations, prayers, and other reflections. This practical arrangement gives the reader room to interact with the text without making the page feel cluttered.

This edition has no red-letter words for Jesus. The entire New American Standard Bible (NASB) Wide Margin Reference Bible is printed in black-letter text, which I appreciate for its consistency and clean appearance. One small design criticism is that the subheadings throughout the biblical text are relatively small and are not bolded. I think a little more visual distinction would have helped separate sections of the page and made longer passages easier to navigate. Still, this is a minor complaint in an otherwise excellent layout.

Translation Notes and Cross-References

This is where the New American Standard Bible (NASB) Wide Margin Reference Bible begins to distinguish itself. At the bottom of each page are translation notes and cross-references. And these are not simply a handful of references scattered throughout the text. The Bible includes approximately 14,000 translation footnotes, printed in black type at around 8- or 9-point size. It also contains more than 95,000 cross-references.

That is a substantial collection of resources in the New American Standard Bible (NASB) Wide Margin Reference Bible. While it does not offer the extensive translation notes found in the NET Bible, it actually surpasses the already impressive cross-reference system of the ESV Study Bible, which includes approximately 80,000 cross-references.

For someone who enjoys following themes, tracing biblical connections, and comparing how different passages relate to one another, these extensive footnotes in the New American Standard Bible (NASB) Wide Margin Reference Bible are especially useful. It provides a tremendous amount of information without requiring the reader to purchase a separate study Bible.

Paper, Binding, and Construction

The paper is thick and substantial, although I would have appreciated it being just a little thicker. I have not begun highlighting in this particular Bible, but I am hoping for minimal bleed-through. I prefer no bleed at all, and while the paper is certainly usable, a little more substance would have made this edition even better.

The paper of the New American Standard Bible (NASB) Wide Margin Reference Bible is about 32 GSM, which contributes to the Bible’s overall weight. That does not particularly bother me. The resources and construction quality are worth the added weight. Actually, I think I would have appreciated an even thicker page.

The cover of the New American Standard Bible (NASB) Wide Margin Reference Bible is a distinctive black genuine leather with a unique grain. Unlike some of my other premium Bibles, it lacks stitching or raised spine hubs. Instead, the spine has five sets of stamped gold lines and lettering identifying it as the Holy Bible, New American Standard Bible 2020, Wide Margin Reference, and the Lockman Foundation.

The front cover of the New American Standard Bible (NASB) Wide Margin Reference Bible is otherwise unadorned, allowing the quality and texture of the leather to speak for themselves. It is soft and flexible, making the Bible comfortable to handle.

And I have to mention something that might seem a little unusual: I love the smell of a good book. There is something about the smell of genuine leather that adds to the experience of owning a quality Bible. This cover has that authentic leather smell, and I absolutely love it. It is one of those small details that makes the Bible feel like a genuinely well-crafted book.

The binding of the New American Standard Bible (NASB) Wide Margin Reference Bible appears to be genuine sewn binding, which is another welcome feature. The Bible lays flat and feels well constructed. The back cover is similarly understated, although it does feature the ISBN (978-1-58135-205-4).

I do have a couple of minor complaints about the New American Standard Bible (NASB) Wide Margin Reference Bible. First, I find it a little strange that the ISBN appears on the back cover but the words “Holy Bible” do not appear on the front. I would have preferred either an entirely unmarked cover or the inclusion of “Holy Bible” on the front. Second, I am not particularly fond of the font used on the spine. It does not feel as timeless, academic, or formally elegant as the typography inside the Bible.

Finally, I would have appreciated a protective box for the New American Standard Bible (NASB) Wide Margin Reference Bible. Maybe it does come with one, but I ordered from the Damaged Discounted section on the Lochman Foundation. I always keep my Bibles in their original boxes when possible, and since this was a discounted, damaged-stock purchase, mine didn’t come with one. I don’t know what the actual damage was supposed to be, but for around $30, I am certainly not going to complain about the missing box for the New American Standard Bible (NASB) Wide Margin Reference Bible.

That said, the lack of a box does present one practical drawback. This is not a Bible I am particularly comfortable throwing into my backpack and carrying around without some protection. I worry that the leather cover will get banged up and beat up with regular travel. I enjoy having it within reach, but I am a little more cautious about taking it everywhere.

These are relatively minor criticisms, however, and they do little to diminish my overall appreciation of the Bible. The New American Standard Bible (NASB) Wide Margin Reference Bible is available in five cover options:

• Style #3732: Burgundy Leathertex — ISBN 9781581352023
• Style #3733: Black Leathertex — ISBN 9781581352474
• Style #3734: Blue Leathertex — ISBN 9781581352030
• Style #3736: Dark Brown Leathertex — ISBN 9781581352047
• Style #3763: Black Genuine Cowhide Leather — ISBN 9781581352054

I went with the black genuine cowhide leather edition of the New American Standard Bible (NASB) Wide Margin Reference Bible, and it is my favorite, hands down. Between the leather quality, the feel of the cover, and that authentic leather smell, I am glad I chose this edition. It has become one of those Bibles I reach for naturally. In fact, this Bible and my NET Full Notes Bible are often the two editions in my hands when I am studying. They serve different purposes, but both have earned a regular place in my study routine.

I am really reluctant to put this in a backpack. I need a box or a thick envelope for this to become my main bible. The leather cover will crease easily, as will the pages. I am not sure about scratches, but I don’t want to beat it up. The New American Standard Bible (NASB) Wide Margin Reference Bible opens well; the binding is really good and feels well built; the glue inside the cover letter may not be the strongest. I do not suspect any issues with it. It suits a desk, study, or shelf more than everyday travel.

Additional Resources

Beyond the leather cover, gilt page edges, and substantial paper, the New American Standard Bible (NASB) Wide Margin Reference Bible includes several additional features. The front matter contains presentation pages, family tree information, and places to record births, deaths, and other important occasions. These pages are printed on thick, glossy cardstock.

Following the table of contents are a foreword, an explanation of the general format, and a section covering abbreviations and special markings. At the back of the New American Standard Bible (NASB) Wide Margin Reference Bible, following the New Testament, readers will find a topical index, introductions to the books of the Bible, and additional material exploring the parables and miracles of Jesus.

In fact, this New American Standard Bible (NASB) Wide Margin Reference Bible feels more like a compact study Bible than a simple cross-reference edition. It includes a surprising amount of material without sacrificing the clean layout that makes it so enjoyable to read.

The NASB 2020 Translation

The NASB has long been recognized as one of the more formally equivalent English Bible translations. Its translators have sought to remain faithful to the Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek while producing grammatically sound and understandable English. The goal has been to preserve the meaning, structure, and nuances of the original languages as closely as possible.

The translation project began in 1959 and has remained an important presence in English Bible translation. The 2020 edition includes several thoughtful changes. As mentioned earlier, adelphoi is translated as “brothers and sisters” when the context indicates that the entire community is being addressed. Other adjustments include changing expressions such as “let us” to the more conversational “let’s” where appropriate. These changes help the translation read more naturally without abandoning its commitment to formal equivalence.

Alternative translations, textual variants, and explanatory equivalents are also identified in the footnotes. This is particularly helpful for readers who want to understand where translation decisions have been made and what other possibilities exist.

The 2020 NASB draws on the Biblia Hebraica Stuttgartensia and, where available, the Biblia Hebraica Quinta, alongside the Septuagint (LXX), evidence from the Dead Sea Scrolls, other ancient versions, and contemporary conservative evangelical scholarship.

Although the Legacy Standard Bible (LSB), which grew out of the NASB tradition, has made some different translation choices regarding the divine name, the NASB continues its traditional practice of rendering the Tetragrammaton as LORD and using Lord for Adonai.

The NASB also pays careful attention to Greek verbal tenses, including the aorist and imperfect. These distinctions can be important for understanding the original text and are among the reasons the NASB remains a useful translation for serious biblical study.

The Lockman Foundation is a nondenominational Christian nonprofit dedicated to faithfully translating Scripture from its original Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek. Known for its commitment to biblical accuracy, scholarship, and theological integrity, it publishes the NASB, Amplified Bible, and Spanish NBLA, serving churches, pastors, educators, and readers worldwide.

There are several conventions worth knowing when reading the NASB:

• Italics identify words supplied by the translators to help complete the English sentence or clarify the meaning where those words are not explicitly present in the original language.
• Small capitals identify quotations of the Old Testament within the New Testament.
• Asterisks identify certain historical presents in the Greek text that have been translated into the English past tense to conform to contemporary English usage.
• Footnotes identify alternative translations, textual variants, and explanatory equivalents that help readers understand the decisions behind the English text.

These features make the NASB and the New American Standard Bible (NASB) Wide Margin Reference Bible particularly useful for readers who want to pay attention not only to what the text says but also to how translation decisions shape the way we read it.

Final Thoughts and Recommendation

The New American Standard Bible (NASB) Wide Margin Reference Bible is an impressive edition. It combines a highly readable single-column layout, generous space for personal notes, an extensive cross-reference system, and a substantial collection of translation notes. Add the genuine leather cover, sewn binding, gilt page edges, and thoughtful additional resources, and you have a Bible that feels considerably more substantial than its name might initially suggest.

The New American Standard Bible (NASB) Wide Margin Reference Bible is my preferred edition for a formal translation, cross-references, and personal notes. Personally, the NET Full Notes Bible provides a different kind of study experience, particularly through its extensive translation notes.

I also understand that the typesetting and layout of the New American Standard Bible (NASB) Wide Margin Reference Bible are associated with Schuyler’s Stridon Bible. That is an interesting connection, and it helps explain some of the design choices that make this edition so readable. It certainly feels like a thoughtfully designed premium Bible.

Now, this is not an Allan, Cambridge, or Schuyler Bible. Those publishers occupy a different tier in premium Bible craftsmanship, materials, and finishing. But that is not really what this New American Standard Bible (NASB) Wide Margin Reference Bible is trying to be. The New American Standard Bible (NASB) Wide Margin Reference Bible is an affordable premium Bible, and I think it succeeds remarkably well in that category. It offers genuine leather, quality construction, excellent typesetting, and an impressive collection of study resources at a price that is hard to argue with.

There are a few things I would change. I would prefer slightly thicker paper, more prominent subheadings, and a protective box. I would also like to see a little more attention given to the spine design. But these are minor criticisms, given everything this Bible offers.

At around $30 for my damaged-stock purchase, the New American Standard Bible (NASB) Wide Margin Reference Bible was an exceptional value. Even with the missing box, I have no regrets. It has become one of the Bibles I reach for regularly, alongside my NET Full Notes Bible. I often have both within reach when I prepare sermons, study Scripture, or simply spend time in the text.

My recommendation? If you are looking for a readable, single-column NASB 2020 with generous margins for notes, an outstanding cross-reference system, and genuine leather construction without spending the money required for an Allan, Cambridge, or Schuyler, this New American Standard Bible (NASB) Wide Margin Reference Bible deserves serious consideration. It may not have every premium feature, but it gets the important things right. It is comfortable to read, practical to study from, and built well enough to become a Bible you use for years. This is an edition I am happy to recommend, and one that has earned a permanent place on my bookshelf—and, more importantly, within reach.

Buy on Lockman Foundation.