When I first started reading the Bible as a new convert, it was the King James Version. I struggled with the old English and sometimes puzzled over texts like “For our conversation is in heaven, from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ.” (Philippians 3:20) How do we converse in heaven? What does it mean? – that we Christians should speak of heavenly and spiritual matters while we live on earth. I realised how far off my guess was when I compared it with a modern version, The Good News Bible: “We, however, are citizens of heaven, and we eagerly wait….” What a huge difference in meaning between “conversation” and citizenship!

I began buying newer versions available in those days: Good News Bible, The Living Bible, and the New English Bible. However, these seem to be paraphrases rather than translations.

Then I came upon the New American Standard Bible, and at last I had a more literal translation. I used it for many years, but found it wooden, stiff and sometimes puzzling.

When the New International Version came out, I switched immediately. After years of reading the NASB, which is not so readable, I found the NIV incredibly readable and refreshing. I jumped in and gradually bought two leather-bound Bibles, one of which is the classic NIV Study Bible.

However, more editions and revisions of the NIV were produced. I got irritated with the many changes and which edition was which. Is the version I am using good and accurate enough? Furthermore, in the wake of the social media wave, I was exposed to some inaccuracies of the NIV.

I swung back to something more stable: the newly minted English Standard Version, which I have been using for about 20 years, that is, until recently.

My ESV Bible is leather-bound. I have too many highlights, underlined verses, and notes with various colours and pens. Some inks have bled through the page to the other side. Some pages were damaged by rain spills.

There was a period when I read only the digital versions. They were free, available on a mobile phone, portable and had other resources with them. Highly convenient, accessible, and portable. However, I was convinced that I had to cut my screen time as I was often trapped in a habitual loop. Muscle memory took over! After I read a portion of scripture and googled the cultural background, I would automatically turn on BBC news, then football news, and then to answer my WhatsApp messages. Reading the digital Bible did not end in divine encounter but digital distraction!

Last December, I started looking for a physical Bible. All kinds of alternate versions have been printed since the ESV. I considered the New Living Translation, NKJV, and was tempted to return to newer versions of the NIV. The pendulum was swinging back to something more readable, and definitely, a physical Bible.

Whatever version it would be, I wanted it to have genuine leather covers. My three leather-bound Bibles lasted for decades. A few of the newer Bibles (imitation soft-leather types) have begun to peel off. This is highly frustrating. I feel bad throwing them or giving them away. Anyway, who would want it if I gave it away? It feels horrible in the hand. It looks bad. Furthermore, nowadays, people use digital Bibles.

The Lord is good! One day, I chanced upon a single-column, leather-bound NASB 2020, that was being sold on Carousell at $50! It was a good deal. Such premier Bibles are usually over $150. Furthermore, the reason for this revision was to modernise the English and make it more readable and less stiff and wooden.

I bought it as soon as I could. With some excitement, I opened it to check. Too good to be true. Hardly used!

I have since been using this for reading and meditation. Some element of nostalgia was present. I loved the changes to make the accurate NASB more readable and current. I love the feel of the premium leather cover, the single column, and the gold gilding.

I cannot say it awakens my soul to feel nearer to God. I do, however, look forward to holding, touching and reading it.

Thanks for reading this rambling post to the end.

Does this sound like bibliolatry?