
- Publisher: Zondervan
- Available in: Hardcover, Leather, Leathersoft, Kindle
- ISBN: 978-0310459408
- Published: April 11, 2023
Thompson Chain-Reference Bible: Over 100 Years of Bible Scholarship
I received the Thompson Chain-Reference Bible NKJV in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.
As much time as I’ve spent in the Word, this is actually the very first chain reference Bible I’ve ever used. In a moment, you’ll read about my experience and how I find myself using this Bible.
But first, here’s all about the NKJV Thompson Chain-Reference Bible!
Please note that this review contains affiliate links.
Zondervan Updates a Classic Bible
Impressive, right? Well, I admit that the reason why I haven’t used a chain reference Bible until now is, quite honestly, I thought they were overwhelming and difficult to navigate.
After all, check out these functional features:
- Complete text of the New King James Version (NKJV)
- Easy-to-understand chain-reference system with over 100,000 references
- Alphabetical and numerical indexes highlight study materials for over 8,000 topics, each with its own topic number, for exhaustive topical study
- An extensive study resource section includes biographical sketches, illustrated studies of the Bible, a concordance, Bible harmonies, and many other helpful study tools
What I found by actually using this Bible is I did not get the experience I assumed. All of my preconceived assumptions were wrong! Despite having 100,000+ references along with alphabetical and numerical indexes, the Thompson Chain-Reference Bible makes a lot of practical sense in navigating your way through various layers of Scripture.
When you actually put it to use, that is.

The chain reference system is easy to use and has a natural flow through Scripture. You would look at a verse, look to the left margin and find the topic number, turn to the index and locate your verse reference number and find your list of related verses.
Here’s how easy that is, and you’ll learn it in just over 2 minutes.
More Features of the Revised Thompson Chain-Reference Bible
- Fresh, two-color page design
- 66 book introductions
- 16-page full-color map section with map index
- Line-matched text for enhanced readability
- Exclusive NKJV Comfort Print typeface
- Two double-sided satin ribbon markers, each 3/8-inch wide

Introductions to each book are well written and helpful. The print size is 9.5, which can be difficult for me to read, but because of the paper and print quality, I haven’t had any trouble. The satin ribbon markers are a welcome feature, and I always like to see 2 or more in a Bible.
One feature I find really impressive is the maps and map index. Rarely will you find as many high quality full-color maps in one Bible. There are also a number of black and white maps available, which I find equal in quality and usefulness to the full-color maps.
The map index is extensive, showing you exactly where to find locations and on which map you’ll find them.

The Thompson Chain-Reference Bible I received is NKJV and hardcover. The words of Jesus are in red, and as mentioned, the paper and print are excellent quality. The overall quality of the hardcover is good. The binding feels well made and the pages feel like they will hold for years to come. I do see some minor glue bubbling on the inside covers, but nothing alarming in appearance or compromising in quality.
How I’m Using the NKJV Thompson Chain-Reference Bible
Admittedly, when I first glanced at this Bible, I wondered how I would actually use it.
One thing I do on a regular basis is mentor and disciple a small group of pastors. While researching what I would share with them, I found myself turning to the Thompson Chain-Reference Bible and pulling out all kinds of meaningful passages in Scripture within the context of my messages.
The alphabetical index of topics, Bible character studies, and the Bible harmonies and illustrative studies have been most helpful to me.

Maybe you’re not leading a group or involved in any teaching capacity. That does not count you out! This Bible provides every follower of Christ with a comprehensive system of Bible study methods that is easy to learn and simple to use.
You could find yourself in whatever study routine you have digging deeper into God’s Word using the chain-reference system. You could hear your pastor teach a sermon and in your own study time unpack even more depth from the sermon, greatly increasing your comprehension of Scripture. This Bible will actually lead you through, rather than just to the Word in your personal study or devotional times.
This is how the Thompson Chain-Reference Bible will help you learn, apply, live, and share God’s Word.