TBS Westminster Reference Bible - 2026

Cambridge recently released their version of the KJV Westminster Reference Bible in both dark blue and black goatskin. I wanted to compare them with the latest Jongbloed printing from TBS, but mine was the previous version printed by Print Corp. TBS agreed this would be a good comparison and sent me the latest edition. In this review, I’ll show what is the same and what is different. For content details, see the TBS Westminster review.

What is the Same as Cambridge

The content printed on the Bible pages is the same. This includes:

33GSM French paper
2 columns of text
200,000 cross-references and translator’s footnotes in the margins
Glossary on the page
9.6 font
Chapter summaries
Tables of Weights and Measures
Word pronunciation guide
2-year reading plan
Concordance
Letter to King James/Translator’s to the Reader
KJV and Westminster user guides

See my Cambridge review for more information about The Cambridge Westminster Reference Bible.

Unboxing Video

Calfskin Cover

While the Cambridge editions include black or dark blue goatskin, leather edge-lined liners, three matching ribbons, and red or blue art-gilt, the TBS retains its standard black Miriva calfskin leather. The cover is a touch thicker than the previous edition, and the grain is slightly more prominent. The edges are rolled over to the liner with no perimeter stitching. The spine includes 5 hub indications, and the text is printed in gold.

A thick card between the leather and vinyl liner gives it enough stiffness to make it easy to handle. It was built with reinforced binder’s tape, so this cover should last for several years. This edition lies perfectly flat on any page. It includes four 1/4 inch ribbons: two in black and two in red. Head and tail bands are gold and brown. The overall size is 6 3/8 x 9 x 1 5/8. and it weighs 2 lbs, 8.8 oz.

Paper

Although the TBS edition does not identify the paper, my contact there said it is the same as the Cambridge edition: 33GSM from France. This is different from the previous edition made in Belarus by Print Corp. This paper is smoother, has a very slight cream tint, and feels premium. I like the paper a lot. The previous edition was white and slightly rough. The current paper is better for reading, in my opinion.

Front Matter

Where the Cambridge has a few blank pages followed by their standard presentation and family pages, the TBS edition uses these blank pages to present some important Scriptures about the word of God, followed by a standard presentation page.

Maps

Rather than Cambridge maps and a color-coded index, the TBS edition includes 8 bold color maps printed on thick non-glossy paper. All locations stand out. It does not include an index, but the maps are annotated well, and the names are printed very large. Maps include topography, distance, water, routes, capitals, borders, Scripture references, commodities, trade, subjection, royal residence, fortresses, events, dates, etc.

Maps include:

Time of the Patriarchs
The Exodus
The Twelve Tribes of Israel
Undivided Kingdom
Kingdoms of Israel and Judah
The Persian Empire
Holy Land in the Time of Christ
Paul’s Missionary Journeys

Conclusion

The latest TBS edition of the Westminster from the Netherlands is a well-made Bible at a price that’s hard to beat. It has the same features that it’s always had, but I prefer this paper and cover to the previous edition. While Cambridge improves on this Bible with premium leather, ribbons, more maps with an index, and art-gilt, TBS provides a high-quality edition at a more affordable price point. They also have a hardcover edition with the same text block that’s even more affordable, and there is a Kindle edition, so you can get this Bible in almost any price range.