The NLT Wayfinding Bible from Tyndale takes a unique approach to guiding someone through the Bible. It marks out 3 different length journeys you can take through God’s word that help you see God’s story in human history and his redemptive plan.
ISBN: 9781414361932
Tyndale provided this Bible in exchange for an honest review. I was not required to give a positive review, only an honest one. All opinions are my own.
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This book is available at (includes some affiliate links)
and many local Bible bookstores
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Construction and Materials
The Wayfinding Bible is available in hardcover, softcover, and three different colors of LeatherLike. I received the Brown LeatherLike Bible and it measures 9 3/8″ x 6 1/4″ x 1 3/8″ and weighs 2 pounds and 5 ounces. It has gold gilt edges and a thin brown ribbon marker. This Bible was printed in Italy and has a glued binding.
The paper is in the 30-32 GSM range. I found it decently opaque though there is a moderate amount of show through. The pages are white but dull enough to be easy on the eyes. They are smooth but easy to turn.
Typography
The text is laid out in a two-column paragraph format. It has the section headings commonly found in the NLT (New Living Translation). Poetry is set in stanzas and letters and quotes are indented to set them apart.
It has an 8 point font (maybe a smidge larger) and is a completely black letter edition, though lots of color is added to most pages with all the study aides. The black ink is a medium darkness and all ink colors are very consistent throughout. The header contains the book name, chapter number, and page number in the outer corner.
The translation notes are found in footnotes at the bottom of the second column on each page.
Each book has an introduction that gives you a short overview, how many readings from each of the 3 plans are in that book, what the book says about Jesus, and a timeline of major Biblical events with the ones you’ll find in that book highlighted.
The Wayfinding Bible’s Reading Plans
Many people compare reading the Bible to a journey. The Wayfinding Bible takes this idea and uses it to give structure to the various reading plans and study tools that have been included. The heart of this Bible is the three routes you can choose from to read through the main passages of the Bible. It has a Flyover Route, a Direct Route, and a Scenic Route. Each plan has it’s own color and symbol to help you find the readings.
The Flyover Route has 54 Readings. Its color is blue and its symbol a plane. This journey through the Bible will cover only the most important events. Its purpose is to give you an overview of Scripture and help you see that the Bible tells one big story.
The Direct Route has 215 Readings. Its color is green and its symbol a straight arrow. This is a moderate paced journey that helps you see how God’s story develops through history.
The Scenic Route has 386 Readings. Its color is orange and its symbol a winding arrow. This journey slows down enough to discover new things. It helps you see the depth and richness of God’s Word.
Each page that has a reading has the lines across the top of the page to help you find it that includes the page number for the previous reading and the next stop. The lines even indicate whether you are going straight forward, skipping a few pages, jumping forward to a new book, or traveling back to a book you’ve already visited. The readings are presented in mostly chronological order instead of always in the order you find them in the Bible. A colored circle in the margin shows you were to start reading and a colored symbol in the text indicates where to stop in you want to stick to the plan.
There is a brief summary of each reading and an Observation Point and an Exploration Point. These points are not always directly Biblical. Whether you agree with them completely or not they provide good concepts to consider as you read the passage and good starting points for further prayer and study.
The plans are telescoping, all readings from the shorter plans are included in the longer ones, so you’ll hit all the major points on each trip through. All three plans include all 8 Getting you Bearings entries that give you a summary of events as you shift from one major time period to another.
There is an Itinerary in the back that lists all the readings for all three plans.
Side Trips and a Thru-Hike
Some people might want to stop for a moment and study a subject in-depth and many may decide that after reading the main passages they want to read the entire Bible. Aides for both of these are included.
20 smaller reading lists covering specific topics have been included.
These are labeled Side Trips and have between 6 and 14 readings each. There is a list of all the readings (with brief summaries) in the back and they are marked in the text with purple boxes and the topic name. Next to arrows are page numbers for the previous and next reading on the topic.
In keeping with the travel theme, they have labeled reading the entire Bible as a Thru-Hike.
In the back of the Bible you can find a complete list of all the chapters of the Bible listed in a mostly chronological order. (They do follow Israel from beginning to end then go back and follow Judah instead of staying strictly chronological) Circles are included to check off each reading as you complete it.
Other Study Aides
You can find an introduction to the NLT and a list of translators at the front of the Bible. Notes from and about the translators should be included in every Bible. There is also a variety of other study aids.
Historical Markers
Explanations of locations, history, and customs are included in the text in light brown boxes.
Scenic Overlooks
Various forms of infographics are also included. These highlight major themes, people, and events in a very visual format.
A complete index of both of these features is included.
Points of Interest
A 25-page index of what the Bible has to say about a variety of topics from Abortion to Worship is included
Lists
A list of the Prophecies of the Messiah and a list of The Old Testament in the New will help readers understand how the two testaments work together.
Maps
There are several maps in the text to help you visualize where things are happening.
As well as a handful of standard Bible maps in the back that include:
- World of the Patriarchs
- Exodus From Egypt
- Kingdoms of Israel
- Assyrian and Babylonian Empires
- Greek Empire
- Roman Division of Palestine
- Ministry of Jesus
- Paul’s Missionary Journeys
Final Thoughts on The Wayfinding Bible
I really like the concept of the Wayfinding Bible. It encourages not only reading but rereading of God’s Word. Following the various plans through the Bible will give the reader a good overview and a more in depth look and will help develop a familiarity with the most important passages of scripture.
It would be a good study Bible not only for beginners but for those further along on their walk with God. As with all study Bibles, care should be taken to remember that some notes include opinion or interpretation not strictly the Word of God. If you buy one for a new covert (or a not yet converted person) I think buying one for yourself as well and reading through the notes to prepare yourself for questions and discussions would be a very good idea.
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This book is available at (includes some affiliate links)
and many local Bible bookstores
_________________________________________________________
Photography by hannah C brown
Tyndale provided this Bible free for review. I was not required to give a positive review, only an honest one. All opinions are my own.
You didn’t mention what text it is. I think it has the 2007 text, not the 2015 NLT text.
Hi Daniel. Thanks for asking. It doesn’t say, but the copyright date is 2013.