A Premium Bible for a Lifetime

For some time now I have appreciated the craftsmanship of Humble Lamb Bibles, and now, for the first time, I own a New Living Translation edition—the SonRise. This is also my only NLT, though I previously owned The Living Bible (which was the basis for the NLT) when it was first released. While the LB was a paraphrase by one individual (Kenneth Taylor), the NLT underwent a rigorous translation process by a committee of Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek scholars, as well as English linguists, ensuring a faithful rendering of the original languages. The quality and readability of the NLT have made it popular among both casual readers and serious students of the Bible, enabling them to engage with the text in a meaningful way.

The New Living Translation (NLT) has been one of the best-selling Bible translations since its release in 1996. Designed for clarity and accessibility, it has been widely embraced by the Bible-reading public, making it a favorite for devotional reading, study, and teaching. The NLT provides a balance between accuracy and readability, making it a great choice for those new to the Bible as well as seasoned readers who want a fresh perspective.

After experiencing the high quality of the KJV Lion, I was eager to see how the SonRise NLT would compare—and I was not disappointed.

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1) Premium Craftsmanship & Elegant Design

The moment I held my Forest Green SonRise NLT with a dark brown goatskin liner, I could tell this was a Bible designed to last a lifetime. The full-grain goatskin cover is both durable and flexible, allowing the Bible to lay flat while reading. It is edge-lined, individually handcrafted, Smyth-sewn, and stitched with precision.

The SonRise is available in six stunning colors:

• Sahara Blue
• Black & Wool (a unique and classic look)
• London Red
• Aspen Gold
• Rose Gold
• Forest Green (which I chose as a nod to the original Living Bible, which also came in a dark green padded cover—a way to honor its historical look).

In addition to its premium leather craftsmanship, this Bible features either a solid gilt edge or a beautifully illustrated art gilt featuring the Resurrection of Christ, making it both a Bible and a work of art.

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The 10pt font size ensures easy reading, and the text is printed on 32gsm premium Bible paper, offering a perfect balance between durability and opacity.

2) Readability & Thoughtful Formatting

The SonRise NLT is formatted in a paragraph layout, making it easy to read and follow. Like all Humble Lamb Bibles, it features blue highlights for:

• Drop caps
• Paragraph markers
• Words of Christ

This blue-letter format is a standout feature because it is easier on the eyes than traditional red-letter editions. The text is also line-matched, reducing ghosting (the faint visibility of text from the other side of the page).

Cross-references are easy to find, allowing for quick study and comparison. The Bible also includes full-color mapsfor historical and geographical context.

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3) 200+ Illustrations from Gustave Doré

One of my favorite features of Humble Lamb Bibles is the inclusion of over 200 illustrations by Gustave Doré. His intricate, detailed engravings bring key biblical scenes to life. Doré’s artwork adds depth and beauty to the reading experience, enhancing one’s meditation on Scripture.

These illustrations are strategically placed throughout the Bible, making it feel like a timeless masterpiece—both a literary and artistic treasure.

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4) Features & Specifications

Features:

✔ New Living Translation Edition
✔ Larger 10pt font size
✔ Edge-lined & Individually Handcrafted
✔ Full-grain Goatskin Cover
✔ Full-grain Goatskin Cover Liner
✔ 32gsm Premium Bible Paper
✔ 220 Illustrations from Gustave Doré
✔ Golden Filigree
✔ Easy-find Cross-references
✔ Line-matching for Enhanced Readability
✔ Three 10mm Double Satin Ribbon Markers (mine has two brown and one green)
✔ Full-color Maps
✔ Smyth-sewn Binding
✔ Lifetime Guarantee
✔ Elegant Two-piece Box
✔ Words of Jesus in Blue

Specifications:

• Trim Size: 6 in x 9 in x 1.5 in
• Page Count: 1,955
• Weight: 2.15 lbs

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5) The Benefit of Blue-Letter vs. Red-Letter Bibles

• Red-letter editions can be harsh on the eyes, especially in dim lighting.
• Blue-letter text is more calming and easier to read while still distinguishing Christ’s words.
• It enhances contrast against cream-colored Bible paper, improving readability over extended reading sessions.

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6) A Bible That Gives Back

One of the most compelling reasons to purchase a Humble Lamb Bible is their commitment to ministry. For every Bible purchased, Humble Lamb donates a Bible and food to those in need. This means that every purchase makes an impact, spreading both God’s Word and humanitarian aid to those who need it most.

This mission aligns with Matthew 25:35-36, where Jesus says:
“For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in….”

This is more than just buying a premium Bible—it’s about participating in a greater mission.

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7) More Than Just the NLT

Humble Lamb produces more than just the NLT SonRise. They also offer:

• KJV Lion (for those who love the majestic beauty of the Authorized Version)
• NKJV Shepherd (for those who prefer a modern update of the KJV)
• NASB HIStory (for those who prefer a word-for-word translation)

Each edition carries the same craftsmanship, design elements, and art gilt options that make Humble Lamb Bibles stand apart.

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8) The Thought Behind the “SonRise” Name

• The name “SonRise” is a play on words, referencing both the rising of the sun and the resurrection of the Son of God.
• This theme is further reinforced by the art gilt option depicting the Resurrection of Christ.
• In Christian theology, the resurrection is often symbolized by dawn, with verses such as Malachi 4:2:
  “But for you who fear my name, the sun of righteousness shall rise with healing in its wings.”

Final Thoughts

The NLT SonRise is a stunning and thoughtfully designed Bible that combines readability, beauty, and durability. While I own several word-for-word translations (KJV, NKJV, NASB), this NLT is a refreshing addition to my collection. The NLT’s balance of accuracy and readability, combined with Humble Lamb’s premium craftsmanship, makes this edition a true treasure.

Between its full-grain goatskin cover, blue-letter design, paragraph formatting, high-quality paper, Gustave Doré illustrations, and its mission to give back, the SonRise NLT is one of the finest editions available. Whether for personal study, devotional reading, or as a gift, this is a Bible designed to last a lifetime and enrich your faith journey.

To learn more or purchase a Humble Lamb Bible, visit Humble Lamb’s official website.

(This is an unsolicited endorsement of Humble Lamb.)