Though the HarperCollins deal that will bring Thomas Nelson and Zondervan under the same publishing umbrella has yet to be finalized, the two are partnering to expand the reach of a leading study Bible.

The project will make The MacArthur Study Bible available in the 2011 updated New International Version (NIV) text for the first time, with Zondervan licensing the NIV to Thomas Nelson, which will publish the Bible.

Scheduled to release in fall 2013, the new edition has been in the discussion and planning phase for a year. It will feature John MacArthur’s 20,000 original study notes, an extensive topical index and numerous charts, maps, outlines and articles.

“I'm delighted that The MacArthur Study Bible notes will now be easily accessible to NIV readers," MacArthur said. "My prayer is that these insights and explanations, together with the acclaimed readability of the translation, will help illuminate the true meaning and unleash the divine power of Scripture for NIV readers."

More than 1 million copies have been distributed since the Bible’s original release in 1997.

“We are honored to bring together John MacArthur's extensive study notes with the updated NIV translation; this Bible is sure to be a blessing to many,” said Gary Davidson, senior vice president and publisher of Thomas Nelson's Bible Group.