The Bible
Preferred Translation: New American Standard
We preface this with the notion that there is no substitute for the original Greek and Hebrew texts. However, it is understood that this is not a reality for the masses. Therefore, we must seek the most accurate and true to the original translation.
We have selected the New American Standard
The New American Standard Bible (NASB) is considered one of the best translations for study due to its commitment to accuracy, literalness, and faithfulness to the original biblical languages. Here are the key reasons:
1. Word-for-Word Accuracy (Formal Equivalence)
The NASB uses a formal equivalence translation approach, striving to replicate the original Greek, Hebrew, and Aramaic texts as closely as possible.
• Preserves sentence structure, verb tenses, and grammatical details from the source texts.
• Ideal for examining the nuances of individual words and phrases, which is crucial for theological or exegetical studies.
2. Faithfulness to Original Manuscripts
The NASB is based on critical editions of the biblical texts (e.g., Nestle-Aland for Greek and Biblia Hebraica Stuttgartensia for Hebrew).
• These are considered the most reliable and up-to-date versions of the original manuscripts.
• The NASB incorporates recent manuscript discoveries and scholarly research, ensuring it aligns with the best available sources.
3. Precision in Theological Terms
The NASB carefully translates theological terms and concepts with clarity and consistency.
• For example, it retains distinctions in Greek verb tenses, such as the difference between aorist and present tense, which can impact interpretation.
• This precision helps readers delve into deeper theological study and understand the original authors’ intent.
4. Transparency in Italics
The NASB uses italicized words to indicate phrases added for clarity in English that are not explicitly in the original text.
• This transparency allows readers to see where the translators made interpretive decisions.
5. Scholarly Reputation
The NASB is widely respected among biblical scholars, theologians, and pastors for its reliability.
• Frequently used in seminaries and academic studies for its faithfulness to the original texts.
• Many commentaries and study tools are designed with the NASB in mind.
6. Updated Readability (2020 Revision)
While the NASB has historically been known for its rigid literalness, the 2020 revision strikes a better balance between accuracy and readability, making it more accessible for a broader audience without sacrificing its scholarly rigor.
When to Use the NASB for Study
1. Exegesis: Perfect for deep, verse-by-verse analysis.
2. Word Studies: Ideal for exploring original language meanings.
3. Theological Research: Helpful for tracing key themes and doctrines.
Limitations
• Less Readable: The literalness can result in less natural English, making it harder for devotional reading or casual study.
• Stylistic Simplicity: Lacks the literary elegance of translations like the ESV or KJV.
Conclusion
The NASB’s focus on literal accuracy, manuscript faithfulness, and scholarly transparency makes it one of the best translations for in-depth Bible study. While it may not be the most readable for all audiences, it excels in delivering the precision needed for serious theological exploration.
NOTE:
We also make use of the Deuterocanonical (Apocrypha) books as translated in the New Revised Standard Bible. These are the Old Testament books that were part of the Greek Septuagint. and removed from Protestant Bibles because centuries after Christ they were removed from the Jewish texts, however these were maintained in Catholic and Eastern Bibles.
We chose to include them because the Septuagint (LXX) was the Hebrew Scriptures that was used by Christ and his disciples/followers.
Preferred Translation: New American Standard
We preface this with the notion that there is no substitute for the original Greek and Hebrew texts. However, it is understood that this is not a reality for the masses. Therefore, we must seek the most accurate and true to the original translation.
We have selected the New American Standard
The New American Standard Bible (NASB) is considered one of the best translations for study due to its commitment to accuracy, literalness, and faithfulness to the original biblical languages. Here are the key reasons:
1. Word-for-Word Accuracy (Formal Equivalence)
The NASB uses a formal equivalence translation approach, striving to replicate the original Greek, Hebrew, and Aramaic texts as closely as possible.
• Preserves sentence structure, verb tenses, and grammatical details from the source texts.
• Ideal for examining the nuances of individual words and phrases, which is crucial for theological or exegetical studies.
2. Faithfulness to Original Manuscripts
The NASB is based on critical editions of the biblical texts (e.g., Nestle-Aland for Greek and Biblia Hebraica Stuttgartensia for Hebrew).
• These are considered the most reliable and up-to-date versions of the original manuscripts.
• The NASB incorporates recent manuscript discoveries and scholarly research, ensuring it aligns with the best available sources.
3. Precision in Theological Terms
The NASB carefully translates theological terms and concepts with clarity and consistency.
• For example, it retains distinctions in Greek verb tenses, such as the difference between aorist and present tense, which can impact interpretation.
• This precision helps readers delve into deeper theological study and understand the original authors’ intent.
4. Transparency in Italics
The NASB uses italicized words to indicate phrases added for clarity in English that are not explicitly in the original text.
• This transparency allows readers to see where the translators made interpretive decisions.
5. Scholarly Reputation
The NASB is widely respected among biblical scholars, theologians, and pastors for its reliability.
• Frequently used in seminaries and academic studies for its faithfulness to the original texts.
• Many commentaries and study tools are designed with the NASB in mind.
6. Updated Readability (2020 Revision)
While the NASB has historically been known for its rigid literalness, the 2020 revision strikes a better balance between accuracy and readability, making it more accessible for a broader audience without sacrificing its scholarly rigor.
When to Use the NASB for Study
1. Exegesis: Perfect for deep, verse-by-verse analysis.
2. Word Studies: Ideal for exploring original language meanings.
3. Theological Research: Helpful for tracing key themes and doctrines.
Limitations
• Less Readable: The literalness can result in less natural English, making it harder for devotional reading or casual study.
• Stylistic Simplicity: Lacks the literary elegance of translations like the ESV or KJV.
Conclusion
The NASB’s focus on literal accuracy, manuscript faithfulness, and scholarly transparency makes it one of the best translations for in-depth Bible study. While it may not be the most readable for all audiences, it excels in delivering the precision needed for serious theological exploration.
NOTE:
We also make use of the Deuterocanonical (Apocrypha) books as translated in the New Revised Standard Bible. These are the Old Testament books that were part of the Greek Septuagint. and removed from Protestant Bibles because centuries after Christ they were removed from the Jewish texts, however these were maintained in Catholic and Eastern Bibles.
We chose to include them because the Septuagint (LXX) was the Hebrew Scriptures that was used by Christ and his disciples/followers.
