The last of my series chronicling my Bible translation journey of the past year brings me to the Holman Christian Standard Bible. The funny thing about the HCSB is that it is the one Bible I never figured would be in this equation. I have been familiar with the HCSB for years, but I have avoided using it because I have been fearful that it would be the “Southern Baptist” Bible. Overtime, I became more open to the HCSB, and recently began preaching and teaching from it. While I have not firmly settled on it as a primary teaching translation, it’s interesting to me that many in my church have been asking what it is, and have subsequently purchased one.
The HCSB has a lot to offer as a translation. It is more readable than the NASB and the ESV, while still being very faithful to the original languages. I like the way it handles words like “propitiation” and “slave,” as well as other important terms. It offers a fresh approach by frequently using “Yahweh” rather than “Lord,” and ”Messiah” rather than the “Christ” (It is important to point out that these terms are never inappropriately used. For instance, “Messiah” appears when “Christ” is definitely used as a title referencing Jesus as the “Anointed One.”). I have been surprised by how much the HCSB has grown on me. I highly recommend it.
The strengths of the HCSB are as follows:
It does a great job finding a balance between being literal and readable.
It handles some key concepts well.
It is heavily footnoted for those that like to explore alternative word meanings.
It is a “new” translation, not a revision of an earlier one. Most of the more prominent English translations on the market today are revisions of earlier works.
The HCSB does have its issues. It can be difficult to find anywhere other than in a LifeWay store. As of now, it has virtually no presence in the study Bible market (although the Apologetics Study Bible is a good resource). Some of its formatting is awkward (brackets, bullets, and such – although the brackets are being eliminated in current revisions). Also, some familiar words and terms have been replaced in a way that might raise an eyebrow (“beer” for “strong drink,” “languages” instead of “tongues,” just to name a few).
LifeWay has pledged to do a better job marketing the translation, and I hope they are successful in that endeavor. It must break out of its current circles if it is going have any kind of real impact. Furthermore, the translation is currently being revised, and hopefully some of its minor issues will be resolved. For now, the HCSB sits atop my list of favorites.
This is the last in a series of posts chronicling my experiences with various Bible translations over the last year (it joins my posts on the ESV, NASB, and NLT). These are not exhaustive research articles (you can find these other places online), but rather an unfolding of my journey through these translations. These posts grow from a list I put together in a previous post. You can read it here.
The third in my series of posts regarding Bible translations bring us to the New Living Translation. While I have always used an assortment of Bible translation for my own edification and study, I only began using the NLT after the second edition was released. I was re-acquainted with it through the One Year Bible, and I was pleasantly surprised with what I found. I then bought the NLT Study Bible (which is very good by the way), and really enjoyed using it.
I began exploring the NLT as a teaching Bible while I was preparing a series of studies on the book of Exodus. I thought it would bring new life to some familiar passages, and make some more challenging ones (particular regarding the building of the tabernacle) a little easier on the ears. Our church used it during our Christmas Eve service, and I frequently reference it during sermons and lessons. I read from it devotionally every day, and really enjoy the way it renders the text. It does a good job handling much of the language associated with theological concepts (some terms it handles better than others). It’s not perfect, but it has really grown on me over the last year. I recommend the NLT frequently. It is great for new believers, and great for seasoned saints who want something a little different from their more formal translations. It’s strengths are as follows:
It is probably the most readable translation.
It is a very vivid translation that usually captures the intent of Biblical writers. A more literal translation (like the NASB) usually captures what the original languages say. The NLT typically does a great job capturing what they mean.
It is a very accessible translation. The NLT fills the shelves of bookstores and retail stores alike. Where I live, it is one of the easiest translations to find (trailing only the NIV and the KJV).
It is available in some great study editions. The NLT Study Bible is great (the online version is awesome too). It has some newer releases (like the Transformation Study Bible and Mosaic) that look great.
As with any translation, the NLT has some weaknesses. I’m not always comfortable with what I would call the “looseness” of the translation. In a translation of this type, there is always a lot of commentary in the translation (but to be fair, there is always a certain amount of commentary in the translation). I would encourage people who use a NLT to have a more formal translation with which to compare, but overall, the NLT is a Bible worth checking out.
This is the third in a series of posts chronicling my experiences with various Bible translations over the last year (it joins my posts on the ESV and NASB). These are not exhaustive research articles (you can find these other places online), but rather an unfolding of my journey through these translations. These posts grow from a list I put together in a previous post. You can read it here.
In this discussion of my experiences with Bible translations during the past year, I now turn to the New American Standard. Let me begin with a few disclaimers. For one, I have used this translation longer than any of the others. I have said repeatedly that it is not only my favorite translation, but also the most literal, and the one I most frequently recommend. With that said, some may ask then why make a change?
The reason is two-fold. For one, I found myself increasingly hesitant to recommend the NASB to new believers. Secondly, the language can be challenging in places, and it can be a tough read. One more than one occasion I found myself even struggling to communicate clearly while reading and teaching the text. For years, I simply accepted that as part of my job as the teacher. But, as I began to dialogue with people about the version I was using, people who had been in church for years had little problem with it. On the other hand, newer people seemed to wrestle with it a bit more. I thought that maybe it would help my teaching to use an easier to read translation.
Again, I love the NASB. I love almost everything about it. I love how the sentence structure really follows the Greek. I love how it leaves many of the interpretative decisions to the reader (as much as any translation really can leave those decisions to the reader). I think it handles important theological terms correctly. I read from it every day, and always use it in the course of my preparation. I still wrestle with returning to it as a primary teaching version some day (and do still teach occasionally from it). Any serious student of Scripture needs a New American Standard.
Its strengths are as follow:
It’s literal. At times, it may be too literal (if that’s possible), but one rarely has to walk away wondering what editorial decisions a translator made.
It is highly respected. Most Bible scholars speak highly of the NASB. They may be critical of it in places (as they are any translation), but almost all of the critiques I’ve read are positive.
It has a formal sound to it. It reads like a Bible. Those who have been exposed to church will find it familiar.
It is available. This hasn’t always been the case. Even now, it is not as prominent as some other translations, but one can find a nice selection of styles and study Bibles available in the NASB (NASB Study Bible, MacArthur Study Bible, and Ryrie to name a few).
The NASB does have some weakness. It can be incredibly awkward and stiff at times. It reads at an eleventh or twelfth grade level (which makes it one of the tougher translations to read). Also, the Lockman Foundation (the copyright owner) could do a much better job with its website. Nonetheless, if you want a solid word for word translation, I don’t think you can do any better than a NASB. If you don’t have one, do pick one up. I don’t think you’ll regret it.
This is the second in a series of posts chronicling my experiences with various Bible translations over the last year. These are not exhaustive research articles (you can find these other places online), but rather an unfolding of my journey through these translations.
Earlier this week, I posted a list of my “top five” Bible translations (actually, I’ve posted three such lists over the course of the last year). I thought I would take some time and post some follow-up articles on a few of the translations on my list. These are not exhaustive research articles (you can find these other places online), but rather an unfolding of my journey through these translations. The first one I want to look at is the English Standard Version.
I came across the ESV somewhat by accident. I had seen it in book stores and usually ignored it. It caught my attention when I began to read the opinions of people that used it (and it’s not the ones you might think). I subsequently purchased an ESV Study Bible (which by the way is a great study Bible), and began reading from it. I decided that I would preach and teach from the translation for a while. Initially, I really thought it would be the one to replace my New American Standard. The more I preached from it, however, the more I began to have reservations.
Now, let me be clear. The ESV is a good translation. I still read from it, and occasionally teach from it. I still like the formal tone it has. It is awkward in some places, and I wish it would have handled the word doulos differently (slave or servant depending on your translation, my thoughts on this are here)*, but it is a solid, formal translation. To be honest, it isn’t that much easier for me to read than the New American Standard. I’m not down on the ESV, but I just found that I preferred some others better. For me, it may simply have been a case of the ESV not being able to match the hype surrounding it. Again, it’s a great translation, and I highly recommend it. I just like some others better.
Here are the ESV’s strengths:
It is a formal, literal translation. It sounds like a Bible. If you are used to the King James, or something similar to it, you will find the ESV familar.
It is somewhat easier to read than some more formal translations (like the KJV, NASB, etc.). Again, my experience questions this a little, but many find this to be the case. As a matter of fact, the chart in my local book stores list’s it as easier to read than the NIV and the HCSB.
It is highly recommended.
It has a great online presence. The ESV website is probably one of the best. The online ESV Study Bible is a tremendous resource.
And, like I said, the ESV Study Bible is an incredible resource.
To me, its biggest weakness is simply than it has several awkward sentences. Nonetheless, I would highly recommend this translation.
I have been experimenting with various Bible translations since the first of the year. I have chronicled much of that journey here over the last several months. As matter of fact, I have put together two of these lists already this calendar year. Yet, I feel it is time for another update. If you have read the previous posts, you will probably notice that there has been some significant shifting among the versions listed. And, as always, it never hurts to check back because it seems like this list is always in flux.
Holman Christian Standard Bible- I have decided to preach from the translation for the time being. While I first had my doubts about it, I have really come to appreciate the balance between readability and literalness. It can be a little tough to find (especailly if you don’t live near a LifeWay store), and it by no means is perfect, but it is a translation that I would highly recommend.
New Living Translation- I read this Bible devotionally every day. I almost never prepare without consulting how it handles a passage. It is a very vivid rendering of God’s Word. The more I read it, the more I like it. While I’m not sure I would preach from it exclusively, I often quote it in the course of my lessons. I would highly recommend this translation, especially to someone who is a new believer or to someone who is trying to find something different from their more formal translation.
New American Standard- I still love this translation the most. I always use it in my preparation. It is the most literal translation available, and one that I always recommend to someone wanting to seriously study the Bible. Yet, it can be difficult to read and awkward to quote. This is usually no problem for folks use to King James and the like, but so many anymore just are not familiar with that language. Thus, it drops a little in my list. Actually, to be honest, it didn’t drop as much as the two versions ahead of it simply grew on me.
English Standard Version - I really tried to give this a go. At first, I really liked what I saw. I preached from it for several months, trying to make it work for me. And, while I still read from it regularly and will occasionally teach from it, I simply don’t like it as much as some of the others. It just has too many awkward phrases for my liking, especially considering that it seemed to be trying to get away from them. Like I said, I do teach from it from time to time, and I may revisit in the future, but for now this is where it is. I do recommend it often, especially to people who do not want a huge departure from their formal sounding translation.
New International Version - To be honest, I rarely read or consult the NIV any more. I still recommend it, if for no other reason that it is so easily accessible (although the NLT seems to be in about as many places).
My goal is to be able to flesh out some articles in the near future on each of the these (well, at least the top four) at this site, as well as my other blogsite.
I’ve shared before that I’m experimenting with changing my primary preaching/teaching version of the Bible. In the ones that I’ve seriously considered, I find strengths and weaknesses. I’m still trying to sort it all out, but I ran into this verse in preparing for Sunday’s message – “Oh that my ways may be established To keep Your statutes!” (Psalm 119:5, NASB). Compare that with some other samplings:
“Oh that my ways may be steadfast in keeping your statutes!” (ESV)
“Oh, that my ways were steadfast in obeying your decrees!” (NIV)
“If only my ways were committed to keeping Your statutes!” (HCSB)
“Oh, that my actions would consistently reflect your decrees!” (NLT).
As I entered this series, I really wanted to have this issue settled in my heart (maybe it says more about me than it does the actual translations that I haven’t pulled the trigger on one yet). Nonetheless, I’m still sorting in all out. In regard for Sunday, I opted for the HCSB for my message on Psalm 119:1-8, primarily based on their handling of this verse (although I did quote the passage from the NLT in my closing). I liked its accuracy and clarity. I could almost pull the trigger on the HCSB except for my hangups about it not being marketed well beyond the SBC. In my community, it’s virtually impossible to find on the shelves of our Christian bookstore. We’ll see what the future holds.
Over the years, I have used several different Bibles. Like many Christians, my first Bible was a King James Version. I used it and a New International Version for years. When I began pastoring, I preached out of the King James. I then moved to the New King James (didn’t really click for me) and then to the NIV. I usually used the New American Standard to teach Bible studies. Over time, I completely switched to the NASB, and I have used it for several years. About six or seven months ago, I was asked to lead a Bible study in another venue. I thought it would be a good time to check out a few different translations as teaching Bibles. I purchased a New Living Translation and I really liked the way it read, but I wasn’t sure I was comfortable teaching extensively from it. I have used it several times for lengthy readings.
While I was researching the NLT, I read many positive reviews of the English Standard Version. So, a few months ago, I switched from my NASB, and began preaching and teaching out of the ESV on a trial basis. At times, I really like it. At other times, it makes me scratch my head. I am getting ready to begin a trial run teaching from the Holman Christian Standard Bible. Like the ESV, I really like parts of the HCSB. I think the HCSB does a great job of being readable while maintaining some important concepts (like translating “doulos” as “slave” and “hilasmos” as ”propitiation” - you can read my opinion on these here and here). Time will tell whether or not I stick with it, the ESV, or completely return to the NASB.
A few months ago, I wrote a post about the top five Bible translations (you can check the original post here). After spending some time digger deeper, I think I would like to update my list.
New American Standard- Nothing has changed about my feelings regarding this translations. It is still the most literal Bible on the market. Granted, it can be choppy in English, but I would recommend this translation to anyone really wanting to study the Bible. One thing that would be really nice is if the NASB would develop a decent website the way the ESV, NLT, and HCSB have.
New Living Translation- This translation serves as a nice balance to the NASB. It’s very easy to read and uses very vivid language. It is a “thought for thought” translation, meaning that it tries to conveys the authors’ meaning in contemporary language. If you realize this walking in, that’s great. As I mentioned before, be sure that you are using the second edition. It’s a vast improvement over the original.
English Standard Version- I bought an ESV based on the myriad of recommendations I read concerning it. I like it, but at this point, I’m not sure it’s more readable than my NASB. I’m still trying to adjust. Maybe I’m just not used to it. I have been preaching/teaching out of this translation of late. We’ll see if it grows on me.
Holman Christian Standard Bible- The lengthy name aside, this translation has really grown on me. I was very afraid that it would be tagged the “Southern Baptist Version.” So far, it seems like it has managed to avoid that tag. It does a good job of being readable while holding onto some important theological terms. The more I read it, the more I like it. I’m even thinking about using it in my teaching and preaching for the next few months. I said in my earlier post that the ESV would be the translation I would recommend. I must say that if asked today, the HCSB would be my recommendation (that is if you can find one).
New Internation Version- I don’t use the NIV much any more. But, it’s still the best selling contemporary version. It has served a generation of believers well, despite what some might say about it.
In my opinion, the NASB is the most literal translation and is great for word studies. The NLT is the opposite end of the scale. I think it’s a good idea to have a translation on each end of the translation scale (very literal and very dynamic). As I said before, I have not found the ESV to be any easier to read; and frankly, I’m beginning to think that it’s more difficult than the NASB. That leaves the HCSB as the one Bible I would recommend the most if asked today. To me, it has the best mix of readability and literalness. With that said, however, the list is always in flux. Three months from now, I might feel differently.
You can see how this list has changed by clicking here for 1.0 and here for 3.0.
A while ago, we listed the five best Bible translations (you can read them here). It seemed like a logical outgrowth of that list to look at what I think are the five best study Bibles on the market today. So, here are the five you should know:
The ESV Study Bible – This is perhaps the most comprehensive study Bible I have ever seen. It’s biggest drawback is that fact that it’s about two and a half inches thick and weighs about ninety pounds. Great notes and full color illustrations. Solid translation (English Standard Version) to boot. I am still reading through it, but until I see a major red flag, this is probably the one I would recommend first today. It also has a great on-line resource that you can access for free.
The NIV/NASB Study Bible – These are today’s standards for study Bibles. The NIV Study Bible has been around for decades. A few years ago, the notes were folded into the New American Standard text. You really can’t go wrong with either of these. Obviously, if you read my post on translations, you know I would opt for the NASB. This is probably the most cost effective choice on the list as well.
The MacArthur Study Bible – John MacArthur has been a favorite of mine for over twenty years. Very solid in his teaching and application. This study Bible is based on his notes. Very consistent and very conservative. It is available in the NASB and the New King James.
The NLT Study Bible – I have really begun to enjoy reading the New Living Translation. It does have some flaws, but it is a great read. The new NLT Study Bible is a great resource. The study notes are not as conservative as I would like (particularly in regard to prophetic books), but they aren’t horrible. You just need to be wise, and not swallow everything you see in the notes (to be fair, this is true of all study Bibles). Like the ESVSB, it too has a great on-line feature.
The Ryrie Study Bible – Of all of the Bibles on the list, this one has been around the longest. Very systematic and uniform in its theology. Also is available in a number of translations. You can’t go wrong here.
Like many others, my first Bible was a King James Version (KJV). In the years that followed, I have read and preached from the New King James (NKJV), the New American Standard (NASB), the New International Version (NIV), the New Living Translation (NLT) and the English Standard Version (ESV). Since I am frequently asked about translations, I thought I would list my top five Bible translations:
New American Standard Bible – In my opinion the absolute most literal translation on the market. An excellent word for word translation that I would encourage any serious Bible student to own. It can, however, be very awkward to read because of the extremely literal translation. If you read fairly well, it is the best translation to study.
English Standard Version- I have really grown to like this translation over the last few months. It is not as literal as the NASB, but it is a little easier to read. It has a real nice flow to it. I think if I had to recommend a translation for someone, this would be at the top of the list. It’s a nice “tweener” between the NASB and NIV. If you want a “literal” translation that’s easy to read, this is the way to go.
New Living Translation- This has become my favorite translation just to sit and read. It is extremely vivid. It is promoted as a thought for thought translation, so it is not as literal as the other translations on the list. You do need to be careful to get the second edition. It is a vast improvement over the first edition (which I would never recommend).
New International Version- The best selling modern translation of all time. It is a “dynamic equivalent” translation, meaning it tries to convey the thoughts of the author more than the literal words. Next to the King James Version, this is the easiest (and most inexpensive) translation to find.
King James Version/New King James Version - Even though I don’t do much with it anymore, the King James will always hold a special place in my heart. I don’t recommend it too often because it’s style makes it hard to understand. The New King James does a nice job modernizing the language.
Working through the book of Hebrews, one inevitably has to deal with its “warning passages.” As our church was making its way through this book, we paused in the middle of chapter three to re-examine just how one comes to a saving relationship with Jesus Christ. To do so, we went to the book of [...]
The last of my series chronicling my Bible translation journey of the past year brings me to the Holman Christian Standard Bible. The funny thing about the HCSB is that it is the one Bible I never figured would be in this equation. I have been familiar with the HCSB for years, but I have avoided using it because I have been fearful that it would be the “Southern Baptist” Bible. Overtime, I became more open to the HCSB, and recently began preaching and teaching from it. While I have not firmly settled on it as a primary teaching translation, it’s interesting to me that many in my church have been asking what it is, and have subsequently purchased one.
Posted by Darrell Deer 
The third in my series of posts regarding Bible translations bring us to the New Living Translation. While I have always used an assortment of Bible translation for my own edification and study, I only began using the NLT after the second edition was released. I was re-acquainted with it through the One Year Bible, and I was pleasantly surprised with what I found. I then bought the NLT Study Bible (which is very good by the way), and really enjoyed using it. 
Posted by Darrell Deer 
In this discussion of my experiences with Bible translations during the past year, I now turn to the New American Standard. Let me begin with a few disclaimers. For one, I have used this translation longer than any of the others. I have said repeatedly that it is not only my favorite translation, but also the most literal, and the one I most frequently recommend. With that said, some may ask then why make a change? 
Posted by Darrell Deer 
Earlier this week, I posted a list of my “
Over the years, I have used several different Bibles. Like many Christians, my first Bible was a King James Version. I used it and a New International Version for years. When I began pastoring, I preached out of the King James. I then moved to the New King James (didn’t really click for me) and then to the NIV. I usually used the New American Standard to teach Bible studies. Over time, I completely switched to the NASB, and I have used it for several years. About six or seven months ago, I was asked to lead a Bible study in another venue. I thought it would be a good time to check out a few different translations as teaching Bibles. I purchased a New Living Translation and I really liked the way it read, but I wasn’t sure I was comfortable teaching extensively from it. I have used it several times for lengthy readings. 
recommend first today. It also has a great on-line resource that you can access for free. 
the list as well.
have some flaws, but it is a great read. The new NLT Study Bible is a great resource. The study notes are not as conservative as I would like (particularly in regard to prophetic books), but they aren’t horrible. You just need to be wise, and not swallow everything you see in the notes (to be fair, this is true of all study Bibles). Like the ESVSB, it too has a great on-line feature.
Husband, Father, Pastor, and Christ-follower. Thankful for the life, family, and ministry that God has given to me.
