The scholarship of it is sound, but like I said it’s not as casual as say other translations. 3:15 ), and “complete” ( Col. 1:28 ), the ESV consistently uses “mature.”. Which is the better translation, or rather, what’s the best “formal translation” of the Bible in your opinion? While it isn’t necessary, it is something I prefer. Which one? Aren't both the NASB and ESV from the same translation methodology? JavaScript is disabled. Not to get off topic, but even people touted as "KJV only" icons admitted the NASB is a more literal and reliable translation of the original texts. The Puritan Board is a forum dedicated to the discussion of Christian theology in a Confessionally Reformed context. In a lot of cases the NASB will be more literal although the ESV will often be more literal depending on the text. As a version along the same line, the ESV is a better choice than the NASB. While the NASB translates teleios as “mature” ( Eph. Looks like you're using new Reddit on an old browser. A look at a couple verses in Romans 11.The Word Baptist ChurchP.O. The NASB, ESV, and NRSV are all very good, and currently, I refer to all three in by comparisons. The ESV is more consistent than the ESV. Esv flows better, nasb is more precise. The NASB is definitely the most literal, the NRSV is the least literal of the three literal translations, and the ESV is somewhere in-between. Send donations to https://www.paypal.me/ShanniAV1611KJV THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT! From the preface of the ESV: “The ESV is an “essentially literal” translation that seeks as far as possible to capture the precise wording of the original text and the personal style of each Bible writer. Nasb is a good translation in that it tries to be as close to the original language, it makes it a little harder to read. Ultimately, the widespread use of the ESV across various Christian circles in addition to its accuracy and readability has me convinced that it is most profitable for me as my primary translation. (ESV) – “No one has ever seen God; the only God , who is at the Father’s side he has made him known”. People put stumbling blocks in their reading with out even knowing it, there are versions I avoid and don’t recommend( bad translation or scholarship). The ESV is a great translation. We exist to provide a safe haven for all followers of Jesus Christ to discuss God, Jesus, the Bible, and information relative to our beliefs, and to provide non-believers a place to ask questions about Christianity as explained in the scriptures, without fear of mockery or debasement. [John’s thought behind 1:18 is the Son of God, but “Son” is not in the text.] My curious mind is asking me which Bible version is the "best." Essentially, the ESV fills the role of a "mediator" Bible, bridging the gap between the more academically rigorous NASB and the more accessible NIV. I want a formal translation of the bible to go along with my NLT and KJV Bibles so I can switch between the three. First, even though this is a substantial revision of the NASB 1995, the NASB 2020 version retains 94% of the NASB 1995 text. Yup, my bad!! ESV and Nasb are both sound. John 1:18 (CSB) – “No one has ever seen God. Anyway, I use the NASB and love it: that's the translation I first heard from the pulpit as a young believer. The first of two videos comparing the English Standard Version (ESV) with the New American Standard Bible (NASB). The Bible is hard enough to understand without adding old English to its difficulty. I did try to re-read the ESV last night, but I don't know, it still doesn't flow as nicely. I have not heard any complaints. There are many evangelicals who swear by the accuracy of the NASB and will not… Since I prepare my sermons from the Hebrew OT or the Greek NT, I comment when necessary on the differences between the translations. A subreddit for Christians of all sorts. so that every month they're releasing a new Bible it seems. The TNIV has corrected most of the mistranslations of the … The NASB is a good translation and I use it frequently. ESV: “But now I am writing to you not to associate with anyone who bears the name of brother if he is guilty of sexual immorality or greed, or is an idolater…” NASB: “But actually, I wrote to you not to associate with any so-called brother if he should be … Hmmm ... maybe I am an odd ball, but I don't find anything difficult with the NASB; are those having difficulty, perhaps utilizing the 1977 instead of the 1995? I personally use the ESV because my church uses the ESV; but, I also don't own an NASB. I preach from the ESV; our pew Bibles are NASB. Consequently, both the NASB and the ESB are less reliable - from their Greek text - than the KJV. However many … I am in a similar position to Jash. Right now, I like the TNIV over the NET, HCSB, and ESV. The ESV is a light revision of the Revised Standard Version, a translation which came out in the 1950s, was updated in the 70s, and re-revised as the New RSV in the late 80s. I find reading interlinears ( I don't know Greek or Hebrew!) I'm bothered, however, by the sense of "tailoring" a bible to suit one's needs. The NASB dropped the archaic term “seed”, but often uses “descendant” or “descendants,” neither of which are collective nouns like “seed.”. To me bible study should be a continuing education, with increasingly challenging versions. NASB is a little closer to "literal" as far as things like word order than ESV, but there are a couple words here and there where I found ESV was actually translated slightly more consistently (the Hebrew words for veil vs curtain in Exodus for example). Not to go further from the topic, but the NASB is a more literal translation than the KJV. To post suggestions or ideas for the sub, please go to /r/TrueChristianMeta. Agree x 1; List; Apr 2, 2018. 4:13 ), “perfect” ( Phil. Another solid choice if you want to take the time to compare is the ESV. The one and only Son, who is himself God and is at the Father’s side—he has revealed him”. I have both, and "grew up" using the NASB. It may not display this or other websites correctly. It comes across as more smooth of a read since it is not literally word for word. The NRSV is quite good as well. Usually, the ESV or the NASB has a solid translation; so I can appeal to the translation in my hand (ESV) or the one in the pew (NASB). These Bibles are much more accurate and among the best Bibles a Christian can use in Bible study. 4. * The difference between NASB and ESV is mostly style. This way I have covered nearly all bases, excepting knowledge of the original languages, when it comes to textual and translational variation. KJV - if you use the search facility you will find numerous threads on this topic. Obviously the groups that did them are different, and so inevitably they'll make different judgements. NASB:1995 Revision, New American Standard Bible, copyright 1995 by Lockman Foundation. For formal study I use multiple including ESV And NASB. NASB is my primary version, but I have most major versions that I like to cross reference. 4 years ago. But now I see that as a good thing. For one thing, the ESV is the most popular version among conservative evangelicals. I will certainly look into it on this site. Sadly, I think the ESV is the future and is being used in Reformed circles more and more frequently while the NASB fads in usage, so the ESV would be of more value as a primary text. I am crazy about my NASB! ESV: English Standard Version, copyright 2001 Crossway Bibles, a division of Good News Publishers. From time to time I have been tempted to switch to the NASB because it is more literal. I was really surprised when I found out that the ESV is virtually identical to the RSV! The NASB is the Bible of conservative evangelical serious Bible students. However after this length of time I find my preference lies with the NASB. I love the NASB (and really love the KJV, truthfully), but in our situation the ESV is best. gives valuable insights into what/how the original authors wrote. But ESV is serving us well. When reading allowed or sharing in a small group or Bible Study there's a much better chance that people will be able to follow along. NASB vs. ESB? The NLT is the Bible of seeker-sensitive evangelicals. As you can see in the NASB and ESV verses quoted here, the NASB capitalizes the divine pronouns whereas the ESV does not. Therefore, the English Standard Version Bible (ESV), the New American Standard Bible (NASB) or the New King James Version (NKJV) are recommended because they try to match one English word to one Hebrew, Aramaic or Greek word. ESV because it is a Bible translated for use for public reading, and I find the NASB is a bit more awkward to read outloud. You are using an out of date browser. If one wants the most literal word-for-word precision (in alignment with the Greek) and do not mind the choppiness in reading, plus a conservative theological outlook, then the NASB is best. "homogenize in a church" - think this lost its meaning somewhere in the mid Atlantic! Just seems choppy and I find myself having to read a many sentences twice. I want a formal translation of the bible to go along with my NLT and KJV Bibles so I can switch between the three. Go with the ESV as it uses modern English. for how people actually write or speak. I used to discredit Crossway for their marketing schemes (new cover, new font, new layout, etc.) I began using the ESV because a broad range of people I respected used and recommended it. I always tell people to go with a sound translation they know they can read easily. The ESV is a wonderful translation that has been a blessing to the English-speaking world for years. I have not come across this idea before - many thanks posting. The ESV is very close to the New American Standard Bible (NASB) in accuracy, and it flows better than the NASB. Though, as this thread testifies, there are many who see the NASB as being more readable than the ESV, I would argue that this would not be a sentiment that is echoed by your average congregation. ESV– This version is highly readable. The ESV, like other formal equivalent versions (RSV, NASB, NKJV, NRSV), is a good supplement to versions that use normal English, but is not suitable as a standard Bible for the church. Press question mark to learn the rest of the keyboard shortcuts. So its a perfect fit for comparison. Thanks for the help I’ll have to check out that article. NASB and NIV seem to be the most popular these days, and I'm pretty sure both of … The site may not work properly if you don't, If you do not update your browser, we suggest you visit, Press J to jump to the feed. New comments cannot be posted and votes cannot be cast, More posts from the TrueChristian community. In the future, I will be blogging on formal equivalent translations doing a comparison of how it renders specific scriptural passages. The NASB touts itself as the most literal translation, ESV commends itself on its "legacy" to the KJV and to Tyndale, but seems to me it was thrown together quickly, in a short period of time, had glaring mistakes, was revised, and makes me wonder if another revision of the text is coming, and causes me thus to avoid getting this version at this time. I left the ESV behind for the CSB. If you're going for pure study, the NASB is the best Bible, period. Usually, the ESV or the NASB has a solid translation; so I can appeal to the translation in my hand (ESV) or the one in the pew (NASB). The NASB meets that need. Very comfortable to read. The HCSB is the Bible of Southern Baptists. From time to time I have been tempted to switch to the NASB because it is more literal. I am an older lady, but am able to change and learn new things, just so you know, but my church uses the NIV, and I just dislike it so much! Aren't both the NASB and ESV from the same translation methodology? I find it helps keep track in a passage on who is talking. After several months, I haven’t looked back. I tend to look at each of the KJV, ESV and HCSB these days when studying. I have not used the ESV very much, and for that reason I do not feel comfortable in judging it as a Bible version. We are dedicated to our historic Creeds and Confessions because we believe they are faithful to the Scriptures. That's what I do. I was NASB only for about 8 years, but recently bought an. The KJV is the Bible of fundamental, independent Baptists. I like the ESV because it is easier to memorize, and easier to homogenize in a church; but I like how literal the NASB is. What about the English Standard Version? NASB– The NASB is considered a little less comfortable than the ESV, but most adults can read it … English standard version. I prefer the ESV. Both! However, the things that we discuss in the ESV will generally be true of any word-for-word translation. It is a conservative response to the New Revised Standard Version (NRSV). NASB 2020 Distinctions. The ESV and NASB both (often, though not always) provide those options—though the Greek and Hebrew are even better, of course! All three are solid translations so it may come down to personal taste or ease of reading. I did find this article which was helpful though: https://thinkingthroughfaith.com/2018/05/16/new-american-standard-bible-or-english-standard-version-heres-why-i-switched-to-the-esv/. The ESV is generally regarded as having greater literary beauty than the often “wooden” NASB, and the ESV follows more clearly than the NASB in the great line of English Bible translations stretching back to the KJV. Sometimes one version is more easily understood on certain verses. However, it was time for me to get a new Bible last year and I did something crazy. Many people consider the NASB to be more literal and harder to understand, though I'm not sure I'd agree. I like the ESV, but it's taking some "getting used to" coming from NASB/KJV. NASB is considered the most literal translation by many scholars. Any thoughts on which of these two translations would be a better primary version? However, I find myself using the ESV most often now. The 1995 revision does seem a bit easier to read than the 1977 version. The NRSV uses gender-neutral language, while the ESV does not. The ESV is based on the RSV, which, like the NRSV, was a mainline translation. Out of all the newer CT translations, the NASB is by far my favorite. After a few suggestion from folks here on reddit, I decided to give the NLT a go. However, the Greek text used by the NASB was inferior to the one used by the KJV. Just like king James to modern readers. You mean ESV right? ---------- Post added at 02:00 PM ---------- Previous post was at 01:57 PM ----------. In my humble opinion, the ESV is better for public reading, ie, liturgical usage. I am with you though that it's just good to have other versions to compare to. I am a recovering "translation snob." 2. Numerous print editions were released on August 28, 2020, a Kindle edition on October 14 and a free download edition from bible.com also became available. Honestly, from what I know they're both very comparable when it comes to accuracy/literal renderings while still maintaining readability/comfortable grammar. This is because the ESV too often fails the test of “standard English.” I was a NASB man but over the last 2-3 years I have tried to get into the ESV and have used it almost solely during this last year as you have to give a new translation a decent chance if you are considering changing. A fter more than two years of anticipation, The Lockman Foundation has published the New American Standard Bible 2020 version. I think you should just select a few of your favorite chapters and read them in both versions to see which reading you like more. I own a copy of both translations, and I am looking to switch to just one of them as my primary translation. As a daily reader, the NLT is much more smooth than the ESV I find. The ESV is the Bible of complementarian, conservative, neo-Reformed evangelicals. If you want a literal translation of the Bible then go with the NASB as it is said to be the most literal English translation available closest to the original Greek and Hebrew. There is no better. J Dean "Not to get off topic, but even people touted as "KJV only" icons admitted the NASB is a more literal and reliable translation of the original texts." KJV: King James Version (Authorized Version), 1611, public domain. It is suitable for older children as well as adults. The NASB, ESV, and CSB serve as strong critical text translations and the KJV and NKJV as strong majority text translations that are less dynamic in their philosophy as others. Yes, one needs to comprehend what one is reading, but if we are searching for Truth, shouldn't we want to get as close as possible (in translation) to God's original words? As always, I appreciate everyone's comments, which is why I read this post (but seldom reply!). If you would like to talk about this more, then we need to start a different thread. It is more accurate than the NIV but not as rigid as the NASB. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. For those who have used the NASB 1995 for the past 25 years, here are some details of the NASB 2020 that may stand out to you. I personally use NASB the most but I liked the cross examination that article showed me. KJV is nice too, of course. The ESV is the favored translation amongst Reformed Christians today but the New American Standard Bible actually has several key advantages over it. Is talking because a broad range of people I respected used and recommended it in our situation ESV... Of fundamental, independent Baptists and harder to understand, though I 'm bothered, however, the will... 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Be cast, more posts from the ESV is based on the RSV, which, like TNIV., more posts from the TrueChristian community ESV last night, but like I it! Recently bought an cross reference but often uses “descendant” or “descendants, ” neither of which collective! Anticipation, the Greek text used by the NASB and ESV verses quoted here, the NASB discuss the... Respected used and recommended it of them as nasb vs esv reddit primary version more literal and harder to without... Standard Bible ( NASB ) a fter more than two years of anticipation, the NLT a go archaic.