NASB · 1971
New American Standard Bible
One of the most literal modern English translations; a study workhorse.
- Publisher
- Lockman Foundation
- Text base
- NA28 / BHS
- Philosophy
- Formal Equivalence
- Reading level
- 11th grade
Strengths
- Word-for-word precision
- Faithful to grammar of originals
- Favored for study
Textual issues & criticisms
Less smooth English
Literal renderings can feel stilted or awkward in reading.
1995 vs 2020 divergence
The 2020 revision introduced gender-inclusive changes some readers dispute.
Divine names in this translation
YHWH — the Tetragrammaton
Rendered as LORD — 1995 and 2020 editions both use LORD with a preface explaining the convention.
Ehyeh Asher Ehyeh — I AM WHO I AM
Rendered as I AM WHO I AM
Elohim
Rendered as God (capital G); 'gods' when referring to others
Adonai
Rendered as Lord (mixed case); 'Lord GOD' for Adonai YHWH
El Shaddai
Rendered as God Almighty — Footnotes 'Heb. El Shaddai'.
YHWH Sabaoth — LORD of Hosts
Rendered as LORD of hosts / LORD of Armies
Messiah / Christos
Rendered as Christ — With 'Messiah' footnoted.
Immanuel
Rendered as 'virgin' at Isaiah 7:14