The Translation:
The original American Standard Version of 1901 was accurate, but contained a lot of outdated language like “thee” and “thou.” The New American Standard Bible sought to take the grammar and terminology and give it a modern feel. The translation attempts to give the updated language the same feel as the Greek and Hebrew text.
Some History:
The NASB was written as a follow-up to the American Standard Version of 1901, after the Revised Standard Version of 1952 was rejected by many conservative churches. The translation continues to stand the test of time. The NASB translators and consultants are Bible scholars with advanced degrees. They come from a variety of denominations. There was great weight placed on keeping the literal translation of the original Greek and Hebrew, so strict parameters were put in place to maintain the integrity of translation while making it easier for the modern reader to digest.
What Sets it Apart:
The NASB has often been referred to as the most accurate translation of the Bible. While early versions were heavy on literalism, the newer versions are easier to read and digest. Basically, the NASB is a word-for-word translation of original text.
Published:
The Gospel of John was first published in 1953, with the New Testament following in 1963. Finally, the Bible in its entirety was published in 1971. There was a limited revision commissioned by The Lockman Foundation in 1992, so there is an updated 1995 version known as the New American Standard Bible – Updated Edition.
