I have been so discouraged by the Bible translation and physical bible climate lately. It’s not just the tribalism, it’s the product lust that is being stoked. Gotta have the perfect edition with the right smell, right paper, right cover, etc.
Yeah, though I love and admire those premium Bibles, and I think it's totally okay for people to get one-something in me has stopped at one. I just put up for sale the other nice ESV I had. I'm keeping the one I got seven years ago as a gift from people who are meaningful to me.
I got sucked into the perfect bible tribe, constantly searching and seeking the best form of a book, until I was humbled by a $30 CSB that does everything a bible should and I don't need the fancy stuff
I totally get you. I was in the premium tribe for a bit. I was concerned with materialism so I gave mine away. I may have been a bit over scrupulous but I would rather be vigilant than be lax. Now I use a few non-premium and some digital ones.
@Mark Ward amen, bro. I completely understand. When people who care about you give you something, it is so valuable. It trumps the most expensive bible on the planet.
@@justinjones2160 right, I was gifted a bible over a decade ago in jail and to this day it is still my bible but it does concern me at times if I'm getting the proper translation or if I'm missing out on more truth to be understood. It's a NKJV bible and something just tells me it isn't His co.plete word. And I'm looking for the truth. I wonder did Jesus even read a bible? Or did He get all of His knowledge through action, and prayer? Like was it all mentally given to Him? Are the texts that He read from as a boy, the texts used in modern translations and how do we know for fact? I mean, down to the core it could have been mistranslated. Satan already knows he's going to Hell. So it makes sense that even back then, he didn't care of the punishment for changing texts. It's like we need just one translation from one trustworthy source not a group of sources (where heads might butt and ideas converge).. I want the opposite. I want the raw bitter truth but translated by a true Saint. Not a group of people a hundred to a few hundred years ago. Idc if that person translates it tomorrow, I don't care if it has to be me to do this translation, but it needs to be done if not already. I'm tired of trying to be confused. 🙌🏼🙏🏼
None of what I've said makes the translation bad-and God can sure do great things with ill-conceived human ideas. I hope and trust that the LSB is a great translation!
@@wardonwords Hello there is a fantastic TH-cam video made by NathanH "Were the pyramids built before the flood?" His video is eye opening concerning the accuracy of almost all of the Bible translations available today. I looked up the generations in Genesis chapter 11:12-23 and the ages are missing 100 years per person. Watching the video explains why this is critically important. It certainly should be of concern to any student of the Bible.
Just want to say thank you so so so much for the effort you put into the free content you create, Mark. This series alone has benefited so many of my friends. P.s. Totally agree with your points on MacArthur. I wrote a monologue saying more.. Then I realised I don't need to add anything more to what you've so graciously said. Thanks brother.
I just started using the LSB and it’s becoming my favorite translation based on the NASB 95. I use other English translations too. We’re so blessed to have many faithful translations to choose from in English when there are other human languages having one or zero available Bible translation.
Thank you for this video, Brother Mark. I always learn something from your videos. You are a very conscientious teacher. I do love the NASB. But I'm doing a read through in the ESV this year, and I'm loving that too. We're spoiled here in the U.S.A., we have unlimited access to Scripture. What a Blessing. God bless you, Brother Mark.✝️📖🙏
As I read my NASB, I listen to an NIV audio online. This definitely helps me understand some of the words in the NASB, as well as the meaning behind the complicated verses.
The LSB, taken away from the marketing, is actually a fantastic translation. I absolutely love it! It is certainly not as astonishing as the marketing makes it seem, but when you lower your expectations, it really is incredible! Using LSB and ESV back-to-back has been very edifying
As a pastor, your position is spot on! This is why I use 4-5 translations working from the Hebrew or Greek. I find that many times, I’ll use a different translation for one text over another. When I was teaching in Luke, one particular week I jumped back and forth between three translations because I agreed with one over the other on said verses. If I would have used just one translation, I would have stated multiple times that I don’t like “this phrase” or “that word” but this other version says what I’m seeing in the original translation . I’m so grateful for multiple versions and will look at the LSB eventually but it will only be an addition. Thanks for your insightful video’s 🙌🏻
I have preached a fair bit, though not as much as regular senior pastors like you. And we must walk a fine line between 1) treating one translation as implicitly perfect and all the others as suspect or worse and 2) being so prodigal with our use of translations that our people are confused and begin to see us as the standard against which translations are measured. That's tough. I tend to speak positively only about the major modern evangelical English Bible translations. There are enough negative comments online that I can afford to be just positive. I want to preserve my people's trust in the work of these godly scholars.
I have a few different translations. For years I stuck to my KJV as I grew up hearing it and loved it. My teen years, I had my first NIV study bible - then went to ESV and NKJV and now use NASB-95 mostly for using with my interlinear and my BDAG and HALOT for study - and I just love the NASB-95, I find it easiest to make sense of in my brain - but I am so grateful for all of the awesome translations we are spoiled with in English! My kids both wanted NLT and find that easy to understand and both of my younger 2 love it - my daughter now has started using ESV as well, but I think we can all benefit from differing ones - I love that we have so many good options xxx Admittedly, I got an LSB and I actually really love that - albeit it’s more like a NASB 95 update than a new translation - I do like the way that they have translated x
Thanks, Mr Ward. I’m from Brazil 🇧🇷 and I’m reading the whole Bible from English this year. Using ESV, NASB, NKJV, CSB and etc… your vídeos have been being a wonderful help … I didn’t know that you English speakers had so many different translations 🤭Although, as far as I can tell, I can just realize which one might be easier or harder to understand for a portuguese speaker 🤷🏽♂️🤓 Thanks again… may God Keep blessing your wonderful work 🙏
I was first introduced to the NASB by my pastor/mentor in my late teens. What really sold me on it was when I used it to check my translations when I took 2nd year Greek in college. That being said, when I study, I use multiple translations because the different methodologies can bring out useful insights into the Scriptures.
The Bible is the Bible. Your friends are not the Bible, Christ is the author. The new age translations fall far short of the truth. The New Internationl, like the NAS are full of errors. There is enough trouble in the world without attacking the KJV 1611. If you have nothing good to say, don't say it. You are painful to listen to.
I ran across this video in my feed and I have to add to what a couple of others have said . . . I, too, have recently gotten an LSB and love it! I have always gone back forth between NASB and NKJV. In the last couple of years, I have checked out the ESV a little, but have still preferred NASB. Now, the new LSB that I got . . . I have not read it all, yet, but am loving it so far!
I’ve been reading the LSB for the passed couple months and I think their is a lot to enjoy about it other than it (being the most literal translation). Yahweh in the OT is just a different reading experience than with Lord. I’m partial to the use of slave instead of servant in a translation. ‘Cut a covenant’ is a nice feature for bring in more word play from the original texts as well as all the feature that make the NASB enjoyable like supplied words, OT quotes in caps and such. I don’t think it’s perfect for everyone but I enjoy the features that it brings. Loved your take on it, brother Mark. Blessings!!!
These are all useful rendering decisions, but not uncontestable ones. As long as we keep that attitude (which it seems you have!), we can benefit from these choices without letting them become sources of division. "Cut a covenant" is something my pastor used to say all the time. I know what he was doing. But I personally think that was *probably* a dead metaphor by the time the Pentateuch was written. That is a hypothesis I cannot verify. But it accords with what I know of language more generally. Timothy S. Laniak has a *fantastic* discussion of metaphor at the beginning of his book in the NSBT series on the shepherd metaphor.
@@wardonwords Definitely! I’ll be sure to check that out. I totally agree that dead metaphors and confusing allegory can sometimes make a translation hard to read. Still wondering what we are going to do with the camel and the eye of a needle passage. Lol 😂 As much as I love the LSB, I also agree that it will probably lead to more division over translation and JMac certainly doesn’t help that much. As much as I love and respect the guy, he can have a hard nose sometimes. So did Martin Luther for that matter. God’s certainly loves to use such folks for his glory though. Lol
I asked my old pastor what study bible to get that is the most literal and he told me the NASB so I've stuck with it ever since. When he stepped down and a new pastor came in, he switched everything to ESV. He was older and didn't stay head pastor too long, but he remains as an elder. The pastor who replaced him decided to stick with ESV. We joke with each other about the best versions. Now that I'm a bible student and teach Sunday School, I made sure it was okay with my current pastor that I stuck with NASB and it is.
Great video, Mark! I was given an LSB recently for my birthday, and like it more than I anticipated. This is good, but I also have a tougher time than ever deciding which translation to grab. My favorite has been the NKJV, my main driver the KJV (because it is the wide margin with all my notes, and can’t undo that), and then the CSB and NLT would be referenced and used fairly often. It took me years to widdle it down to that system. I have a new favorite in the top three, and fixed a problem that wasn’t broken. Back to the drawing board. 😊
While I am Partial to a couple of Translations like the CSB and NKJB, I'm also open minded to other translations such as the ESV, NLT and even the RSV (As Liberal as it seems to be based on what I've learned) Right now I'm reading through the King James Study Bible while also reading the through ESV Bible. So over the course of the year I will be essentially reading from 2 Translations, and so far I'm enjoying it. I don't know much about the NASB Bible but I do some day soon plan on buying a NASB Bible and look through it and eventually read through it. I don't want to limit myself to just one translation, I like Variety, I believe we can learn more that way.
Mark. Your channel has been the single most helpful resource for me as I look at different translations and come to my own conclusions about these matters. Thank you for your gracious spirit and wonderful videos. From a Presbyterian in Northern Ireland, UK. :)
Thanks for your comparison between the NASB and LEB translations. Good to learn you are with Faithlife. I've been a Logos Bible Software user since 1997 and picked up the predecessor to Wordsearch Bible Software, Quickverse shortly thereafter. Thanks also for your comment on tribalism.
Hello again, Mark! I’m eager to hear your thoughts and maybe even a review of the NASB 2020 update! I’ve searched around but haven’t seen anything from you on that specifically. Is this Incredi-NASBys trusted side kick or alter ego? Which one is Dr. Jeckel and Mr. Hyde??
I don't know if that's ever going to happen, to be honest… I make the videos on this channel based on decades of study in some of the major options out there-especially the NIV, ESV, NASB, and KJV (and, by extension, the NKJV). The NLT and CSB are on a second tier for me, since I've read through them. I'd need to read through the NASB 2020 to make a video. And I haven't done that yet!
Thanks for your hard work in giving us a view of these Bible translations. Your comment on the providence if God really struck me this morning. I tend to lean toward the KJV, NKJV, and NASB for their structure, the capitalization of deity pronouns in the latter two, and the literalness, though I know they are not perfect translations. My pastor preaches from CSB. I'm grateful for your comment on where we are, what pastor we have been given, and our pastor's choice. It's given me a much needed kick off my high horse. I went back and watched your CSB translation video. I think it's time I start using more of what my pastor chose for his church and to be grateful for it.
Praise God! This is a humble response! Your pastor uses the CSB, then? Also… Check out my article on deity pronouns: blog.logos.com/why-we-should-not-capitalize-deity-pronouns-when-referring-to-god/
@@wardonwords Yes, he does! I believe he used the HCSB before, but switched to CSB. I'm not sure I remember when though. I know a lot of church goers use different translations and he is always open to hearing what their translations have to say. For preaching though, the CSB is what he formally uses. I will check out that link. Thank you so much.
Another good video. I love how you repeat so often how humble you are.... Just kidding though.. I’m sure we all know where you’re coming from on that. NASB has for most of my life been a favorite translation I use regularly. “Green’s Literal Translation” might be a good one to make a video on some day. It’s an interlinear bible (OT and NT), but it also has a ‘less literal’ translation along the side of each page. It also has Strong’s numbers above each interlinear word. A great ‘plus.’ This is the “nitty gritty” study bible I have used most for 35 years or so. I agree and understand with the NIV using variable words for “tov” and such, but I find often they vary too many words far from the correct definition. I have read through and used well the NIV since it first came out. I do enjoy the slightly clearer reading, but they do go off track enough for me that now it sits in my library more as just a part of my collection of translations. Thanks again.. as I have said before and it seems we both agree; multiple translation is the best way to go!
Seems like there’s a flavor in Dr MacArthur’s statements that implies that the LSB was translated primarily for expositor and not the common man in the pew. If that’s the case, that mindset is not much different than the Catholic agenda of keeping the Word only intelligible to the clergy. I may be reading too much into it but had that thought. Good vid!
I really enjoy the LEB. It’s been a great help for my personal Bible Study. Will there ever be audio narration for the old testament? Marv Allen did a splendid job narrating the New Testament. It would be great to have the same quality narration for the old testament as well.
@@wardonwords I appreciate your quick response. I see your point. Hopefully, someone will narrate the LEB OT eventually. Only having the NT in audio format and not the OT makes it seem unfinished. Not to mention, audio Bibles, are a tremendous help for the visually impaired.
Thank you, Mark, once again for an excellent and thought-provoking video. I am reminded of a few things here; firstly, Nehemiah 8:8 and possibly one of the earliest examples of good (or should I say, 'tov'?) translation for the sake of the hearer (and by extension, the reader): 'They read from the book, from the law of God, translating to give the sense so that they understood the reading.' (NASB😊). I love this verse and it's context. Secondly, the hegemony of the NASB and it's stable as 'the most literal' is not the done and dusted final word after all - both R Grant Jones and Tim Frisch have done some interesting work on biblical literalness and they make a compelling case otherwise on their respective channels. Thirdly, your lovely analogy of the child reaching into the freezer reminded me of Robert Browning's line (quoted by Oswald Chambers), 'Ah, but a man's reach should exceed his grasp, Or what's a heaven for?'
That is a beautiful line from Browning! Wow! I love that. I've struggled over Neh 8:8. Ironically, it seems to be genuinely ambiguous: does it describe translation or explanation? Last time I looked into the commentaries, they weren't sure.
@@wardonwords my take is that it's a bit of both - translation from the Hebrew to a more colloquial Aramaic would make sense of the immediate translational needs(Nehemiah 13v24); and explanation: 'they gave the sense' (8v8, ESV) for immediate applicability. The Hebrew word מפרש (meparash) is translated into English as ‘distinctly’ or ‘clearly’, so these interpreters began to give clarification to the meaning of the text, and with שכל (sekel), translated as ‘the sense’ or ‘insight’, they helped the community understand the reading.
@@wardonwords Might it be Ezra was reading directly from some of his own inspired notes? If that's so, it might be his translating to Aramaic or even varying dialect of Hebrew would be part of his explaining? Neh. 8:8 NWT; "And they continued reading aloud from the book, from the Law of the true God, clearly explaining it and putting meaning into it; so they helped the people to understand what was being read."
Aha! I never know when I'm going to get a thoughtful comment like this that actually uses Hebrew unicode! =) I think you've shown me I need to spend some more time in the exegesis of this passage. What you say makes perfect sense.
The church has ESV first printing pew Bibles, we just got new hymnals that use ESV 2015, and the Senior Pastor preaches out of the ESV first printing. So when it's my turn to preach I use NASB2020 and I gave my other two Pastor's NASB2020s. My Senior Pastor uses the gift for his devotions with his wife in the morning. And my other Elder preaches out of his gifted NASB2020 when it's his turn. All of the Childrens Church materials use ESV, and the kids that are home schooled use ESV materials, so all the kids are memorizing the same verses in ESV. When we have a member do the public reading, we let them use whatever translation they have. Most have ESV or NASB95, though some have NIV84. One of the Elder's has a very nice and very worn NASB73. I have also used CSB to preach from on occasion, and it was my main translation from 2017 to 2020. From 2008 to 2017 I used HCSB. From 1995 to 2008 I used NASB95. From 1978 to 1995 I used NASB77. Prior to that I used KJV 1769 Cambridge. I'm toying with the idea of using the LSB the next time I preach to just be ornery - it is taking them forever to get the Reference edition to print - now they are saying after Dec.27th. I got a "handy size" as that is all they had, but it doesn't even have minimalist translation notes - I was very disappointed when I got it. The marketing doesn't match the distribution.
"Let's not stoke unnecessary divisions....." That one comment is the key to the whole video. We "learned" folk love such "things".... but I find in my going to and fro in my "day to day" world that "most" people could care less about these issues (even the common folk--and I use that term for a lack of a better term).... As I've read thru many many translations (even the paraphrases).... I have found that it "all" is what God wanted mankind to know. Learned folk get caught up with the pluses and the minuses of the equation.. most people just want a correct answer. There is nothing wrong with that we need all kinds of folk. Many people "err" when they demand that God only used "this word" and it can never deviate from that (that problem is that God's word was written in Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek) so therefore, we have to discern what God wanted his people to know.....and that for the un-learned my be a loose translation (or even a paraphrase) and for the seminarian it may be a more formal translation....BUT it is ALL God's Word to mankind.
The NASB was the translation that helped me escape the King James Only mindset, so I will always owe a debt to it. And I've taught an adult Sunday School class with it (before moving the ESV to coincide with the pastor's shift to that version), where it served me well. That said, I now find italics for supplied words and other such attention-breaking formatting to be more distracting than helpful most of the time. It's kinda neat sometimes to see the NASB's asterisks for present tense Greek verbs that are translated with a past tense English verb, but rarely do I actually *need* such tools for better comprehension of the text.
Agreed. You may have seen me talk about that stuff in the INCREDI-NASB video. It's silly if you take that kind of fastidiousness seriously; it's fun and occasionally useful if you don't.
@@wardonwords Now, the LSB is a different story, of course. Perhaps earlier English translations were ordained through angels by a mediator, acting as a disciplinarian until the LSB came. But now that the complete English Bible has come, the partial versions will come to an end. We saw through a mirror dimly until now, but we finally see the autographs face-to-face.
Hey! I grew up on the kjv myself. I'm not KJV ONLY anymore, (I was raised in a very kjv only church.) I really want to get another version. But there are so many. I understand some.are very literal, some are very metaphorical/thought for thought. The kjv seems to be more in the middle. I'm interested in one that allows the reader to "come to his own conclusions" about the context. So ot seems a more literal translation would be better. But I also don't want to stray away from the true meaning of the text. What I like best about the kjv is it's unique wording. It's hands down the best "sounding" version. It sounds so...elegant and classy. It's the one I will always use to memorize scripture. But as far as "accuracy" and "least biast" versions, especially the latter, it seems to be a bit off. So all this to say, I relate to your ex kjv only legalistic view, and am inquiring whether I, someone with a similar past as you, would benefit from the NASB? Pardon the slightly long winded comment. Hope you are doing well today! May God bless you! ❤
@@Thecaptain1898 The NASB and NKJV are pretty easy to use if you're used to the KJV. They both use italics for supplied words, so they will feel the most familiar. The NASB is currently available in three editions: 1. The 1977 edition still uses Elizabethan English whenever anyone addresses God, despite using mid-20th century English otherwise. For instance, Psalm 23.4 says, "Thou art with me," but 2 Samuel 12.7 says, "You are the man!" 2. The Updated Edition came out in 1995, and it removed the last traces of Early Modern English. It also tried to sound a little less stiff and awkward than the 1977 text without sacrificing the NASB's trademark literalness too much. 3. The 2020 edition further modernizes and smooths out the language in places where the 1995 edition sounded a bit dated. It also makes a greater effort to indicate when a Biblical author is addressing a mixed sex group. (For instance, it changes "brethren" to "brothers _and sisters,"_ placing the last two words in italics because they are merely implied by the Greek word in the context.) There's also an offshoot translation, the 2021 LSB. It is an alternative revision of the 1995 NASB, moving the text in a slightly more literal direction. It does not adopt the 2020 edition's gender-inclusive language. Perhaps the most notable change is the decision to represent the Tetragrammaton (the Divine Name) in the Old Testament with a transliteration of the Hebrew rather than with the traditional substitute, LORD.
@@MAMoreno Thank you for the reply! Do you know which year revision the clarion cambridge one is? The nasb seems like the best next version for me. I'm really considering it. What nasb do you use? What are you currently reading?
I really like the LSB. I think brother MacArthur and his colleagues did an excellent job. However I question his judgment about him translating the word slave in the new testament. Don't get me wrong I don't think there's anything wrong with that. I'm just wondering if it's such a big deal because there are still Parts in the New Testament where Jesus and the apostles are still referred to as servants rather than slaves. And yet despite that fact whether you read the LSB or any other translation you still understand that we are bought and owned by God as if we are slaves. You still understand that we're not hired workers that we're still owned by God or were saved by God and we work for him for free however you want to look at it we still get those Concepts. So my question two brother MacArthur is what's the big deal?
So, since my Pastor (MCBC) has chosen to use the NASB I've decided to stick with it as my primary Bible. I'm looking for a new one as mine is wearing out. I currently have the Zondervan Reference Bible which is available in an update model (still 95), but I'm at a toss up. Should I stay with what I'm used to - double columns and red letter or go with the Clarion single column black letter version. I'm just not sure if it would be too difficult to follow along with the paragraph form. Thoughts, suggestions, help? Thanks!! And it's great to see you Mark! Hope you and the family are doing well.
I love my LSB. That bing said I use many of the "good" translations. Its my go to bible for study and I find it perfectly usable for group bible study. Correct me if im wrong, but isnt it simply the nasb2022? Like a revised nasb?
I am rather fond of literal translations, but I do have that gripe with what you pointed out; that literal often just means the first word that shows up in Strong's, or whatever your favorite lexicon or concordance is. But I also like that literal translations give literal idioms, which nonliteral translations don't strictly translate. Because usually, it's pretty easy to figure out what the idiom means, with the possible exception of the hilarious “one who pisses against a wall.” I also like the italicized words.
The comments on The LSB is correct. I personally enjoyed the 1977 NASB Lockman Foundation single column edition. So I purchased the LSB for that reason and I thought an update was due.
Humbly, I also think thought the marketing was over the top to the point I simply refused to buy one. Once again in my humble opinion, it was to generate more $. God bless you and your channel I learn alot
When I heard Dr. MacArthur say the LSB was the "perfect" tool, my mind went to words like "appropriate," "suitable," even "eminently useful." It didn't occur to me to take him literally. But I can see where absolute literalness could be misleading. I also have been wondering what we're referring to with the phrase "God's Word." Is it the literal word-by-word of Scripture (which many support), or is it the essential doctrines, commands, divine attributes, and principles, which don't require absolute word-for-word correspondence in translation necessarily? Just a thought.
I asked the Lord Jesus which translation was the best for me to read. He replied, "Just read My word. I will give you the understanding and application you need, regardless of what you read!"
What do you think about the NASB2020? Do you think its move toward more readability was a good thing? Do you think it makes the NASB more accessible or usable to the laymen who isn't necessarily looking into the Greek? Or does it just muddy what the NASB is known/used for and so makes it pointless among other translations?
I should have clarified that I was talking here about the NASB 1995. I have a 2020, but I just haven't had enough time with it to come to a reliable conclusion about it. I spent 20 years coming to the opinions reflected in my "Best Bible Translation" series. I don't want to speak too soon about the NASB 2020.
@@wardonwords understandable. I personally can't seem to place it in its right useful spot yet in my mind. On the one hand it is far more readable in places than the 95. But on the other hand it loses some of its concordance/word-study-in-english value because it translates the original Greek/Hebrew word with more variation in English than the 95. This is of course coming from someone who doesn't know any Greek or Hebrew and just has some Logos word study tools. But I had this mental map of which version to look at for which kind of translation ( whether more like the original language or more like my everyday speaking language) and the 2020 just doesn't quite have a place on my map yet. As someone who uses many English translations daily because of limited understanding of the original languages, I guess I just want to know how best to use the 2020 and have a better understanding of where its new niche is.
TBH, I suspect that if I am able to take the time, I will end up agreeing with what you've said here. This is my feel, too, my read of the buzz. The NASB 2020 forgot why the NASB was appreciated; it strayed in what otherwise would be a good direction, forgetting that the spot it found on the spectrum is already filled. But I can't speak from direct reading experience, only buzz!
@@wardonwords Reading the NASB2020 in parallel with the CSB has actually been quite helpful in figuring out its place. Reading Romans 1, for example, you can see how the 2020 will update words similarly to the CSB, but will keep a similar sentence structure to the NASB95 (word order and keeping long sentences etc.). To me, that would place it somewhere between the ESV and CSB. More formal in sentence structure than the CSB but more functional in vocabulary than the ESV.
Let's say we change the word translation in your talk and put in the word denomination. I believe that's exactly what's going on with all the different denominations. Comparing the different translation makes sense. It's like considering the differences in the denominations.
I see an advantage of having such "denominational" translations. I just ordered the Evangelical Heritage Version, which is a Lutheran translation translated by Lutheran Scholars. I was born-and-raised a Lutheran, long since departed them, but extended family and community is very Lutheran so I got it to check it out.
I am a language nerd but haven’t formally studied the Biblical languages so, admittedly, I rely heavily on Logos software for exegesis. But in my own observations it often strikes me as peculiar how the NASB 95 is oftentimes less literal than NIV or CSB. I’ve been studying in the book of Jude so I have two examples from it: 1.) verse 4 describes the apostates to whom Jude is referring as, “long beforehand marked out” in the NASB. But the word “progegrammenoi” literally means “those written about before”…which is how only the NIV renders it in the several versions I’ve been examining. “Marked out” would seem to be an acceptable translation but not as precise. 2.) Jude 12 in the NASB talks about the same false teachers as “caring only for themselves”, but the Greek word for “caring” (poimanontes) literally means to shepherd. Again, the NASB would be accurate but not literal and the illustrative metaphor of a selfish pastor letting the sheep in his flock go uncared for while he only serves his own needs is lost. In my humble opinion, the NIV seems to bring out the literal meaning better than the NASB. The NASB 95 is a wonderful tool for those of us familiar with the grammatical structures of how languages work, but aren’t proficient with Greek/Hebrew vocabulary, to, in most cases, get a better idea of what the original text was saying. But I’ve learned from my experience to be careful about assuming that it is invariably giving the most “literal” translation.
Hey brother mark. Do you know if the Is LEB going to be available in printed format anytime soon ? I like the LSB and thought I was sold out too it. But not only does the LEB got most of that stuff that I like in the LSB. It has more. Such as it's more closer to how we talk today.
I get excited with new translations. I have been extremely excited about the LSB. However, I really enjoy the NKJV. It seems like the best of both worlds. Almost everytime I hear someone say " I wished it was translated this way" I check the NKJVand it is.
@@justinjones2160 Just go back in time a short 200 years. Most people only had access to the Bible at church. And of course the further back the worse it gets. The treasure we have now is unreal.
I have my own personal translation of the NT, which I regard as the best! 😅 I'm still have to work on my Hebrew. 😅 But I do prefer the NASB 77 or 95 above the standard English translations.
Besides being stilted. It regularly tries to preserve word order in genitives when Greek genitive is reverse of the Northern European languages like German, Lithuanian, English. It also does participles poorly (the Berean is much better).
Here is why I personally use the LSB, while contrasting with the CSB (or others): Interpretations are equivalent to different denominations. A translation is referring to the "same" religion. To avoid not being from the "same" religion, it's expedient to make things clear what was said in today's English, AND let anyone, with thier own due consideration, interpret according to thier denomination what was ideally meant. LSB solves the translation, while CSB (or others) solves the interpretation. Again: - It's optional to have one or more interpretation. - If you have multiple translations, then one isn't coming from the same place. - A divided house falls!!
I love your content! Thanks for your efforts to make great video quality with even better content therein. I do find the ending to your videos abrupt. No channel plugs, no outro music. Lol It always feels like the video is buffering if I happen to be merely listening to the video and doing other tasks at the same time. I’m sure it’s intentional. Just an observation.
Thanks for that! I'm SO busy… I can barely handle writing, shooting, and editing these videos. I just can't handle music, not so far. I wish I could! But maybe I can do something else to make the endings less abrupt… This is good feedback!
Absolutely spot on. I use the Nasb 1977 as a primary, Csb for my daily reading, and the NET for comparison. I use and readv ALL THREE DAILY ! I first go to the original languages, I know Greek and am familiar with the Hebrew.
I'm pissed I can't find a reasonably priced RV1888 anywhere and I can't find a reasonably priced Geneva Bible, but I heard a new Geneva Bible is in the works. I own three KJV Bibles. ❤ I own a very nice NASB1995. ❤ Rv1888 😫 ASV1901 😫 Geneva Bible 😫
Mark, keep posting these videos. When I watch Bill Mounce's Learn Greek videos....it has become obvious to me the NASB is trying to stay true to the Greek language. And that is a good thing. I've always preferred the NASB for that reason. Years and years ago I threw in the garbage an NIV.....I was wrong. Today I come across TH-cam comments from learning disabled Christians who speak of their need for the NIV and how much it means to them. With all the things that have happened in the past 2 years I have read the reports of the increased need of speech therapists for the young. Personally, I have learned much from the NIV.
@@wardonwords it's cool I appreciate your honesty. I've spent some time with it myself but I honestly don't know what to make of it. I don't know if that's because my mind is so used to traditional sounding Bibles or is it's because it uses gender accuracy. But as far as I can tell it's a good translation. It's a literal translation and yet in a lot of ways it's like the csb in regards to where tries to keep a balance. From being traditional sounding to more modern sounding that is. I just wanted to get a more scholarly opinion about it. Like I said I appreciate your honesty if ever you do spend some time with it and develop your own opinion of it I'll definitely be interested in hearing about it
I must say after reading the KJV and NKJV, my favorite translation and Bible currently is my NASB goatskin preacher’s edition; it is designed for heavy use, can lay open flat, and explains certain things more clearly to me. I recommend having both a KJV and an NASB, and helps when comparing verses between versions. Bottom line, it’s the Word which is important. Thanks, unfortunately more people are reading Harry Potter than the Bible these days.
When I first came out of KJV-Onlyism, I was consistently struck by how the NASB crowd tended to use some of the same arguments as it related to translational form. I didn't understand the strength/weakness of the NASB95 (study/sermon help), and it almost seemed to me to be more difficult to understand than the KJV in the initial passages I read. I put the NASB down, and stuck with the CSB. Then, the NASB2020 came out, and I thoroughly enjoyed it, and would recommend it to anyone! I prefer the CSB, for several reasons, but I definitely think the NASB went a much better (readable/English) direction. Then, the LSB came out, and I fully expected to loathe it for all the reasons I disliked the 95, plus the marketing ploys. However, I have LOVED using it as a sermon help, and I will consistently use the CSB/NKJV/LSB/NLT in my sermon preparation. I'm not sure how much of that is due to the LSB translation vs. the 95 translation, but using it for that specific purpose, I love the LSB, even though I'd never read it devotionally or use it at a church for a main translation.
Awesome! I'm glad to hear all of this! Good insight. And kudos to you for remaining open to good help wherever you can get it. People like to write off whole translations on the slimmest of bases.
I'm almost finished with my first pass through the Lexham Septuagint, and of the available translations of the Septuagint that are in usable print formats, this is probably the best one. I wish it was less gender neutral at times, and I also wish that it either was based on. Rahlfs text, or (even better) the Patriarchal text, because sometimes the Swete text doesn't reflect the mainstream Septuagint, but in comparison with the New English Translation of the Septuagint, it is far more readable and less quirky. So thanks for your work on it.
John, I appreciate this. I'm pretty sure Lexham would be interested in an endorsement from you. You care to provide one? Do you know how to contact me through my contact form on my blog?
I quite enjoy the NASB95 & LSB. I also like ESV, CSB, KJV & NKJV(of course), even the NIV & NLT have value to me. I enjoy comparing them. At the end of the day with the exception of paraphrase bibles(The Message, etc) I believe any Bible is good as long as it’s close and you are reading it. While I notice differences, I haven’t seen any that truly change the Holy Scriptures in away that changes the intended meaning of the original human authors of the Scriptures, under Inspiration of God of course. Of those I listed the only one I’m iffy on (other than ALL paraphrase bibles) is the NLT. It just seems off from all the others. But may be right, for the right person, in the right circumstances. lol
After watching your videos I can't help but using multiple translations. Now I constantly use the NIV, ESV, NASB, NLT, and NJKV when reading and studying through a passage or book. There's absolutely no reason to build a wall around yourself and one single translation.
So do I, though for various reasons I never really got deep into his preaching or writing. I've read a biography of him, though, and benefited from a number of recorded Shepherd's Conference addresses over the years. The one time I went to that conference it was really special. I loved seeing the church people serve so joyfully and generously.
Appreciate the video and your thoughts on this. I was glad to hear you say that "we may someday" when it comes to putting out print editions of the LEB. How does that possibility look now, about a year since you uploaded this video? I mean the LEB would still be a great study tool even in print editions, especially for those like myself who still primarily use print copies of the Bible. As for the LSB, marketing aside, it really is probably the best translation as a whole that I personally use, and I use ALL of the major translations lol. Now, is it perfect, no, but it is very good, and I actually use it every day alongside any number of the others in my studies. Sorry to be long winded, but one more thing. I agree we need to avoid looking down or judging negatively those who may use less literal or more easy to read translations, but I still feel that there is a spiritual benefit and blessing to using more literal translations. One is that the extra effort it takes to think about, or to do the research to find the meaning of the texts results in growth that may be limited for those who rely solely on interpretive or easier to read versions. Now if they really do need those translations to help them that is one thing. Our father in heaven can certainly use any version to feed and strengthen his people, but still we should challenge ourselves by using tougher to read, or more literal versions as often as we can to gain the strengths and benefits to our spiritual growth. Just some thoughts 🙂 Again sorry for being long-wind
Mark, have you had a chance to check out NASB 2020? Continuing the MacArthur line, it seems they deem it as less literal along with a couple of specific issues. But to your point, I wonder if you would find it less wooden. I'm still reading through it as a NASB 1995 user the last several years, but I'm left unsure what purpose it has compared to one's in the general orbit like ESV (unless, as you would put, it ones church uses the NASB 2020).
I confess that I just haven't had the time to invest in reading the NASB 2020. TBH, my work on this channel is the fruit of a full 20 years reading the ESV, NIV, NASB95, NLT, NET, NKJV, and a few others-plus a dozen years before that reading the KJV, of course. I've not wanted to generalize about the NASB 2020 before spending a lot of time with it. What you say sounds about right, from the buzz I've heard.
@@wardonwords just read it. So if I'm understanding you correctly even though you haven't spent a lot of time with the LSB. Given its origin you say it's just as good as its predecessors the only thing you might find skepticals help brother MacArthur translate God's name and the Greek used for slave and servant?
@@austintucker394 I've spent essentially no time with it. Well, since then I've spent a tiny bit. Yes, I'm skeptical of the arguments regarding "slave" and those regarding God's name. Especially the latter. It's not that I think the LSB is wrong; it's that I don't like the way some of their marketing copy has staked out a moral high ground and implicitly condemned those who see the issue differently. I think there's room for disagreement here. But my big problem with the LSB is that it is associated with one man, even though I tend to like and trust that man. I think this is a significant problem.
@@wardonwords but it's predecessor was made by an interdenominational group. And given the fact that most of the LSB is based off of that. Is it really they are to say is only associated with one man? Especially when that one man believes in baptism by immersion and yet uses to translate the word is baptized instead of immerse even do the literal word in English is in fact immerse? Also I don't know if he's changed his mind since then but John MacArthur at one point said to translate the first as only begotten son instead of only son in John three is a mistranslation. So given the fact that it's not completely as he wants it to be and given what it's based off of is it really fair to say that the LSBis based off of one man? And even if it is the King James was based off of one man period and God used to change the English speaking world
With respect to Michael Heiser, can you address some of the possible controversial viewpoints (as I heard he was part of the LEB committee) he may have held? Ex.: cosmology, the Divine council, etc.? Thank you.
I don't think hes in it for the money, but I do understand why a lot of people get that impression, I Just hope I'm right since from what I can tell he does so much for the kingdom of God.
I think charity demands that we not conclude that a preacher is in it for the money without good evidence. And MacArthur has given a lot of evidence in the other direction, it seems to me.
What is the best 4 bibles based on the Textus Receptus and Critical Text? So basically 2 bibles based on each different manuscripts. I want to compare them to each other from a literal perspective. Also, is there even a literal translation for the Textus Receptus? Any help and advice would be greatly appreciated thank you in advance ❤
I don't really anoint any translation as "the best." It doesn't work that way. But put a gun to my head, and I'd say KJV and NKJV for the TR; ESV and NIV for the critical text. CSB is a close, close second to the NIV.
@@USMC199 I think it's a waste, given the online tools we have. Try semanticdictionary.org, for example. Interlinears are mostly useful who've studied a little Greek or Hebrew but need some help remembering unfamiliar words.
True. If a person is leaving the Bible on the shelf rather than reading and studying into it, then try another version. An unused Bible is very sad to see. Which Bible cannot lead a person to God, Jesus, and salvation? It's like an old car that still runs is valuable. I am learning to like the NIV because it's the easier one to read. For a deeper study I will switch to a more literal version. The NASB used to be my favorite. Maybe I should try it again. ☺
Losing my faith. We all go through ups and downs and lately my life has been on a downward spiral. I feel so alone. I lost my job over the jab, I declined due to my pre existing health conditions lupus, and I also suffered a heart attack. I’m a single mother with two autistic children both are non verbal I’m ashamed to say but I’m struggling trying to feed them. I’m having a hard time coming up with with the rest of my rent this month. We will be homeless if I can’t. I’m so tired of struggling. I’m so depressed over my situation. Please pray for us I’m so scared me and my children are going to end up on the streets.
May the Holy Spirit, the Divine Comforter, guide, comfort, bless and give you clarity in this matter. Praying that you receive and hold on to all the Blessings of Psalm 91.🌹🌹🌹
I will be praying for you 🙏 I cannot imagine how you must feel but I encourage you to keep praying and seeking God and trusting Him. It may seem so hard but He knows all that you are feeling and experiencing. 17 For our momentary light affliction is producing for us an absolutely incomparable eternal weight of glory. 18 So we do not focus on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal. - 2 Corinthians 4:17-18. I will be praying for you! :)
In reading back over these great comments, it appears my own were removed. Perhaps they led down a path you didn’t want to go or something. My apologies. Many thanks for this helpful and informative video. Blessings!
TH-cam nixes comments for reasons I almost never know. I didn’t remove yours! I think it’s possible that comments with links get automatically deleted??
@@wardonwords Thank you! No links in mine, but I'm sure those are removed. Maybe it had to do with a jesting contrast I had made between David Jeremiah and John MacArthur in manners of announcing resources. Who knows. I appreciate your clarification, and this video. And as a greenhouse husbandry husband, you got skills! Blessings to you in all thy faithful endeavours to employ thy gifts as thou servest Our LORD and Master! :)
It's actually kind of maddening: I get notifications of new comments, I can see the first line or so, but when I click on it it's gone, and there's no "spam" folder where I can reinstate comments that shouldn't have been automatically deleted. =|
Great insight, Mark. I find it funny that literalness is often considered the mark of good translation. Why don’t we do this with Plato or Dostoyevsky then? Or perhaps there are more things to consider in determining the quality of a translation…
Some people do do this with ancient translations. And I would tend to say the same about them that I do about the Bible: literal translations are useful for some purposes and audiences; less literal translations are useful for other purposes and audiences.
Very well put together. This has been a great channel for great information for me. I've learnt a lot and feel like I'm indebted to you for the free info. I really like the NASB, yet I'm not sure about the the LSB (I'm uncomfortable with the Yahweh translation, I don't think there is enough certainty that that is how the tetragrammaton is really pronounced). I'm one of those who thought yet another English translation wasn't necessary seeing we already have enough good ones. I'm also one of those who hope to see the LEB in print, I like it. I do think having multiple translations is a plus for comparative studies and its not a good idea to only use one translation, even if you have a preferred one, whatever it may be. Being not familiar with all the multiple English Bible translations, and there are many, and also not having access to them either, does limit my comparative ability, but from what I have access to in electronic format I think it's good enough.
good vs enjoyable is an interesting translation question, especially when talking of 'semantic range'. In English, there is significant overlap between good and enjoyable. As an example, my wife made a very delicious beef stew. When she asked what I thought of it, I said "It was really good!". in other words, it was tasty, it was 'enjoyable'. Even judging by the words you've shared in the pie chart, it appears that 'good' and 'tov' have a similar semantic range. Ha, no real point here, just an observation. I totally agree with your criticism of MacArthur's marketing statement. He's clearly REALLY excited about the work but his statement was overreaching for sure. I take it as nothing more then the promotion of an excited Bible teacher who spent many years on a project :)
Think dr mac is Really stating that the Lsb is tryingvto get back to orginal language texts in as formal and literal a form as possible he is teacting agai st using a more dynamic versions such as current niv
Thanks for these thoughts, brother. You have a balance that is so rarely seen today in these discussions of Bible translation. Regarding the LSB, I used it for a bit as soon as the full text was released. I quickly became rather disappointed. I noticed typos, the occasional absence of necessary punctuation, and changes from the NASB95 that do not make sense, and actually go against the stated goals of the LSB translation. For example, read Leviticus 18:19-30 in the NASB95. Every instance of טמא is translated as some form of "defile." (As far as I can tell, every other major translation in existence is consistent here.) Now look at the same passage in the LSB. It alternates between some form of "defile" and some form of "make unclean," and for no apparent reason. This makes the translation *less* consistent, which is one of the selling points of the LSB! The other frustration is that I would love to contact someone on the committee about this error (as I have done with success with the CSB committee), but I have yet to find a way to contact anyone. The contact form on the LSB website appears either not to work or is ignored completely. None of the committee members have emails posted on their faculty pages at TMU and TMS. Understandably, I stopped using the LSB within a week or two.
The LSB committee was very small and worked very fast. Perhaps they did a brilliant job and produced the perfect tool for Bible expositors, the most accurate English translation in the history of the world. Or perhaps such a goal is unattainable, and even in our marketing language we shouldn't imply that it is. You used unicode Hebrew in your comment; you qualify to join Nerdy Biblical Language Majors on Facebook. I'd encourage you to go there and post one or two gracious, clear criticisms of the LSB, including the one you mentioned. At least of the committee members is a prominent member of that group. I think you'll get a response.
I need to correct this statement. I was incorrect as it is not a sermon reference but it is in his study Bible notes on the word Begotten in John 1. I heard the reference auditory. I apologize for the unintentional misrepresentation.
I haven't read enough to form an accurate judgment. I expect it to be a lightly revised NASB 1995; that is what it promised to be, and that is what I have seen so far.
Some illustrations and applications in the Ephesians series will, I'm sure, be dated. But I will never forget the impact this series had on my life. Incalculable. www.mountcalvarybaptist.org/pages/sermons/series-detail.aspx?SeriesID=2 He's got plenty of other great stuff. I only caught the tail end of his Romans series, but it is also legendary. =)
I love the LSB, I think the using of Yahweh is tottally revolutionary in Bible translations since 'Lord' is not what the original texts say but Jehovah (as Tyndale did) or Yahweh. Anyways your explanation and clarification are excellent, as always.
You know I was just thinking. Brother John MacArthur said that it's not the translators job to close the gap between what the original said and the modern reader. He says that's the pastor's job. I can't help but wonder how is that why you thinking any different from what the catholics taught during the dark ages when the Bible was forbidden to be translated into any language except latin, and that it's the priesthoods job to close the gap between what the Bible originally said and the reader? Now that I really think about it how is translation tribalism of any sort any different from how the catholics during the dark ages taught that the only right way to translate the bible translated it into latin?
hey can u give the pastor again from ephesians or who helped you so much? so i want to check his... i am new convert. so not have so much good teachers in my list and what you think about nasb2020?.. or lsb better?
@@wardonwords thank you. and woulf you prefer the lsb bible or nasb2020 ? i got those 2 today and will send 1 of them back. dont yet know wich one. i think keep lsb ?
@@wardonwords ah i have a new life task. did download only 26 of his ephesians sermons. but thats 26 .x 1.5 hour or so.. so i have i think a few months /years to go hahaha thank you. and that only of ephesians. he spend his life on ephesians.. deep
I have been so discouraged by the Bible translation and physical bible climate lately. It’s not just the tribalism, it’s the product lust that is being stoked. Gotta have the perfect edition with the right smell, right paper, right cover, etc.
Yeah, though I love and admire those premium Bibles, and I think it's totally okay for people to get one-something in me has stopped at one. I just put up for sale the other nice ESV I had. I'm keeping the one I got seven years ago as a gift from people who are meaningful to me.
I got sucked into the perfect bible tribe, constantly searching and seeking the best form of a book, until I was humbled by a $30 CSB that does everything a bible should and I don't need the fancy stuff
I totally get you. I was in the premium tribe for a bit. I was concerned with materialism so I gave mine away. I may have been a bit over scrupulous but I would rather be vigilant than be lax. Now I use a few non-premium and some digital ones.
@Mark Ward amen, bro. I completely understand. When people who care about you give you something, it is so valuable. It trumps the most expensive bible on the planet.
@@justinjones2160 right, I was gifted a bible over a decade ago in jail and to this day it is still my bible but it does concern me at times if I'm getting the proper translation or if I'm missing out on more truth to be understood. It's a NKJV bible and something just tells me it isn't His co.plete word. And I'm looking for the truth. I wonder did Jesus even read a bible? Or did He get all of His knowledge through action, and prayer? Like was it all mentally given to Him? Are the texts that He read from as a boy, the texts used in modern translations and how do we know for fact? I mean, down to the core it could have been mistranslated. Satan already knows he's going to Hell. So it makes sense that even back then, he didn't care of the punishment for changing texts. It's like we need just one translation from one trustworthy source not a group of sources (where heads might butt and ideas converge).. I want the opposite. I want the raw bitter truth but translated by a true Saint. Not a group of people a hundred to a few hundred years ago. Idc if that person translates it tomorrow, I don't care if it has to be me to do this translation, but it needs to be done if not already. I'm tired of trying to be confused. 🙌🏼🙏🏼
I commend you for graciously, and yet boldly, pointing out the "marketing" language of the LSB!
None of what I've said makes the translation bad-and God can sure do great things with ill-conceived human ideas. I hope and trust that the LSB is a great translation!
@@wardonwords Hello there is a fantastic TH-cam video made by NathanH "Were the pyramids built before the flood?" His video is eye opening concerning the accuracy of almost all of the Bible translations available today. I looked up the generations in Genesis chapter 11:12-23 and the ages are missing 100 years per person. Watching the video explains why this is critically important. It certainly should be of concern to any student of the Bible.
Just want to say thank you so so so much for the effort you put into the free content you create, Mark. This series alone has benefited so many of my friends.
P.s. Totally agree with your points on MacArthur. I wrote a monologue saying more.. Then I realised I don't need to add anything more to what you've so graciously said.
Thanks brother.
Thank you for the encouragement!
I just started using the LSB and it’s becoming my favorite translation based on the NASB 95. I use other English translations too. We’re so blessed to have many faithful translations to choose from in English when there are other human languages having one or zero available Bible translation.
RIGHT!
Thank you for this video, Brother Mark. I always learn something from your videos. You are a very conscientious teacher. I do love the NASB. But I'm doing a read through in the ESV this year, and I'm loving that too. We're spoiled here in the U.S.A., we have unlimited access to Scripture. What a Blessing. God bless you, Brother Mark.✝️📖🙏
Amen!
As I read my NASB, I listen to an NIV audio online. This definitely helps me understand some of the words in the NASB, as well as the meaning behind the complicated verses.
Add a NET Bible with the translation notes. It will really help.
I appreciate your work and heart in putting this series together. So helpful.
My pleasure!
The LSB, taken away from the marketing, is actually a fantastic translation.
I absolutely love it!
It is certainly not as astonishing as the marketing makes it seem, but when you lower your expectations, it really is incredible!
Using LSB and ESV back-to-back has been very edifying
Great! More power to you! Glad to hear this.
As a pastor, your position is spot on! This is why I use 4-5 translations working from the Hebrew or Greek. I find that many times, I’ll use a different translation for one text over another. When I was teaching in Luke, one particular week I jumped back and forth between three translations because I agreed with one over the other on said verses. If I would have used just one translation, I would have stated multiple times that I don’t like “this phrase” or “that word” but this other version says what I’m seeing in the original translation . I’m so grateful for multiple versions and will look at the LSB eventually but it will only be an addition. Thanks for your insightful video’s 🙌🏻
I have preached a fair bit, though not as much as regular senior pastors like you. And we must walk a fine line between 1) treating one translation as implicitly perfect and all the others as suspect or worse and 2) being so prodigal with our use of translations that our people are confused and begin to see us as the standard against which translations are measured. That's tough. I tend to speak positively only about the major modern evangelical English Bible translations. There are enough negative comments online that I can afford to be just positive. I want to preserve my people's trust in the work of these godly scholars.
@@wardonwords well said brother
I have a few different translations. For years I stuck to my KJV as I grew up hearing it and loved it. My teen years, I had my first NIV study bible - then went to ESV and NKJV and now use NASB-95 mostly for using with my interlinear and my BDAG and HALOT for study - and I just love the NASB-95, I find it easiest to make sense of in my brain - but I am so grateful for all of the awesome translations we are spoiled with in English! My kids both wanted NLT and find that easy to understand and both of my younger 2 love it - my daughter now has started using ESV as well, but I think we can all benefit from differing ones - I love that we have so many good options xxx
Admittedly, I got an LSB and I actually really love that - albeit it’s more like a NASB 95 update than a new translation - I do like the way that they have translated x
Thanks, Mr Ward. I’m from Brazil 🇧🇷 and I’m reading the whole Bible from English this year. Using ESV, NASB, NKJV, CSB and etc… your vídeos have been being a wonderful help … I didn’t know that you English speakers had so many different translations 🤭Although, as far as I can tell, I can just realize which one might be easier or harder to understand for a portuguese speaker 🤷🏽♂️🤓 Thanks again… may God Keep blessing your wonderful work 🙏
Thank you!
I was first introduced to the NASB by my pastor/mentor in my late teens. What really sold me on it was when I used it to check my translations when I took 2nd year Greek in college. That being said, when I study, I use multiple translations because the different methodologies can bring out useful insights into the Scriptures.
The Bible is the Bible. Your friends are not the Bible, Christ is the author. The new age translations fall far short of the truth. The New Internationl, like the NAS are full of errors. There is enough trouble in the world without attacking the KJV 1611. If you have nothing good to say, don't say it. You are painful to listen to.
I am also done listening to your book "Authorized". I will read my beautiful NASB more.
Wonderful!
I see no problem with custom bibles, as long as Scripture isn't changed. Verse by verse, chaptered, readers, whatever gets you reading the Bible more.
I ran across this video in my feed and I have to add to what a couple of others have said . . . I, too, have recently gotten an LSB and love it! I have always gone back forth between NASB and NKJV. In the last couple of years, I have checked out the ESV a little, but have still preferred NASB. Now, the new LSB that I got . . . I have not read it all, yet, but am loving it so far!
Excellent! More power to you, friend!
I always seek out your wisdom and commentary when considering a Bible translation. Thank you for sharing.
You are so welcome.
I’ve been reading the LSB for the passed couple months and I think their is a lot to enjoy about it other than it (being the most literal translation). Yahweh in the OT is just a different reading experience than with Lord. I’m partial to the use of slave instead of servant in a translation. ‘Cut a covenant’ is a nice feature for bring in more word play from the original texts as well as all the feature that make the NASB enjoyable like supplied words, OT quotes in caps and such. I don’t think it’s perfect for everyone but I enjoy the features that it brings. Loved your take on it, brother Mark. Blessings!!!
These are all useful rendering decisions, but not uncontestable ones. As long as we keep that attitude (which it seems you have!), we can benefit from these choices without letting them become sources of division.
"Cut a covenant" is something my pastor used to say all the time. I know what he was doing. But I personally think that was *probably* a dead metaphor by the time the Pentateuch was written. That is a hypothesis I cannot verify. But it accords with what I know of language more generally. Timothy S. Laniak has a *fantastic* discussion of metaphor at the beginning of his book in the NSBT series on the shepherd metaphor.
@@wardonwords Definitely! I’ll be sure to check that out. I totally agree that dead metaphors and confusing allegory can sometimes make a translation hard to read. Still wondering what we are going to do with the camel and the eye of a needle passage. Lol 😂 As much as I love the LSB, I also agree that it will probably lead to more division over translation and JMac certainly doesn’t help that much. As much as I love and respect the guy, he can have a hard nose sometimes. So did Martin Luther for that matter. God’s certainly loves to use such folks for his glory though. Lol
Amen!
I asked my old pastor what study bible to get that is the most literal and he told me the NASB so I've stuck with it ever since. When he stepped down and a new pastor came in, he switched everything to ESV. He was older and didn't stay head pastor too long, but he remains as an elder. The pastor who replaced him decided to stick with ESV. We joke with each other about the best versions. Now that I'm a bible student and teach Sunday School, I made sure it was okay with my current pastor that I stuck with NASB and it is.
Totally fine! As long as there’s no division, there’s no problem.
Great video, Mark! I was given an LSB recently for my birthday, and like it more than I anticipated. This is good, but I also have a tougher time than ever deciding which translation to grab. My favorite has been the NKJV, my main driver the KJV (because it is the wide margin with all my notes, and can’t undo that), and then the CSB and NLT would be referenced and used fairly often. It took me years to widdle it down to that system.
I have a new favorite in the top three, and fixed a problem that wasn’t broken. Back to the drawing board. 😊
@@BravoSeven Thank you, brother. It’s a good problem to have 😊👍
While I am Partial to a couple of Translations like the CSB and NKJB, I'm also open minded to other translations such as the ESV, NLT and even the RSV (As Liberal as it seems to be based on what I've learned) Right now I'm reading through the King James Study Bible while also reading the through ESV Bible. So over the course of the year I will be essentially reading from 2 Translations, and so far I'm enjoying it. I don't know much about the NASB Bible but I do some day soon plan on buying a NASB Bible and look through it and eventually read through it. I don't want to limit myself to just one translation, I like Variety, I believe we can learn more that way.
Right! God bless your efforts!
Mark. Your channel has been the single most helpful resource for me as I look at different translations and come to my own conclusions about these matters. Thank you for your gracious spirit and wonderful videos. From a Presbyterian in Northern Ireland, UK. :)
Many thanks! Means a lot.
Thanks for your comparison between the NASB and LEB translations. Good to learn you are with Faithlife. I've been a Logos Bible Software user since 1997 and picked up the predecessor to Wordsearch Bible Software, Quickverse shortly thereafter. Thanks also for your comment on tribalism.
Hello again, Mark! I’m eager to hear your thoughts and maybe even a review of the NASB 2020 update! I’ve searched around but haven’t seen anything from you on that specifically. Is this Incredi-NASBys trusted side kick or alter ego? Which one is Dr. Jeckel and Mr. Hyde??
I don't know if that's ever going to happen, to be honest… I make the videos on this channel based on decades of study in some of the major options out there-especially the NIV, ESV, NASB, and KJV (and, by extension, the NKJV). The NLT and CSB are on a second tier for me, since I've read through them. I'd need to read through the NASB 2020 to make a video. And I haven't done that yet!
Hi 👋 Mark I agree with everything you said. You have done a supreme job,explaining about the NASB. Thank you very much 😊
Many thanks, sir!
It would be amazing to have an LEB printed version some day
It could happen.
Agree!!
I didn't know you were involved with the Lexham English Septuagint. I have one. Cool
It was a privilege.
Thanks for your hard work in giving us a view of these Bible translations. Your comment on the providence if God really struck me this morning. I tend to lean toward the KJV, NKJV, and NASB for their structure, the capitalization of deity pronouns in the latter two, and the literalness, though I know they are not perfect translations. My pastor preaches from CSB. I'm grateful for your comment on where we are, what pastor we have been given, and our pastor's choice. It's given me a much needed kick off my high horse. I went back and watched your CSB translation video. I think it's time I start using more of what my pastor chose for his church and to be grateful for it.
Praise God! This is a humble response! Your pastor uses the CSB, then?
Also… Check out my article on deity pronouns: blog.logos.com/why-we-should-not-capitalize-deity-pronouns-when-referring-to-god/
@@wardonwords Yes, he does! I believe he used the HCSB before, but switched to CSB. I'm not sure I remember when though. I know a lot of church goers use different translations and he is always open to hearing what their translations have to say. For preaching though, the CSB is what he formally uses. I will check out that link. Thank you so much.
Another good video. I love how you repeat so often how humble you are.... Just kidding though.. I’m sure we all know where you’re coming from on that.
NASB has for most of my life been a favorite translation I use regularly. “Green’s Literal Translation” might be a good one to make a video on some day. It’s an interlinear bible (OT and NT), but it also has a ‘less literal’ translation along the side of each page. It also has Strong’s numbers above each interlinear word. A great ‘plus.’ This is the “nitty gritty” study bible I have used most for 35 years or so.
I agree and understand with the NIV using variable words for “tov” and such, but I find often they vary too many words far from the correct definition. I have read through and used well the NIV since it first came out. I do enjoy the slightly clearer reading, but they do go off track enough for me that now it sits in my library more as just a part of my collection of translations.
Thanks again.. as I have said before and it seems we both agree; multiple translation is the best way to go!
Ha! Better watch humility claims!
Seems like there’s a flavor in Dr MacArthur’s statements that implies that the LSB was translated primarily for expositor and not the common man in the pew. If that’s the case, that mindset is not much different than the Catholic agenda of keeping the Word only intelligible to the clergy. I may be reading too much into it but had that thought. Good vid!
I'm happy to give the most charitable interpretation I can to MacArthur's statements. But what you describe is a temptation for some folks out there!
I really enjoy the LEB. It’s been a great help for my personal Bible Study. Will there ever be audio narration for the old testament? Marv Allen did a splendid job narrating the New Testament. It would be great to have the same quality narration for the old testament as well.
This is a tough one. It takes a lot of resources to do a Bible translation well, along with all its ancillaries.
@@wardonwords I appreciate your quick response. I see your point. Hopefully, someone will narrate the LEB OT eventually. Only having the NT in audio format and not the OT makes it seem unfinished. Not to mention, audio Bibles, are a tremendous help for the visually impaired.
I want the LSB ,my opinion will follow .
I think this guy is passive aggressive.
Hoping and praying that the LEB comes out in print form. It is one of the best Bible translations I’ve read.
It's doubtful, I think. But I'm not in charge!
Thank you, Mark, once again for an excellent and thought-provoking video. I am reminded of a few things here; firstly, Nehemiah 8:8 and possibly one of the earliest examples of good (or should I say, 'tov'?) translation for the sake of the hearer (and by extension, the reader): 'They read from the book, from the law of God, translating to give the sense so that they understood the reading.' (NASB😊). I love this verse and it's context. Secondly, the hegemony of the NASB and it's stable as 'the most literal' is not the done and dusted final word after all - both R Grant Jones and Tim Frisch have done some interesting work on biblical literalness and they make a compelling case otherwise on their respective channels. Thirdly, your lovely analogy of the child reaching into the freezer reminded me of Robert Browning's line (quoted by Oswald Chambers), 'Ah, but a man's reach should exceed his grasp, Or what's a heaven for?'
That is a beautiful line from Browning! Wow! I love that.
I've struggled over Neh 8:8. Ironically, it seems to be genuinely ambiguous: does it describe translation or explanation? Last time I looked into the commentaries, they weren't sure.
@@wardonwords my take is that it's a bit of both - translation from the Hebrew to a more colloquial Aramaic would make sense of the immediate translational needs(Nehemiah 13v24); and explanation: 'they gave the sense' (8v8, ESV) for immediate applicability. The Hebrew word מפרש (meparash) is translated into English as ‘distinctly’ or ‘clearly’, so
these interpreters began to give clarification to the meaning of the text, and with שכל (sekel), translated as ‘the sense’ or ‘insight’, they helped the community understand the reading.
@@wardonwords Might it be Ezra was reading directly from some of his own inspired notes? If that's so, it might be his translating to Aramaic or even varying dialect of Hebrew would be part of his explaining? Neh. 8:8 NWT; "And they continued reading aloud from the book, from the Law of the true God, clearly explaining it and putting meaning into it; so they helped the people to understand what was being read."
Aha! I never know when I'm going to get a thoughtful comment like this that actually uses Hebrew unicode! =) I think you've shown me I need to spend some more time in the exegesis of this passage. What you say makes perfect sense.
Like how nasb handles greek verb use in english translation
The church has ESV first printing pew Bibles, we just got new hymnals that use ESV 2015, and the Senior Pastor preaches out of the ESV first printing. So when it's my turn to preach I use NASB2020 and I gave my other two Pastor's NASB2020s. My Senior Pastor uses the gift for his devotions with his wife in the morning. And my other Elder preaches out of his gifted NASB2020 when it's his turn. All of the Childrens Church materials use ESV, and the kids that are home schooled use ESV materials, so all the kids are memorizing the same verses in ESV. When we have a member do the public reading, we let them use whatever translation they have. Most have ESV or NASB95, though some have NIV84. One of the Elder's has a very nice and very worn NASB73. I have also used CSB to preach from on occasion, and it was my main translation from 2017 to 2020. From 2008 to 2017 I used HCSB. From 1995 to 2008 I used NASB95. From 1978 to 1995 I used NASB77. Prior to that I used KJV 1769 Cambridge. I'm toying with the idea of using the LSB the next time I preach to just be ornery - it is taking them forever to get the Reference edition to print - now they are saying after Dec.27th. I got a "handy size" as that is all they had, but it doesn't even have minimalist translation notes - I was very disappointed when I got it. The marketing doesn't match the distribution.
We have an embarrassment of riches in English Bible translation!
"Let's not stoke unnecessary divisions....." That one comment is the key to the whole video. We "learned" folk love such "things".... but I find in my going to and fro in my "day to day" world that "most" people could care less about these issues (even the common folk--and I use that term for a lack of a better term).... As I've read thru many many translations (even the paraphrases).... I have found that it "all" is what God wanted mankind to know. Learned folk get caught up with the pluses and the minuses of the equation.. most people just want a correct answer. There is nothing wrong with that we need all kinds of folk. Many people "err" when they demand that God only used "this word" and it can never deviate from that (that problem is that God's word was written in Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek) so therefore, we have to discern what God wanted his people to know.....and that for the un-learned my be a loose translation (or even a paraphrase) and for the seminarian it may be a more formal translation....BUT it is ALL God's Word to mankind.
Can’t wait for this video!!
I hope you enjoy it!
The NASB was the translation that helped me escape the King James Only mindset, so I will always owe a debt to it. And I've taught an adult Sunday School class with it (before moving the ESV to coincide with the pastor's shift to that version), where it served me well. That said, I now find italics for supplied words and other such attention-breaking formatting to be more distracting than helpful most of the time. It's kinda neat sometimes to see the NASB's asterisks for present tense Greek verbs that are translated with a past tense English verb, but rarely do I actually *need* such tools for better comprehension of the text.
Agreed. You may have seen me talk about that stuff in the INCREDI-NASB video. It's silly if you take that kind of fastidiousness seriously; it's fun and occasionally useful if you don't.
@@wardonwords Now, the LSB is a different story, of course. Perhaps earlier English translations were ordained through angels by a mediator, acting as a disciplinarian until the LSB came. But now that the complete English Bible has come, the partial versions will come to an end. We saw through a mirror dimly until now, but we finally see the autographs face-to-face.
Hey! I grew up on the kjv myself. I'm not KJV ONLY anymore, (I was raised in a very kjv only church.) I really want to get another version. But there are so many. I understand some.are very literal, some are very metaphorical/thought for thought. The kjv seems to be more in the middle.
I'm interested in one that allows the reader to "come to his own conclusions" about the context. So ot seems a more literal translation would be better. But I also don't want to stray away from the true meaning of the text.
What I like best about the kjv is it's unique wording. It's hands down the best "sounding" version. It sounds so...elegant and classy. It's the one I will always use to memorize scripture. But as far as "accuracy" and "least biast" versions, especially the latter, it seems to be a bit off.
So all this to say, I relate to your ex kjv only legalistic view, and am inquiring whether I, someone with a similar past as you, would benefit from the NASB?
Pardon the slightly long winded comment. Hope you are doing well today! May God bless you! ❤
@@Thecaptain1898 The NASB and NKJV are pretty easy to use if you're used to the KJV. They both use italics for supplied words, so they will feel the most familiar.
The NASB is currently available in three editions:
1. The 1977 edition still uses Elizabethan English whenever anyone addresses God, despite using mid-20th century English otherwise. For instance, Psalm 23.4 says, "Thou art with me," but 2 Samuel 12.7 says, "You are the man!"
2. The Updated Edition came out in 1995, and it removed the last traces of Early Modern English. It also tried to sound a little less stiff and awkward than the 1977 text without sacrificing the NASB's trademark literalness too much.
3. The 2020 edition further modernizes and smooths out the language in places where the 1995 edition sounded a bit dated. It also makes a greater effort to indicate when a Biblical author is addressing a mixed sex group. (For instance, it changes "brethren" to "brothers _and sisters,"_ placing the last two words in italics because they are merely implied by the Greek word in the context.)
There's also an offshoot translation, the 2021 LSB. It is an alternative revision of the 1995 NASB, moving the text in a slightly more literal direction. It does not adopt the 2020 edition's gender-inclusive language. Perhaps the most notable change is the decision to represent the Tetragrammaton (the Divine Name) in the Old Testament with a transliteration of the Hebrew rather than with the traditional substitute, LORD.
@@MAMoreno Thank you for the reply! Do you know which year revision the clarion cambridge one is?
The nasb seems like the best next version for me. I'm really considering it. What nasb do you use? What are you currently reading?
I truly appreciate your work and good intentions; however, I believe you understand what Mac really meant.
I really like the LSB. I think brother MacArthur and his colleagues did an excellent job. However I question his judgment about him translating the word slave in the new testament. Don't get me wrong I don't think there's anything wrong with that. I'm just wondering if it's such a big deal because there are still Parts in the New Testament where Jesus and the apostles are still referred to as servants rather than slaves. And yet despite that fact whether you read the LSB or any other translation you still understand that we are bought and owned by God as if we are slaves. You still understand that we're not hired workers that we're still owned by God or were saved by God and we work for him for free however you want to look at it we still get those Concepts. So my question two brother MacArthur is what's the big deal?
So, since my Pastor (MCBC) has chosen to use the NASB I've decided to stick with it as my primary Bible. I'm looking for a new one as mine is wearing out. I currently have the Zondervan Reference Bible which is available in an update model (still 95), but I'm at a toss up. Should I stay with what I'm used to - double columns and red letter or go with the Clarion single column black letter version. I'm just not sure if it would be too difficult to follow along with the paragraph form. Thoughts, suggestions, help? Thanks!! And it's great to see you Mark! Hope you and the family are doing well.
I love my LSB. That bing said I use many of the "good" translations. Its my go to bible for study and I find it perfectly usable for group bible study.
Correct me if im wrong, but isnt it simply the nasb2022? Like a revised nasb?
I am rather fond of literal translations, but I do have that gripe with what you pointed out; that literal often just means the first word that shows up in Strong's, or whatever your favorite lexicon or concordance is. But I also like that literal translations give literal idioms, which nonliteral translations don't strictly translate. Because usually, it's pretty easy to figure out what the idiom means, with the possible exception of the hilarious “one who pisses against a wall.” I also like the italicized words.
The comments on The LSB is correct. I personally enjoyed the 1977 NASB Lockman Foundation single column edition. So I purchased the LSB for that reason and I thought an update was due.
✔
Humbly, I also think thought the marketing was over the top to the point I simply refused to buy one. Once again in my humble opinion, it was to generate more $. God bless you and your channel I learn alot
When I heard Dr. MacArthur say the LSB was the "perfect" tool, my mind went to words like "appropriate," "suitable," even "eminently useful." It didn't occur to me to take him literally. But I can see where absolute literalness could be misleading.
I also have been wondering what we're referring to with the phrase "God's Word." Is it the literal word-by-word of Scripture (which many support), or is it the essential doctrines, commands, divine attributes, and principles, which don't require absolute word-for-word correspondence in translation necessarily? Just a thought.
I asked the Lord Jesus which translation was the best for me to read. He replied, "Just read My word. I will give you the understanding and application you need, regardless of what you read!"
What do you think about the NASB2020? Do you think its move toward more readability was a good thing? Do you think it makes the NASB more accessible or usable to the laymen who isn't necessarily looking into the Greek? Or does it just muddy what the NASB is known/used for and so makes it pointless among other translations?
I should have clarified that I was talking here about the NASB 1995. I have a 2020, but I just haven't had enough time with it to come to a reliable conclusion about it. I spent 20 years coming to the opinions reflected in my "Best Bible Translation" series. I don't want to speak too soon about the NASB 2020.
@@wardonwords understandable.
I personally can't seem to place it in its right useful spot yet in my mind. On the one hand it is far more readable in places than the 95. But on the other hand it loses some of its concordance/word-study-in-english value because it translates the original Greek/Hebrew word with more variation in English than the 95. This is of course coming from someone who doesn't know any Greek or Hebrew and just has some Logos word study tools. But I had this mental map of which version to look at for which kind of translation ( whether more like the original language or more like my everyday speaking language) and the 2020 just doesn't quite have a place on my map yet.
As someone who uses many English translations daily because of limited understanding of the original languages, I guess I just want to know how best to use the 2020 and have a better understanding of where its new niche is.
TBH, I suspect that if I am able to take the time, I will end up agreeing with what you've said here. This is my feel, too, my read of the buzz. The NASB 2020 forgot why the NASB was appreciated; it strayed in what otherwise would be a good direction, forgetting that the spot it found on the spectrum is already filled. But I can't speak from direct reading experience, only buzz!
@@wardonwords Reading the NASB2020 in parallel with the CSB has actually been quite helpful in figuring out its place. Reading Romans 1, for example, you can see how the 2020 will update words similarly to the CSB, but will keep a similar sentence structure to the NASB95 (word order and keeping long sentences etc.).
To me, that would place it somewhere between the ESV and CSB. More formal in sentence structure than the CSB but more functional in vocabulary than the ESV.
Let's say we change the word translation in your talk and put in the word denomination. I believe that's exactly what's going on with all the different denominations. Comparing the different translation makes sense. It's like considering the differences in the denominations.
I see an advantage of having such "denominational" translations. I just ordered the Evangelical Heritage Version, which is a Lutheran translation translated by Lutheran Scholars. I was born-and-raised a Lutheran, long since departed them, but extended family and community is very Lutheran so I got it to check it out.
Some denominational differences are no more serious than the minor differences between Bible translations. Some are far more serious.
Have you read any of the LSB since making this video? What are your thoughts (especially as compared to the NASB)?
I've looked carefully at the Sermon on the Mount. Only minor changes from the NASB 95.
Thank you for the very enjoyable and insightful information.
Glad it was helpful!
Thank you for doing what you do because you do it well.
I appreciate that!
I am a language nerd but haven’t formally studied the Biblical languages so, admittedly, I rely heavily on Logos software for exegesis. But in my own observations it often strikes me as peculiar how the NASB 95 is oftentimes less literal than NIV or CSB.
I’ve been studying in the book of Jude so I have two examples from it:
1.) verse 4 describes the apostates to whom Jude is referring as, “long beforehand marked out” in the NASB. But the word “progegrammenoi” literally means “those written about before”…which is how only the NIV renders it in the several versions I’ve been examining. “Marked out” would seem to be an acceptable translation but not as precise.
2.) Jude 12 in the NASB talks about the same false teachers as “caring only for themselves”, but the Greek word for “caring” (poimanontes) literally means to shepherd. Again, the NASB would be accurate but not literal and the illustrative metaphor of a selfish pastor letting the sheep in his flock go uncared for while he only serves his own needs is lost. In my humble opinion, the NIV seems to bring out the literal meaning better than the NASB.
The NASB 95 is a wonderful tool for those of us familiar with the grammatical structures of how languages work, but aren’t proficient with Greek/Hebrew vocabulary, to, in most cases, get a better idea of what the original text was saying. But I’ve learned from my experience to be careful about assuming that it is invariably giving the most “literal” translation.
Thank you for your review
My pleasure!
Hey brother mark. Do you know if the Is LEB going to be available in printed format anytime soon ? I like the LSB and thought I was sold out too it. But not only does the LEB got most of that stuff that I like in the LSB. It has more. Such as it's more closer to how we talk today.
This is unlikely to happen anytime soon, if at all. =| I would stick with the LSB!
@@wardonwords ok thanks brother Mark
I get excited with new translations. I have been extremely excited about the LSB. However, I really enjoy the NKJV. It seems like the best of both worlds. Almost everytime I hear someone say " I wished it was translated this way" I check the NKJVand it is.
What an amazingly wonderful problem to have!
@@wardonwords you are absolutely right. So many do not even have a Bible to read.
@@justinjones2160 Just go back in time a short 200 years. Most people only had access to the Bible at church. And of course the further back the worse it gets. The treasure we have now is unreal.
@@PaDutchRunner absolutely!
I have my own personal translation of the NT, which I regard as the best! 😅
I'm still have to work on my Hebrew. 😅 But I do prefer the NASB 77 or 95 above the standard English translations.
Besides being stilted. It regularly tries to preserve word order in genitives when Greek genitive is reverse of the Northern European languages like German, Lithuanian, English. It also does participles poorly (the Berean is much better).
Here is why I personally use the LSB, while contrasting with the CSB (or others):
Interpretations are equivalent to different denominations. A translation is referring to the "same" religion.
To avoid not being from the "same" religion, it's expedient to make things clear what was said in today's English, AND let anyone, with thier own due consideration, interpret according to thier denomination what was ideally meant.
LSB solves the translation, while CSB (or others) solves the interpretation.
Again:
- It's optional to have one or more interpretation.
- If you have multiple translations, then one isn't coming from the same place.
- A divided house falls!!
Did you see my "The CSB Is the Best Bible Translation" video?
th-cam.com/video/9wau55AD25E/w-d-xo.html
I love your content! Thanks for your efforts to make great video quality with even better content therein.
I do find the ending to your videos abrupt. No channel plugs, no outro music. Lol It always feels like the video is buffering if I happen to be merely listening to the video and doing other tasks at the same time. I’m sure it’s intentional. Just an observation.
Thanks for that! I'm SO busy… I can barely handle writing, shooting, and editing these videos. I just can't handle music, not so far. I wish I could! But maybe I can do something else to make the endings less abrupt… This is good feedback!
Absolutely spot on. I use the Nasb 1977 as a primary, Csb for my daily reading, and the NET for comparison. I use and readv ALL THREE DAILY ! I first go to the original languages, I know Greek and am familiar with the Hebrew.
Excellent!
I'm pissed I can't find a reasonably priced RV1888 anywhere and I can't find a reasonably priced Geneva Bible, but I heard a new Geneva Bible is in the works.
I own three KJV Bibles. ❤
I own a very nice NASB1995. ❤
Rv1888 😫
ASV1901 😫
Geneva Bible 😫
You'd have better luck printing out a PDF file onto printer paper and binding it together.
Mark, keep posting these videos. When I watch Bill Mounce's Learn Greek videos....it has become obvious to me the NASB is trying to stay true to the Greek language. And that is a good thing. I've always preferred the NASB for that reason. Years and years ago I threw in the garbage an NIV.....I was wrong. Today I come across TH-cam comments from learning disabled Christians who speak of their need for the NIV and how much it means to them. With all the things that have happened in the past 2 years I have read the reports of the increased need of speech therapists for the young. Personally, I have learned much from the NIV.
Awesome! I, too, have learned much from the NIV!
What do you think of the 2020 edition of the NASB ?
Haven't spent enough time with it to have a worthwhile opinion. =| I know that's bad!
@@wardonwords it's cool I appreciate your honesty. I've spent some time with it myself but I honestly don't know what to make of it.
I don't know if that's because my mind is so used to traditional sounding Bibles or is it's because it uses gender accuracy. But as far as I can tell it's a good translation.
It's a literal translation and yet in a lot of ways it's like the csb in regards to where tries to keep a balance. From being traditional sounding to more modern sounding that is.
I just wanted to get a more scholarly opinion about it.
Like I said I appreciate your honesty if ever you do spend some time with it and develop your own opinion of it I'll definitely be interested in hearing about it
I must say after reading the KJV and NKJV, my favorite translation and Bible currently is my NASB goatskin preacher’s edition; it is designed for heavy use, can lay open flat, and explains certain things more clearly to me. I recommend having both a KJV and an NASB, and helps when comparing verses between versions. Bottom line, it’s the Word which is important.
Thanks, unfortunately more people are reading Harry Potter than the Bible these days.
Shout out from Spartanburg!
Been there many times!
When I first came out of KJV-Onlyism, I was consistently struck by how the NASB crowd tended to use some of the same arguments as it related to translational form. I didn't understand the strength/weakness of the NASB95 (study/sermon help), and it almost seemed to me to be more difficult to understand than the KJV in the initial passages I read. I put the NASB down, and stuck with the CSB.
Then, the NASB2020 came out, and I thoroughly enjoyed it, and would recommend it to anyone! I prefer the CSB, for several reasons, but I definitely think the NASB went a much better (readable/English) direction.
Then, the LSB came out, and I fully expected to loathe it for all the reasons I disliked the 95, plus the marketing ploys. However, I have LOVED using it as a sermon help, and I will consistently use the CSB/NKJV/LSB/NLT in my sermon preparation. I'm not sure how much of that is due to the LSB translation vs. the 95 translation, but using it for that specific purpose, I love the LSB, even though I'd never read it devotionally or use it at a church for a main translation.
Awesome! I'm glad to hear all of this! Good insight. And kudos to you for remaining open to good help wherever you can get it. People like to write off whole translations on the slimmest of bases.
I'm almost finished with my first pass through the Lexham Septuagint, and of the available translations of the Septuagint that are in usable print formats, this is probably the best one. I wish it was less gender neutral at times, and I also wish that it either was based on. Rahlfs text, or (even better) the Patriarchal text, because sometimes the Swete text doesn't reflect the mainstream Septuagint, but in comparison with the New English Translation of the Septuagint, it is far more readable and less quirky. So thanks for your work on it.
John, I appreciate this. I'm pretty sure Lexham would be interested in an endorsement from you. You care to provide one? Do you know how to contact me through my contact form on my blog?
@@wardonwords Sure. I'll e-mail you.
I quite enjoy the NASB95 & LSB. I also like ESV, CSB, KJV & NKJV(of course), even the NIV & NLT have value to me. I enjoy comparing them. At the end of the day with the exception of paraphrase bibles(The Message, etc) I believe any Bible is good as long as it’s close and you are reading it.
While I notice differences, I haven’t seen any that truly change the Holy Scriptures in away that changes the intended meaning of the original human authors of the Scriptures, under Inspiration of God of course.
Of those I listed the only one I’m iffy on (other than ALL paraphrase bibles) is the NLT. It just seems off from all the others. But may be right, for the right person, in the right circumstances. lol
Humble and excellent content. Well done.
Many thanks!
After watching your videos I can't help but using multiple translations. Now I constantly use the NIV, ESV, NASB, NLT, and NJKV when reading and studying through a passage or book. There's absolutely no reason to build a wall around yourself and one single translation.
Right! Enjoy!
Im poor right now which one should i get nasb?
@@bigkaris912 I read several editions in the Bible app by You version for free. There are other free online sources like Gateway or Blue Letter.
Thanks to your videos and your book I Have Become a believer in other Bible translations instead of being a King James Version onliest so thank you
Praise God! Now both of us need to live out our view, and really grow in our knowledge of God's word through these tools!
Your fairness on topics whether I agree or not, has markings if Devine grace imprinted on it. I love and appreciate that. You have my sub.
Thank you. I need the encouragement! Pray for me.
I love and appreciate dr. Macarthur, but on this one I agree with you.
So do I, though for various reasons I never really got deep into his preaching or writing. I've read a biography of him, though, and benefited from a number of recorded Shepherd's Conference addresses over the years. The one time I went to that conference it was really special. I loved seeing the church people serve so joyfully and generously.
Appreciate the video and your thoughts on this. I was glad to hear you say that "we may someday" when it comes to putting out print editions of the LEB. How does that possibility look now, about a year since you uploaded this video? I mean the LEB would still be a great study tool even in print editions, especially for those like myself who still primarily use print copies of the Bible.
As for the LSB, marketing aside, it really is probably the best translation as a whole that I personally use, and I use ALL of the major translations lol. Now, is it perfect, no, but it is very good, and I actually use it every day alongside any number of the others in my studies.
Sorry to be long winded, but one more thing. I agree we need to avoid looking down or judging negatively those who may use less literal or more easy to read translations, but I still feel that there is a spiritual benefit and blessing to using more literal translations. One is that the extra effort it takes to think about, or to do the research to find the meaning of the texts results in growth that may be limited for those who rely solely on interpretive or easier to read versions. Now if they really do need those translations to help them that is one thing. Our father in heaven can certainly use any version to feed and strengthen his people, but still we should challenge ourselves by using tougher to read, or more literal versions as often as we can to gain the strengths and benefits to our spiritual growth. Just some thoughts 🙂 Again sorry for being long-wind
Thank you for this! The LEB discussion has not made advances of which I am aware. :( But I don’t work in that department any longer.
@markwardonwords Thanks for your response! I really do hope they release print editions sometime down the road lol 🙏 Lord bless!
Mark, have you had a chance to check out NASB 2020? Continuing the MacArthur line, it seems they deem it as less literal along with a couple of specific issues. But to your point, I wonder if you would find it less wooden. I'm still reading through it as a NASB 1995 user the last several years, but I'm left unsure what purpose it has compared to one's in the general orbit like ESV (unless, as you would put, it ones church uses the NASB 2020).
I confess that I just haven't had the time to invest in reading the NASB 2020. TBH, my work on this channel is the fruit of a full 20 years reading the ESV, NIV, NASB95, NLT, NET, NKJV, and a few others-plus a dozen years before that reading the KJV, of course. I've not wanted to generalize about the NASB 2020 before spending a lot of time with it. What you say sounds about right, from the buzz I've heard.
Could you send me a link to the thing you wrote about the LSB?
I tried to Google search it and couldn't find it.
Look on evangelicaltextualcriticism.blogspot.com. Don't have link handy!
@@wardonwords ok thanks
@@wardonwords just read it.
So if I'm understanding you correctly even though you haven't spent a lot of time with the LSB.
Given its origin you say it's just as good as its predecessors the only thing you might find skepticals help brother MacArthur translate God's name and the Greek used for slave and servant?
@@austintucker394 I've spent essentially no time with it. Well, since then I've spent a tiny bit. Yes, I'm skeptical of the arguments regarding "slave" and those regarding God's name. Especially the latter. It's not that I think the LSB is wrong; it's that I don't like the way some of their marketing copy has staked out a moral high ground and implicitly condemned those who see the issue differently. I think there's room for disagreement here.
But my big problem with the LSB is that it is associated with one man, even though I tend to like and trust that man. I think this is a significant problem.
@@wardonwords but it's predecessor was made by an interdenominational group.
And given the fact that most of the LSB is based off of that.
Is it really they are to say is only associated with one man?
Especially when that one man believes in baptism by immersion and yet uses to translate the word is baptized instead of immerse even do the literal word in English is in fact immerse? Also I don't know if he's changed his mind since then but John MacArthur at one point said to translate the first as only begotten son instead of only son in John three is a mistranslation.
So given the fact that it's not completely as he wants it to be and given what it's based off of is it really fair to say that the LSBis based off of one man?
And even if it is the King James was based off of one man period and God used to change the English speaking world
With respect to Michael Heiser, can you address some of the possible controversial viewpoints (as I heard he was part of the LEB committee) he may have held? Ex.: cosmology, the Divine council, etc.? Thank you.
See my most recent video for everything I’m prepared to say publicly at this point.
I don't think hes in it for the money, but I do understand why a lot of people get that impression, I Just hope I'm right since from what I can tell he does so much for the kingdom of God.
I think charity demands that we not conclude that a preacher is in it for the money without good evidence. And MacArthur has given a lot of evidence in the other direction, it seems to me.
What is the best 4 bibles based on the Textus Receptus and Critical Text? So basically 2 bibles based on each different manuscripts. I want to compare them to each other from a literal perspective. Also, is there even a literal translation for the Textus Receptus? Any help and advice would be greatly appreciated thank you in advance ❤
I don't really anoint any translation as "the best." It doesn't work that way. But put a gun to my head, and I'd say KJV and NKJV for the TR; ESV and NIV for the critical text. CSB is a close, close second to the NIV.
@@wardonwords Fair Enough. Is The Interlinear Bible a good option as well or would I be wasting my money and time getting one?
@@USMC199 I think it's a waste, given the online tools we have. Try semanticdictionary.org, for example. Interlinears are mostly useful who've studied a little Greek or Hebrew but need some help remembering unfamiliar words.
@markwardonwords
Recently, I've been drawn to the World English Bible. I like how it's based on the ASV1901 and Majority Text.
True. If a person is leaving the Bible on the shelf rather than reading and studying into it, then try another version. An unused Bible is very sad to see. Which Bible cannot lead a person to God, Jesus, and salvation? It's like an old car that still runs is valuable. I am learning to like the NIV because it's the easier one to read. For a deeper study I will switch to a more literal version. The NASB used to be my favorite. Maybe I should try it again. ☺
Losing my faith. We all go through ups and downs and lately my life has been on a downward spiral. I feel so alone.
I lost my job over the jab, I declined due to my pre existing health conditions lupus, and I also suffered a heart attack. I’m a single mother with two autistic children both are non verbal I’m ashamed to say but I’m struggling trying to feed them. I’m having a hard time coming up with with the rest of my rent this month. We will be homeless if I can’t. I’m so tired of struggling. I’m so depressed over my situation. Please pray for us I’m so scared me and my children are going to end up on the streets.
May the Holy Spirit, the Divine Comforter, guide, comfort, bless and give you clarity in this matter. Praying that you receive and hold on to all the Blessings of Psalm 91.🌹🌹🌹
I will be praying for you 🙏 I cannot imagine how you must feel but I encourage you to keep praying and seeking God and trusting Him. It may seem so hard but He knows all that you are feeling and experiencing. 17 For our momentary light affliction is producing for us an absolutely incomparable eternal weight of glory. 18 So we do not focus on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal. - 2 Corinthians 4:17-18. I will be praying for you! :)
Mousey, do you have a pastor? I urge you to talk to your pastor-or find one quick!
We are praying for you!
Think dr mac Lsb is basically revising back to the 1977 version
You mention the “Incredi-NASB” discussion - please provide a link. Thanks!
I see you found it!
In reading back over these great comments, it appears my own were removed. Perhaps they led down a path you didn’t want to go or something. My apologies. Many thanks for this helpful and informative video. Blessings!
TH-cam nixes comments for reasons I almost never know. I didn’t remove yours! I think it’s possible that comments with links get automatically deleted??
@@wardonwords Thank you! No links in mine, but I'm sure those are removed. Maybe it had to do with a jesting contrast I had made between David Jeremiah and John MacArthur in manners of announcing resources. Who knows. I appreciate your clarification, and this video. And as a greenhouse husbandry husband, you got skills! Blessings to you in all thy faithful endeavours to employ thy gifts as thou servest Our LORD and Master! :)
It's actually kind of maddening: I get notifications of new comments, I can see the first line or so, but when I click on it it's gone, and there's no "spam" folder where I can reinstate comments that shouldn't have been automatically deleted. =|
I am totally confused. Please can someone tell me: are the LEB and the LSB the SAME translations?!
No. Totally different. ;)
@@wardonwords Thanks!
Great insight, Mark. I find it funny that literalness is often considered the mark of good translation. Why don’t we do this with Plato or Dostoyevsky then? Or perhaps there are more things to consider in determining the quality of a translation…
Some people do do this with ancient translations. And I would tend to say the same about them that I do about the Bible: literal translations are useful for some purposes and audiences; less literal translations are useful for other purposes and audiences.
Very well put together. This has been a great channel for great information for me. I've learnt a lot and feel like I'm indebted to you for the free info. I really like the NASB, yet I'm not sure about the the LSB (I'm uncomfortable with the Yahweh translation, I don't think there is enough certainty that that is how the tetragrammaton is really pronounced). I'm one of those who thought yet another English translation wasn't necessary seeing we already have enough good ones. I'm also one of those who hope to see the LEB in print, I like it. I do think having multiple translations is a plus for comparative studies and its not a good idea to only use one translation, even if you have a preferred one, whatever it may be. Being not familiar with all the multiple English Bible translations, and there are many, and also not having access to them either, does limit my comparative ability, but from what I have access to in electronic format I think it's good enough.
Right! I myself hardly touch my paper Bibles, I confess. I check multiples in Logos and on BibleHub.
good vs enjoyable is an interesting translation question, especially when talking of 'semantic range'. In English, there is significant overlap between good and enjoyable. As an example, my wife made a very delicious beef stew. When she asked what I thought of it, I said "It was really good!". in other words, it was tasty, it was 'enjoyable'. Even judging by the words you've shared in the pie chart, it appears that 'good' and 'tov' have a similar semantic range. Ha, no real point here, just an observation.
I totally agree with your criticism of MacArthur's marketing statement. He's clearly REALLY excited about the work but his statement was overreaching for sure. I take it as nothing more then the promotion of an excited Bible teacher who spent many years on a project :)
Agreed on both points!
Think dr mac is
Really stating that the Lsb is tryingvto get back to orginal language texts in as formal and literal a form as possible he is teacting agai st using a more dynamic versions such as current niv
Thanks for these thoughts, brother. You have a balance that is so rarely seen today in these discussions of Bible translation.
Regarding the LSB, I used it for a bit as soon as the full text was released. I quickly became rather disappointed. I noticed typos, the occasional absence of necessary punctuation, and changes from the NASB95 that do not make sense, and actually go against the stated goals of the LSB translation. For example, read Leviticus 18:19-30 in the NASB95. Every instance of טמא is translated as some form of "defile." (As far as I can tell, every other major translation in existence is consistent here.) Now look at the same passage in the LSB. It alternates between some form of "defile" and some form of "make unclean," and for no apparent reason. This makes the translation *less* consistent, which is one of the selling points of the LSB!
The other frustration is that I would love to contact someone on the committee about this error (as I have done with success with the CSB committee), but I have yet to find a way to contact anyone. The contact form on the LSB website appears either not to work or is ignored completely. None of the committee members have emails posted on their faculty pages at TMU and TMS.
Understandably, I stopped using the LSB within a week or two.
The LSB committee was very small and worked very fast. Perhaps they did a brilliant job and produced the perfect tool for Bible expositors, the most accurate English translation in the history of the world. Or perhaps such a goal is unattainable, and even in our marketing language we shouldn't imply that it is. You used unicode Hebrew in your comment; you qualify to join Nerdy Biblical Language Majors on Facebook. I'd encourage you to go there and post one or two gracious, clear criticisms of the LSB, including the one you mentioned. At least of the committee members is a prominent member of that group. I think you'll get a response.
@@wardonwords If I had a Facebook, I certainly would!
Contact me through my contact form. I have an idea for you. byfaithweunderstand.com/contact
I get all the mcarthur issues but i switched from the esv to the lsb and nasb2020
I have reason to believe those are all good choices.
My first bible was a KJV. Then I upgraded to the NASB Life Application Study bible. I love how it translated Psalm 139 (my favorite psalm).
I have long loved that Psalm, too!
If I am correct I believe he already has pointed out an error in one of his sermons shortly after release.
Really? Willing to track this down for me?
@@wardonwords I'll see if I can find it again.
I need to correct this statement. I was incorrect as it is not a sermon reference but it is in his study Bible notes on the word Begotten in John 1. I heard the reference auditory. I apologize for the unintentional misrepresentation.
What do you think the legacy standard version?
I haven't read enough to form an accurate judgment. I expect it to be a lightly revised NASB 1995; that is what it promised to be, and that is what I have seen so far.
Does this Mark expositor have any online content? I really need to hear his ephesians series!!!!
Some illustrations and applications in the Ephesians series will, I'm sure, be dated. But I will never forget the impact this series had on my life. Incalculable. www.mountcalvarybaptist.org/pages/sermons/series-detail.aspx?SeriesID=2
He's got plenty of other great stuff. I only caught the tail end of his Romans series, but it is also legendary. =)
For a truly beautiful NASB Bible, check Schuyler. The type face is highly readable and elegantly set.
do they still sell 1995 tho?
I love the LSB, I think the using of Yahweh is tottally revolutionary in Bible translations since 'Lord' is not what the original texts say but Jehovah (as Tyndale did) or Yahweh. Anyways your explanation and clarification are excellent, as always.
More power to you, brother! Enjoy! Every sign is that it's a good translation.
Is the Clarion edition you spoke in this video using the NASB 95 version?
I believe so.
You know I was just thinking. Brother John MacArthur said that it's not the translators job to close the gap between what the original said and the modern reader. He says that's the pastor's job.
I can't help but wonder how is that why you thinking any different from what the catholics taught during the dark ages when the Bible was forbidden to be translated into any language except latin, and that it's the priesthoods job to close the gap between what the Bible originally said and the reader?
Now that I really think about it how is translation tribalism of any sort any different from how the catholics during the dark ages taught that the only right way to translate the bible translated it into latin?
hey can u give the pastor again from ephesians or who helped you so much? so i want to check his...
i am new convert. so not have so much good teachers in my list
and what you think about nasb2020?..
or lsb better?
Mark Minnick. His series is online here: www.mountcalvarybaptist.org/pages/sermons/series-detail.aspx?SeriesID=2
@@wardonwords thank you. and woulf you prefer the lsb bible or nasb2020 ? i got those 2 today and will send 1 of them back. dont yet know wich one. i think keep lsb ?
@@wardonwords ah i have a new life task. did download only 26 of his ephesians sermons. but thats 26 .x 1.5 hour or so..
so i have i think a few months /years to go hahaha thank you.
and that only of ephesians.
he spend his life on ephesians.. deep
Both are good! Keep both!
@@wardonwords haha good to see this as i have them both and didnt want to do any of the 2 away. so i keep both hahaha