The NASB: History, Method, and Meaning

The NASB: History, Method, and Meaning

The New American Standard Bible (NASB) is widely regarded as one of the most literal English translations of the Bible. First published in the late 20th century, it has become a standard for pastors, scholars, and students who want an English text that stays as close as possible to the Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek originals. Known for its formal equivalence and meticulous attention to wording, the NASB is praised for accuracy but sometimes critiqued for its wooden style.

Historical Background

The NASB was commissioned by the Lockman Foundation, a non-profit Christian ministry based in La Habra, California. It was first published in 1971 as a revision of the American Standard Version (ASV, 1901), itself a descendant of the English Revised Version of 1885.

The Lockman Foundation had four goals:

1. To produce a translation true to the original languages.

2. To use modern English grammar and vocabulary.

3. To remain faithful to traditional theological terms.

4. To create a translation suitable for both study and public reading.

NASB ISBN References

Original & Early Editions

• 1971 NASB (first complete Bible) — ISBN: 978-0-88346-004-6 (Foundation Press).

• 1977 NASB Update — ISBN: 978-0-88346-009-1 (Lockman Foundation).

1995 Update

• NASB 1995 Large Print Edition — ISBN: 978-1-58135-108-3.

• NASB 1995 Study Bible (Zondervan, Charles Ryrie notes in some versions) — ISBN: 978-0-310-92682-4.

• NASB 1995 Reference Edition — ISBN: 978-1-58135-123-6.

2020 Update

• NASB 2020 Large Print Reference Bible — ISBN: 978-1-958952-01-3.

• NASB 2020 Thin-line Bible — ISBN: 978-1-958952-15-0.

• NASB 2020 Giant Print Reference Edition — ISBN: 978-1-958952-27-3.

Translation Philosophy and Method

The NASB follows a strict formal equivalence approach, often called word-for-word. The translators leaned heavily on the Masoretic Text for the Old Testament, with reference to the Dead Sea Scrolls, Septuagint (LXX), and other ancient witnesses when necessary. For the New Testament, the NASB relies primarily on the Nestle-Aland/UBS critical text, though footnotes sometimes mention manuscript variations.

This commitment to literal accuracy sometimes produces awkward English, but the trade-off is high fidelity to the source texts.

Reading Level and Style

• Reading level: Around 11th–12th grade (high school/college).

• Style: Precise, sometimes stiff or formal.

• Often criticized as “wooden” compared to smoother translations (like the NIV).

• Strength: readers can often trace English words back to the Greek or Hebrew more easily than with freer translations.

Strengths

• Accuracy: Among the most literal English translations available.

• Consistency: Hebrew and Greek words are often translated the same way, aiding in word studies.

• Study Value: Highly respected in seminaries and by expositors.

• Footnotes: Include textual variants and clarifications.

• Theological neutrality: Produced by an interdenominational team, avoiding obvious denominational slant.

Weaknesses

• Readability: The English can sound stilted, making it harder for devotional use or public reading.

• Literalism can obscure meaning: By mirroring Greek/Hebrew syntax, the flow of thought may feel unnatural in English.

• Less poetic: Compared to the KJV or ESV, the NASB lacks a lyrical quality.

• Limited popularity: While valued among scholars, it has never achieved the widespread adoption of the NIV or KJV.

• Excludes Apocrypha: The Bible of The Early Church contained the apocryphal books.

Problematic or Debated Verses

1. Numbers 11:17 — The NASB reads: “… and will take away some of the Spirit who is upon you, and put Him upon them…” The Hebrew text does not use a personal pronoun; it simply says “place upon them.” By inserting “Him,” the NASB personalizes the Spirit, reflecting correct New Testament theology but departing from its own commitment to strict formal equivalence. Other literal versions (KJV, ESV, LEB) avoid this addition.

2. John 1:18 — NASB (1995): “the only begotten God who is in the bosom of the Father.” This follows the best Greek manuscripts (monogenēs theos) but confuses readers accustomed to “only begotten Son.” The 2020 edition renders: “the only Son, God Himself.”

3. Romans 9:5 — Punctuation choices determine whether Christ is explicitly called God. NASB affirms: “Christ… God blessed forever,” supporting Christ’s deity.

4. 1 Corinthians 6:9 — Translates arsenokoitai as “homosexuals” (1995), a term debated for accuracy. The 2020 update shifts to “men who have sex with men,” clarifying behavior over orientation.

These examples highlight the NASB’s strength in accuracy, but also the challenges of conveying ancient words into modern English.

Conclusion

The NASB stands as one of the most reliable and literal English translations, excellent for serious study and close exegesis. Its precision makes it ideal for pastors, seminarians, and those engaged in word-for-word Bible study. Its weaknesses lie in readability and style, making it less suitable for casual or devotional use compared to smoother translations like the NIV or NLT.

In short:

• Strength: unrivaled accuracy.

• Weakness: rigid English.

• Best use: in-depth study, teaching, and preaching.

The NASB reminds us that while no translation can perfectly replicate the Hebrew and Greek, faithfulness to God’s Word requires both accuracy and clarity. The NASB leans heavily on the side of accuracy, making it a trustworthy companion for those who want the Word as close as possible to its original form.