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 Feedback on the NASB

Are any using the New American Standard Bible? If so, what are your thoughts on it?

Please, this is not a KJVO thread. Just asking some honest feedback on the NASB.

Bear.

 2013/6/21 19:32
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 Re: Feedback on the NASB


My personal preference is the NKJV above other literal versions outside of KJV. NASB is used by many godly men as a source text, I believe Zac Poonen, Paul Washer amongst a few use it.

I enjoy that NKJV capitalizes all occurrences of the Godhead.


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SI Moderator - Greg Gordon

 2013/6/21 21:31Profile
proudpapa
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 Re: Feedback on the NASB

The NASB is going to be compatible with the ESV as far as both of them being literal translations.

Something to maybe consider is verses such as Romans ch 8:1

Those Bibles such as the KJV or NKJV etc that are translated from the TR or Majority Text will say :

KJV
8 There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.

NKJV 8 There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus,[a] who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit.


The English Majority Text Version
NEW TESTAMENT
translated by
Paul W. Esposito

1 There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit.


The translations that are translated from the eclectic text such as NASB, ESV, NIV etc leave out the last part of the verse, because it is ommited in the Alexandrian manuscripts. so they read as follows

ESV
8:1 There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.[a]

NIV
8 Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus,

NASB
8 Therefore there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.

The inclusion or omission of this part of the verse is a fairly significant one. there are many other differences based on the underlining text.

But if I where to use a translation based on the critical text, I would prefer the NASB or ESV.

 2013/6/21 22:27Profile
Koheleth
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 Re: Feedback on the NASB

We have used the NASB as our primary Bible (reading and memorizing) for about 20 years, although we have many other translations in our home and regularly reference those also. I do like the literalness of the NASB. The 1995 update improved some things (removed thee's and thou's), but in my view it also departed a bit from being as literal. (Might not be noticeable to someone who does not still use the pre-1995 as their primary Bible like I do.)

I have to admit there are times when I have thought about switching to the NKJV or ESV. Each version has its own strong and weak points, so as I looked into it more, I never changed translations. A literal translation can be a little choppy in English, but that is what you will get if you don't translate more dynamically (like the NIV or NLT). So, while I like having a literal translation, I sometimes wish it would read or memorize better. It doesn't always flow like some other translations, but I have had to realize or accept that this is part of the package.

I do have to say I get a lot of satisfaction when someone is teaching or preaching on a Scripture from another translation and then takes some time to explain the original language and meaning and says at some point, "So the passage literally means this . . . ", and what they say is exactly what is printed in my Bible. Kind of makes the other pains worth it. But again, although this happens often, I do feel the NASB lacks in certain places. I am not holding it up as necessarily better than any other translation!

Let me know if you have further specific questions.

 2013/6/21 23:47Profile
Oracio
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 Re: Feedback on the NASB

Quote:
My personal preference is the NKJV above other literal versions outside of KJV. NASB is used by many godly men as a source text, I believe Zac Poonen, Paul Washer amongst a few use it.

I enjoy that NKJV capitalizes all occurrences of the Godhead



Agree with brother Greg. I used to be a big fan of the NASB for years until, among other concerns, I noticed that it translated the Greek word pornea(fornication) as simply sexual immorality. I didn't think that helps in this society which glorifies and justifies that sin so much.

I also wanted to play it safe on some of the passages that are not found in the newer translations.

I wanted to find a translation that I could really stick with for scripture memorization and chose to stick with the NKJV.

Just my humble opinion, not meant to offend anyone using the NASB or other translations.


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Oracio

 2013/6/21 23:51Profile
turn
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 Re: Feedback on the NASB

The New American Standard Bible was the Bible translation of the Jesus Movement and Calvary Chapels in Southern California during the 1970's. Love and zeal and knowledge were at significantly high levels. I could go to a home Bible study or prayer meeting or church meeting or beach gathering nearly every night and sometimes did that. Tracts and pocket New Testaments (NASB) were being freely given. Home church meetings were part of a generous level of hospitality. I had no car in some of those days but people gave me rides.

Altar calls were common in most or all meetings and responses and people coming forward were happening at every meeting. At beach meetings, baptisms might happen a few minutes later for people who had answered altar calls.

I was ignorant and answered two altar calls in one day (given by Hal Lindsey and Keith Green at different meetings) and was baptized in the Pacific Ocean around fifteen minutes after the first altar call. On that one day, people gave me food, pocket New Testaments (NASB), home Bible study invitations written on slips of paper, car rides, attention, love and care. Gifts of the Holy Spirit were visible. This pattern continued for weeks or months afterward and eventually I became involved in some homeless ministry and street outreach.

After a couple of years, one of those other translations came in as a part of multiple changes. The NASB was replaced as the pulpit Bible and as the Bible that most people carried to a church meeting. Even though I've been KJV-preferred since 1981, I still have some Scriptures memorized in the NASB because that's how I learned them.

I'm glad for revivals today in Asia and Africa and South America. It would be great for God to do a purifying and reviving work in the church in North America, Europe and Australia. I can remember at least a local revival in North America.

When the Word of God is proclaimed and God's people speak the Word to each other, a Bible translation is generally what they use to do it. (Some may use original languages or interlinear Bible tools but only a few).

Then they that feared the LORD SPAKE OFTEN ONE TO ANOTHER: and the LORD hearkened, and heard it, and a book of remembrance was written before him for them that feared the LORD, and that thought upon his name. - Malachi 3:16

In my early Christian days, I heard the Word of God spoken in homes, in cars, on the beach, in churches, on the phone, on sidewalks. The New American Standard Bible - NASB was the Bible translation that was used.

 2013/6/22 8:54Profile









 Re:

Prem Pradhan, apostle of Nepal would read any version he could get his hands on. Usually switching versions on a yearly basis and when he was let out of jail, never was choosy regarding the version he could obtain. Somehow, he learned the voice of the spirit and did not get bogged down in the letter. Most of us don't know what it is like to not have our choice of versions. I suppose, like Prem, I would be quite happy to have the Living Bible if that is all I could get. Do I prefer it? No. Would I reject it if it was the only version available? Absolutely not!

 2013/6/22 14:04
turn
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 Re:

It is true that Almighty God can use even a small fragment of a verse of his Word to change a life.

Faith comes from hearing God's Word.

Still, some Bible translations are better than others. I've been told that many of the Bible translations done in new languages by groups like Wycliffe Translators have resembled looser paraphrases like the Living Bible. God has used the Living Bible and God has used new Bible translations in new languages.

In English, we probably have over 100 translations. Some translations have been used by God much more than others.

I personally like using inter-linear Bible study tools that include numbered references to Greek and Hebrew words in the Strong's Concordance. Use what fits. Use what's best. Use what God will use in changing lives and saving souls.

Everything matters and every thought, word and deed will come into account (2 Corinthians 5:10).

 2013/6/23 8:26Profile









 Re:

Turn your post brought back many blessed memories if the time we call the Jesus Movement. Even st LSU, where I was in college, I rremember those times when we would gather in those blessed times of fellowship. Yes, you are right. It was the NASB single column text with cross references that became our standard Bible. When I was involved with Campus Crusade (now Cru) many of us would carry the NASB New Testament with single text and cross references. It was entitled Blue Print for Revolution. Needless to say we got some strange looks.

During those times we did not debate the one pure translation. The NASB was the favored translation at that time. But many used Good News for Modern Man (remember the stick figures), the Living Bible with the green cover, KJV, Phillips, and other translations.

What stands out of that precious, blessed time was not the translation we were using. But the True Word we gathered around. TheTtrue Word of Jesus himself.

Thank you so much to post about those precious times. I do not like to push my own messages. But I did share with the Monday Night Watch about the fellowship of the Jesus Movement.several weeks ago. If you would like to take a trip down memory lane then I invite you to listen to the message. It is only 20 minutes long. But may stir some precious memories. It is under my name Blaine Scogin. Greg has it in the SI archives.

Oh to see anotherJesus Movement.

Bearmaster.

 2013/6/23 9:06
turn
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 Re:

Bear master, thanks for your posts.

Yes, you are right. God used several translations back in the 1970's to work among our generation. I had one of those Good News New Testaments with the stick figures. Someone stood outside the fence at my Roman Catholic high school and gave me one as I started to walk towards home. God bless them. It gave me an early opportunity to read the Bible for myself and to be informed and reminded about the wondrous Words and works of Jesus Christ. I explored some other religious alternatives for too many years but that Good News NT gave me a preview into following Jesus Christ on the narrow way.

Also, I've been on several of your prayer calls and heard some of your early experiences as described but have only spoken up and prayed once.

Each testimony of how God worked in a life is unique. I am glad for God's work in you.

 2013/6/23 11:16Profile





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