What is the history and translation method of NASB?

Overview

The New American Standard Bible (NASB) is an English translation of the Scriptures widely respected for its commitment to a literal, word-for-word rendering from the original Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek texts. Developed under the auspices of The Lockman Foundation, it was first published in its complete form in 1971, with subsequent revisions in 1977, 1995, and 2020. Known for its strict adherence to the original languages, the NASB has often served as a reliable translation for both personal study and academic reference.

Historical Development

The beginnings of the NASB can be traced directly to the American Standard Version (ASV) of 1901. Recognizing both the scholarship and the literary style of the ASV, a group of scholars in the mid-twentieth century sought to create a revision that would bring the text fully up to date with the best manuscript evidence available at the time. The foundation for this work was laid in the late 1950s and early 1960s by The Lockman Foundation, a non-denominational ministry committed to producing reliable Bible translations.

By 1963, the Gospel of John was released for preliminary study to refine translation choices, and additional portions of the New Testament followed in the mid-1960s. The complete NASB Bible was published in 1971. A modest update appeared in 1977. Another widely used revision surfaced in 1995, refining archaic language and adjusting certain terms for greater clarity. The latest significant update, in 2020, aims to preserve the NASB’s literal legacy while employing language that remains understandable and reverent for modern readers.

Foundational Principles and Translation Philosophy

A key premise in producing the NASB was the conviction that Scripture is “God-breathed,” in keeping with the teaching: “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for instruction, for conviction, for correction, and for training in righteousness” (2 Timothy 3:16). This perspective shaped the translation methodology. Scholars working on the NASB pursued what is commonly referred to as a formal equivalence approach (also known as “literal” or “word-for-word” translation). Their goal was to render each word or phrase of the original text in such a way that readers could follow as closely as possible the structure, syntax, and vocabulary of the Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek.

This translation philosophy entails careful attention to verb tenses, grammatical constructs, and the semantic range of individual words. Throughout the process, special committees reviewed textual options, reflecting a balance between fidelity to the original languages and clarity in English. When ancient idioms proved challenging for modern readers, translators worked to convey the meaning accurately without sacrificing key nuances, often placing the more literal reading in footnotes.

Textual Basis

For its Old Testament, the NASB primarily relied on the Biblia Hebraica Stuttgartensia (which reflects the Masoretic Text tradition) and consulted additional materials that support the reliability of the Hebrew Scriptures. Archaeological finds and critical editions of the Hebrew text, including evidence from the Dead Sea Scrolls, supplemented and confirmed the text where needed. These scrolls, discovered in the mid-twentieth century, significantly strengthened confidence in the careful preservation of Old Testament manuscripts.

For the New Testament, translators utilized the most up-to-date critical editions of the Greek text, such as the Nestle-Aland and the United Bible Societies’ editions. In harmonizing variant readings, the NASB committee’s practice was to defer to the best attested manuscripts and the established principles of textual criticism. When multiple readings existed with legitimate support, the translators indicated alternatives in footnotes, upholding academic rigor and transparency.

Revisions and Refinements

1. 1977 Edition: Adjusted punctuation, capitalization, and some archaic terms for clarity.

2. 1995 Update: Focused on removing much of the older, Elizabethan English, such as “thee” and “thou.” The Lockman Foundation’s translators continued to refine word choices, punctuation, and readability while preserving an overall formal approach.

3. 2020 Revision: A more recent update sought to maintain the NASB’s literal reputation, modernize vocabulary, and account for nuanced improvements in textual studies over the decades. It also considered ongoing developments in linguistic research to ensure the text remains accurate and understandable to contemporary readers.

Notable Features

• Literal Rendering: The NASB’s hallmark is its consistent attempt to stay true to the formal structure of the original text, making it a primary choice for many who appreciate a close alignment with underlying Greek, Hebrew, and Aramaic words.

• Footnotes: Given the complexity of certain terms, translators employed extensive use of marginal notes to alert readers to alternative renderings, literal phrasing, or manuscript variations.

• Capitalization of Deity: The NASB conventionally capitalizes pronouns referring to God (e.g., “He,” “Him,” “You”) as an expression of reverence and clarity, though this practice varies in other translations.

• Cross-References: Many editions of the NASB include abundant cross-references that link significant passages, aiding in thorough biblical study and interpretation.

• Paragraph Format Options: Editions vary between verse-by-verse formatting and paragraph formatting, offering flexibility to diverse preferences for reading or study.

Context and Use in the Wider Church

From pastors and seminary professors to lay readers, many have appreciated the NASB for its close examination of the Scriptural text. Because it adheres strongly to the original wording, it has often been employed in theological studies, expository preaching, and areas where precise detail is vital. This emphasis on faithfulness to the original text has helped affirm the Bible’s reliability, aligning with archaeological evidence and manuscripts that confirm the historical underpinnings of Scripture.

Significance and Ongoing Reception

The Lockman Foundation’s dedication to a literal approach resonates with those who trust the Bible’s veracity and want to examine the intricate details of God’s Word. Many have found the NASB to be both academically fruitful and edifying for personal devotion. While some argue that a highly literal style can at times read less smoothly in English, the updates demonstrated a perseverance in balancing word-for-word accuracy with linguistic clarity.

Today, the NASB remains a well-regarded translation that underscores the enduring nature of Scripture, reminiscent of Psalm 119:160: “The entirety of Your word is truth, and all Your righteous judgments endure forever”. Its history highlights a dedication to careful scholarship, its translation philosophy emphasizes faithfulness to the text, and the unified effort of translators has produced an enduring resource for individuals, families, and academic circles alike.