2020 NASB and inclusive language

[Xeno.of.athens]

I received a 2020 NASB in today's mail, people have said that it uses gender inclusive language and that appears to be upsetting to some readers who express a strong preference for the 1995 edition or for the LSG (Legacy Standard Bible). However, the LGS uses Yahweh in the Old Testament instead of "the LORD" and that causes some difficulty in reading aloud and, of course, some people do not like it. Since I have barely had time to unstick the pages I am wondering if any of you have used the 2020 NASB for a while and what you think of it?

 

[PloverWing]

NRSV or NASB? Your post mentions both.

 

[Xeno.of.athens]

NRSV or NASB? Your post mentions both.

Oops, I did mean NASB

 

[Philip_B]

I think the way language is used has changed, and I think inclusive language makes sense in our setting.

Sometimes it needs a little thought. Psalm 8:4 is an example.

NASB 2020
What is man that You think of him,
And a son of man that You are concerned about him?

NASB 1995
What is man that You think of him,
And a son of man that You are concerned about him?

NRSV 1989
What are human beings that you are mindful of them,
mortals that you care for them?

KJV 1611
What is man, that thou art mindful of him?
and the son of man, that thou visitest him?

ASB Psalter 1976
What is man, that you should be mindful of him :
or the son of man, that you should care for him?

I think the NRSV in a way goes closer to meaning, however in doing so it has destroyed something of the poetry, and it becomes pedestrian and awkward.

I would prefer something like:
What are we that you think of us,
mortals that you care for us.

The text certainly does not mean that God cares about the males of our species and as such the translation should try to avoid that mistaken impression being available for those who would care to interpret it in that way.

 

[Paul4JC]

I like NASB 2020, it's a nice version of NASB

 

[St_Worm2]

Hello @Xeno.of.athens, I still prefer the NASB 95' and NASB 77' to the NASB 20', but I use all three. I also use the LSB, and though, like you, I still prefer "the Lord" (probably for the simple reason that I am used to it), it is both interesting and helpful to see how many times and specifically where in the OT יְהוִה is translated as "the Lord" rather than as "Yahweh/YHWH".

What a blessing to have access to so many different translations, yes

--David

 

[RileyG]

I haven’t used it. I wonder if I should order it?

 

[Xeno.of.athens]

I haven’t used it. I wonder if I should order it?

It's missing the Deuterocanon, but may be useful.

 

[Xeno.of.athens]

Hello @Xeno.of.athens, I still prefer the NASB 95' and NASB 77' to the NASB 20', but I use all three. I also use the LSB, and though, like you, I still prefer "the Lord" (probably for the simple reason that I am used to it), it is both interesting and helpful to see how many times and specifically where in the OT יְהוִה is translated as "the Lord" rather than as "Yahweh/YHWH".

What a blessing to have access to so many different translations, yes

--David

Having a variety of options to choose from is indeed a blessing, especially when they are all available simultaneously. I have briefly reviewed the 2020 NASB and pondered the necessity of updating the 1995 NASB, as they appear quite similar. Perhaps it was an effort to boost sales? So far, they seem nearly identical.

I possess a New World Translation that employs 'Jehovah' instead of 'Yahweh', and a printed American Standard Version which also uses 'Jehovah'. Conversely, both the Jerusalem Bible and the New Jerusalem Bible utilize 'Yahweh'. To me, the sound and pronunciation of 'Jehovah' are more appealing than 'Yahweh'. So, it is my intention to skip the Legacy Standard Version.

 

[Paul4JC]

I haven’t used it. I wonder if I should order it?

You might want to try an online version first...

John 1 :: New American Standard Bible 2020 (NASB20)

John 1 - In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.

www.blueletterbible.org

Joh 1 | NASB2020 | STEP | In the beginning was the Word , and the Word was with God , and the Word was God .

Free Bible study software for Windows, Mac and Linux. Software can search and display Greek / Hebrew lexicons, interlinear Bibles...

www.stepbible.org

 

[RileyG]

You might want to try an online version first...

John 1 :: New American Standard Bible 2020 (NASB20)

John 1 - In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.

www.blueletterbible.org

Joh 1 | NASB2020 | STEP | In the beginning was the Word , and the Word was with God , and the Word was God .

Free Bible study software for Windows, Mac and Linux. Software can search and display Greek / Hebrew lexicons, interlinear Bibles...

www.stepbible.org

Thanks