NASB & CSB

[Andrewn]

The newer translations are better because of better manuscripts and more information from study of languages.

What is your favorite translation?

Also some of the NT texts are based on the LXX and translators can go back to the Hebrew when there is a quote.

Not sure what you mean. Is this statement an example of the warped sense of humor.

 

[Andrewn]

My point...it's better to consult more than once source to gleam the meaning of scripture.

I certainly agree.

 

[HardHead]

The more accurate translations read:

In general, you should also consider that the underlying Greek text source may or may not be the same among versions like NASB and NKJV, or others.

In general, this question of accuracy only makes sense relative to the original text and not necessarily in a relative comparison from one English version to the next.

By this I mean that the English translation versions you are comparing may be equally accurate but that they are translating different Greek words (phrases, fragments) into English so the results in English are different. In this general sense, two different English renderings may be correct even if they are quite different from each other.

Start with defining exactly which Greek source is being translated, then compare accuracy relative to the source texts.

Aside from that, for me, RSV seems best but NRSV is much more readable so I use it daily instead.

I noted a while ago to myself that what I mean by best is not clear even to me since I don't read Greek (or any other biblical source language). For me at least this idea of best translation boils down to gut feel, readability, and reputation of the translation in whatever community you are part of.

 

[Andrewn]

In general, you should also consider that the underlying Greek text source may or may not be the same among versions like NASB and NKJV, or others.

Yes, this is a good point. I don't think it applies to Ro 8:3-4, though. I don't think it applies to the many instances in which "porneya" is translated into the vague "immorality" in NASB.

I noted a while ago to myself that what I mean by best is not clear even to me since I don't read Greek (or any other biblical source language). For me at least this idea of best translation boils down to gut feel, readability, and reputation of the translation in whatever community you are part of.

Peer pressure has never been important for me. Combining readability with accuracy is always a difficult task in translation, and especially so in translation from dead languages. This is why I rarely read from a single translation. Do you find yourself comparing translations?

 

[HardHead]

Do you find yourself comparing translations?

Yes. For me this is important in many cases to find a meaning/teaching that is perhaps not easy to get at in a first pass reading.

I prefer a physical bible on paper but I use software for comparisons for the most part. My main daily-use bible is a paper NRSV. I use RSV as a primary reference (also on paper) and a paper ESV as well but not often. The rest is in software.

Regarding software, you can get eSword for free and then buy proprietary/copyrighted translation modules for around 15$ to 20$ each for comparison purposes. You can also try them on various bible gateway web sites as well that seem to be entirely free for the most part.

This is good lower-cost (or free) entry point for relatively easy comparisons. This is much cheaper if you are looking for a way to explore translations for yourself before you buy a perhaps fancy paper bible that is leather bound, etc.

All translations have some issues with them that will be apparent to you and may be a deal-breaker to you. For someone else that same issue is a minor thing that is not worth considering at all. However, all of the translations are very good as well.

Beware of the basically meaningless marketing hype that the translations are subject to (e.g. 'the judge' for some NASB's) and that the various study bibles tend to be oriented toward a specific denomination/theology (e.g. MacArthur or ESV study bible) that may not be your own denomination.

In all of this, the main point is to actually read the bible so pick a translation you will actually use.

 

[HardHead]

Yes, this is a good point. I don't think it applies to Ro 8:3-4, though. I don't think it applies to the many instances in which "porneya" is translated into the vague "immorality" in NASB.

I agree. I'm only stating this as a general thing to consider.

 

[HardHead]

Yes, this is a good point. I don't think it applies to Ro 8:3-4, though. I don't think it applies to the many instances in which "porneya" is translated into the vague "immorality" in NASB.

I just released that you may find the NET translation useful due to its extensive set of translation notes. I have this as a software module. It's very useful in analysis of the kind you are mentioning here even if you don't like the NET translation itself (which I don't).

 

[Andrewn]

I prefer a physical bible on paper but I use software for comparisons for the most part. My main daily-use bible is a paper NRSV. I use RSV as a primary reference (also on paper) and a paper ESV as well but not often. The rest is in software.

I do the same but choose different primary and secondary translations.

Regarding software, you can get eSword for free and then buy proprietary/copyrighted translation modules for around 15$ to 20$ each for comparison purposes. You can also try them on various bible gateway web sites as well that seem to be entirely free for the most part. This is good lower-cost (or free) entry point for relatively easy comparisons.

What's available to us at this time in history is amazing.

Beware of the basically meaningless marketing hype that the translations are subject to (e.g. 'the judge' for some NASB's)

I don't know about the issue of "the judge."

I just released that you may find the NET translation useful due to its extensive set of translation notes. I have this as a software module. It's very useful in analysis of the kind you are mentioning here even if you don't like the NET translation itself (which I don't).

I have the NET on paper and appreciate the footnotes a lot. I consider it a thought-for-thought translation.

All translations have some issues with them that will be apparent to you and may be a deal-breaker to you. For someone else that same issue is a minor thing that is not worth considering at all. However, all of the translations are very good as well. . . . In all of this, the main point is to actually read the bible so pick a translation you will actually use.

Amen.

 

[HardHead]

I don't know about the issue of "the judge."

I have nothing really against the NASB. I don't think there is an issue at all. Its just that "the judge" is marketing and hyped-up wording.

Overall, for me God is the judge not a book, inspired or not, most literal translation or not.