NASB most accurate Bible translation?

[FerventDisciple]

It's been said the NASB is the most accurate Bible translation. Do you agree?

 

[Archie the Preacher]

Fervent, this is one of those questions with much evidence, lots of discussion and argument and no universal verdict.

Consider: No reputable translator is going to publish a translation the translator KNOWS to be in error. (We'll not consider those translations that are intentionally mis-translated: The translator has to KNOW what is being done.) So when one says the NASB is the most accurate, that statement implies if not outright claims, that all the other translations are somehow lacking, mistaken, sloppy or otherwise wrong. The same logical conclusion applies to all other translations. Were I to say the NET Bible is more accurate, that implies the NASB isn't quite as good.

Also in the discussion are the concepts of 'literal translation' versus 'dynamic translation'. Should translations be made 'word for word' or 'idea by idea'? Argument can made to support either.

I prefer to use the NEB followed closely by the NET translations. They are easy for me to understand and I think they are the most meaningful in modern English. However, I don't think they are a 'better' or 'more accurate' translation than many of the others. Speaking of 'preference'; who - as a serious Biblical student or Christian - is going to pick a Bible they think is inferior in translation to something else? Not me, anyway.

 

[FerventDisciple]

Fervent, this is one of those questions with much evidence, lots of discussion and argument and no universal verdict.

Consider: No reputable translator is going to publish a translation the translator KNOWS to be in error. (We'll not consider those translations that are intentionally mis-translated: The translator has to KNOW what is being done.) So when one says the NASB is the most accurate, that statement implies if not outright claims, that all the other translations are somehow lacking, mistaken, sloppy or otherwise wrong. The same logical conclusion applies to all other translations. Were I to say the NET Bible is more accurate, that implies the NASB isn't quite as good.

Also in the discussion are the concepts of 'literal translation' versus 'dynamic translation'. Should translations be made 'word for word' or 'idea by idea'? Argument can made to support either.

I prefer to use the NEB followed closely by the NET translations. They are easy for me to understand and I think they are the most meaningful in modern English. However, I don't think they are a 'better' or 'more accurate' translation than many of the others. Speaking of 'preference'; who - as a serious Biblical student or Christian - is going to pick a Bible they think is inferior in translation to something else? Not me, anyway.

Yes I completely agree. I would never recommend that one limit themselves to one translation only or even one translation philosophy, as they are after all translations. But it has been said the NASB is the most accurate by endorsements and it is agreed by most it is the most literal. Maybe the latter part of the sentence is where the former comes from. I believe it's required in most evangelical seminaries.

 

[bbbbbbb]

I was the first, and perhaps, the only one to cast a vote in the poll. I agree entirely with the previous posters and hesitated before casting my vote for a large number of reasons. Far be it from me to become an NASB-only Christian. I have, and use, a variety of translations, all of which are helpful.

 

[BobRyan]

It's been said the NASB is the most accurate Bible translation. Do you agree?

I have had one for decades and still it is my primary one. I used to think it was the most accurate - but it is missing texts.

 

[Citizen of the Kingdom]

other~Darby