After completion in 1971, the NASB was updated in 1977, 1995, and 2020. The purpose of the updates was to increase accuracy, clarity, and readability. Vocabulary, grammar, sentence structure, and meaning were carefully reviewed according to the English of the time. Each edition is an accurate translation that clearly communicates the Word of God in a different style of English. The NASB 1995 uses more traditional biblical language as compared to the NASB 2020, which uses more modern English.
The NASB 1995 and NASB 2020 are both accurate, clear, and readable translations that complement each other by offering a spectrum of biblical language style for readers to choose according to their personal preferences. Each can be read with equal confidence because they follow the formal equivalence translation. This is the most exacting method of translation, striving for the most readable word-for-word translation that is accurate and clear to the reader.
Since its completion in 1971, the New American Standard Bible has been widely embraced as a literal and accurate English translation because it consistently uses the formal equivalence translation philosophy. This method translates word-for-word from the original languages as much as possible. At the same time it recognizes the need for the translation to be readable. The result is an accurate translation that clearly communicates the Word of God in contemporary English.
Answering the Demands of Today
After completion in 1971, the NASB was updated in 1977, 1995, and most recently in 2020, according to the best scholarship available at the time. The purposes of the updates have been to increase accuracy, clarity, and readability. Every aspect of vocabulary, grammar, sentence structure, and meaning was carefully reviewed during each update. The result is an accurate translation that clearly communicates the Word of God in contemporary English.
The Integrity, Beauty, and Accuracy of the NASB
The NASB has been produced with the conviction that the words of Scripture, as originally penned in the Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek, are inspired by God. Therefore every word must be accurate and precise so that they are read with confidence. Since these words are the living and eternal Word of God, the Holy Scriptures must speak clearly with fresh power to each generation, to give wisdom that leads to salvation so that all people may serve Christ for the glory of God.
