Bible translation
Christian Standard Bible (CSB): history, style and where to read it
The Christian Standard Bible is a 2017 revision of the Holman Christian Standard Bible, published by Holman Bible Publishers, the Bible arm of LifeWay. It aims at what its translators call optimal equivalence: as literal as possible and as clear as necessary. The CSB is not available in The Living Bread yet; the NIV and NASB in the app cover the same ground.
At a glance
| Full name | Christian Standard Bible |
|---|---|
| Abbreviation | CSB |
| First published | 2017 (revised 2020) |
| Publisher or sponsor | Holman Bible Publishers (B&H, LifeWay) |
| Language | English |
| Translation philosophy | Balanced (optimal equivalence) |
| How it reads | Clear, modern, readable |
| In The Living Bread | Not yet in The Living Bread |
Who made the CSB and when
The CSB grows from the Holman Christian Standard Bible, which appeared in 2004 under the direction of Holman Bible Publishers, part of LifeWay, the publishing ministry of the Southern Baptist Convention. In 2016 an oversight committee undertook a thorough revision, drawing on over a hundred scholars from many denominations and adding input from readers and pastors. The new text was released in 2017 as the Christian Standard Bible, with a light update in 2020.
Part of the reason for the rename and revision was reach: the translators wanted a Bible that stayed accurate while reading smoothly enough for the average church member. It is a relative newcomer beside the NIV or KJV, and its presence in churches has grown quickly.
How the CSB translates
Optimal equivalence is the CSB's phrase for a method that begins from the form of the original wording and moves toward a freer rendering only when a literal one would not be clear. In effect it sits between the NASB and the NIV, leaning a little toward the readable side.
Readability and typical use
The English is plain and modern, with moderate sentences. It is often described as easy to read yet serious enough for study, and it aims to be pleasant when read aloud.
Strengths
A good middle path for people who want accuracy without strain, backed by a large committee and a major publisher, with study Bibles and church resources growing around it.
Cautions, stated fairly
As a newer translation it has less of a long tradition of memorized wording, so people raised on older Bibles may find familiar verses unfamiliar. Its publisher is tied to one denominational family, though the translators came from many.
Familiar renderings, in our own words
Readers moving from the Holman Christian Standard Bible will see some old distinctive choices softened and some terms made more conventional, which brought the CSB closer to the center of the English tradition.
Who should choose the CSB
Choose the CSB for a clear, modern text that still respects the original wording. In The Living Bread the NIV and NASB bracket the same range.
Where to read the Christian Standard Bible
Not yet in The Living Bread The CSB is not available in The Living Bread yet. We would rather say so plainly than send you to a page that cannot show it. In the meantime you can read the NIV or the NASB inside the app, or the free Berean Standard Bible here. To read the CSB itself, go to its publisher, Holman Bible Publishers (B&H, LifeWay) at csbible.com.
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Related translations
- English Standard Version (ESV)Word for word (essentially literal). Literary, dignified.
- New International Version (NIV)Balanced. Clear, everyday English.
- New American Standard Bible (NASB)Word for word. Precise, a little formal.
- New Living Translation (NLT)Thought for thought. Very readable, warm, conversational.
- New King James Version (NKJV)Word for word. Familiar cadence, updated vocabulary.
Frequently asked questions
- Can I read the CSB in The Living Bread?
- Not yet. The CSB is not available in The Living Bread. You can read the NIV or NASB in the app, or the free Berean Standard Bible here, and find the CSB at its publisher.
- Is the CSB the same as the HCSB?
- It is the successor. The CSB is a revision of the Holman Christian Standard Bible, with updated wording and a new name.
- Who publishes the CSB?
- Holman Bible Publishers, which is part of LifeWay Christian Resources. The translation committee included scholars from many church traditions.
The Word became flesh
The CSB is one of many faithful ways into the same story. Whichever translation you choose, the point of Scripture is the One it gives you: Jesus Christ, who said that we are to love one another as he loved us. Read a little each day, read it with someone, and ask him to open the page.
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