Customer Reviews

New American Standard New Testament with Psalms and Proverbs; Blue Imitation Leather

5 star:		(8)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

First of all, this is the new updated version of the New American Standard Bible. If you've seen comparisons of the various Bible versions, the NASB generally is described as the most literal version (word-for-word accuracy) of the Bible that sometimes suffers in readability for that very reason. I believe the reputation has been largely undeserved. There were occasional awkward constructions but, all in all, it was quite readable. With this version they have gone back over sentence structure, vocabulary, etc. with a view toward improving the readability and flow of the language. They have also removed archaic words like Thee and Thou. I think they have succeeded in producing a readable translation without compromising the accuracy. We now have a literal, word-for-word translation that reads with the best of the modern versions.

With this pocket NT with Psalms and Proverbs, I think they have done an excellent job balancing overall size of the Bible and font size/layout. It is small enough to comfortably fit in your pocket, but it is also quite comfortable to read. The quality is outstanding as are all the other Foundation Publications products I have seen. They really do a great job publishing Bibles.

Highly recommended!

I reference six different English translations and the Greek during my Bible study. The NASB and ESV (English Standard Version) are consistently, I feel, the most accurate translations. They maintain a literal translation while being easy to read. FOr a personal study Bible, I would recommend the ESV. But the NASB would be my second choice.

But that isn't even what this review is about. It is supposed to be about this little pocket version in particular. I like it. I did give it four stars because the cover is not very protective of the pages. I have a little New King James Version that I was given by the Gideon's and it's cover is much more protective. But still I take this little guy to school every day with me and it holds up. There are so many different Bible styles out there. Don't buy this one for study or anything, but if you want a Bible to carry in your pocket to work or school, this is a good one.

Finally found a pocket-sized New Testament that is readable. Text could be a tad larger, but this NAS New Testament is fine. I'd also prefer one column instead of two, but again, compared to all the other small New Testaments I've tried, this one is, alas, possible to actually read.

Many of today's translations fail to place accuracy as a high priority. Thankfully, the NASB puts a premium on literal translation, and now with their update, make it easier to read (no "Thee" or "Thou" simply because it is addressing God). And for when compactness is essential, this small NT plus Psalms and Proverbs proves very handy. Highly recommended. For more on the biblical translation issue, see Ralph Martin's "Accuracy of Translation."

If you like the New American Standard Edition, this is a great pocket edition. I carry it with me to school, so I can read it after class.

Compact, sturdy enough that I don't have to worry about it falling apart, and it fits perfectly in my pocket. The text size is easy to read. Great little pocket bible

If you are looking for a bible to carry on you, this is great. The words are not too small, and the binding of the book is great. This will definitely last you long, even if you are an avid reader and is constantly using it.

This is a high quality pocket Bible for a great price! Durable enough to withstand harsh treatment, and economical enough not to worry about damaging it! Perfect for carrying around for evangelism!

We are pleased with the continued process of finding the Bibles, the cost is great and the delivery was in a timely manner.

This is a nice New Testament (with Psalms + Proverbs). It's a bit bigger than the NKJV Gideon's NT+ that I was carrying, so it sticks a 1/2 inch out of any shirt pocket. The print is a good size, and I find myself using it often.

I like the NASB, but there are a few points I wish they'd done differently. (#1) Before the 95 updated version (and in the ASV and RSV), there was always a footnote on Matthew 19:9 saying that some ancient versions read like Matthew 5:32. This touches a very important doctrine, divorce and remarriage, and the footnoted variant should have been made the main reading, as it is from earliest reliable manuscripts, and is the only variant cited in early Christian writings. (#2) In 1 Corinthians 11, two different Greek words are both rendered "covering". The ASV distinquished by rendering one of these as "veiling", and the RSV maintained that distinction, but the NASB has blurred it by using one English word for both. (#3) In 1 Peter 3:3, the word "merely" is inserted, which waters down the real intent of the passage. At least it's still clear in 1 Timothy 2:9 that women should shun jewelry, etc.. The NASB is good about italicizing these added words so that you know what they added, but it would've been better to leave that word out (like the ESV does).

It's because of "small" things like these that some conservative churches still use the KJV as the bible they can trust for doctrine.