Customer Reviews

Classic Reference Bible, Updated NASB

5 star:		(13)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I was pleased to see this high quality reference Bible, as published by Zondervan, now available in the Updated NASB. I feel that the updated NASB has successfully corrected the rather stilted grammar of the original NASB while maintaining its high level of accuracy to the original Biblical languages.

This particular bible is a handy sized full reference bible, and the top grain leather binding appears to be very high quality which Zondervan guarantees for life. If you're in the market for a good reference bible in an excellent modern translation, and you don't need the added features of a study bible, this is as good a bible as you'll find, in my opinion.

Overall - I strongly recommend the NASB Update Edition bible over the KJV, NIV, or any other I've read. I've used the NASB translation since the original Creation House volume. For my money, the NASB's the most accurate.

Concerning the Greek Text, my studies show any verse the NASB questions, is indeed questionable, and those it omits, absolutely deserve omission. The Lockman Foundation, for some reason, in the 1995 Update Edition, reversed their tradition of accurately translating some Old Testament tribal names, reverting to the KJV errors. (Reason for 4 stars.) The Update Edition does correct the 1977's translation of Matthew 18:18, returning to a translation closer to the more accurate 1975 edition's rendering. (No translation's perfect. For instance, I haven't found one that accurately translates John 20:23.)

The NASB Classic Reference Bible is a good size for carrying and reading. I'd say it's just about the perfect size for a personal bible. A bible should be comfortable to hold, carry, read, and use when presenting Christ. In my opinion, the Extra Large study bibles are a nuisance to carry, uncomfortable to read (while standing, lying in bed, sitting on a couch, or in a recliner), cumbersome when presenting Christ and possibly intimidating. In short, luggable bibles belong in a study, where a desk can support them.

Unfortunately, publishers put the quality bindings on their more expensive study bibles because they think people will pay more for these massive tomes. Subsequently, I haven't found what I'd call a QUALITY edition in the medium format size.

I also own a Zondervan NIV Classic Reference Bible that's bound in Top Grain Leather. The binding on the NASB version is disappointing. I may have gotten a sub-standard copy because the binding on mine is an INSULT to leather bound bibles everywhere.

Still, Zondervan's Classic Reference bible is a good selection. If Zondervan wised up, bound it in genuine Moroccan Leather, and printed it on quality bible paper it'd be great.

This translation which remains to be the most accurate and literal in the english language is perfect for those who want a faithful and unbiased version of the scripture. Using for the old testament kittels Biblia Hebraica and the Nestle Aland 26th edition for the new testament you get well worth your money. This bible also has wonderful cross references for study. I would recommend purchasing the Foundation publications editon of this bible since it has the most beautiful genuine leather i have ever seen for a bible along with ALOT of space for your personal notes, either way it is winner. Highly recommended!

This version is the best if you are looking for word-for-word tranlation. Updated NASB is more clear so order only 1995 version! Older NASB versions look more like King James, but this one is still super-accurate and plus redefined unclear phrases.

I found this translation of the holy Word to be both stirringly beautiful in its language and accurate in its translation. Highly recommended for people who want to know what the original writers were really writing.

This is an absolutely terrific Bible. If someone wants to critique the updated NASB translation, that is their prerogative, but to do it under a review for this particular Bible is arbitrary and has needlessly lowered the rating on this fabulous product. I find the translation is readable, the references are helpful, the maps and charts are well thought out and simply put, this Bible has everything of which most readers would normally want to refer in their study, while not incorporating so much information that while nothing would ever be of want, the reader would be lugging around a 4 pound Bible to church and Wednesday night Bible study. While the Bible's style is somewhat understated from it's simple black leather cover and it is smaller than some others, it has fantastic touches of elegance from it's superior quality top grain cover, to it's portability due to it's size and the type is easy to read. I even like the simple gold line around the edge of the inside cover. All together, this Bible is of excellent quality and is tastefully put together. I will treasure this Bible for probably 30 years and would readily give it as a gift to anyone who doesn't require a giant or large type print due to any visual limitations. As far as some posted concerns about durability, since it comes with a top grain leather cover, it has a lifetime warranty.

Its hard to write a review of the Bible, but here goes. First I'll do this translation, then the Bible itself.

The New American Standard Bible (NASB) is first and foremost, and accurate translation of the Bible. It attempts to faithfully translate what the words in the original hebrew, aramaic and greek actually say, and then leave the interpretation up to you, which is how it should be. Some of the features include using italicised words to indicate where english words must be added to make sense of the translation, possible alternative meanings of words where even if you were reading the original texts you would have to decide for yourself, and, more recently in this updated version, it uses the first person when addressing God, as the original languages did (no more thee's and thy's! They didn't exist in Greek, why should they clutter up an english Bible?).

The result of all this accuracy is that this translation doesn't flow quite as easily as some other translations! But then some of the other translations only flow and read as easily as they do because they take liberties with the words and phrases, and sometimes resort to interpretation. But that's not the translator's job, it's yours and mine as we read! This is important stuff, so you want to be sure its right! In my view, this is the best translation for anyone really interested in what the Bible has to say, since you can be confident that what you read is as close as you can get to the original texts without learning Hebrew or Greek! This updated version uses the very latest texts, has great cross references, and will last for years. If you're going to buy a Bible, I think this is the one for you.

But what does it say? First, I should say that I really do believe that this is the word of God. The trouble is, when you say that, people automatically assume that you must believe every weird thing that they have ever heard about what the Bible says, whether true or not! So perhaps I should begin by saying what I believe the Bible is not.

The Bible is not simply a rule book, with lots of good ideas about how to live your life, and if you do you'll make it. Oh yeah, and with the story of a good man tacked on as an example at the end. Instead, the Bible is the story of how mankind became estranged from God, and how God took the initiative in reconciling mankind to Himself.

The central figure is, of course, Jesus Christ. To put it in a nutshell, God Himself took on human nature, and became man, the man Jesus Christ. Jesus died on the cross, taking the punishment for our sins, so that we would not have to, and returned from the dead, to show that the punishment was over, never to return. Everyone and anyone who wants it can have total forgiveness for all their sins, past present and future, simply by asking for it. At that point, if you really mean it, if you trust Jesus Christ to save you, he will save you, and He will be your saviour, your friend, and your God forever. Your sins will have been transferred on to Christ on the cross, and He will have accepted God's punishment for them there - and even better than that, Chist's righteousness, his good standing with God, will be transferred to you! You still won't be perfect or anything, not in this world; but in the next, you are guaranteed to be in paradise forever. No ifs, buts or wherefores. You don't have to send a cheque or donation to anyone. Or even belong to any church in particular. Simply put your traust in Jesus, and he will save you. That's his job.

That message, that Jesus will save those that ask it of Him, is the Gospel, and the process I've described is how one becomes a Christian. The Gospel is not, "keep the rules and you might make it". Rather, you aren't able to keep the rules, no matter how hard you try (I know I tried! It didn't work, so I asked Jesus to come into my ife, That DID work!), so God has provided another way, His Son. Sounds too good to be true? Well, check it out! (have a look at Chapter 6 of John especially, and Chapters 2-6 of Romans, and pretty much all the rest of the Bible.).

Everything else in the Bible revolves around Jesus. The Jews were there to provide Jesus with a people to spring from, and a social, religious and cultural context, so that we could understand Him (how people can be anti-semetic, and still claim to be Christians, when Christ was a Jew, is beyond me!). The Prophets all prophesied His coming, although misunderstood at the time. The stories all show how God deals with people (sometimes angry, but always forgiving those who seek forgiveness), the poetry and psalms showing how people respond to God's love and forgiveness, the Gospels giving us an insight into God Himself, walking among us as a real man, but always still God, and the letters, expounding the meaning of the Gospel, and how this really good news affected and sometimes confused people used to an idea of God as this big angry old man who needed to be constantly placated and sacrificed to. If you want a hint as to where to start, go to the Gospels first, then maybe Romans, then Galatians and Ephesians. Try to think about what it says, and remember that the social, physical and political context has changed somewhat! Always, though, ask God for help in understanding what you read, and don't necessarily always accept the first interpretation that springs to mind, think about it, make sure it's right! God's message is always consistent, and ultimately, always centered on Christ and his work on the cross. That is what the Bible is all about.

This bible is great for someone who wants a 'closer-to-original' translation but without the 'thou's and 'shall's that tend to confuse as with the KJV. If you're looking for something that provides some background on the author of each book and the purpose of each book, this bible is for you (both are found on the title page of each book). Instead of a flimsy, fall-off-the-leg cover, it has a plain black hardcover. pages are a little thin, but you can turn easily still. Even has topical study references to scripture in back. Great for teens and twenty-somethings that want to dig deeper into the bible! tb

I find the NASB to be the most critical in my study of the Word. I agree with the aforementioned comments about the size of this Bible. It's very nice and easy to handle. I also agree with the comments about the genuine leather binding, it is not very good. I would love to be able to find this Bible in a high grade Moroccan leather. I've only found one in calfskin but with black pring only.

My other one complaint is that sometimes the red letters of Christ are dark, other times they fade. My eyes require a darker print so it can be a strain.

My one heartfelt request of Zondervan is for them to publish the NASB/Life Application Bible in a high grade leather, (i.e., Moroccan or calfskin) with the red letters of Christ. It is impossible to find.
God bless your studies!

This updated version of the New American Standard Holy Bible is one of the best in print. The NASB is the most literal, word for word translation of the original Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek texts for anyone studying the Bible or just reading it for spiritual maturity. I encourage you to purchase this Bible and cherish it!