What SCIENCE Says About the Christian Standard Bible 

I strongly agree with your comments concerning Dr. Ward and his very capable data analysis. My own personal go-to reference works are the CSB text and specifically the CSB Study Bible. It has dethroned the NIV Study Bible and the MacArthur Study Bible. It is simply a very fine and scholarly piece of work--both the translation coupled with a set of study notes many of which I've not found in other study Bibles. Thank you for your work and your having done your due diligence at every turn.

Thank you, Tim. I think your comments on the Christian Standard Bible are spot on. It's one of the translations I use for daily bible study. That said, I read from a cross section of translations from literal to dynamic. In doing so, the effect is similar to the value one receives from using a commentary.

I’ve read KJV as my main all my life and used the NIV as a supplement translation, however, I started using CSB a few weeks ago and I have decided to use it as my main translation. It is very accurate and in a language that anyone can understand. It will help with teaching my preteen Sunday school class as well as our Spanish ministry with people who speak English as their second language. So far I love it.

My initial experience with the CSB has been with the CSB Study Bible. I've found it to have really increased my appreciation for the CSB.

Great video. I appreciate the CSB more and more as I become more familiar with it. Certainly a translation worthy of being read and studied.

Your opening line was fantastic!! I LOVE the CSB!

The best translation for anyone is the one that gets read.

I'm seriously considering going to the RSV. As long as you read the translator notes it is one of if not the best.

All these CSB videos are making me consider giving it a shot!

I grew up on the NASB and NKJV in the 70’s/80’s. I found that the NLT gave people more understanding about what I was talking about so lately I have been using it. Just got a copy of CSB and I’m going through it also. Still love the NKJV.

From reading CSB about a month. I would agree it is a good mix of literal and readable.

I think the CSB is starting to win over more people as they read it. Holman is doing well in offering many different styles and resources much like Crossway with the ESV. I also think it is fitting those "sweet spot" Bible readers that are coming over from something like the NIV.

I have watched every single one of Mark Wards videos. I am definitely a fan of Mark

I don't think of the ESV as the "Elect Standard Version" but rather the "English Steadfast Version" because it seems like the word "steadfast" is everywhere Lol... I know it mostly comes down from the RSV. I still love it. It's my #2 right after the NKJV.

My favorite 3 translations are the NLT, NKJV and the CSB. I also do still read and share Scriptures from the KJV and the Geneva Bible.

I was turned on to the CSB by Bible Believing Christian's channel. She encouraged me to give it a try so I bought a very inexpensive large print faux leather, just to check it out. I admit that it took me about a week to get into the flow of the language pattern, but once things started to click for me I bought the large print CSB Study Bible. I read my NKJV about 40-50% of the time, and use the NASB, ESV, and now the CSB Study Bibles for a deeper look at certain passages of scripture. And, the preachers I watch use different versions as well so I use the appropriate one to follow along with their sermons. Shout out to BBC for introducing me to, and encouraging me to try out the CSB! :)

Once again, you take such a balanced approach. I really enjoy learning about these different Bible translations. My preference is the Legacy Standard Bible because I prefer a more literal translation and one that is more consistent in translating the original language in English. But I acknowledge that the LSB does challenge the reader to accommodate himself to the language culture of Bible times. I think the rewards for doing that is worth the challenge. I also agree that it's always a good idea to check at least 2 different translations when studying a passage. My 2 favorite for that are the LSB and the ESV. Thanks for doing a great service for us Christians!

I was always hesitant to ever own a CSB Bible. I was in the family of, NASB, NKJV, KJV, AMP, NLT only! But, I'll be purchasing a CSB Bible soon! I audibly listened to the whole book of Romans today. And I really loved hearing it in the CSB. I've also watched other videos on the CSB. I'm definitely stepping out of my comfort zone buying a different translation. But, I know this will be good.

Thanks for your thoughtful, balanced and informative reviews. You are gracious and a blessing for us. ❤

I love this video, I sent it to my mom! I agree that it's the okayest translation. It's more readable than the ESV and NASB, but more literal than NIV and NLT. Let's get everyone to switch to the CSB!!!!

I really really love and enjoy the CSB Study Bible! Especially the study notes as well as pictures, both very nice. I would say the analysis from the study in the video rings true for me. Love the readability and the closeness to the literal text mix overall.

Love the CSB… but that fitted with the side patch and red uv that my friend is fire 🤣🤣🤣🤣

Mark Ward's video was intense (for me) but good. You video was good too. Thanks.

I haven't checked who did this analysis, but to think that a higher consistency rate in word choices means a a translation is better is not to know ANYTHING about translations. On the contrary, any given word could be translated differently according to the context, depending on the richness of the original and target languages. And to stick too much to the previous word choices only limits or may even change/corrupt the meaning of the whole sentence. So this would be a + for the CSB rather than a negative point. Thanks for your videos Tim, I always appreciate them 👌🥰

Another excellent video Tim and you made some very good points, especially when you talked about tribalism and our choices of translations. I am most definitely not a Biblical scholar so I want a Bible i can read and understand and the CSB is great for my needs. I love the CSB for its optimal equivalency and have become a huge fan of the Berean Study Bible (BSB) for its tradition language that somehow stays very easy to read. How fortunate we are to have so many excellent translations... BTW, time to put that Rays cap on for the playoffs!!!

This is the BEST title in so many ways!

I use and teach from the CSB . However, as much I love this translation I do find verses that I consider have been incorrectly translated for the sake of making them more readable. An example of this would be Romans 10.17 The CSB uses the Word "Heard" all other translation uses the word hearing. To have heard something puts it in the past. While hearing something, keeps it in the presences

LOL! My daughter got me a 'Worlds Okayest Golfer' Tee shirt for my birthday 3 years ago... my favorite shirt! I had no idea it was a 'thing'.

Hi Tim, love your videos. I have given the csb a go and although it's a great translation, for me personally I find that the niv just reads much nicer.

Let's not forget, The Message!

Tim very good job, I agree 👍with everything you said.

The best translation is the one you read and God reveals to you. Spending time to find the meaning of a word not used in today’s language can become for wasted time. Communication is what it takes to comprehend what is being communicated. Not spending time over what old language is. CSB and ESV are great Bibles, they all are great if you read them. It about the reader and the relationship with God. The best Bible is the one you read not the one you have.

For me, it matters a lot how the text sounds in liturgy. The cadences, use of apt word choices, eloquence. Precision in conveying ideas.

The CSB is the easiest for me to read and understandable

I own the CSB Study Bible. Of the 10 different translations I own, it is my opinion that the CSB is not only HIGHLT ACCURATE in it;s translation, but EXTREMELY READABLE. One of my favorite verses in this translation is PR 1:33---with the words in the latter part of the verse, ":you will be undisturbed by the dread of danger." The word picture this translation paints is remarkable. I find it highly readable, and the study notes and word studies contained in the study bible version are solid--with maybe the exception that the Southern Baptist propenscity for predestination is obvious in some of the NT notes. But you can look past that and still come away with very solid information which helps you to understand and learn more about the passage and verses you are reading.

Thanx, Pastor 🌹🌹🌹

Excellent video sir. I primarily use the ESV, NASB, And KJV however the CSB is a fantastic translation. I prefer it much more over the NLT or NIV. IMO it is a great translation for those wanting to venture out of their KJV comfort zone.

I have been slowly adding 1 translation a year to my collection over the past few years. I was considering the CSB and this seems to help me confirm that might a good one to add next. I find at my reading level a parts of the NKJV and ESV I don't quite fully grasp. It should be an interesting esperiment next year, Lord willing, of course.

I'm new to the Bible and have been using a CSB study Bible. It's very easy for me to understand. When I finish, I would like to try NKJV as the next translation to read.

I think the results of the study are interesting. I'm sure the CSB is just fine. For an old guy like me who has been using the NKJV and NASB 77 since the 1980s, it was a big step for me to embrace the ESV. I now use the ESV more than the NASB, though I still believe the NASB is a little better than the ESV. Using the ESV Study Bible and Concordia's ESV Lutheran Study Bible is what forced my hand. I won't say anything bad about the CSB, but I don't see any point embracing yet another modern bible translation. I like it better than the NIV, though. I never could get into the NIV back in the day, and I did give it a chance.

Literal is NOT always bestest. Readability + accurate=OPTIMAL. I think.=CSB.

I tried the CSB for a few months, and while I do think it is a great translation, it just wasn't for me. For a few years I have used the ESV in conjunction with the NLT, but had hoped that the CSB would offer me the best of both worlds... The reality was it felt like it was trying to do too much all at once. Not as readable/smooth as my NLT. Not as faithful/literal as my ESV. To be fair, it could just be that I grew up on the KJV, and I appreciate the way the ESV keeps some of that literary style, so my personal bias may very well be the reason I feel this way. I certainly would have no issue recommending the CSB, but for me, I'll still to my ESV as my primary and my NLT as my secondary.

"CSB...The most OKEYest Bible..." Lol. Now that's gold there brotha!!! Kinda how I feel about my favorite bible...the NIV. NIV is good, but it's got it's own issues, but I like it. It's the OKEYest v1.0 of all bibles. 🤣🤣. Looks like the CSB now has the title formerly held by the NIV.

The NRSV is in the middle of every list in that report. Can it get the "Most Consistent" reward?! 🏆

In my view it's a better way of putting these things when you say, that the CSB is a fair compromise between a more literal and more readable translation. The biggest problem in the debate of Bible translations is that a lot of those you have a possibility to translate from the NA28 and the BHS taking a polemical or marketing approach for a specific bible. I'm not saying in any way that you shouldn't have a favorite translation. And I'm glad that Pastor Tim Frisch is not hiding about his preferences. Nobody is a blank chalkboard. And all the aspects of evaluation aren't free from prejudices either. That means even the examination of Dr. Andi Wu have to be a subjective. But as Dr. James Voelz once said, that the Soft-Postmodern in the tradition of Hans-Gerog Gadamer (his book: Wahrheit und Methode / engl.: Truth and Method) is right: There is objective data and reality, but there is no objective access to it. Sadly nowadays the radical postmodernist view seems to get more popular. Those radical postmodernist say: There is neither truth, objective data, reality nor there is an objective access to it. But there is one thing which is far more important than that debate. To know and follow the one who said that he is: "...the way, the truth, and the life..." (John 14:6)

Mark Ward is thorough and funny.

I’m the okayest guitar player #gottheshirt

Great analysis brother. I use the NASB 1977 for accuracy, the CSB for everyday reading, and the NET for comparison . The Kjv and the NKJ I keep in my garage with my other translations, that I might look into very very very rarely.

KJV! I would never venture far from the KJV but have peeked at the CSB.

Tim, Thanks to for your (and thanks to Mark Ward for his) video! I am still pondering matters, and I am perusing my CSB! Meanwhile, may I refer you and others here to my post of today re your video, "Why do they not accept an update of the KJV?", in which I offer some statistics, including those related to the CSB. At present, as far as I can see, the CSB is a low-seller and not widely used by serious students. Yes, I know that things change; but is there evidence that the CSB is going to be a major player to rival KJV, or NKJV, or KJV+NKJV, or ESV, or even NIV or NLT?

Thanks! ❤

What's OK for you, may not be OK for me. I just purchased the 2017 CSB in a paperback version not long ago. Just out of curiosity. I also gifted two friends with new bibles. One being the NIV, the other a KJV. Both are unwilling to change to any other translations. Diehards they are. It will take time to examine the CSB, to see if I like it?

I would argue that the CSB is basically tied for first place (in a 5 way tie) in literalness (less than 4% separation between the ESV and CSB); and it is tied for 1st place in (in a 4 way tie) in readability with the NLT (a little over 3% difference with the NLT). Overall it is the optimal bible in 'readability plus literalness' (which is much better than being, as you call it, the "okay-est" bible). Per the internet: "What is another word of optimal? (adjective) in the sense of ideal. Synonyms. ideal. best. highest." This is way better than 'okay.'

Everything is "what's best for you".

I do believe that the csb is the best Bible translation for the average person. Lsb would be the best for advanced readers.

'I think' when I'm comparing scripture (10.5 (.5 septuigent)versions), my CSB ref bible gives the well rounded result (but that includes footnotes). That's 'my' opinion only (I'm a NKJV primary user).

Most important thing to look for in a translation is if it supports predestination/Calvinism or free will.

Okayest Bible for okayest people like you and I.

Now as far as my critique of your critique LOL. Sometimes I'm not sure you making a joke you're being sarcastic. You have a way with your humor that sometimes I don't understand

Curious how the nrsvue would do. I still feel that is the best overall translation as it is not always beneficial to render a word literally - not just for the sake of readability, but for the meaning of the word to be clear. So if a word is translated literally to a word in common language today, but the actual meaning when placed in the sentence is obscured, that doesn’t necessarily make it a good translation. Which is why I would still argue the NRSV is a better translation, it’s slightly less literal and slightly less readable for the sake of clarity

I tend to like the CSB over the ESV. I use them with my KJV, which I consider the best and final authority. I would rather trust the Received Text, or Majority Texts, but I also like to use at least two versions together when doing a Bible Study. It helps clarify sometimes, and other times helps me understand the full meanings at times. These versions sometimes do not explain the culture it was originally written in, and so I also have the Cultural Bible (ESV), which is very interesting.

Get em’ all and compare em’

No, not another update bible!!!!! I have been dragging my feet over this one. I bought every update of the NIV that came along, and got sick of it. In 2011 I bought several updated bibles, it was a year of surging updates. The excuse given was that our language was changing so rapidly. I bought the HCSB, it was different enough to be interesting. Then along comes a new update, which, many claimed, was a watered down version. And from that graft, it probably is. But the counseling adaption has made this an interesting bible to me.

I’m a bit confused. Admittedly I don’t like the CSB, NLT, or NIV(except 1984) versions. That said, shouldn’t we want the Bible to be the most literal and closest to what was written? We have expositors, free study bible apps, RU-vid videos like yours, etc should there be confusion. For me, NASB95 & LSB read very well. NASB95 Is a bit smoother but I want it as close to the original as possible. Another great video though!

IT SEEMS THE ESV has a more English background . The NASB a more AMerican background ! SHALOM !

I really like the CSB and the way it reads. The one negative I have is their translation of a Greek word with a Hebrew transliteration in one phrase and later in the same sentence using a the Greek transliteration. That word id Christos. It seems a little confusing to translate the same word as Christ and a few words later as (the) Messiah. I think it's the only translation that does this.

I recommend listening to the HCSB on audio CD. a daily dose for me, and I am free.

What is your absolute favorite Bible , Tim? Translation, layout, etc.

I like okayest.. Optimal equivalent.

I think the csb has moved up on the list of most purchased Bible translations...

NASB (95) IS the most literal translation, from my own research. CSB is very good, as it comes close in accuracy, and is very idiomatic. Never understood why they bothered putting out the ESV.

Question: Is there a difference between the Christian Standard Bible and the Holman Christian Standard Bible?

I use to read the NLT but felt it wasn't as accurate

Middle of the road is good, in as much as you don't run into a ditch. 😊

Personally for me, I mainly use the KJV, NKJV, and NASB

I’m a little embarrassed but is this the same as the HCSB? The Holman Christian Standard Bible? Is it an update?

I consider thought-for-thought translations to be a little more important. I mean, isn't that the goal of everyday language, and communication?

My chose NASB, ESV, NKJV, CBS

What? That’s funny. I might get one…but I love my NKJV…

In my honest opinion both the KJV and NKJV should be ranked much lower on the literal spectrum because our oldest manuscripts and sources do not include anything in "The Gospel of Mark" after chapter 16 verse 8. The anti-Nicene Church Fathers, meaning those prior to 325AD, also did not include anything in their writings after Mark 16:8. We can be fairly certain that the limited resources available to Erasmus did include those verses after 16:8 but that does not make it right or correct and I'm sure Erasmus would have absolutely loved to have available to him all we do today. Of course he's probably now kneeling at the feet of our LORD with access to all God's Word as he get's to listen to Him speak. Won't that be wonderful when we all can be with Him and talk to all those heroes and teachers throughout Biblical History. Anyway just my two cents on an old now video. Take care and God Bless...

I think the CSB and ESV are close

The CSB is an ok translation, as you said the middle of the road 🛣️ Bible. The KJV adds a lot of words that don't belong in verses, and I believe that the NASB95 is the best translation for me. It was good for John Macarthur for many years so I believe it is a great translation for everyone.

I can not get used to the "gender neutral language" approach in so many of the translations today. Is the NKJV the only modern translation without it?

The best Bible translation....in the Englisch language🇬🇧😊.

he obviously doesn't know the BSB ;)

Is this the Baptist Bible?

I bought one today. Because it was CHEAP. $27. HA HA.

This video scores an Ok.

As for Mr Ward. Two faced? Did he not declare the the NIV was the best bible? It seems to me that he praised the NIV twice as much as the CSB.

is the CSB a woke translation? In other words, does it try to sensitise itself to the culture?

csb just as bad as all the restof moderns

Mark Ward is losing credibility !

I'm just waiting for the Lexham English Bible to come out in print I love that one. Love to read the Name of Yahweh which is written over seven thousand times in the Bible then BLOTTED OUT by "Judeo-Christians" who want you worshipping some nameless "LORD" (literally 'baal'). Praise Yahweh, my God and my Yeshua!

Is it infected with Calvinism in any way?

itsjunk it removesmuch just another example of modern kn0wbit alls