Why I Chose The ESV over the NASB 

This video gets lots of interaction, and I'm so grateful for that. Thank you for participating in the community! That being said... let me make a suggestion to all my theological bible loving brothers and sisters in Christ. Work on your NUANCE. The video was called “Why I Chose the ESV over the NASB” it was not called “Why the ESV is the best thing ever and the NASB is a flaming bag of dog poop.” Obviously, I give a lot of positives up front because I love the NASB, both academically and sentimentally. But ultimately form, quality and ACCESSIBILITY are why I chose the translation. I try to think as a pastor (because it’s my default thought process) and if I was transitioning a church to one translation (which I would) I could not chose the NASB with a clear conscience. I don’t collect Bibles, so I don’t know all the ins and outs about how they’re made or who makes themselves. (Printers not the publishers) I’m simply on a journey to find my prefect “forever” bible. I only like premium bibles because I interact with them for 2+ hours every day. The page has to look good enough to read that long and the Bible needs to feel good enough to hold that long. Re the soon coming NASB update: The NASB will not update the way the ESV updates. Everyone the ESV updates, we get no indication. There is no “ESV11” - the way the NASB has and will update will be more like a “new version” than an update. We will ALWAYS have the NASB95... so I, still stand by that statement. They do leave the text alone, and when they update. Plus, updating every 20-25 years vs every 4-6 years, aren’t really apples to apples. I hope this helps anyone who was overly concerned about what the guy on youtube was saying what he was saying. I’ll be starting a series in late fall to help you fine ministers start your own channels and produce quality videos to reach the internet with the gospel and/or your personal opinions about stuff! 😁

I appreciate the review, but I feel as though the NASB points were stronger for me anyway.

This guy is ridiculously likable.

I like how the NASB uses small caps for Old Testament quotes. That’s very important and makes sure you don’t miss the quotes. I truly wish the ESV did this. It would be really close to perfect if it did. I really like how the ESV translators made the wise decision to side with the Dead Sea Scrolls and Septuagint when they both agree over the Masoretic text.

Thanks for the help!!! NASB is now my choice.

You are making a great case for the NASB. I think your struggle comes from personal study vs. congregational use. Your reasons for choosing the ESV seem to revolve around style over substance.

I like MEV for Textus Receptus and ESV for Critical, but with Logos, Accordance, and YouVersion, it’s great to have multiple readings in English.

I'm just getting into reading bibles and you drew me in right at the beginning of this video. I scroll down and someone mentions that you're like-able and now I can't stop analyzing you, but I have to agree there is something about you that is extremely like-able. Anyway thank you for making this video.

Thank you. I just bought my ESV readers Bible. Love the Bible looking like a novel. Was going to buy the NASB but wanted to break away from the tradition 2 column reference Bibles and I'm loving this. Wouldn't have gone with ESV if it wasn't for your video so many thanks again.

As someone who struggles to choose between these two translations myself (and often ends up looking to buy both each time rather than just make a decision!!)... What a blessing of a video. Thanks!

You sold me on the NASB in the first half of this video. You sold me on ESV in the second half of this video. I have both, I use both. I use ESV more. I'm still torn.

Just bought my first ESV study bible today!

I personally using KJV and NASB and I love it. the best versions

I agree with you. I just got the NASB77 and it reads better than the ESV imo. It's easier to read than the NKJV! That's my Bible, because the product line for 1977 NASB is limited.

Same here! ESV supposedly are originally from revised standard version. Just discovered that in my ESV Bible intro today. Agree, love the italics!

This video is “really super great” 👍. I have been getting into theology the past several months. I currently have an ESV student study and have just ordered an NASB keyword Bible

Thanks for this FANTASTIC video review! 🙌🏼

So far you have convinced me nasb over esv.. then again I came in as a nasb only lol

Thank you, that was actually quite helpful. Fun to watch too.

Really appreciate your channel. Thanks for your honesty and vulnerability. I’m a Bible nerd as well. This video is the reason ESV is my main Bible now.

I love Schlitterbon Bibles! lol (I think he may have meant Schyler, and I do actually like those.) Thanks for your videos, Jason!

It’s funny how China persecutes people for having bibles or preaching Jesus, but they sure do love to sell us bibles. I have a few China made bibles.

Wow 50 lbs in 4 months That’s impressive

As someone who is one of the biggest supporters of the great ESV Bible, I would like to agree that it is one of the best Bibles of our time.I use it as my primary Bible, but also use the NKJV at times to draw comparison.I bought my first ESV before it became as popular as it currently is, and I think that it is a gift from God to the modern day Church.The ESV is a relatively new Bible version, but I believe that it will eventually surpass the NIV, and ultimately the much respected KJV, both in popularity, and in sales.I use my ESV for my personal devotions, for study, for memorising, for sharing selected portions with others, and as an Evangelist, I use it for ministry.

I struggle with this to bro. My struggle is with NIV or ESV. I grew up on the NIV but I have preached from the ESV since 2010. I love a literal translation. My wife knows your wife’s pain...lol. I’m glad I’m not alone in my translation mania.

You just became my favorite channel~ thx for your videos buddy

One of the reasons the ESV is so frequently updated is because some critical things were overlooked during the first revision, and even the second edition has rough spots that are not grammatically or exegetically correct.

“They don’t update it (NASB) anymore.” *NASB 2020 and LSB intensify* (I know it’s been 2 years lol)

I totally agree with you on zondervan making cheap feeling stuff. I bought a gorgeous looking ESV bible the other day as my daily driver and wanted a good looking NASB to go along with it but couldn't find anything remotely as gorgeous without spending about 3x as much.

Love the video. The NASB now has an update. No translation is safe from the updates which is why some just read the kjv. The language is archaic but it won't be updated any more as far as I know. I go back and forth myself with these translations. I don't know.

You have such an awesome personality Jason. So glad to meet you. I never have read the ESV. Just the NASB and didn’t know about a 65 and 95 or something like that version until I read some of the comments lol

I was raised KJV only. In my 20s and 30s, I used the NKJV. Then, as I aged, I went back to the KJV with the Strong's concordance. I love to study the Word. Looking at the meaning behind words gets me on fire... that's my passion right there. Recently, I heard about the ESV and the NASB. I bought the NASB because it was the most literal of the two versions. I returned the NASB because it's not what I wanted. I wanted a version that I could just sit, read, and enjoy the Word without trying to go into study mode all the time. Sometimes, I just want to read and not focus on trying to decipher each scripture. Just enjoy the Word He gave us and let Him just fill my soul and spirit. I will use the KJV to do my intense studies and the ESV as a way to help me understand a scripture better or just to curl up with His good book and enjoy. Thank you for a great video!

I use all, but the ESV is my base. Living in the Capitol of California, people in a small church literally from all over the world; senior pastor felt required to teach from the NIV for such a diverse group, but our retired pastor teaching the kids used the KJV and I taught the youth/adults using the ESV. We kept it that way because the world uses multiple versions and we wanted our congregants to grow and mature, and when talking to friends who only used a specific version they would be effective regardless of which translation used. A congregation should have no need to use a single version to be “on the same page,” but capable of working and studying from a variety to be effective in the real world. Loved this presentation.

Thank you for taking the time to put this together.

Great review. I feel the same as you. I'm always torn about translation choices. Of course, part of that is because so many great options are available. (We are blessed!). I grew up with the NASB so it will always hold a special place in my heart. And I can't wait to see the NASB19!

I purchased a top grain leather thinline ESV from Truth for Life (Alistair Begg) for $35 and it's one of the best Bibles I've ever bought

Thanks for the this great podcast! Very helpful in understanding NASB. I have a lot of ESV Bibles and a few others.

I’m torn between all the versions 🤣🤣🤣. NKJV, ESV, NASB, CSB.

I like both, by my EDC is the ESV. I didn’t realize how engrained in my mind the ESV has become until I tried to use the version my pastor uses, which is the CSB. There is a majesty to the ESV and the NASB that many other versions lack. I think this comes with Being a literal version and reflecting some of how the original authors wrote. The ESV is fantastic. I do wish they would slow down the revisions a bit, I have three ESV’s, one 2007 MacArthur ESV, a 2011 ESV Study Bible, and a 2011 Single Column, verse by verse, reference bible. All are fantastic! I hope to use the Verse By Verse single column for preaching. My son just gave that one to me.

I agree with you about all of it. How lovely is that? Also my two favorite Bibles. Just got a really nice ESV called The Illuminated Art Journaling Bible. Beautiful artwork all in gold. Love it.

When I read the NASB it cuts into my heart more than any other translation

You convinced me to stick with NASB haha. Very insightful info. NASB for me. Thanks!

Great video, as per usual. I'm going to give the single column wide margin ESV a try. One potential advantage of the ESV is that it comes free with freebie theWord Bible study software, which can complement hardcopy ESV reading and study. A congregation adopting ESV could be pointed to theWord as an additional resource. NASB 77 is $12 and a NASB 95 bundle is $30. In theWord, only KJV and NASB are keyed to Strong's numbers. (I have Logos 8 but I spend about equal time in theWord. Maybe now that Logos speed has improved that may change. But theWord is a great option for anyone interested in a powerful, flexible, intuitive free computer Bible study program.)

You are not alone in loving Nasv wording - love it’s more literal, word for word, love it is not going to be changing.

I agree that the NASB 1995 is beautiful, poetic, and speaks to me

I’m a NASB (1977) guy, but I like this video.

I'm being so drawn to the nasb. I have been reading the kjv my entire life. I was stuck in the kjv inly midnset for WAY to long. My ignorance and legalism was astronomical! Thank God we are not saved by our works!! Im really really drawn to the cambridge clarion nasb. It looks so cool. The format draws me. The single column looks more like a diary then a "bible." As if God took the time to write out sn entire book and im reading His perosnal diary. So i think im going to make the move on an NASB Clarion Bible. Thank you for this video!! To me, the nasb sounds the most clear to me. I really like it. Thanks!!❤

Why I have rejected the ESV in favor of the NASB (update coming out next year). First, and most importantly, a search for the Hebrew noun, mishpat = (justice, judgment, statute, ordinance) in the plural yields 125 hits. In the NAS95, it is translated ordinances (75x), judgments (40x), + a few other English words. In the ESV, mishpat (pl) is most often translated rules (92x/125x)! For example, see Ex 21:1. Weak! Even when discussion civil government, statute and ordinance are stronger words than rule. Additionally, the ESV, like the RSV (and NRSV), rarely translates the imperfect tense accurately. Read Acts 18:1-6 and compare the ESV, NASB, and the KJV/NKJV. Then focus on vv. 4-5. The NAS95 does a beautiful job, getting exactly the right use of the imperfect. The ESV is mediocre at best. The KJV/NKJV ignore the imperfect altogether (creating a contradiction between vv. 4 & 6), AND have a poorly supported textual variant in v. 5. So I'm sticking with the NAS95. If the NAS18 is as good as I hope it will be, I'll be switching to it. The ESV is out of the running. While the NASB is often accused of being "wooden," we have not found that to be so. We've found more "clunky" verses in the ESV than in the NAS95 as we've gone through Mark, Jude, and now, James, verse by verse with Dr. Plummer (Daily Dose of Greek). And even if it were clunky, I'd stick with it for accuracy.

Thank you. This was very helpful to me. I read the OLDER version of NIV and am going to be reading NASB also.

ESV is a better overall Bible. Glad you chose MY version! 😁👍

As a NASB fanboy, the ESV does read better (smoother) than the NASB.

I have an NRSV Bible because it includes the Apocrypha. Few Bibles do that. The NRSV along with the new CSB are in the middle between word for word and thought for thought. With your preference of word for word, I'd say yes, go with the ESV as they have come out with an edition that includes the Apocrypha.

Great comparison! One advantage of the NASB that you forgot is that it shows quotes from the Old Testament that are in the NT in small caps. I'm not knowledgeable enough to recognize many of them on my own without an indication in the text, so that's a very helpful feature. I agree with every point you made about these two translations. I like them both. Crossway blows other publishers away with their available variety of ESVs. (The other premium Bible publisher you couldn't recall is Schuyler from evangelicalbible dot com. They make heirloom quality Bibles in the NASB, NKJV, ESV, KJV, NIV, and NLT.) My favorite translations are the NKJV, ESV, NASB, and KJV. We are extremely blessed to have so many excellent literal translations from which to choose. Thanks for your video! (I also just gave a Like to another video comparing these two translations which favored the NASB. LOL)

Jason, you sort of mentioned Schuyler (pronounced Sky-ler). They make, in my opinion, the very best Bibles in the world--even beating out R.L. Allan and Cambridge. Enjoy listening to you.

"Literal" is often not only impossible, but not preferred. Anyone who understands translating anything from one language to another understands why that is so.

Thanks for this video. I’m a translator of religious literature and I am always interested in reader comments on translations, especially the Bible. Let me offer the idea that the question of what Bible is best is not a profitable one to ask or answer without taking the intended audience in mind, especially the education of that audience. Bottom line for me personally is making sure that the readers understand the message of salvation and Heavenly Father’s dealings with his saints and daughters. The translation which achieves that is the “good” translation. If ESV does that for you great. If the Amplified or the Message does that then great. Pastors should take that into consideration and not push for a specific Bible.

I’ve started reading the New Testament in Greek, but I haven’t lost my love for the KJV.

How can you lost 50 lbs in 4 months?

i hear ya brother I share your struggle !!!!! my wife started laughing and said "so your not the only one with this problem"....

I love the NASB95. The Word is what’s important, with all glory to God.

Thank You for the explanation. I did not know those things and have been using an NLT. May consider changing, just on your advice.

Your struggle is also mine. The NASU/NASB is my absolute preference for study/teaching, however, there are times the ESV calls to me. I have 60 Bibles in my collection with 22 different translations. For simple devotional reading I will often use the NLT. I also love capitalizing the pronouns of deity, though I am not from the South (LOL). Now I do teach and preach the Word of God using the NASU (New American Standard Update), and have been for the past 18 yrs. In teaching I frequently add one additional translation, which may include the ESV. Being extremely nearsighted with glasses, font size is the most important point when ministering from the Bible. Interesting how each minister selects their Bible of choice. Sometimes we can be a persnickety group (LOL. Thoroughly enjoyed your video.

I remember when I got saved I had the old KJV and cut my spiritual teeth on it back in the late 1960s. I have tried many translations but always return to the KJV. There is too much missing even in the NASB for me.

I feel like you advertised better for the NASB than the ESV. I'm an NASB guy myself. But I like using several translations in conjunction with each other.

Ive only been watching him for a few weeks and i love him🤣 hes so positive it keeps me motivated to read my bible❤️🤷🏻‍♂️ thank you brother for your videos! I use KJV but im considering switching to a easier version for me To read and understand cause i have a very short attention span!

To begin with, I know nothing about the Bible. Purchased the oldest one I could find at a thrift store, because I wanted to avoid new translations. Ended up with an American Standard Version, 1901 copyright by Thomas Nelson & Sons, and 1929 copyright, International Council of Religious Education, "to insure purity of text". On the downside, the cover is coming apart, the binding is shot, and the pages delicate. I'm not sure it'll survive a reading. Good video! Thanks for the information.

I.... stiiillll cannot leave my NASB. So I asked myself how much was the Word of God worth to me? It took a while to change my mindset, but I finally got a PSQ Schuyler Quentel. Incredible goatskin cover, prima paper, Milo font, line matched and incredible maps that break the limitations of the Lockman mentioned. I originally got it until the full size returns in 2019. But with same pagination between the two sizes, I may just keep the little brother when the reprinting of the big one is available. I think the bottom line with the NASB is you get what you pay for. I am happy the ESV comes at a higher quality at a lower cost, but the feel and the content go hand in hand for me. I just can’t put it down! Thanks for posting it was very entertaining!

Thanks for your comparison between the NASB and ESV. I read both of these translations daily. For casual reading, I prefer the ESV.

Have you ever tried the CSB? I work at Lifeway and I LOVE the translation because it is an accurate translation, but is also easy to understand. I also do love the NASB and ESV, but there is something about the CSB that I just love. You might want to check it out if you haven't #totallynotsponsored lol

Great videos man. Thank you.

Enjoye this video Jason. Keep em coming.

I prefer the ESV I find it easier to read, it talks to me

Love the ESV but I already own too many Bibles, including good NKJV and KJV study Bibles. I like the NASB. For study, I open my laptop to the NET Bible, which Grudem admits to using exhaustively in the ESV translation process. I use a classic NASB Reference for my daily reading. Also, my church (AG) uses the NASB. But hobby lobby has an ESV Study Bible for $20 right now. Tempting...

I prefer the NASB as well, but I definitely see the readibility argument with the ESV, especially having grown up in a Church that used the NIV.

I fought with myself over NASB and ESV when I was switching from the NIV. I agree that Crossway has a better line of Bibles. I got the ESV study bible in calfskin and I love it. I’m right there with you on the feel. I really love holding the calfskin and it makes the reading that more enjoyable. I have heard that more literal translations like the NASB might interpret words the same even though their meanings are completely different. I don’t have an example though.

I love hearing your opinion of your preference of translation or version. You made your point clear. It is your opinion and I respect that.😎 I have several bibles which includes the ESV and NASB. And I have growing fondness in NASB. 😍 I grew up reading KJV, then NIV and later on NKJV BUT I also check on NLT, NASB & ESV but I still stick to my beloved NKJV. The NKJV speaks to me beautifully. 😍The rest are just good as references 😊 In conclusion, the Holy Spirit would speak to our hearts the truth that is revealed in His word. 😊

There are no literal English Bible translations except for interlinear Bibles. But the italics tho!

I am a Dutch reader of the bible and ofcourse I read my dutch bibles. I read the “statenvertaling” and the “ herziene Statenvertaling” you can compare these 2 bibles with “ the King James” and “New King James” bible. I have some English translations as well: The ESV and NASB. And of course the King James Bible. I like those 3 english bibles a lot

Simple! Do what I do. Use them ALL! When doing topical research. But carry one for everyday reading, editing, deleting, and changing. Wide margins required! Mine is the 1987 Nelson NKJV with double columns, center column references, and WIDE MARGINS! Got 30+ years in "MY" translation there.

I love watching this guy !

Per your positive review, I got the Schuyler Quentel Premium NASB. It's beautiful!! It's the first NASB I've owned and I love reading it!! There was a scripture I read in it today and none of my other translations use this word. See Like 10:2. BEESECH!! One said "pray earnestly". Bessech in the dictionary said, to say a few of them: PLEA and BEG!! It makes the verse much more powerful! I have an ESV, but it's going to Goodwill. The notes for Romans 9 spell out TULIP clearly. I don't need or want a Calvinist - leaning Bible. Blessings to you! I hope you see this!

ESV Bible is my favorite Bible. Reads very easily.

They are now updating the whole version of the NASB. They are focusing on the Old Testament but revising the NT also. Will be coming out in 2019. I believe they shouldn't update God's Word to accomadate the English language of today, we should change our English language to God's Word.

It is a struggle for me to choose also. But my favorites are Esv, Csb, Nasb and Mev...

The ESV has been my primary translation for a while but now I'm beginning to use a mixture of both. The literal Word app got me into the NASB. I highly suggest the app if you haven't checked it out. I agree with the ESV product line being better but I think that might change when the 2020 NASB update comes out.

Thanks for the explanation on the differences. They are both good but I prefer the NASB between the two. I agree that Crossways definitely has the most extensive product line. My favorite and most enjoyable translation among all 13 translations I own is the NLT.

"Every man" never bothered me either, and I'm a woman. I also agree about Lockman Bibles. They're not great. I just got a genuine leather NASB recently from them, & it was disappointming.

To add, Minister Jason, love your video. You have an addictive personality. Keep it up.

The NASB retains verses which the ESV takes out. (placed in footnotes) They are placed in brackets. The Gideons ESV is a nice Bible to consider. The NASB is having a major update according to the NA28 and OT texts.

I tried both, and I prefer the ESV. I love that it has that traditional language and feel that reminds me of the KJV.

It does bother me that ESV doesnt capitalize God's pronouns. Put some respect on His Name.

I love all my word-for-word translations! Except for the NASB 2020!

This was a REALLY SUPER GREAT review! It makes me feel better knowing I'm not the only one who struggles with this. At times I like ESV better, and other times I like NASB better. I think they are good comparison translations, though I am still debating over which to make my own.

I have a Lockman Foundation NASB and it's every bit as good as the expensive Bibles. Quality paper, beautiful type, genuine leather, lays flat, no shadowing effect, large margins, etc. Even though I agree with you in this video, except for that, you did well explaining the differences.

ESV has a new line of individual books of the Bible that came out in 2019. For example: You can buy just the Book of Isaiah. As far as I know ESV is the only translation that has that.

Some verses in the NASB are turned around so they hardly make sense. My CSB clears most of those verses up so I understand what they mean.

😁always a good watch. NASB 100% I've tried reading through the esv but I found the sentence structure makes me skip in my speech I find that they are both are so similar that you can preach from the nasb and people can still follow in the ears for in the congregation blessyou

The introduction is hilarious

Thank you for sharing. You almost convinced me not to get the ESV LOL

Don't need a super nice Bible I want the literal word of God and the best translation.NASB! I already changed my mind about the new NIV,ESV, and CSB too many slashes disclaimers, interpretations (their group) etc. I love the MacArthur Study Bible In NASB.