Holman Christian Standard Bible FAQs

Why do we need a new English translation of the Bible when there are already so many available?

• To provide a highly readable text which precisely retains the original and full meaning of Scripture in order to encourage and enhance Bible study.
• To take advantage of the latest advances in biblical scholarship and computer technology that were not available to previous translators.
• To safeguard the Scriptures from trends toward cultural pluralism, political correctness, and drifting ideology by having a translation controlled by a community of believers, not profit-driven business interests.

What are some of the especially valuable features of the Holman Christian Standard Bible®?

• It is a precisely translated text, yet it conveys the meaning of the original Hebrew and Greek with words and grammar that are familiar to and easily understood by today’s readers.
• It is being produced with specially customized software that allows new standards of precision, detail and consistency.
• Some versions include word studies that were developed originally during the translation process. These studies are provided in the margins to further refine and explain key Bible words.
• Translators begin with a word-for-word translation process, then style the language to communicate clearly with modern English readers. The Holman CSB® is not a thought-for-thought translation or a paraphrase of Scripture.

Is the Holman CSB® just a Southern Baptist Bible?

• Members of the translation team represent 17 different Protestant denominations around the world, as well as several non-denominational churches.
• Each team member personally affirms the inerrancy of Scripture.
• The General Editor of the Holman CSB® is a member of a non-denominational church.
• Only about one-half of the translation team is Baptist.

Who are the translators?

• Dr. Arthur Farstad was the General Editor of the Holman CSB® from the time he began the project in 1984 until his death in September 1998. Dr. Farstad also served as the General Editor of the New King James Version.
• Since Dr. Farstad’s death, the General Editor has been Dr. Edwin Blum, a colleague of Dr. Farstad’s. Dr. Blum is a former pastor, seminary professor, and businessman. He received degrees from Dallas Theological Seminary (cum laude) and the University of Basel, Switzerland (magna cum laude).
• The Executive Editor of the Holman Christian Standard Bible® is David Shepherd, vice president and publisher of Broadman & Holman Publishers.
• Dr. Blum and Mr. Shepherd supervise a worldwide team of more than 90 scholars, translators, editors, and English stylists from team headquarters in Dallas and executive headquarters in Nashville. Translators are working from the Nestle-Aland Greek text (27th edition) for the New Testament, and the Biblia Hebraica Stuttgartensia (4th edition) for the Old Testament.

What part does the profit motive play in developing the new translation?

• Beginning in May 2003, LifeWay Church Resources will be distributing 222,000 free Holman CSB New Testaments to anyone ordering a LifeWay Sunday School Fall 03 Leader Pack.  In addition, church staff and lay leaders will have the opportunity to order this special edition Holman CSB New Testament through our online catalog near cost when ordering in case lots of 48.  Student leadership will also be able to buy individual copies in a special offer for $1.50 each.
• Broadman & Holman is a division of LifeWay Christian Resources of the Southern Baptist Convention, a registered non-profit corporation. The company’s motivation for the production of a new Bible translation is ministry, not money, although money and sound business practices are necessary for supporting and expanding the ministry.
• A key reason for producing the Holman CSB® is to encourage and enhance Bible study with a text that is approachable and reader-friendly, as well as accurate. This translation seeks not only to draw more people into an in-depth study of God’s Word, but also to help them develop a deeper Christian walk.
• Having a proprietary translation allows greater flexibility in Bible development and more effective ministry outreach. It also guarantees access to a modern English Bible text that will be free from liberal theological influences.
• Total cost of the project, including research, marketing, printing, production, and distribution; is projected to be $10–12 million. This investment will take years to generate net income.
• Profit margins on Bibles are generally very low (“as thin as the paper they’re printed on,” according to executive editor David Shepherd). If Broadman & Holman’s primary goal were to make money rather than to expand its ministry, the company would pursue other opportunities that hold greater profit potential.
• This project is consistent with the company’s heritage. Holman Bible Publishers is America’s oldest Bible publisher, having printed the first Bible on American soil (a German version) in 1738.

Why is "Holman" used as part of the translation name?

• Holman Bible Publishers is America’s oldest Bible publisher (see above), and as such, the Holman name reflects a time-honored legacy in the publishing of fine Bibles. Producing a new Bible translation is an appropriate next step in the continuation of that legacy.
• Holman Bible Publishers is the Bible publishing arm of Broadman & Holman Publishers, the trade books and supplies division of LifeWay Christian Resources. The use of the Holman name thereby stands as a reminder that the translation is owned and managed by an organization whose primary purpose is to safeguard the Word of God and communicate it with the utmost integrity for generations to come.
• By putting our company name in the name of the translation, we are making a commitment to stand by the integrity of this work.

Download a PDF copy of this article: Holman CSB FAQs.pdf (17kb)

Share your thoughts with other readers:  Post Comments   Rate this Article