CSB Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Christian Standard Bible?
The Christian Standard Bible (CSB) is a highly trustworthy, faithful translation that is proven to be the optimal blend of accuracy and readability. It’s as literal to the original as possible without sacrificing clarity. The CSB is poised to become the translation that pastors rely on and Bible readers turn to again and again to read and to share with others.
What is the reading level of the Christian Standard Bible?
Each individual book of the Bible measures at a different reading level, due to differing writing styles of the biblical authors; some books are more readable than others. The average reading level for the entire text of the Christian Standard Bible is 7th grade.
How is the Christian Standard Bible different from the Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB)?
The Christian Standard Bible is a revision of the HCSB, updating translation and word choices in order to optimize both fidelity to the original languages and clarity for a modern audience. The Translation Oversight Committee, co-chaired by Drs. Tom Schreiner and David Allen, incorporated advances in biblical scholarship and input from Bible scholars, pastors, and readers to further hone both accuracy and readability.
What denominations were involved in creating the CSB?
One hundred scholars from 17 denominations translated the HCSB from the original Hebrew, Greek, and Aramaic manuscripts. Keeping that trans-denominational focus, the revision and oversight committee of the CSB is comprised of top biblical scholars from a variety of conservative, evangelical denominations, including Southern Baptist, Lutheran, Presbyterian, conservative Anglican, and non-denominational Bible churches.
What is the translation philosophy of the Christian Standard Bible?
The CSB was created using Optimal Equivalence, a translation philosophy that balances linguistic precision to the original languages and readability in contemporary English. This process assures that both the words and thoughts contained in the original text are conveyed as accurately as possible for today’s readers. Learn more.
How does the Christian Standard Bible compare to other translations?
The CSB strikes a balance between the more formal (“word-for-word”) translations and more dynamic (“thought-for-thought”) translations. Research has proven that the Christian Standard Bible is the optimal combination of fidelity to the original languages and readability for a modern audience, when compared to other translations. The CSB was created using Optimal Equivalence, a translation philosophy that balances linguistic precision to the original languages and readability in contemporary English, making it ideal not only for preaching and study, but for sharing with others.
Why should I choose the Christian Standard Bible over other Bible translations?
- The CSB is an original translation: more than 100 scholars from 17 denominations translated directly from the best available Hebrew, Greek, and Aramaic source texts into English. Its Greek source text is the standard used by scholars and seminaries today.
- The CSB is trustworthy: the conservative, evangelical scholars of the CSB affirm the authority of Scripture as the inerrant Word of God and seek the highest level of faithfulness to the original and accuracy in their translation.
- The CSB is clear: it is as literal a translation of the ancient source texts as possible, but, in the many places throughout Scripture where a word-for-word rendering might obscure the meaning for a modern audience, it uses a more dynamic translation. In all cases, the intent is to convey the original meaning of God’s Word as faithfully and as clearly as possible.
Is the Christian Standard Bible considered a good translation for serious study?
Yes. The CSB is translated directly from the best available Hebrew, Greek and Aramaic source texts into English by biblical scholars who affirm the authority of Scripture as the inerrant Word of God and seek the highest level of accuracy in their translation. The CSB is as literal a translation of the original languages as possible while still balancing clarity in English, making it ideal not only for preaching and study, but also for reading and sharing with others.
Who provides oversight of the CSB?
Holman Bible Publishers, a division of Lifeway, is the non-profit ministry that holds the copyright of the CSB and is responsible for its stewardship.
Why was the word “Holman” removed from the name of the translation?
Holman Bible Publishers has a proud heritage as the oldest North American Bible publisher, dating back to 1743. While the publishing entity retains that name, the Holman name in the name of a Bible translation often created more questions than answers. “Christian Standard Bible” removes those questions and increases appeal to the broad audience that the CSB is designed to serve.
For further questions, email contact@csbible.com.