Rating: 
Summary: Simple and Honest Evaluation
Review: Honestly, there are several good translations. I own several. My choice is the 1977, NASB copyrighted version. It has great Greek translations, and still keeps the proper uses of you, thou, and thee, etc... Though this translation is no longer published, it still can be found today. There is nothing wrong with the updated 1995 version. And I must also state (in my opinion), there is nothing wrong with the KJV, NKJV, and the ESV Bibles, they're all great translations. I pray that some day they'd all come together in one combined translation, keeping the proper English usage of the word you, and refining their Greek to English translation. I strongly recommend NOT using the NIV nor some other versions, for they water down "The Word of God".
Rating: 
Summary: Good Bible
Review: 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!
Rating:
Summary: Wonderful
Review: 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.
Rating: 
Summary: Great for high school / college years
Review: I utilized the NASB as my primary Bible for several years. I did so as it is a very accurate translation. This can be seen by comparing the NASB with the word-for-word translation in an interlinear. Most often, the NASB compares very favorably with this literal translation. However, depending on which interlinear one is using, there might be times that the NASB will differ significantly from the interlinear and even from other fairly literal translations like the KJV and NKJV. The reason for this difference is that the NASB is based on a "Critical Text" (CT) type of Greek text while many interlinears and the KJV use the Textus Receptus (TR). The reason for the differences between these two Greek texts is very complex, and deciding which is the most accurate can take a lot of study. But wanting to have the most accurate Bible possible, I took the time to do such study. And in the process, I became convinced that the TR was to be preferred to the CT, and slightly better than the TR was the more recent Majority Text (MT). So despite its literal accuracy, IMO, the NASB had a serious defect in being based on a less reliable Greek text. So now I utilize the NKJV or LITV, both of which are based on the TR. I discuss this issue at length in my book difference Between Bible Versions. My book also has a full chapter review of the updated, 1995 edition of the NASB, along with reviews of over 30 other versions of the Bible.
Rating:
Summary: Excellent basic reference Bible in an excellent translation
Review: 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.
Rating:
Summary: A readable, accurate and satisfying translation.
Review: 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.
Rating:
Summary: A readable, accurate and satisfying translation.
Review: 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.
Rating:
Summary: NASB - 1977 ed., 1995 (Update), or Next edition????
Review: 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.
Rating:
Summary: NASB - 1977 ed., 1995 (Update), or Next edition????
Review: 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.
Rating:
Summary: God's Written Revelation
Review: Since the beginning man has been trying to answer the question of his existance and purpose in this universe. God's Writtn Revelation (the Bible) answers these questions. Who else would know but the One Who created the heavens and the earth? This book claims to be the the Truth and it does not take much faith to believe it. How else would the Earth have gotten hear? If you have a lot of faith, you may believe the fantastic ideas so-called science has concocted about accidental phenominons such as the big bang and evolution. I must say, to believe such astronomical impossibilities you must have the greatest faith of all. True science confirms, not denies, the facts in the bible. Evolution is a theory that can be easily disproven. Creation however cannot be disproven with true facts. This book also answers the question why we are here, who we are, and what the problem with the world is. It also contains the greatest story ever told in Jesus Christ. God becoming man. Why? To redeem fallen man. Man was given a choice. To do good or to do bad. We chose bad. He loved us so much He came up with a way to save us. Because God is so holy, and just, He could not let sin go unpunished. So the punishment had to be put on someone sinnless and pure. Since there is no man sinnless, God chose to become a man and take our punishment on Himself. So this Lamb was slain for us. And if we accept this slain Lamb we bear His righteousness upon ourselves. So the choice is we accept His Son to take on our own punishment or we deny Him and take on our own in an everlasting hell. Wow! Some may ask why does a loving God send us to hell. But God makes ever effort to save us. He doesn't send us to hell, it is our decisions that sends us there. We must trample over the cross, preaching, and the Truth to make it to hell. We must refuse His Son's lordship in our lives to make it there. He will not force us to believe on Him. That is the Greatest story I've ever heard. This is the only religion I know where we have access to a personal relaitonship to the Creator of the universe. No other religion has a Lord who resurrected from the dead. This is an historic event proved by numerous witnesses. All other religions are immitations. As for this NASB updated version, it is in my opinion one of the most accurate translations (along with the NIV). Very readable. Next to the NIV this is my favorite translation. This needs to be in every home. Read, study, apply and your life will never be the same.
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