I love this new video from the Broadman & Holman Publishing Group about the HCSB. They highlight the primary reasons why the HCSB is the most readable and accurate English translation available.
Some Highlights
- More than 100 Bible scholars from 17 denominations (What!? Not just a bunch of Southern Baptists?) gave several years of their lives to this translation because they felt the advancements in archaeology, linguistics, and Biblical research were so significant that there needed to be a new translation (not just a revision).
- Goal was to be the most accurate and readable Bible in the English language.
- Most translations use the title Lord for God’s personal name. HCSB uses Yahweh over 600 times. Compare Isaiah 42:8 HCSB vs. ESV. (What!? I never knew God had a name!)
- The Greek word doulos is translated more accurately as “slave” over a hundred times in the HCSB (rather than the more common “servant”). Compare Titus 1:1 HCSB vs. ESV.
- John 3:16, the most beloved verse of the Bible is translated “For God loved the world in this way…” to more accurately display the original Greek meaning that has to do with how God displayed his love, not just how much he loved.
- Uses “Messiah” when appropriate rather than “Christ” (if context warrants that translation). Compare Matthew 2:4 HCSB vs. ESV.
- Uses modern day speech patterns (For example, would you say, “Behold, a beautiful sunset!” Or, “Look at that beautiful sunset!”?) Compare Matthew 10:16 HCSB vs. NIV (where did idou go?).
- Uses contractions to make it easier to read. Compare Ephesians 3:2 HCSB vs. NIV.
- Provides accuracy and readability through it’s optimal equivalence approach.
- Satisfies those new to the faith and serious students of God’s Word.
If you want more, I’ve written a couple of posts on the HCSB:
Got any questions about the HCSB? What is your translation of choice? How does it compare to the HCSB? What did you think about the quality of this video?
HT: Stetzer
