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New Testament Studies: NASB

Resources available at Yale Divinity Library for New Testament studies.

Introducing the New American Standard Bible

New American Standard Bible (NASB) updated the American Standard Version (ASV). 

In contrast to the RSV, the NASB (1963; updated 1997) favored word-for-word translation, or a "literal" NT translation. The NASB follows Greek syntax whenever possible, notes additions made in the English translation (usually with italics), confines clause restructuring to footnotes, and eschews conventions like paragraphs. The 1997 revamp lessened the stringency of these editorial decisions. 

While the NASB commonly takes pride of place as "most literal" English NT translation, it is far from aesthetically pleasing and borders on opaque. Second, the NASB chose the Nestle-Aland 23 (for 1963) and Nestle-Aland 26 (for 1997) to translate, though telling divergences were taken.

 

NASB Permissions Policy

The NASB may be used without express written permission by the Lockman Foundation under the following conditions: 

  • Fewer than 1,000 verses
  • Does not provide a full book of the NT
  • Quotation does not reach more that 50% of target text

The copyright notice runs as follows:

  • "Scripture quotations taken from the New American Standard Bible® (NASB), Copyright © 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation Used by permission. www.Lockman.org"

The copyright notice for online usage runs as follows:

  • “Scripture quotations taken from the NASB. Copyright by The Lockman Foundation" (This notice or a portion must be a click-enabled Web link to www.lockman.org.)

Finally, noncommercial usage (e.g. bulletin) must include "(NASB®)" after every usage. 

For more on NASB permissions see: