The Inside Column Reference Edition of the LSB has over 95,000 references and over 14,000 footnotes conveniently placed on the inside column to allow maximum space for Bible text. It also contains a concordance and full-color, detailed maps. It comes in both indexed and non-indexed editions.
*Easy-to-read, large 11 point font *Black letter text with red for book titles, running headers, chapter & page numbers *Line matched, single column, verse-by-verse typeset *Typesetting by 2K Denmark *40 gsm Bible paper *1,696 pages *Gold-gilded pages with rounded corners *Smyth-sewn, paste-down binding with overcast stitching *Rounded page corners *Foil stamping and 5 raised hubs on spine *Genuine cowhide leather with perimeter stitching *Two double-sided satin ribbons *A 90-page concordance with over 16,000 Scripture references *Tables for weights, measurements, and monetary units *8 full-color maps *Printed and bound in Korea
Books can be attributed to "Anonymous" for several reasons:
* They are officially published under that name * They are traditional stories not attributed to a specific author * They are religious texts not generally attributed to a specific author
Books whose authorship is merely uncertain should be attributed to Unknown.
The LSB is an excellent (I would argue the best) translation currently available in the English language. This was my first to read through the whole translation, and doing so in the wide margin large pint edition was wonderful. The wide margin gives the text room to breathe (and make notes for those who like to do so). The single column text makes verses easy to find for study, and makes the reading of books of the Bible flow better. And the larger print is the best part about this edition! The large print is only “large” relative to the tiny “normal” bible font size. But this makes a huge difference not only in reading, but also when I stand up to preach or teach and the Bible is even further from my eyes. I highly recommend this translation and encourage everyone to get a copy and read it.
One of the best translations I've read, my only complaint is that they went wholly with the Masoretic Text instead of cross checking with the LXX and the DSS like the ESV does. But if this was a study Bible that should be mentioned in the notes.
I think this was my 7th different version of the Bible I have read. So I feel somewhat competent to discuss it's strengths and weaknesses. First, the translators use of Yahweh instead of the generic LORD in the OT is invaluable. I don't even know how to describe how much of a different it makes when you see God's Name over and over, some 7,000 + times. Sorta makes it clear God wanted His people to know who He was, contrasted to every false god.
Also, love the language of God "cutting a covenant" ... very accurate rendering.
On the flip side, be prepared for some surprises and rigidity in reading. The translators admittedly did not focus on readability, but on staying true to what the original author wrote, as much as possible. Further, reading that the OT tabernacle was covered in porpoise skins, rather than badger skins ... was a shocker for an old KJV guy ... but I am certain there is warrant for this rendering.
Overall, a wonderful and reliable translation and would be beneficial reading for anyone ... who knows Yahweh or not.
As for the Scripture, "the Word of God is living and active, sharper than any two edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and spirit, of joints and marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart." Hebrews 4:12
As for this translation, I thoroughly enjoy and appreciate the Legacy Standard. From its faithfulness to the original languages, to the use of God's covenant name, I am impressed and blessed by this work.
I’m kind of a nerd when it comes to English Bible translations. I read through a new version every year to keep the text fresh and interesting. When I read a new translation (especially a new one in time like the Legacy Standard Bible) I generally judge it by several criteria that I think makes a translation “worthwhile.” Things like: 1. Do we need this new translation? (Given that there are an almost absurdly high number of English translations). 2. Does it help me understand the Bible in a fresh way or see it with fresh eyes? 3. Does it do a good job of translating in a way that makes sense (whether it is a “literal” translation or one of dynamic equivalence (thought for thought).
I’ve spent the last year reading through the Legacy Standard Bible and by my criteria at least it is not a “good” translation. (But also understand it isn’t a bad translation either, it’s just another one that seems unnecessary to me and therefore even more confusing for the average reader). [Experiment:Go to a Barnes and Noble and just look at all the different translations and ask yourself if you can explain why we have all those to your average person and what the difference is THAT WILL MAKE SENSE TO THEM!]
The Legacy Standard Bible is taken off of the 1995 New American Standard Bible (which confusingly now has a 2020 version 🤷♂️) and to sum up the important changes, translates the name for Our Lord as Yahweh (a correct literal translation usually translated “Jehovah” or “Lord”). Did we really need a new translation to make this one change? In my view, we did not.
In addition it translates the Greek word for slave as “slave” rather than “servant” or bond-servant” which is literally more accurate, but is it more helpful in a culture in which slavery is immediately connected to our understanding of what slavery was (race-based slavery )? In my view this is not helpful for your average reader.
Indeed, one comes away from reading this translation thinking that was practically the ONLY reason for this new translation, so in my view this translation fails the “ is it necessary” test.
One other example that reveals the overly literal and unhelpful nature of this translation. In Hebrew when one makes a covenant with someone the literal translation is “they cut a covenant.” Now there are reasons the Hebrews say it this way which are easily understood by consulting a Bible dictionary or commentary. In English we do not say we “cut” a covenant, we say we “make a covenant.” Why translate it directly from the Hebrew if English doesn’t have the expression that way? Does that help you understand the passage better? No, it’s just more literal and if you want to know what a truly literal translation into English is, than read Young’s Literal Translation, you’ll quickly understand why translators do not (wisely in my view) make a TRULY literal translation. It’s very confusing because like English, Hebrew and Greek also use idioms that only make sense in their language and not in another.
So this translation fails the “is it necessary” test and also in its desire to be literal (but not TRULY literal) is unhelpfully OVERLY LITERAL.
I didn't see the edition listed that I have. It is a single column, large print, wide margin edition. The cover is very comfortable leather like. Very high quality. I enjoyed reading this update of the NASB. I have always found the NASB very difficult to read - a bit so literal that it's choppy. That has been totally corrected without sacrificing the literalness of the NASB. It does have some odd renderings - using slave instead of servant ... the use of Yahweh took some getting used to ... and there were some translation choices I thought were made just to be different, they didn't necessarily add to understanding. I wish I had written down some of the odd phrases / words I found along the way. Still it was a great translation and added to my reading through the Bible for this year. I appreciate it. I do not know if it is going to gain in popularity, but they are associating with some well known evangelicals hoping for exposure I suppose. I would suggest adding it to your collection, but I do not know that it is dramatically different from most translations you may have already.
I've been reading my LSB for over a year now (almost done), and I absolutely love it. Many of my friends have the impression this is simply NASB with "Yahweh" replacing "LORD" and "slave" replacing "servant." It's so much more than that! I have run across many passages where LSB is not simply parroting NASB. That, on top of the faithful translations of "Yahweh" and "slave," make this bible the most accurate literal translation into modern English. Reading Psalms from LSB is incredible!
This is a carefully done, word-for-word literal translation from the original languages into modern english, headed up by Masters Seminary experts. If James White likes it (he does), and if it's from John MacArthur's Master's Seminary, I trust it. I also have the LSB with Strongs on Olive Tree app, very helpful.
Lastly, I would recommend watching the interesting YouTube videos wherein the LSB translators explain their goals and processes.
One of the Best Modern Translations of the New Testament
This translation is to be treasured for it formal equivalent translation method. Dynamic equivalent translations have their place especially when reading large sections of Scripture. For a study Bible a translation that carefully reflects the scriptures in the original languages is essential. There are times that the readability is strained but those are few and far between. If you are currently learning the original languages, this version will be very helpful.
I enjoyed reading this translation. I have also read the KJV, nasb, and esv translations but I like this one best except that not many study Bibles are out with it so I was restricted to reading it with the accordance android app. It is essentially a later revision of the nasb but I like how they used Yahweh, tetragrammaton, instead of Lord in the old testament so it was a bit more clear. Also slave is translated as such in the new testament were some modern translations like to soften it.
I have truly enjoyed this Bible. It will be my preaching standard for the foreseeable future. It is basically a NASB 95 with the Covenant name of God (Yahweh) emphasized in the OT. This is a welcomed and helpful addition to the translation. My only complaint with this and all of the NASB's Lockman has produced is the ALL CAPS presentation of OT quotations cited in the NT. I wish they would go to bold print or italics for this feature. Top notch! Highly recommended!
A Complementarian update of the NASB. I have the same issues with the LSB that I have with the NASB (and NIV and NLT and...) when it comes to translating portions of Paul's epistles, 1-2 Samuel, John 18, etc. Still, I think Reformed Baptists will really like it.
This is my new favorite translation. Every translation choice they make which differs from the NASB95 is a great one, and using the NASB as a starting point guarantees it will be a solid translation. It reads well and is clear. Strongly recommended.
This translation is basically identical to the NASB with a few differences. Probably the biggest difference I noticed was the usage of “Yahweh” over and against the capitalized “LORD”. That was very helpful, in particular when reading the Psalms. For myself, it helped to drive the point of who LORD is in reference to. A good example would be Psalm 110:1; the ESV says “The LORD says to my Lord: ‘Sit at my right hand, until I make your enemies your footstool.’” That rendering is pretty typical amongst most word for word translations. This translation says, “Yahweh says to my Lord: ‘Sit at My right hand Until I put Your enemies as a footstool for Your feet.’” I think it helps to drive the point of who is talking.
All in all, a pretty good translation. If you are a fan of the NASB then you’ll more than likely enjoy the LSB.