I want to scribble a few lines about why I preach from the Legacy Standard Bible (“LSB”). There are many great English bible translations. I appreciate them all. Yours is probably wonderful. But my opinion is that the LSB is the best. It’s been an interesting road from the NIV to the NASB 2020, and finally to the LSB. Of course, there was a time before the NIV—but ancient history should stay ancient.
To the NIV
There was a time in about 2021 when I sought a “gender-neutral” bible translation. I didn’t want this because I had become “liberal,” but because I grew weary of explaining that many times when the apostle Paul mentions “brothers” (e.g., Gal 1:11), he really means “brothers and sisters.” So, I looked about for a solution.
I briefly considered the Common English Bible (“CEB”), which the Council on Biblical Equality champions. This organization is the egalitarian counterpart to the Council on Biblical Manhood and Womanhood (see their statement countering Danvers—if you dare). But I soon found that the CEB is nearly a paraphrase and is unsuitable for public preaching, amongst other issues. So, I left it.
Then I hit upon the NIV. Middle of the road. Solid. The vanilla evangelical standard. Our church never had pew bibles (I’ve no idea why), and I bought a load of NIV pew bibles and happily began preaching from that translation.
To the NASB 2020
Then I wrote and published my commentary on Galatians with Wipf & Stock (50% off in November 2026, with free shipping using the code CONFSHIP 😊). I became quite frustrated with the rather “free” way the NIV handled the prepositions in Galatians. For example, at Galatians 3:7 the NIV reads: “Understand, then, that those who have faith are children of Abraham.” The relevant Greek text reads οἱ ἐκ πίστεως. It’s quite possible the preposition expresses “source,” as in “those who are from faith” wherein faith is the wellspring or source of your status in Abraham’s family. The NIV is kinda, sorta saying the same thing, in its own way. But I was tired of explaining and clarifying when it did this—and the NIV does this with prepositions all the time. For example, it has “those who rely on faith” for the same Greek phrase in Galatians 3:9.
So, I was unhappy. I tossed aside my “gender-neutral” concerns and took a fresh look at the NASB 1995. I knew its reputation for accuracy. But my vague recollection was that, as a translation, its style was almost as exciting as an email from your HR office. Happily, I learned that the NASB 2020 existed. What a coup! Great conservative accuracy in translation, with lightly updated style from the NASB 1995. All was right with the world.
To the LSB
After a year or so, I decided that sticking with the NASB 2020 at the expense of the LSB was like eating a Big Mac but skipping the fries—you’re already committed, so you should just buy the entire value meal. It’s like feeling virtuous about eating a mini Dairy Queen shake, rather than a small. I can’t say there is anything wrong with the NASB 2020. These are my two reasons for going to the LSB:
- I was very irritated that the NASB chopped the “traditional” flow of Ephesians 1:4-5 into two sentences. “… just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we would be holy and blameless before Him. In love He predestined us …” I know the Greek has no punctuation, and I also know you can make a case that “in love” begins a new sentence. The ESV and my old friend the NIV go this route. Besides the fact that I disagree with that interpretation, the overwhelming heritage of English bible translation sees Ephesians 1:4-5 as part of a longer sentence.
- This may seem a very picky point to some people—but the NASB 2020 is not available as a large print, single-column hardback. I don’t want a floppy, large-print bible. I just wanted a hardback. I couldn’t get it.
So, I checked out the LSB. I was aware that the Master’s Seminary had worked a deal with the Lockman Foundation to produce another update to the NASB 1995. I was also aware that, even though they were very polite, they must have “issues” with the NASB 2020.
My opinion, so far, is that this is an excellent translation (see a discussion about it here).
- It places in italics text it adds to smooth out translation.
- It actually renders the divine name as “Yahweh” instead of “LORD.”
- It retains the traditional flow of Ephesians 1:4-5.
- It retains the conservative translation philosophy of the NASB 1995. This means I want as little interpretation as possible while still retaining readability. Of course interpretation must happen in translation—anyone who does Greek and Hebrew exegesis understands this. But, on a spectrum, I want a more literal translation so I can do the explaining and nuancing during the sermon. I don’t enjoy “gently correcting” a bible translation when I preach.
And, perhaps most important of all (just kidding), it’s available as a large-print, single-column hardback!
