The New American Standard Bible (NASB) is a translation of the Christian Bible widely recognized for its commitment to formal equivalence. This approach prioritizes rendering the original Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek texts into English as literally as possible, maintaining word-for-word correspondence where grammatically feasible. For example, where the original text uses a specific grammatical structure, the goal is to reflect that structure directly in the English translation.
This translations value lies in its dedication to accuracy and fidelity to the source texts. Scholars, pastors, and serious Bible students often utilize it because it provides a close approximation of the original wording, facilitating detailed textual study and exegesis. Its historical context is rooted in a desire within evangelical circles for an English translation that adhered strictly to the original languages, leading to its initial publication in 1971.