I recommend the Christian Standard Bible to new readers

September 10, 2024

Translators call it a “mediating” translation, which balances accuracy and readability. That balance is critical, especially for someone reading the Bible for the first time.

When it comes to Bible translations, it can feel like you’re standing in the cereal aisle of a grocery store, trying to decide between forty-seven varieties of essentially the same thing. It’s overwhelming. Do you want something classic, like the King James Version, which has been around so long that it should come with a powdered wig? Or do you go with something more contemporary, like The Message, which often reads like the Bible stopped for a latte and started using the word “vibe” unironically?

I’m not here to disparage any particular translation. Each has its merits and reasons for existing. But choosing the right Bible, especially for first-time readers, can make all the difference. I’ve found that the Christian Standard Bible (CSB) is a fantastic place to start. Why? Because it strikes a balance between clarity and faithfulness to the original texts without leaning too hard on either end of the spectrum. Like that rare pair of stylish and comfortable shoes, the CSB looks good and wears well over time.

Before we consider why I’d recommend the CSB, it’s helpful to understand that Bible translations tend to fall into one of three categories: formal equivalence (word-for-word translations), dynamic equivalence (thought-for-thought translations), and paraphrases (where the translator really stretches out their creative muscles). The differences aren’t just academic. They can change how you experience and understand the text.

Take formal equivalence, for instance. These translations, like the English Standard Version (ESV) or New American Standard Bible (NASB), strive to be as close to the original Hebrew and Greek as possible. They’re great for serious study and diving deep into the nuances of the text, but they can feel a bit stiff. Imagine going on a hike with a trail guide who insists on telling you the geological history of every rock along the way. It’s informative but can get exhausting after a while.

On the other side, you have dynamic equivalence translations like the New International Version (NIV). These focus on conveying the meaning of the text in a way that’s easier to read and understand, smoothing out some of the awkwardness that can come from translating ancient languages. If the ESV is your geology-obsessed trail guide, the NIV is more like a friendly park ranger, giving you the basics while keeping the journey enjoyable.

And, yes, I am exaggerating slightly.

Then there are paraphrase versions, such as The Message. These aren’t so much translations as they are re-imaginings, where the translator takes liberties to make the Bible more relatable to modern readers. It’s like watching your favorite novel get adapted into a movie. You recognize the plot, but the characters seem to be saying things they wouldn’t usually say, and you’re left wondering if this is still the same story you fell in love with.

So why do I recommend the CSB? The Christian Standard Bible manages to avoid the extremes. Translators call it a “mediating” translation, meaning it balances accuracy and readability. It doesn’t sound like your English professor is trying to impress you with his vocabulary, but it also doesn’t talk to you like you’re a child in Sunday school, either.

Here’s a good example. Let’s look at John 3:16, a verse that many people, even those new to the Bible, are familiar with. The ESV reads: “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life” (Jn 3:16). It’s a classic, but it feels a little formal, like something you’d recite rather than say in everyday conversation.

Let’s see how the CSB handles it: “For God loved the world in this way: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life” (Jn 3:16). Notice the difference? It’s subtle, but there’s a bit more flow to it, making it easier for someone unfamiliar with the Bible to grasp. The meaning is unchanged, but the sentence feels less like a proclamation from a pulpit and more like something you could discuss over coffee.

That balance is critical, especially for someone reading the Bible for the first time. You don’t want to be bogged down by challenging phrasing or the archaic syntax of older translations, but you also don’t want to feel like you’re reading a watered-down version that loses the richness of the original text. I think the CSB hits that sweet spot where the message remains as profound as ever, but it’s communicated in an approachable way.

Another strength of the CSB is its consistency in rendering vital theological terms. Some translations get a little loose with how they handle these words, and while that might make things easier to read, it can lead to misunderstandings. The CSB takes care to preserve the weight of crucial concepts like “justification” or “sanctification” without resorting to overly technical language. It’s like speaking to someone who knows their stuff but doesn’t feel the need to prove it by throwing in a bunch of jargon.

So, if you’re looking for a “beginner’s Bible,” the CSB is an excellent choice. It doesn’t sacrifice accuracy for the sake of readability, but it also won’t make you feel like you need a theology degree just to get through the first chapter of Genesis. Whether you’re sitting down to read John’s gospel for the first time or diving into Paul’s letters to the Romans (a task in any translation), the CSB is like a friendly guide—serious, but not stuffy; clear, but not shallow. And that’s precisely what you want when opening the Bible for the first time—something that helps you connect with God’s word without getting lost in translation.

I recommend the Christian Standard Bible to new readers

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