Translations · Formal · 1971
NASB — New American Standard Bible
The most literal mainstream English translation — sometimes wooden, always transparent to the Greek and Hebrew.
Updated 18 May 2026 · By the Bibles.co.uk editorial team
The short answer
- Style
- Formal
- Philosophy
- Formal
- Reading level
- Grade 11
- First published
- 1971
We're still adding NASB Bibles to the shop.
Browse all Bibles →Where it sits on the spectrum
Below, every major English translation plotted against NASB (highlighted in burgundy). Translation philosophy runs left-to-right; reading level top-to-bottom.
How it reads
Reading level is one of the cleanest indicators of how easy a translation is to follow cold. The NASB sits at grade 11.
Strengths
- Closest mainstream English Bible to the original word order
- Excellent for cross-referencing with Greek/Hebrew
- 2020 update modernises pronouns and gendered language
Watch-outs
- Stilted prose in places — not ideal for cover-to-cover reading
- Less common in pew use than NIV or ESV
See it in action
Three well-known verses in the NASB. Compare against another translation using the tool below.
NASB New American Standard Bible | For God so loved the world, that He gave His only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him will not perish, but have eternal life. |
NASB New American Standard Bible | The Lord is my shepherd, I will not be in need. |
NASB New American Standard Bible | And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose. |
Who uses the NASB?
Seminary students, expository preachers and serious lay students who want maximum transparency to the original text.
If the NASB sounds right for you → Browse all NASB Bibles
Translation Comparator
Same verse, two translations
John 3:16
“For God so loved the world, that He gave His only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him will not perish, but have eternal life.”
- Style
- Formal
- Level
- Grade 11
- Year
- 1971
John 3:16
“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”
- Style
- Formal
- Level
- Grade 12
- Year
- 1611
Not sure yet?
Answer three questions. We'll recommend your Bible.
Like the NASB? The Finder will narrow down editions, bindings and study tools that match.
Start the Bible FinderFrequently asked
- Is the NASB a good Bible translation?
- The New American Standard Bible (NASB) is a strict formal-equivalence translation favoured for in-depth Bible study because it preserves the underlying grammar of the original languages, sometimes at the cost of fluency. Strengths include: Closest mainstream English Bible to the original word order; Excellent for cross-referencing with Greek/Hebrew; 2020 update modernises pronouns and gendered language.
- What reading level is the NASB?
- The NASB reads at roughly US grade 11, using a formal translation philosophy.
- Who uses the NASB?
- Seminary students, expository preachers and serious lay students who want maximum transparency to the original text.
Ready to browse?
See every New American Standard Bible edition we stock — study, journaling, large print, gift and everyday reading.
Explore a related translation
Discover another translation, edition or guide close to the NASB.
Keep reading
KJV — King James Version
The 1611 translation that shaped English literature and church liturgy for four centuries.
NKJV — New King James Version
A modern update of the King James that preserves its majesty while replacing archaic vocabulary.
All translations
Compare every major English Bible side by side.