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NASB 1995 vs. 2020: What's the Difference?
Deciding between the 1995 and 2020? We compare them side-by-side, covering the gender updates, the removal of "Thee/Thou", and verses changed.
By The Editor
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Deciding between the 1995 and 2020? We compare them side-by-side, covering the gender updates, the removal of "Thee/Thou", and verses changed.
Estimated read time: 3 minutes
The New American Standard Bible (NASB) has long been regarded by pastors and scholars as one of the most literal, word-for-word translations available. In 2020, the Lockman Foundation released a significant update to the beloved 1995 text.
So, what exactly has changed, and which version should you be reading? This short guide will explain the key differences.
The main difference between the NASB 1995 and 2020 is that the 2020 edition updates archaic language (like 'thee' and 'thou') to modern English and uses more gender-accurate terms (like 'brothers and sisters'), aiming for improved readability while maintaining the translation's strict literal accuracy.
The goal of the 2020 update was to increase clarity and readability for a modern audience without sacrificing the precision the NASB is famous for. The changes focus on two main areas:
The best way to understand the difference is to see it in action. While 90% of the text remains identical, the NASB 2020 makes specific changes to vocabulary and gender inclusion.
Here are three key examples showing exactly how the text has shifted.
This is the most noticeable update. The 1995 text uses "brethren" (a traditional collective term). The 2020 updates this to "brothers and sisters" to clarify that Paul is speaking to the whole church, not just the men. Note that "sisters" is in italics, indicating it is implied by the context rather than being a direct word in the Greek.
NASB 1995
"Therefore I urge you, brethren, by the mercies of God..."
NASB 2020
"Therefore I urge you, brothers and sisters, by the mercies of God..."
This is one of the most visible changes. In the 1995 version, prayers often retained the King James-style "Thee" and "Thou." The 2020 edition removes this entirely, standardising the language to modern English.
NASB 1995
"I love Thee, O Lord, my strength."
NASB 2020
"I love You, O Lord, my strength."
(Note: In verses addressing God directly, the 1995 edition often used archaic pronouns. In 2020, "Thou art with me" becomes "You are with me")
The NASB 2020 introduces contractions (like "Let's" instead of "Let us") to make the text sound more like natural spoken English. You can see this clearly in the Gospels.
NASB 1995
"He said to them, 'Let us go somewhere else to the towns nearby...'"
NASB 2020
"He said to them, 'Let’s go somewhere else to the towns nearby...'"
"What about the LSB?"
If you love the 1995 and dislike the 2020 updates, you might actually be looking for the Legacy Standard Bible (LSB). It essentially takes the 1995 text and refines it without adding the modern gender language.
The choice between the two is a matter of personal preference.
Ultimately, both are excellent, trustworthy translations. The 2020 update simply aims to make that same literal accuracy even clearer for a new generation of readers.
Explore our collection of NASB Bibles ►
Still not sure which Bible is right for you? You can learn more in our complete, free 97-page ebook, 'How to Choose Your Bible'.
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