NASB 1995 vs. 2020: What's the Difference?

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 Key Differences Explained

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:

1. Updated Language: The most noticeable change is the move to more contemporary English. For example, in prayers to God, the 1995 version retained the traditional "Thee," "Thou," and "Thy." The 2020 edition updates these to the more modern "You" and "Your," making the language more accessible for today's reader.
2. Gender-Accurate Language: The 2020 update uses more gender-accurate language where the original texts imply a mixed audience. For example, where the Greek word adelphoi was often translated as "brethren" in the 1995 text, the 2020 version renders it as "brothers and sisters" to more accurately reflect that the original writers were addressing both men and women.

Which One Should You Choose?

The choice between the two is a matter of personal preference.

• Choose the NASB 2020 if you want the most up-to-date, readable, and gender-accurate edition that still holds to a very literal translation philosophy.
• Choose the NASB 1995 if you prefer the more traditional language renderings you may be familiar with and have used for years.

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 ►