Because there are a number of English translations in print, many people assume that everything that can be done in Bible translation has been done. But some Bibles which appear to be new translations are actually revisions of earlier translations. This is true of several popular versions: the New King James, the New American Standard, and the New Living Translation, to name a few. Others, such as the New International Version, are translations made directly from the original biblical languages (Greek, Hebrew, and Aramaic).
Today’s scholars can build on the work of those who have gone before. As a result, it is more possible than ever to provide a translation which merges the crucial benefits of accuracy and readability. That is what we are doing with the HCSB.
Lifeway also has several of its own unique reasons for developing the CSB:
•Some Bible publishers allow social and cultural trends to influence translations to suit contemporary tastes. With the CSB, our main strategy is to preserve the wording of the original biblical languages and to uphold the inerrancy of Scripture.
•Since Bible study is at the heart of all Lifeway products, we understand the need for the best possible Bible for Bible study — one on which pastors, lay people, and scholars can rely.
•Christians need a standard for the Scriptures on which to rely for teaching, preaching, and study. The CSB provides that standard.