The New American Standard Version
Can It Be Trusted? Should It Be Used By Bible Believers?
Marion H. Reynolds, Jr.
April 19, 1919 - Sept. 3, 1997
©Fundamental Evangelistic Association
IN A PREVIOUS leaflet, Modern
Bible Versions Are Dangerous-Watch Out For Them, we expressed our concern over
the subtle ways in which Satan is attempting to pollute the Word of God and destroy
confidence in the infallibility, inerrancy and verbal inspiration of the Scriptures
through a multiplicity of new Bible versions, translations, revisions and paraphrases,
each claiming to be the most accurate, up-to-date, reliable and readable. In this previous
leaflet, we dealt briefly with some of the best known modern versions: the American
Standard Version (ASV), the Revised Standard Version (RSV), the New American Standard
Version (NASV), the New International Version (NIV), the New King James Version (NKJV),
the New Revised Standard Version (NRSV), the Good News for Modern Man (GNB) and the Living
Bible (LB). We explained why we reject all of these versions and use only the King James
Version (KJV). In this leaflet we will look specifically at the New American Standard
Version (NASV) since it is the one most often endorsed and used by many fundamentalists
and evangelicals-even those who have repudiated the other versions mentioned above.
Based on personal contacts and observations, it is our conclusion that most people
(including many pastors) have accepted the NASV on the basis of its claims to be more
accurate and up-to-date - or, they have accepted it on the recommendation of respected
Christian leaders. Strangely enough, many of those who strongly oppose the Revised
Standard Version favor the NASV, apparently unaware of how slavishly the NASV conforms to
the RSV in many of the significant textual changes. As we have presented the material
contained in this leaflet to various individuals and groups, specifically pointing out
what the NASV has left out, changed or questioned, the overwhelming reaction has been
first, one of amazement and second, one of deep concern. How could so many good Christian
leaders be taken in by a translation which leaves out so much? The purpose of this leaflet
is to encourage believers to take a careful look at the NASV to see just what has been
left out, what has been changed and what has been called into question by either the text
or the marginal references.
Let it be clear that the writer makes no claim to Greek or Hebrew scholarship. For this
reason, we realize that some may reject our conclusions. Yet, we cannot believe that God
would leave His Word at the mercy of "scholars" and make it impossible for the
ordinary believer to be sure that he has a complete and accurate Bible. We have read what
many of the scholars have to say and have found that they do not even agree among
themselves. Most present-day "evangelical scholars" admit that the King James
Version is basically a good translation. But many of them contend that the NASV is better
and more accurate. WE REJECT THAT CONCLUSION! One does not have to be a scholar to know
that if you believe in the verbal inspiration and inerrancy of the Scriptures, you cannot
have two "Bibles" (differing in so many places) and still call both of them the
Word of God! We contend that a choice can be made (and should be made) on the basis of a
careful comparison of the KJV and NASV texts. Both cannot be reliable and right.
Before citing specific instances of important changes and differences between the KJV
and NASV, it should be noted that many of these differences result from the fact that the
translators and revisers worked from two different Greek texts. The KJV translators worked
from the Greek text commonly referred to as the Textus Receptus (TR). This
text, also known as the Received Text, was so named because over 95% of all the
manuscripts containing portions or references to the New Testament Greek Text are in basic
agreement with the Textus Receptus. On the other hand, the scholars who produced
the NASV tell us that they worked basically from the 23rd edition of the Nestle
Greek Text-a text very similar to the corrupted Westcott-Hort text. The Textus
Receptus and the Westcott-Hort text differ in over 5,000 instances, resulting
eventually in over 36,000 differences in the various English versions. While it is true
that God has so wonderfully protected His Word that no major doctrine of Scripture has
been completely obliterated, the translations based on the Westcott-Hort or Nestle Greek
Texts reveal both subtle and frontal attacks on the deity of our Lord Jesus Christ and
other basic Scriptural doctrines.
In our study of the NASV, we were amazed to find how many verses, portions of verses
and words (which are in the KJV) are completely missing from the NASV. At times, omissions
will be indicated by a marginal reference. In other instances, no explanation is given at
all. Many verses or portions of verses which DO appear in the NASV as well as the KJV have
their validity questioned. This is usually accomplished through the use of brackets or
marginal references which explain that many or most ancient manuscripts omit the bracketed
portion. In this connection, it is important to give the verbatim explanation of these
marginal references as given by ; the translators of the NASV. The translators say:
"In addition to the more literal renderings, the marginal notations
have been made to include alternate translations, readings of variant manuscripts and
explanatory equivalents of the text. Only such notations have been used as have been felt
justified in assisting the reader's comprehension of the terms used by the original
author."
We ask the question: "How can anyone be HELPED in their understanding of the Word
of God when so many questions are raised about what should or should not be a part of the
words of the text?" It is our judgment that the NASV marginal readings generally
produce confusion, not confidence; they promote doubt, not faith! In themselves, the
marginal references provide an additional reason to reject the NASV.
In presenting specific instances of serious differences between the King lames Version
and the New American Standard Version, the following abbreviations will be used: King
James Version (KJV); New American Standard Version (NASV); marginal reference (MR);
manuscripts (MSS). Note the following verses, portions of verses or words which are in the
KJV but are missing or questioned in the NASV:
Matthew 18:11-This verse, "For the Son of Man is come to save that which was
lost" is in the NASV, but it is in brackets with a MR which says,
"Most ancient MSS omit."
Matthew 27:35-NASV omits a major portion as follows: "That it might be
fulfilled which was spoken of the prophet, 'They parted my garments among them and upon my
vesture did they cast lots " There is NO marginal reference or explanation FOR
THIS OMISSION.
Mark 1:1-The important words, "The Son of God" are in the NASV, but a
MR says, "Many MSS omit."
Mark 15:28-The entire verse is missing in the NASV but in its place are the words (SEE
MARGINAL NOTE). The MR says, "Later MSS add vs. 28." Interestingly, the liberal
RSV text also omits this verse but its footnote says, "Many ancient authorities
insert."
Luke 4:4-NASV omits the last part of this verse, "But by every Word of
God" without ANY explanation whatever.
Luke 4:8-NASV omits the words, "Get thee behind me, Satan" without ANY
explanation whatever.
Luke 4:18-NASV omits the words, "To heal the broken hearted " without ANY
explanation whatever.
Luke 22:43-44 These two verses are in the NASV but a MR says, "Some ancient MSS
omit."
Luke 23:42-NASV omits the word, "Lord, " an important omission,
without explanation.
Luke 24:6-The first part of this verse, "He is not here but he is risen"
is in the NASV but a MR says, "Some ancient MSS omit." It is interesting
that the liberal RSV omits this portion of the verse but a footnote says, "Some
ancient authorities add."
Luke 24:12-NASV has this verse in brackets with a MR saying, "Some ancient MSS
omit."
Luke 24:36-NASV omits a portion of this verse: "And he says to them, 'Peace be
to you' " but a MR says, "Some ancient MSS insert."
Luke 24:40-This verse is COMPLETELY MISSING in the NASV text-the words (SEE MARGINAL
NOTE) appear in place of this verse. The MR says, "Some MSS add vs. 40."
Luke 24:51-NASV omits a portion of this verse "and was carried up into
heaven" but a MR says, "Some MSS add." A corresponding footnote in the
liberal RSV says, "Many ancient authorities add."
Luke 24:52-NASV omits the words "and worshipped Him" and the MR says,
"Some MSS insert." The liberal RSV footnote says, "Many ancient authorities
add."
John 1:27-The words "is preferred before me" are MISSING in the
NASV with NO EXPLANATION why they were deleted.
John 6:47-The words "on me" are COMPLETELY MISSING in the NASV with NO
EXPLANATION.
Acts 8:37-NASV omits the entire verse and uses the now familiar (SEE MARGINAL NOTE)
which says, "Later MSS insert." Those who teach the heresy of baptismal
regeneration welcome this omission.
Acts 9:6-The words "Lord, what wilt thou have me to do?" are
COMPLETELY MISSING WITHOUT EXPLANATION.
Romans 16:24-NASV OMITS THE ENTIRE VERSE. In its place is (SEE MARGINAL NOTE) which
says, "Some ancient MSS add vs. 24)."
Ephesians 3:9-KJV reads, "Who created all things BY JESUS CHRlST." NASV
omits "BY JESUS CHRIST" with ABSOLUTELY NO EXPLANATION OR MARGINAL NOTE.
1 John 4:3-The KJV properly reads, "And every spirit that confesseth not that
Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God " But the NASV reads, "And
every spirit that does not confess Jesus is not from God." There is no manuscript
authority cited nor any explanation given for this important change in the text-a change
which even the liberal Revised Standard Version does not make.
Revelation 1:11-NASV omits the words "l am Alpha and Omega, the first and the
last" WITH ABSOLUTELY NO EXPLANATION.
Many other specific examples could be given if space permitted. There are several very
helpful publications available that provide a summary of textual differences and that also
deal with the subject of Bible versions in more depth than we are able to in this leaflet.
One such publication is Evaluating Versions of the New Testament by Everett W.
Fowler, published by Maranatha Baptist Press; this booklet documents hundreds of changes
and omissions.
There are also some very subtle and less obvious changes which have been made in the
NASV text. Note the following:
Luke 24:47-The words in the KJV read "repentance AND forgiveness of sins" but
the NASV reads "repentance FOR forgiveness of sins." The NASV marginal reading
says, "Some MSS read 'AND forgiveness'," so they deliberately chose a rendering
which raises the question of salvation by faith vs. salvation by works- an amazing
decision by supposedly fundamental or evangelical scholars.
John 9:35-NASV substitutes "Son of Man" for "Son of God" with
ABSOLUTELY NO EXPLANATION.
1 Timothy 3:16-the NASV text replaces the word "God" with
"He" although the MR says "Some MSS read 'God'." This is a key verse
concerning the Deity of our Lord Jesus Christ. Yet, the NASV scholars preferred a
rendering which blunts this precious truth.
2 Timothy 3:16-Here is a subtle change suggested by the marginal note rather than the
text itself. This key verse concerning the complete inspiration of the Scriptures properly
reads in the NASV text, "All scripture is inspired by God . . " but the
MR says, "Or, possibly, 'Every scripture inspired of God is profitable...."' No
citation of manuscript authority is given-but this suggested possible change does make it
conform to the liberal Revised Standard Version.
Now you see it-now you don't! Maybe it's in- maybe it's out! A sleight of hand
performance has been perpetrated upon unsuspecting believers by the NASV. Is this any way
to handle the precious, infallible, inerrant Word of God? Of course it is true that some
words and expressions in the KJV are no longer in common usage or have changed somewhat in
meaning. But this is no excuse for trying to replace the KJV with a version like the NASV
which updates some words and expressions but leaves out or questions the validity of many
words, portions of verses, entire verses and even extensive portions as in Mark 16:9-20
and John 7:53-8:11.
It should be clear that no version of the Bible could ever be produced in which every
word would be readily understood by everyone. But that is where cross-references,
footnotes, etc., become helpful. They explain without changing the words of the text
itself. God has used expository preaching and teaching and the use of Bible commentaries
and concordances to instruct and build up the believers. But the purity of the text itself
MUST BE PRESERVED! Let the commentaries be clearly labeled as such-they are the works of
men and are subject to error. BUT LET THE BIBLE STAND SUPREME AS THE UNCHANGING WORD OF
THE LIVING GOD-without the tampering minds and fingers of man.
In closing, we cite one further instance of an important change in the NASV-a change
which bears directly on our responsibility as believers to separate from false teachers
and doctrines:
1 Timothy 6:5-Referring to "men of corrupt minds and destitute of the
truth," the KJV properly concludes this verse with the clear command of God: "FROM
SUCH WITHDRAW THYSELF." The NASV omits COMPLETELY these four important words (in
this case again following the liberal RSV text) with absolutely NO EXPLANATION OR
INDICATION THAT ANYTHING IS MISSING FROM THE TEXT.
The issue of Bible translations is not a minor issue as some seem to feel. If we do not
have a sure foundation, we really have no foundation at all. Both reason and consistency
demand that if one holds the NASV to be the most accurate version, then it should replace
the KJV. However, many pastors, schools and religious organizations say that they will
continue to use only the King James Version from the pulpit, platform and for study and
memorization, yet at the same time they promote and defend the NASV which differs so
greatly from the KJV and conforms so closely to other modern versions which they have
repudiated.
We believe a choice can be made-AND SHOULD BE MADE! We believe the choice should be to
use and recommend ONLY the King James Version of the Bible.
Several excellent books have been written on this important subject which are helpful
to those who want more complete and thorough information. We have written this leaflet
with the hope and prayer that it will inform God's people of the very subtle attack which
is being made upon the very foundation of the Christian faith-the Bible! We urge God's
people to make their own study of this matter.
-M.H. Reynolds, Editor, FOUNDATION MAGAZINE
