The Christian Standard Bible (CSB) goal is to be a Bible translation for everyone (especially new believers) and that every believer can turn to it for lifelong discipleship. It is clear for children and accurate for personal study. The CSB updated revision and replacement of the Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB-2004). The aim is to produce an accurate, readable, and shareable English version of Scripture.
“The CSB follows a translation philosophy called ‘optimal equivalence.’ The term conveys a commitment to both ‘formal equivalence’ (which recognizes the importance of the form of the original language text—that is, the words used and the grammatical and rhetorical structures) and ‘functional equivalence’ (which recognizes the importance of conveying the original message and intent in natural English readily understood by modern readers).”
This is a difficult task and a challenge for all translations. Some translations seek for a more literal word-for-word translation whereas others seek for a more readable thought-for-thought translation. The CSB takes a middle approach and somewhere between the ESV and NIV translations. The English language is constantly changing and it is important that the true understanding of Scripture is understood using modern English terms. Scripture is unchanging and is inerrant in its original manuscripts. Modern translations seek to ensure the written words accurately reflects these original manuscript meaning. The whole reason we have English translations is so we could have God’s word in the language of the people.
The CSB was updated in 2020 based on feedback and oversight committee review to increase accuracy and readability as well as consistency in grammar, style, and punctuation. Brief summary of changes: https://csbible.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/CSB-Improvements-2020-v5.pdf
Detailed summary of changes: https://csbible.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/CSB-2020RevisionChangeListing-v5.pdf
CSB has also adopted the practice of using gender neutral language only when appropriate. This can help overcome some of the stigma around modern push back to patriarchal systems of oppression. It could also be a major stumbling block to some and prevent them from hearing the truths of Scripture. Used wrongly though, it blurs the distinction between the God given roles of male and female. All humans are made in God’s image and have equal value, worth, and dignity. However, there are distinctions between males and females both in physical and functional roles. The CSB tries to strike a healthy balance by using “gender-accurate” language. It does not remove all reference to feminine/masculine pronouns when necessary for meaning and personality.
I have been reading through or listening to the CSB for the past several weeks. Much of the language is similar to the translation I commonly use which makes for an easy transition to CSB. The times I noticed differences, I went back and looked at the various translations. One of the places where I struggled is in the use of happy instead of blessed. “How happy is the one who does not walk in the advice of the wicked or stand in the pathway with sinners or sit in the company of mockers!” Psalm 1:1. I sympathize with the struggle of the translators. Happy does not quite capture the full understanding of this, but blessed similarly fails. Each word has its own nuances and benefits. Overall, I am excited about the CSB translation and look forward to using it more often. Reading this version has caused me to dive deeper into God’s Word and ensure I truly understand his intent.