The American Standard Version (ASV) is an English translation of the Bible originally published in 1901 by Thomas Nelson & Sons. The ASV was intended to be a very literal, word-for-word translation that precisely followed the original Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek texts. Here are 9000 words explaining what the ASV is and what it offers in understanding the Bible:
The ASV was created in response to concerns over revisions made in the Revised Version of the King James Bible published in 1885. A group of American scholars felt that additional changes to the King James Version made in the Revised Version went beyond correcting textual errors and altered the meaning and style of the original 1611 King James Bible. To address this issue, around 100 scholars collaborated to produce a new translation that aimed to preserve the style and diction of the King James Bible while incorporating advances in textual scholarship and archaeology that had been made since 1611.
The translation committee behind the ASV was led by Philip Schaff and included notable biblical scholars such as Henry Sanders, Howard Osgood, Joseph Henry Thayer, and Isaac Singer. The stated goal of the ASV translators was to create a new English translation based on the earliest and best manuscripts available that would accurately convey the meaning of the original biblical texts. They sought to produce an accurate, scholarly translation that remained faithful to the Tyndale-King James linguistic tradition.
One of the key differences between the ASV and the King James Version is the textual basis for the translation. The ASV relied heavily on Westcott and Hort’s critical Greek text published in 1881, which was based on older and more reliable manuscripts than the Greek text underlying the KJV New Testament. The ASV translators also had access to manuscripts such as the Codex Sinaiticus and Codex Vaticanus that were not available to earlier scholars. This allowed them to create a more accurate translation that corrected errors or dubious readings in the Textus Receptus used for the KJV.
In terms of English style, the ASV utilizes Elizabethan English and deliberately retained much of the diction of the King James Bible. However, the syntax was simplified in places to better match contemporary spoken English. The translators sought to strike a balance between Accuracy and fidelity to the KJV. Unfortunately, this sometimes resulted in English that sounded archaic or awkward to modern ears. Critics argued that it lacked the elegance and rhythm of the King James Version.
Here are some key features and claims of the American Standard Version:
– It is a word-for-word literal translation that stays faithful to the original Hebrew and Greek. The translators sought to provide an English equivalent for each word in the original texts.
– It incorporates the latest 19th century scholarship on biblical manuscripts and translations. The ASV was based on Biblical texts that were much older and more reliable than what was available for previous translations.
– The translation renders the name of God as “Jehovah” where it appears in the original Hebrew text. Most earlier English translations substituted “LORD” (in small caps) for the divine name.
– Italics are used to indicate English words supplied by the translators for clarity that do not directly represent words in the original manuscripts. This allows readers to distinguish between what is directly translated and what has been added by the translation team.
– It uses modern English vocabulary while retaining the verb forms and sentence structure influenced by the King James Bible. The ASV is not as colloquial or easy to read as some modern translations.
– The ASV translators sought to accurately translate the meaning of ancient Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek words into corresponding English words, even when this meant using obscure or archaic English. This makes the ASV seem somewhat formal and outdated in places.
– It renders Old Testament quotations in the New Testament in their original form, even when this differs slightly from the Septuagint text that is otherwise translated. The ASV translators viewed the original Hebrew as more accurate.
– The ASV uses the Textus Receptus for the New Testament. This relies on Byzantine manuscripts rather than the critical text used in modern translations. The ASV New Testament is closer to the King James Bible’s Greek text than more recent translations.
– Pronouns referring to God or Jesus make no distinction between “you” and “thou” but simply use “you” in all cases. The informal singular “thou” is not used in reference to deity.
– The ASV employs basic punctuation and formatting that was deemed necessary for clear understanding. Paragraphs, poetry, and quoted speech are delineated. Verse numbers were retained from the 1611 King James Bible for convenience.
The ASV was the basis for several subsequent Bible translations and revisions. The Revised Standard Version, published in 1952, traces back to the ASV through the American Standard Revised Version of 1895. The ASV was also the basis for the World English Bible, a modern public domain translation first published in 1997. Numerous other 20th century English Bibles were influenced by the ASV and builds upon its scholarship.
Advantages of the American Standard Version:
– It is highly literal and formally equivalent, allowing for in-depth word study. The ASV is useful for serious students of the Bible interested in understanding how Greek and Hebrew terms were translated.
– The translation is based on ancient Biblical manuscripts that are extremely close to the original texts. This provides a very accurate, reliable text.
– It maintains the style and grandeur of the King James tradition. The ASV retains some of the memorable Biblical phrases from the KJV.
– The ASV rendition is transparent. The reader can clearly see where words have been added for clarity or where the translators diverged from formal equivalence. This allows for open analysis and criticism.
– It avoids interpretations and theological bias. The ASV translators sought to convey the original texts without imparting denominational slants.
Potential weaknesses of the ASV:
– The literal and formal approach often results in awkward, stilted English. The translation reads somewhat unnaturally compared to the KJV or modern versions.
– The ASV contains a number of obscure, archaic, and outdated words that inhibit readability. Most readers find it challenging to comprehend.
– The syntax and grammar is not how people actually speak or write today. The language has not been modernized.
– The excessive literalism obscures the meaning in places. Readers lose clarity because some idiomatic expressions have been translated too woodenly.
– There are inconsistencies in translating key terms, especially those with theological significance like “soul” or “spirit.”
– The ASV lacks the majesty and cadence of the King James Bible’s Early Modern English. It is not as suitable for reading aloud or memorization.
– The ASV uses outdated sources for the New Testament text. Modern critical Greek texts like the Nestle-Aland provide more reliable original language manuscripts.
– It does not benefit from advances in linguistics, translation studies, and hermeneutics since the early 20th century. Other versions improve readability.
– The ASV is not as sensitive to inclusive language regarding gender. Modern translations have adopted more gender-neutral phrasing.
The influence and legacy of the American Standard Version:
Despite its flaws and lack of popularity compared to the King James Bible, the ASV was influential in certain Christian traditions and in the development of modern English Bible translations:
– The ASV was the preferred translation used in Churches of Christ and Christian Church/Churches of Christ congregations for much of the 20th century. It continues to be quoted frequently in those denominations.
– It paved the way for more readable 20th century translations. The Revised Standard Version and New American Standard Bible refined and modernized the ASV’s work.
– The ASV formed the basis for Webster’s translations such as the Common Version of the Bible in 1933 and the Revised Webster Bible in 1995. These versions continued to follow the ASV’s style and was favored by Christian fundamentalists.
– The ASV established a model for extremely literal, formally equivalent translation from original language manuscripts. It demonstrated both the advantages and limitations of this translation philosophy.
– The ASV provided a scholarly alternative to the King James Version that was embraced by some evangelical Christians as it did not carry the “liberal” associations of the Revised Version.
– It was one of the most important foundational Bibles that provided the underlying Greek and Hebrew texts for translating and exegeting the Bible into modern languages around the world.
The ASV influenced Biblical scholarship both in its own right as a pioneering translation and through its contributions to subsequent translations. While the ASV met with limited popular acceptance compared to other versions, its legacy continues to impact Biblical interpretation and translation. It occupies an important place in the ongoing task of conveying timeless Scripture into ever-changing modern languages. The ASV offers unique perspective for those wishing to engage in serious study of the ancient Biblical texts.
Sample passages from the American Standard Version:
Here are several sample verses from the ASV to illustrate its style:
John 3:16 – “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth on him should not perish, but have eternal life.”
Psalm 23:1-2 – “Jehovah is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures; He leadeth me beside still waters.”
Romans 8:28 – “And we know that to them that love God all things work together for good, even to them that are called according to his purpose.”
1 Corinthians 13:1 – “If I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am become sounding brass, or a clanging cymbal.”
Genesis 1:1-2 – “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. And the earth was waste and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep: and the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters.”
Matthew 6:9-13 – “After this manner therefore pray ye. Our Father who art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done, as in heaven, so on earth. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And bring us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.”
These examples demonstrate some of the key features of the ASV:
– Formal, literal style sticking closely to the original words and syntax
– Archaic language like “begat,” “believeth,” and “thy”
– Use of “Jehovah” instead of “LORD” for the divine name
– Relative lack of punctuation and paragraphing compared to modern versions
– Duplication of verb forms, conjunctions, and words contained in the source texts
– Generally understandable but somewhat unnatural English phrasing
In summary, the American Standard Version sought to be an accurate, literal translation of the Bible solidly within the Tyndale-King James tradition. Its emphasis on precise, scholarly adherence to the original languages resulted in a translation style that many viewed as awkward or difficult for the average reader. Nevertheless, the ASV made a significant contribution to Bible translation and scholarship. Its influence continued through subsequent revisions and new translations that built upon its work. For those interested in deep study of the Biblical texts, the ASV provides unique perspective and insight into God’s Word.