The New Revised Standard Version (NRSV) is an English translation of the Bible published in 1989 by the National Council of Churches. It is a revision of the Revised Standard Version (RSV) published in 1952, which itself was a revision of the American Standard Version published in 1901.
The NRSV was intended to be a translation that combined word-for-word and thought-for-thought principles. The revisers sought to preserve the literary excellence and rhythms of the RSV while updating its language and making it more accessible. Some of the major improvements in the NRSV include:
– Use of inclusive language – The RSV was criticized for using male dominated language. The NRSV replaces male-oriented words like “man” with more inclusive terms like “person” when the original meaning allows.
– More accurate translation – The RSV was based on biblical manuscripts available in the 1940s and 1950s. The NRSV incorporated new discoveries from the Dead Sea Scrolls and other archaeological finds to produce a more accurate translation.
– Removal of archaic language – The RSV contained many words like “thee” and “thou” that had fallen out of common usage. The NRSV replaces these terms with more modern equivalents.
– Readability – The NRSV features a more modern prose style, shorter sentences, and less complex grammar rules compared to the RSV. This improved readability while maintaining literary excellence.
The NRSV is the most widely used translation by academics and church leaders. It received the endorsement of over 50 denominations and religious bodies, a record number for a modern translation. Despite some criticism over its use of inclusive language, it gained wide acceptance across denominations.
Some key features of the NRSV include:
Anglicized Text – The NRSV is based on a version of the RSV that used British spelling and grammar conventions (“recognise” rather than “recognize”). This makes it more accessible to English readers worldwide.
Inclusive Language – As mentioned above, the NRSV replaces male-centered language with more gender-inclusive terms when the meaning allows. However, it does not do so when referring to God or Jesus Christ.
Textual Basis – The NRSV New Testament is based on an eclectic Greek text, meaning the translators considered all available manuscripts in order to determine the most accurate original reading. The Old Testament relies on the Biblia Hebraica Stuttgartensia.
Literary Style – The NRSV retains much of the eloquent literary style of the King James Version (KJV) and American Standard Version (ASV) while modernizing vocabulary and grammar.
Footnotes – The NRSV includes extensive footnotes providing alternate translations and explanations of textual variants between manuscripts. This helps readers understand key translation decisions.
Here is a high-level overview of the major sections of the Bible found in the NRSV:
Old Testament
– Pentateuch – The first five books of the Bible (Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy). These lay the theological and historical foundations of the Bible.
– Historical Books – Books like Joshua, Judges, 1-2 Samuel, 1-2 Kings. These cover the history of Israel from their entry into Canaan through the divided monarchy.
– Wisdom Literature – Books like Psalms, Proverbs, Job. These contain poetic and wisdom teachings.
– Major Prophets – Prophetic books like Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel. These contain messages calling Israel to repentance.
– Minor Prophets – Shorter prophetic books ranging from Hosea to Malachi.
New Testament
– Gospels – Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. These chronicle the life and teachings of Jesus Christ.
– Acts – The history of the early church after Christ’s ascension.
– Pauline Epistles – Letters written by the Apostle Paul to early churches addressing doctrine, ethics and pastoral guidance.
– General Epistles – Letters written by other apostles such as Peter, James and John.
– Revelation – An apocalyptic text prophesying the end times.
One of the main benefits of the NRSV is its accuracy in conveying the meaning of the original biblical languages. Here are some examples of how the NRSV improves accuracy over older translations:
Isaiah 7:14 – Many translations like the KJV render the Hebrew word “almah” as “virgin.” The NRSV uses the more accurate “young woman” since the Hebrew word does not imply virginity.
Psalm 23:4 – The familiar phrase “valley of the shadow of death” (KJV) obscures the fact that “shadow of death” is one word in Hebrew. The NRSV more accurately translates it as “darkest valley.”
Romans 3:28 – The NRSV translates the Greek “pisteos” as “faith” rather than the inaccurate “faith alone” found in the RSV and older translations. This change better reflects Paul’s teaching on salvation.
The NRSV also strives to accurately translate Hebrew and Greek idioms into natural modern English:
2 Corinthians 2:15 – The Greek phrase literally means “a fragrance of Christ.” The NRSV renders it nicely as “the aroma of Christ.”
Psalm 51:17 – The literal Hebrew “a broken and crushed heart” becomes “a broken and contrite heart”, conveying the sense more clearly.
Overall, revisions like these make the NRSV one of the most faithful and clear English translations available today. It takes advantage of modern linguistic capabilities to capture subtle shades of meaning in the original texts.
The NRSV translation process involved an international team of over 100 scholars from multiple Christian denominations. The New Testament translation committee included twelve members with the Old Testament team numbering around thirty.
Several key guidelines shaped their approach:
– Fidelity to the original texts – As discussed above, the team heavily emphasized accuracy over literary elegance when meanings diverged.
– Inclusive language – Masculine words relating to people were replaced with gender-inclusive alternatives unless the original context specified a male-only reference.
– Literary excellence – The NRSV retains much of the beautiful phrasing and rhythms of the RSV and ASV while updating sentence structures and vocabulary.
– Usage of variant manuscript traditions – Footnotes and textual decisions consider multiple surviving manuscript families where they differ.
– Clarity and naturalness – Common Hebrew and Greek idioms are translated into flowing modern English so that meaning is not obscured.
The process included multiple levels of scholarly review. The initial translation teams presented their work for peer evaluation by other specialists in the same biblical books. An editorial committee then reviewed the full manuscript, checking for consistency and accuracy. Finally, trial editions were sent out to various scholars and Christian organizations to get feedback.
While translating an ancient text for a modern audience is an immense challenge, the NRSV team utilized all available resources to produce an authoritative English Bible. The extensive review process and international collaboration among denominations make this one of the most widely accepted modern translations.
The influence of the NRSV has been significant within Biblical scholarship, education and church ministry. Here are some key areas where it has had impact:
Academic Study – Many biblical scholars consider the NRSV the standard translation for serious academic work. Its textual accuracy and modest use of inclusive language make it valuable for research and commentary.
Ecumenical Use – The NRSV is widely used across numerous Christian denominations. Its interdenominational nature and scholarly credentials allow diverse traditions to rally around a common translation.
Liturgical Use – Many churches and religious bodies have incorporated the NRSV into their worship services and liturgies. Its dignified language and poetic rhythm make it very suitable for liturgical reading.
Education – Numerous Bible colleges, universities and seminaries have adopted the NRSV as a standard classroom text. Its readability, textual fidelity and scholarly pedigree make it ideal for higher learning.
Personal Study – While not as widely adopted in the pews as translations like the NIV, many Christians appreciate the NRSV for personal study at home. It’s favored by readers who want an academically credible translation.
Accessibility – The NRSV is widely available as an audio Bible and various digital editions. This makes it accessible for those with visual impairments or who prefer audio learning.
Globally, the NRSV continues to be one of the most widely used and respected Bible translations available today. Its popularity stems from its ability to strike a balance between accuracy, readability and inclusiveness. While more recent translations like the ESV aim to be even more literal, the NRSV has proven its merits as a seminal modern translation over decades of use. It will likely continue being a staple for scholars, church leaders and laypeople alike who desire a full-featured modern English Bible.
There are a few potential criticisms and controversies associated with the NRSV that are worth noting:
Use of inclusive language – This was by far the most contentious aspect of the NRSV when it first published. Changing male-oriented words to be gender-neutral rankled some who felt it was capitulating to modern sensibilities. However, most scholars believe the NRSV finds an appropriate balance in being inclusive while remaining faithful to the text.
Perceived liberal bias – Some evangelical groups have claimed the NRSV presents a theologically liberal bias, especially around issues like gender. However, the translation committees represented a wide spectrum of theological perspectives. Most biblical scholars assert the NRSV has no inherent liberal or conservative bias.
Textual basis – A very small number of scholars take issue with the NRSV New Testament being based on an eclectic Greek text rather than a single manuscript family like the Textus Receptus. However, eclecticism is the scholarly norm today.
Lack of literalness – Those wanting a more literal “word-for-word” translation argue the NRSV’s dynamic equivalence approach results in an “interpretation” rather than a translation. However, the NRSV is praised by most scholars for its textual accuracy despite aiming for readability too.
While these criticisms exist, most are either overstated or apply only to a small minority of readers. Among scholars and church leaders, the NRSV continues to have a sterling reputation as one of the finest modern English translations available.
The NRSV has had a major impact on Bible accessibility through various reader-focused formats and study editions. Here is an overview of some significant NRSV editions:
NRSV Audio Bible – The entire NRSV text available as a fully-voiced audio book. Useful for those with visual impairments or who prefer to listen.
NRSV Single-Column Reference Bible – Handy pew edition with a single column of text and cross references on the side for study.
NRSV Large/Giant Print Editions – For readers preferring larger text, available in paperback and hardcover.
NRSV Cultural Backgrounds Study Bible – NRSV text supplemented with detailed cultural and historical background notes.
NRSV Spiritual Formation Bible – Devotional NRSV edition with introductory essays and commentaries for spiritual guidance.
The NRSV Bible with Apocrypha – Includes books considered apocryphal by Protestants but valued within Catholic and Orthodox traditions.
NRSV Study Bibles – Various study Bibles offering exegetical commentary alongside the main NRSV text.
HarperCollins Study Bible – A major scholarly study resource with extensive introductions and explanatory notes.
In addition to print formats, the NRSV is widely available online through various Bible websites and apps in multiple digital formats (e.g. Kindle, Word, HTML). It can also be accessed through software packages like Accordance or Logos that have advanced Bible study features.
The extensive availability of the NRSV in study editions, reader-focused formats and digital platforms has vastly increased its accessibility. People can readily interact with the text in whatever medium best suits their needs. This has expanded the NRSV’s reach for scholarship, devotional use and daily Bible reading.
The NRSV has had an overall positive reception since its initial release in 1989, with a few criticisms alongside extensive praise. Here is a brief overview of how key groups and people have received the translation:
Scholars – The majority of biblical academics applaud the NRSV for its textual accuracy, modest use of inclusive language, and retaining literary excellence. It is widely used in higher education as a standard scholarly translation.
Mainline Protestants – Most mainline Protestant denominations (Methodist, Presbyterian, Lutheran, etc) endorse the NRSV for personal and liturgical use. Its interdenominational nature provides a common translation.
Roman Catholics – Catholic scholars and leaders appreciate the NRSV for its textual fidelity, poetic expressiveness and inclusion of apocryphal books valued by Catholic tradition.
Orthodox Christians – Though not formally endorsed, many Eastern Orthodox congregations allow use of the NRSV. Its accuracy is valued while some object to inclusive language.
Evangelicals – Opinions vary among evangelicals, with some appreciating its scholarship while others prefer more literal translations like the ESV that are seen as less theologically liberal.
Feminists – Many praise the NRSV for its inclusive language while some argue it does not go far enough. Most agree it achieves a reasonable balance.
Main criticisms include its use of inclusive language, perceived liberal theological bias, and not being literal enough. However, most scholars argue these claims are either exaggerated or apply only to a small portion of readers. On the whole, the NRSV continues to have a reputation for excellence as a scholarly yet accessible modern translation.
The NRSV has had a significant impact on biblical translation approaches in English and other languages. Here are some of the main areas of influence:
Inclusive language – The NRSV demonstrated that pursuing gender accuracy does not necessarily sacrifice fidelity. Many recent translations like the Common English Bible and the New English Translation now feature inclusive language.
Textual eclecticism – The NRSV helped cement an eclectic approach to determining the most accurate original text as standard for translators. Taking all manuscript evidence into account is now the scholarly norm.
Accessibility – By retaining readability while pursuing accuracy, the NRSV helped shift translation aims more in the direction of accessibility while upholding literary excellence.
Common Bible – The broad acceptance of the NRSV across denominations helped establish the viability of having a shared, interdenominational Bible translation that allows Christian unity.
Apocryphal/Deutero-canonical inclusion – The NRSV helped re-introduce these books to many Protestant readers. Their growing popularity eventually influenced the ESV and some other translations to release expanded editions including them.
Footnoting – Many contemporary translations such as the ESV and CSB now include textual footnotes like those pioneered in the NRSV, allowing readers to understand key uncertainties or manuscript complexities.
In general, the NRSV helped solidify accuracy and accessibility as joint priorities for modern translations. It also demonstrated that pursuing these goals did not require either literary sacrifice or theological narrowness. In an age of deep denominational divides, it stands out as a unifying translation that maintains scholarly credibility across traditions and theological perspectives.
The NRSV will likely maintain a place of prominence in coming decades as both a leading academic translation and a church Bible accessible to all Christian traditions.
Here are some reasons the NRSV will likely continue its influence and appeal looking to the future:
Time-tested accuracy – Now over 30 years old, the NRSV’s reputation for textual accuracy and scholarly credibility are firmly established. Its meticulous textual basis ensures biblical scholars will continue relying on it.
Liturgical and ecumenical use – With wide acceptance across Protestant denominations and growing adoption by Catholics, the NRSV will remain a staple for church lectionaries and liturgies.
Lack of need for another substantial revision – Unlike translations tied to a single publisher, the NRSV is under the broad stewardship of the National Council of Churches. This means it is not beholden to regular revision cycles.
Modest use of inclusive language – Its careful approach to gender accuracy has aged well compared to translations that never adopted it or employed it too zealously. This helps the NRSV avoid dating itself.
Proven commercial viability – As one of the top selling translations, NRSV publishers have a continued economic incentive to offer new editions and keep it available in stores.
Digital availability – The NRSV is widely integrated into biblical software packages and available as part of most digital Bible collections. It will remain on the cutting edge technologically.
Credentials valued by young scholars – Younger seminarians and ministry candidates continue being taught to value the same scholarly ideals which make the NRSV a staple in academia.
In short, the qualities that made the NRSV a seminal translation at its inception continue to hold true. Its unique combination of accessibility, accuracy, literary excellence and broad appeal across denominations make it ideally suited for both study and worship in the decades ahead. While new translations will keep emerging, none seem poised to dislodge the NRSV as a leader. It shall remain one of the most widely read, respected and influential English Bibles for the foreseeable future.