New NASB Children's Edition Now Available

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In speaking of the New American Standard version of the Bible, John MacArthur says,

My language in preaching is the language of the NAS. I’ve been using the New American Standard Bible for probably the last forty years. It is the clearest, purest, word-for-word, formal equivalency edition in the English language. I don’t think anything is its equal.[1]

As one committed to biblical precision in the home, I affirm that sentiment.

For my own personal study, I’ve been using the New American Standard Bible for over a decade now (in fact, the same Study Bible given to me by my wife!). And as I prepare verse-by-verse exposition for my children, I continue to see the supremacy of this version over and above all other English versions—even above other versions that I would happily recommend. While the original languages are an important aspect of sound interpretation, the English text found in the NASB does an excellent job of representing grammatical nuances (such as verb tenses, key words, or parallel syntax) that might otherwise be missed. Certainly the Italian adage “traduttore, traditore” (“translator, traitor”) does have an element of truth to it, in that no Bible translation can perfectly convey the original. After all, there are elements, such as poetic form and literary cadence, that aren’t often apparent in English translations. Yet, if ever there were an English version that best portrays the original text of Scripture, the New American Standard would be it.

At the same time, recent years have revealed how difficult it is to find an NASB designed for children. I’ve personally looked for years to find a suitable children’s NASB, to no avail. Thus, parents who study from the NASB, but want to teach using the same version for their kids to follow along in, are often left going with either a different version altogether, or simply giving them an adult NASB. Although Children’s Bibles are a relatively new invention in church history (just like Study Bibles), they nonetheless leverage certain elements like illustrations, dictionaries, and charts, that can enrich learning for children.

NASB Children’s Edition

With that in mind, you can imagine how excited I was recently to learn of the new NASB Children’s Edition, available as of February 28, 2019 (which can be purchased here: https://316publishing.com/product/nasb-childrens-edition). Coming from the same publisher as the NASB Preacher’s Bible (infamously, but affectionately, known as the “Assault Bible”), the NASB Children’s Edition features the following:

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  • The complete NASB 95 edition with Christ’s words in red

  • Two-column, verse format, makes finding your place easy

  • 76 full-color illustrated scenes on gloss paper with their Bible passages listed

  • 10 point font

  • A 120-page Topical Index introduces kids to key Biblical terms with supporting Scripture

  • Introductions to all 66 books of the Bible

  • 10 pages of Bible Memory Verses

  • Record your favorite Bible verses

  • Read through the New Testament guided chart

  • 10 additional pages of Bible helps

  • God’s plan of salvation

  • Ribbon marker

  • 8 pages of full-color maps

Having received a review copy of this new Bible, I can say that it has met all of my expectations. The artwork is absolutely brilliant, especially for key passages like the Passover and the dedication of Solomon’s temple. At the same time, the illustrations are neither overbearing nor cartoonish (common faults with many other Children’s Bibles). The two-column, verse format is the same layout I have in my adult NASB, which I’ve found to be unparalleled for my note-taking system. The helps in the back are age-appropriate. The plan of salvation is faithful and accurate. The quality of the hardcover construction is wonderful. Overall, I can’t imagine anything else currently on the market coming close to what this product offers. From here on out, ask me what Children’s Bible I recommend, and this will be it.

“From here on out, ask me what Children’s Bible I recommend, and this will be it.”

With this wonderful new resource, those who are committed to expository parenting, and who use an NASB for their own study, now have the opportunity to teach their children with the same version in a children’s edition. This not only makes instruction that much more efficient, but allows children to be raised on a premier text that will suit them for life.

In his endorsement of this Bible, John MacArthur says, “Children need to learn and love the Bible. With its readable text, current translation, and beautiful artwork, the NASB Children’s Edition is designed to be the Bible they will love all their lives.”[2]

And again, I affirm that sentiment.

References:

[1] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KLMc8mnlaNo

[2] https://316publishing.com/childrens-bible-backstory/

NewsJosh NiemiComment