When you read the Bible everyday, the sight of a new version is often quite exciting; as a change in language can often help you see something fresh or understand something that you had previously struggled with. I have always found a new version a great incentive to read all the way though, too.

The New International Version (NIV) has been the dominant version in the last couple of decades and the New King James Version (NKJV) is the other bible that is widely used. Holman have commissioned a new version using 100 scholars from 19 protestant denominations and produced the latest version available. It is called the Christian Standard Bible (CSB).

Bible translation from the original Hebrew, Aramaic and Greek is always difficult – the translator has to strike a balance between literal word for word rendering and trying to express the thought behind the word. For example, in 1 Corinthians 11v 30 Paul talks about those who have not judged themselves at the Lord's table having fallen asleep (NIV or NKJV). This doesn't mean that they dozed off, but rather that they were dead. The Message says that they "have gone to an early grave". The difficulty for a translator is that no where in the original language does it mention 'grave', or even 'dead'. The original word means to fall asleep, but the connotation of that word in the day it was written was that it meant death.

You might think that it is always better to translate according to the thought than the literal. However, some parts of the bible have a deliberate double meaning or can only be fully understood with the literal word. So, a balance has to be drawn. The NIV has had a pretty good balance, and some would say that the NKJV is a little more literal so it is better. Others would argue that The Message, which is all about the thought rather than the literal translation is easier to read. The fact is that there is room for many versions.

It is also true to say that the best selling book ever, the Bible, is also good business. Bible sales in the English language are massive, particularly in America. With Zondervan rolling out a replacement for the NIV (Todays NIV) that has been slammed by the critics for it's political correctness, Holman believe that they have a chance of offering a translation that Christians will take to heart and make the new standard in churches – hence the title Christian Standard Bible.

The CSB is pitched slightly to the right of the NIV, a touch more literal but also a little more readable than the NKJV. In our earlier example of 1 Corinthians 11v30, the CSB still translates 'asleep' but it has a reference explaining that it means 'dead'.

In 2 Sam 5v20 the NIV renders: So that place was called Baal Perazim. The CSB has: Therefore, he named that place the Lord Bursts Out. Whereas 'Baal Perazim' is the proper place name, 'the Lord bursts out ' is a literal translation of the place name that helps the understanding of the story.

A great deal of attention has been paid to the page layout and typeface – the CSB looks good on the page. Old Testament quotes in the New Testament are all in bold type – a feature that is particularly helpful.

It is too early to say how widely accepted the CSB, will be, but it certainly has a strong mainstream appeal and is an enjoyable, refreshing read.