Who Is This For?
Best For:
Bible study, ministry use, Scripture distribution, those wanting a modern, accurate translation without copyright restrictions.
Not Ideal For:
Those preferring Majority Text/Byzantine readings, or readers wanting a translation with a longer track record.
Strengths & Limitations
✓ Strengths of the BSB
- No copyright restrictions
- Modern, clear English
- Scholarly accuracy
- Free online study tools
- Good for both study and reading
✗ Limitations to Consider
- Relatively new (less established)
- Follows critical text tradition
- Limited print editions available
- Less familiar than traditional versions
Overview
The Berean Standard Bible is a modern English translation completed in 2020 by the Berean Bible Translation Committee in cooperation with Bible Hub. It combines formal equivalence with clear, accessible language, making it suitable for both study and public reading. The translation is completely free to use and share, having been dedicated to the public domain.
Want to read the BSB Bible online? Use our Bible search tool to find any verse, or start reading from Genesis.
Notable Features of the BSB
- Public domain - completely free to use
- Four-tier translation methodology
- Modern, accessible English
- Available on Bible Hub with cross-references
- Both formal and dynamic translation approaches
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Berean Standard Bible?
The Berean Standard Bible is a modern English translation completed in 2020 by the Berean Bible Translation Committee in cooperation with Bible Hub. It combines formal equivalence with clear, accessible language, making it suitable for both study and public reading. The translation is completely free to use and share, having been dedicated to the public domain.
How can I read the BSB Bible online?
You can read and search the Berean Standard Bible online for free at Acts1 Family. Use our Bible search tool to find any verse, chapter, or keyword in the BSB translation.
When was the BSB Bible published?
The Berean Standard Bible was first published in 2020. It is classified as a Formal Equivalence translation with a 8th Grade reading level.
Who should use the BSB Bible?
Bible study, ministry use, Scripture distribution, those wanting a modern, accurate translation without copyright restrictions.
How does the BSB compare to other Bible translations?
The Berean Standard Bible (BSB) is a Formal Equivalence translation. Compare it with other versions like the KJV, ASV, or NIV using our Bible comparison tools to find the best translation for your needs.
Read the BSB Online
Search any verse, compare with other translations, or start reading from Genesis.
Start ReadingHistory
Complete History of the BSB Translation
The Berean Bible project began with a vision to create a high-quality, freely shareable English Bible translation. The New Testament was published in 2016, with the complete Bible following in 2020. The translation was developed using a four-tier approach: an interlinear Bible for direct Hebrew/Greek study, a literal translation, a modern English study translation, and an emphasized translation bringing out the full meaning of the original texts.
The project was funded by Bible Hub and produced in cooperation with Discovery Bible, OpenBible.com, and the Berean Bible Translation Committee. On April 30, 2023, the Berean Bible was officially dedicated to the public domain, making it one of the few modern translations available without any copyright restrictions.
Translators
Meet the 1 Key Translators and Contributors
Berean Bible Translation Committee
Translation Team
A committee of biblical scholars assembled by Bible Hub to produce the Berean Standard Bible translation.
Textual Basis
Manuscript Sources and Translation Methodology
The Old Testament follows the Leningrad Codex, favoring the Masoretic text. The New Testament uses the Nestle-Aland critical text, favoring earlier Alexandrian manuscripts over Byzantine sources.
Reception
Scholarly Praise
"What an excellent translation—I found nothing wrong with its translation decisions. The BSB sounds like the NKJV but reads at times like the NIV, landing somewhere between the ESV and the NIV '84."
— Snyder's Soapbox, A Review of The Berean Study Bible (2021) [source]
"The BSB quite effectively utilizes both 'word for word' and 'thought for thought' approaches as appropriate. Its attempt to faithfully follow the meaning of the Hebrew and Greek text is commendable."
— GotQuestions.org, What is the Berean Standard Bible (BSB)? (2024) [source]
Scholarly Concerns
The translation was accomplished by a relatively small team of six scholars associated with the Bible Hub ministry. While not necessarily a weakness, this differs from the large committees behind other major translations.
— Tactical Christianity, The Berean Study Bible (2020) [source]
Revision History
View 3 Major Revisions and Updates
- 2016 New Testament published.
- 2020 Complete Bible published.
- 2023 Dedicated to public domain.
Compare Translations
See how the BSB compares to other English Bible translations.
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