F.A.Q.

  • Why another Bible translation?

    The HCSB, as a Bible translation project began for many reasons. One of the main reasons was accuracy. The HCSB translation team sought out from the beginning to render an accurate reading of the Bible from the Greek, Armaic, and Hebrew texts. Another reason was readability. Modern English continues to change with time, so the HCSB translation team set out to advance the Bible in up-to-date language that any reader can understand clearly. The goal of the HCSB as a project is not just to produce "another" Bible translation, but a significant contribution to our current context.

  • Does the HCSB represent any particular tradition or denomination?

    Many Bible translations have a long history that is tied to a particular tradition or denomination. There are many Bible translations, for example, that are based on the 1611 King James Version. The HCSB was translated fresh from the original Greek and Hebrew manuscripts by scholars from 17 denominations. We feel that one of the strengths of the HCSB is that it is rooted, not in any one tradition or denomination, but in the original languages of the biblical authors.

  • Where can I get an HCSB Bible?

    You can find all of our products through bhpublishinggroup.com, on the internet, or at your local Christian bookstore/retailer.

  • What makes the HCSB different than other translations?

    Translated from the Original Texts: The HCSB was translated by a team of top-notch scholars from the earliest manuscripts in the original biblical languages.

    21st Century Speech Patterns and Language: The HCSB is rendered in 21st century that can be understood by modern readers. This means that readers won't find older English words like "Behold" and they will find up to date speech patterns that include such things as contractions.

    21st Century Scholarship: In light of the publication of the Dead Sea Scrolls and other scholarly material, the HCSB uses Messiah in the place of Christ in many places in the New Testament, "Yahweh" in place of "LORD" for the personal name of God in the Old Testament, and "slave" instead of "servant" when translating the word doulos. The HCSB also offers a unique and accurate translation of John 3:16, bringing greater clarity to the intended meaning of the originals. 

  • Why would I need more than one translation?

    Some people have been reading older translations for years. We don't necessarily hope you stop! Studying multiple translations of the Bible can often lead to new insights into the meaning of the text. The HCSB is written with up-to-date language that can help illuminate the meaning of an obscure passage rendered in an older version of English. 

  • Can I read the HCSB on my iPad, Kindle, or iPhone?

    Yes you can! Digital formats of the HCSB can be found on all three platforms, as well as online at mystudybible.com

  • Why is the electronic version of the HCSB not the same as the print version?

    • The HCSB, like other translations of the Bible, has undergone five published updates in 1999, 2000, 2002, 2003, and 2009. Some differences may be attributed to the copyright date of the HCSB texts being compared. 

    There are multiple formats and platforms under the heading of "electronic version." 
      E-books: Like print books, e-books (for Kindle, Nook, iBooks, etc) are published at one point in time, each in a unique format. Updating e-book editions is something we do more readily than reprinting physical books. LifeWay works hard to keep our HCSB e-books updated and our digital retail partners stocked with the most current editions. However, depending on when a particular e-book was purchased, it still may not be the most current edition of the HCSB text.
      Mobile apps and software: Like e-books, mobile apps and desktop software (WORDsearch, Logos, Olive Tree, etc.) also publish Bibles at one point in time, but software applications generally push updated texts to their users. LifeWay works hard to supply all our mobile app and software partners with the most current updates of the HCSB but software developers require time to format text for their applications and often the user must elect to update their files once the updates are made available.
      Online: Different from e-books and apps, online access provides a more "real time" experience. LifeWay works hard to keep our sites like MyStudyBible.com updated with the most current HCSB text. We also work hard to provide our online partners (YouVersion, BibleGateway, etc.) with the most updated text. Like software developers, however, these sites require time to format text so there is often a gap in time between when they are supplied with the updated text and when the updated text appears on their site.

    If you find something you wish to report, we want to hear from you. Email us at SuggestionBox@LifeWay.com, and be sure to include the ISBN number and most recent copyright year listed on the copyright page of the print edition, or the specific title and version number of the e-book, app, software, or web site, date the e-book was purchased, and the date you were viewing the digital edition.
     
    Thank you for helping us be excellent stewards of God's Word.