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ASV

American Standard Version

Thomas Nelson & Sons

First published 1901

TranslationASV
PublisherThomas Nelson & Sons
First Published1901
Canon Proximity9.0 / 10 — Very High
ASV
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American Standard Version

The American Standard Version (ASV) of 1901 is the American counterpart to the British Revised Version (1885). Produced by the American scholars who participated in the RV project, it represents one of the most literal and scholarly English Bible translations of its era, notable for using 'Jehovah' throughout the Old Testament wherever the divine name appears.

History & Background

American scholars joined the British Revised Version project (begun 1870) but had many preferred readings rejected. They agreed not to publish separately for 14 years; in 1901 their preferences became the ASV. Regarded by many as the most accurate English Bible of the early 20th century, it became the parent text of both the RSV (1952) and NASB (1971), and the basis for the World English Bible (WEB).

Canon Proximity Rating

Canon Proximity9.0 / 10 — Very High

Strictly 66 Protestant books. Extremely literal formal equivalence; the parent of NASB and RSV. Considered one of the most precise English translations ever made.

Rating Scale

9–10: Formally equivalent, 66 books
7–8: Dynamic equiv., 66 books
5–6: Includes Apocrypha
1–4: Major departures / additions