The CSB Family of Study Bibles

The CSB translation stands for Christian Standard Bible. The CSB is a new translation (2017) but it's not really completely new. It is a revision/update of the HCSB (Holman Christian Standard Bible). When doing the revision they dropped the "H" (Holman) and it became CSB instead of HCSB.

This translation is based on the Hebrew and Greek text and is a combined effort of more than 100 scholars from 17 different denominations.  

Translation Philosophy

The CSB was created using Optimal Equivalence, a translation philosophy that pursues both linguistic precision to the original languages and readability in contemporary English.

In the many places throughout Scripture where a word-for-word rendering is clearly understandable, a literal translation is used. When a word-for-word rendering might obscure the meaning for a modern audience, a more dynamic translation is used. This process assures that both the words and thoughts contained in the original text are conveyed as accurately as possible for today’s readers.

On one hand, the CSB provides a highly accurate text for sermon preparation and serious study, translated from the biblical languages by scholars who love God’s Word. On the other hand, it doesn’t compromise readability and clarity for those who may be less familiar with the traditional (and sometimes difficult) vocabulary retained in some translations.

Research shows the CSB is both highly literal to the original languages and highly readable, achieving an optimal balance of the two.

CSB Bibles

In addition to Text Bibles (no study notes) of nearly every size and color (Black, Charcoal, Brown, Pink, Purple, Teal, etc.), the CSB is available in a variety of special editions (EMS, Firefighter, Police, Nurse, Doctor, Military, Bride), note taking editions, and several very fine Study Bibles. The remainder of this article will highlight some of these Study Bibles.

CSB Study Bible

The primary Study Bible of the CSB family is part of the Holman Study Bible Family introduced in the previous post. It is an excellent resource combining great maps, illustrations, charts, word studies on Hebrew and Greek words, and insights from top scholars in the Christian community. 

Inside The Bible

The various translations of the Holman Study Bible are almost identical and in general, include the following features. 

• 16,000+ study notes
• 368 word studies
• 94 photographs
• 61 timelines
• 55 maps
• 44 paintings
• 34 articles
• 21 illustrations/reconstructions
• 19 charts
• Book introductions and outlines
• Concordance
• Two-column text with center-column cross-references
• Topical subheadings
• Sewn binding—lays flat when open
• 9.5-point text size
• 9.50" x 6.75"

Note the layout of the Study Bible in the image above. The Biblical text is at the top and the notes/commentary are at the bottom, separated by a dividing line. The notes have the verse number in front of them so that you will know which verse the note refers to. Additional verses (cross-references) are listed in the middle column at the top of the page as well as in the notes at the bottom of the page. 

CSB Essential Teen Study Bible

The HCSB Essential Teen Study Bible won a 2015 Outreach Magazine Award for "Best Resource" with its hundreds of study helps and 146 devotions. The CSB Essential Teen Study Bible will retain each of those features as well as the complete text of the Christian Standard Bible. 

CSB Spurgeon Study Bible

This Bible pulls from the riches of Charles Spurgeon's prolific writing and teaching ministry. His comments are provided to provide illustrations and insights from this "prince of preachers".

CSB Apologetics Study Bible

This Bible provides notes and support for believing in God throughout the Old and New Testaments. This is available in the "regular" (black hardcover and other editions) and "student" edition (blue hardcover).

More than one-hundred key questions and articles prompt a rewarding study experience at every reading. Included are contributions from modern apologists Chuck Colson, Norm Geisler, Hank Hanegraaff, Josh McDowell, Albert Mohler, Ravi Zacharias, and 90 more—plus a lead article by Lee Strobel (The Case for Christ).

The Apologetics Study Bible for Students uniquely anchors younger Christians in the truths of Scripture by equipping them with thoughtful and practical responses for whenever the core issues of their faith and life are challenged. General Editor Dr. Sean McDowell and a team of 48 contributors created this collection of valuable resources, crafted to answer the top 120 questions asked by today's youth.

CSB Disciples Study Bible

The CSB Disciple’s Study Bible guides an individual’s journey in following Jesus, by featuring discipleship themed study notes, as well as tools and resources that equip Christians to disciple others. Included is the Foundations 260 Reading Plan, featuring 260 concise daily readings with commentary from Pastor Robby Gallaty and ample page space to engage the text and journal via the H.E.A.R journaling method (Highlight-Explain-Apply-Respond). With additional articles on discipleship from the team at Replicate Ministries, The Disciple’s Study Bible will help foster engagement and practical application of God’s Word in the life of a disciple on a daily basis. 

CSB She Reads Truth Bible

Inspired by the She Reads Truth mission of "Women in the Word of God every day,” the She Reads Truth Bible is thoughtfully and artfully designed to highlight the beauty, goodness, and truth of Scripture.

CSB Study Bible For Women - Not Yet Published

In The Study Bible for Women, readers will join a host of other women, all academically trained in the original languages of the Bible and passionate about God’s Word, for a deep dive into Scripture that will equip them to unlock the riches and majesty of God’s Word while igniting a passion to mentor others to do the same. 

CSB Pastor's Bible

Available in two editions, Genuine Leather or Deluxe LeatherTouch, the CSB Pastor’s Bible is ideal for pastoral use during preaching or while officiating special services or occasions.  Including a single-column setting, large type, wide margins, and extensive tools and articles from some of today’s respected pastors and church leaders, this Bible provides a valuable life-long resource for ministers.

Features include: Smyth-sewn binding, Single-column text, Footnotes, Topical subheadings, Black-letter text, 10-point type, Concordance, Presentation page, Two-piece gift box, Full-color maps, and more.

Additional Resources:

• Introduction to the Christian Standard Bible
• Commonly Used Abbreviations in CSB Bibles
• Wedding Ceremonies by Jim Henry
• Funeral Preparation by Jim Henry
• Funeral Sermons by Jim Henry
• Where to Turn
• A Brief Biblical Theology of Leadership by Matt Chandler, Eric Geiger, and Josh Patterson
• Eight Traits of Effective Church Leaders by Thom S. Rainer
• Pastor, Find Your Identity in Christ by Jared C. Wilson
• Glorifying God in Your Ministry by Charles Spurgeon
• What is Biblical Preaching? by Kyle Idleman
• Preaching Christ from All the Scriptures by Tony Merida
• What is Doctrinal Preaching? by Robert Smith Jr.
• Four Keys for Giving an Effective Invitation by Deron Spoo
• Five Ways to Improve Congregational Singing by Keith Getty
• Soul Care: Walking with Others in Wisdom and Love by Ed T. Welch
• Letter to the Church by Billy Graham
• Five Steps to Start and Keep an Evangelistic Culture by Greg Laurie
• How Do You Disciple Others? by Daniel Im
• The One Thing You Must Do as a Student Pastor by Ben Trueblood
• Sharing the Gospel with Children by Jana Magruder
• Contributors
• Concordance

If you missed the previous installments in this series, see the links below. 

The chart below provides samples of some of the main translations, along with year the translation was completed and the reading grade level of each translation.

Watch your inbox for the fourth article (of six) on Bibles and Translations. It will be out on Monday and will cover the ESV Family of Study Bibles, along with a fuller explanation of the ESV translation..