Mickey Trexler

My experience with this translation is limited to some extent, I've had it a week and have only ready a few books out of it. That said, here's my take: I study in the NKJV, the NASB, the ESV, Interlinear, and KJV (more for cross than anything as many will tell you this is the ONLY Bible - I prefer to look across the board and put value in translations that utilize earlier/older manuscripts (found after this version was translated) than what was used for KJV. I also believe that if one states that there is only ONE version of God's word, they better know how to read in Hebrew, Greek, AND Aramaic while being as fluent in all three as their native language - otherwise they are repeating what they have heard and been told instead of making their own decision - all while passing judgement on other believers who are trying to spread the Word, which IS Jesus.) I cast no judgement toward anyone, I simply state that we should make sure we do not put ourselves in a bad spot by unknowingly speaking out of line. I cannot guarantee that ANY translation you read will be the exact Word spoken from the Original Authors Ordained by God to put the Infallible Word of God in writing - I only have Faith that it is the Living Word of God, and if you have accepted Jesus as Your Savior, and you allow The Holy Spirit to guide you, you should be able to discern God's Message through the text He leads you to. Now that's out of the way - the CSB is a fairly easy read that uses the same words we use every day as opposed to the words that may have been more common in other eras that other versions were originally translated. Not to say one is better than the other, just easier because it reads like a typical English Speaking American talks. I picked up an Experiencing God CSB Bible because my wife wanted a Bible with study notes and possible explanations, and is currently in an Experiencing God Bible Study. While she didn't dive in, and prefers to pick out her own, I decided to read a little in some of my studies before deciding whether or not to return it. In three days, I read more and grasped more than I have in the last three weeks combined. I credit this to the wording used and how easy it was to read. Old Testament and New, I have found this particular Bible has encouraged me to dig deeper and find more, and I struggle to put it down. As far as what you will hear about the omitted verses: they are there, but they are in the footnotes. You will find this with MANY translations. They are not taken out of Revelation (that I noticed at least) where there is warning *Rev 22:18/19. I did research why anything would be "omitted" and learned that some verses were not found in the Earliest Manuscripts, some up to 600 AD. The same research also surfaced that much of the omissions were repetitive of another verse, and likely added after the original was written. Unfortunately, we weren't there and can only discern for ourselves whether one person added or another took away. This translation includes that, but gives you the knowledge that "some manuscripts do/don't have this included." I personally think this is a good thing. We are called to listen to God and discern. It's more difficult to do when something is less than transparent. If you're looking for a solid translation that will keep you reading and in the Word, I strongly recommend the CSB...along with several others...you really can't go wrong when you're reading the Bible.