Berean Study Bible (BSB) - Full Review and Walkthrough

[@JohnnyMacs-BibleNightInCanada]

It quickly and easily became my favourite translation. I truly feel it's the best English translation ever made, and it's not an overstatement. Reads as smooth as the CSB, yet sounds as traditional as the NKJV. A true "optimal equivalence". It has the most pros vs cons of any translation to date. It replaced the NASB95 as my top translation and does everything right. Absolutely joy to read. I hope all of God's people give it a shot! Another great review brother 😉🙏❤️

[@timwildsmith]

Thanks, Johnny Mac!!!

[@gGXGUITAR]

It’s called BEREAN Study Bible because of what the Bereans did in Acts 17:11. “These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so.” ‭‭Acts‬ ‭17:11‬ ‭KJV‬‬ Hence the name BSB. GREAT VIDEO, I ordered two last week.

[@timwildsmith]

Thanks!!

[@---zc4qt]

The Bible is VERY important. At the same time, the problem with the Scripture Alone theory is that it often leads to "Me Alone-ism".

[@wellsbells75]

I bought into the hype of the BSB and got mine a couple of months ago. It has quickly become my favorite translation. It's traditional yet easy to read. It flows beautifully. I love the fact that pronouns for deity are capitalized and they didn't seem to go to far on gender neutrality. The page layout, the line spacing and large font are so easy on my eyes. The BSB is amazing. Great review!!!

[@timwildsmith]

Thanks, David! Glad you enjoy it.

[@sandracoombs2255]

I also love the fact that pronouns are capitalised for Deity. 👍😊

[@RUT812]

I downloaded the Bible Hub app & got the BSB for free.

[@elisavintervejr]

Backstreets back.... Alright!😁 👉🏻📙 I love the clean text of this Bible.

[@timwildsmith]

Hahaha.. Yes!!

[@cherylstevens4302]

I really like this Bible. Nice size. Like the font it looks comfortable to read. This Bible is great value for money.

[@timwildsmith]

👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼

[@dawn1814]

I bought one and I'm so excited to get it. I write a Christian blog and seeing the copyright restrictions in so many others was daunting. I love that Bible Hub encourages people to share scripture with this translation. Also, I subscribed because of the Backstreet Boy reference - I'm glad I'm not the only person who thought that. 😂

[@timwildsmith]

Welcome, Dawn!! 🎉

[@dawn1814]

Thank you. 😊

[@TheExodusLife]

BSB 😂....love me some Bible and some Backstreet Boys ...I long for this Berean Version amidst the parallel universe I'm positioned in .Thank you @ Tim Wildsmith .Kingdom blessings ❤

[@sdhute]

I purchased this and also was interested in the love people have for the translation. Also the copyright makes it very easy to do just about anything with it. Sometimes it hard not having a issue with a copyright on God's word and the restrictions that go along with that

[@timwildsmith]

Great point about the copyright.

[@dedesouthwick1742]

As a bible teacher, I am happy to add this translation to my toolbelt.

[@timwildsmith]

👍🏼👍🏼

[@xander7ful]

I just ordered this. So looking forward to reading it & seeing how it compares to my other 6 Bible translations. Pretty too.

[@timwildsmith]

Let me know what you think!

[@Twiceborn_by_grace]

I’m glad we share the same humor. I can’t watch a video on this bible without thinking of the Backstreet Boys. 😂

[@timwildsmith]

Hahahaha!!!

[@braedanbotha]

I've been searching for the perfect bible, but either it's too 'word-for-word' or it's too thought-for-thought. This bible mixes these two so beautifully. I just love it. The main bibles I use are CSB, NIV and ESV,but I'm afraid to say the BSB will be my main bible from now on😊😊. I have a physical NIV and use youversion for the other two. I can't wait to get my own BSB bible.

[@TheDreamhouse2010]

Thank you!

[@DanS-kh4tc]

I have one it’s beauty is in it’s simplicity.

[@timwildsmith]

Indeed. Very clean and simple.

[@staceycameron4285]

Thank you Tim for the review. I hope they come out with a wide margin version someday.

[@timwildsmith]

That would be cool!

[@TJ-sy6lh]

Me too. Or even with the extra full empty page after each printer page.

[@mikemccauley2146]

A great review Tim

[@timwildsmith]

Thanks, Mike... that's correct. In the pop-up image on the screen, I noted that it was both sewn and glued for extra stability.

[@ClaimingChristianity]

I'm anxious to do a little comparison between the BSB - ESV - NKJV and LSB (when it comes out). I gotta see the textual differences. I like that the BSB uses words like Behold. Such a good word.

[@timwildsmith]

BEHOLD!

[@brendaboykin3281]

Thanx, Pastor 🌹🌹🌹

[@timwildsmith]

You’re welcome!

[@sandracoombs2255]

Great review. I’ve just ordered the burgundy one. HUGE cost differential to buy and ship to 🇦🇺🇦🇺 so it will be right up there in cost for me. I’m buying it based on my online reading of it and comments made under this video re the quality of the translation. Here’s hoping it gets thru our COVID stricken postal service before 2023. 😊🙏🙏🙏 Many thanks.

[@timwildsmith]

Hope you enjoy it!

[@chadwhitley]

I wish there were a way to access the names of those who worked on the translation. What little I've seen of it so far looks ok, and I know there are some names attached to the project that lend some credibility to it, but I love the transparency that comes with knowing who has translated what parts of the Bible, and being able to research their theology/qualifications for myself. What's more Berean than that? :)

[@timwildsmith]

Totally understand that... from what I've seen, they've released info about the major contributors, but not every individual person who participated.

[@ghess]

I share your sentiment. The BSB Facebook group inquired about this and their response stated that no one person (or group) was assigned to a particular book or section. Instead, the BibleHub and Discovery Bible teams worked through it from start to finish with help from contributing scholars, contractors, and public input from Bible teachers and laypeople alike. Some of them wished to remain anonymous due to their involvement in other translations. BibleHub’s intent was to produce a translation that was free of denominational and doctrinal bias. I think they were largely successful in that regard because they made their translation tables publicly available and open to scrutiny. You can research the oversight committee but I do not think you’ll find their personally held beliefs to have worked their way into the translation. I think the 4 tier translation kind of helps to safeguards against getting too interpretive since you can always access the more literal rendering or even the interlinear text itself. Overall, I’m really excited about this translation and what doors it may open for teachers because of BibleHub’s VERY generous licensing.

[@pastor-josh]

Same here. One thing I love about the CSB is that they have an easily viewable pdf with a list of the translation team and where they got their degrees from. I wish this were the standard for all translations. I like the idea of openness that the Berean Bible offers, I just never actually found their translation tables or any info on their team.

[@sylviafriessen9124]

Lol .. "Didn't think I'd ever sing backstreet boys in a bible review" 😂😂 I was following the excitement about the BSB for awhile but i eventually decided I'm actually very good with the NKJV I'm already in along with my CSB ... I'm set.. Thanks for the review Tim !!

[@timwildsmith]

You're welcome, Sylvia!!

[@flowerlass]

I had just heard of this translation when I watched your review. I will order one because so many of the Bibles these days have such tiny print. My eyes are fine, but I find it uncomfortable to read tiny print after a while. Thanks for all of these reviews! You do a terrific job!

[@timwildsmith]

Glad it was helpful!

[@GuruishMike]

Cool. The name was throwing me a bit at first, I was like the boolean logic bible? Anyway, what's the difference between this, and say an NRSV, and an NRSV-Interlinear?

[@timwildsmith]

This is not interlinear (but they have that, too)... the difference is in the translation philosophy. Worth checking out their website if you want to dig into a bit deeper.

[@StaceyUK]

My only complaint I have with it is it should be called a reader, and not a study bible. I’m glad the translation is available with minimal copyright. Being in the UK I can download the translation to see for myself, even though getting a physical copy would be too expensive with shipping.

[@timwildsmith]

Yes... that seems to be a common critique.

[@timotimy254]

The BSB synthesizes the best principles of evangelical translations-faithfulness to the original text, clarity for modern readers, and theological integrity. It neither leans too far into rigid literalism nor too far into interpretive paraphrasing, making it an ideal choice for believers seeking a balanced, reliable Bible translation.

[@mikaelg2398]

Thank you for the video

[@timwildsmith]

You're welcome!

[@brotherarn]

That is one beautiful Bible. I love the spacing between the sentences the spacing between the versus the opacity of the paper I like the whiteness of it. I like that Bible seems like easy to read. Now I'd like to know is that like the csb or The New American Standard or like NIV.

[@timwildsmith]

Hey Arnold... it's probably most similar to the CSB... somewhere between that an ESV seems to be the right spot.

[@helenaholcomb3004]

I’ve used the biblehub for a few years and referenced the BSB it’s neat to see it in book form, nice review. By the way, how do you know or find out the gsm of the paper??

[@timwildsmith]

I usually look on the publisher website.

[@helenaholcomb3004]

@@timwildsmith thanks! 🙂

[@nickvasiliades4537]

Bible reviews and Back Street Boys tunes...I don't know what more we can ask for!

[@timwildsmith]

I aim to please, Nick!! 😂🤣😂

[@MoiGarciaLeatherAndBinding]

Well, I have been reading it lately quite a lot. And it has a lot of great renderings that the NASB, NKJV or KJV even get wrong. It is more than meets the eye.

[@timwildsmith]

Glad you're liking it, Moi!

[@pastor-josh]

I like the tiered translation options a lot, although they are leaning into to this a bit too much considering they only seem to have one of these (BSB) available. I also think they missed the mark with the naming. Wouldn't the interlinear or literal (which would more accurately be described as "word for word") translation actually be more of a "study" Bible? Even there, they are using the widely understood term "study Bible" to mean something completely different. I'm not trying to nitpick, just I love the idea so much I'm a bit disappointed in the execution. Still early yet and hopefully they'll get a useable interlinear and finish up the whole line of tiers. It does look like they've done a really good job on the one tier they've released so that's encouraging.

[@timwildsmith]

Thanks, Josh... I think everything you say here is fair criticism. I will be interested to see where it stands in a few months, because the early response seems pretty strong (in both directions).

[@pastor-josh]

@@timwildsmith the combination of a good idea (tiered approach, open source, easily accessible) + solid delivery on their first physical products is really encouraging at least.

[@terrysbookandbiblereviews]

It looks interesting.

[@timwildsmith]

For sure!

[@sweetypuss]

im a certified BSB enjoyer with a blue hardcover copy and im very happy with it. the text is weirdly faint in a few places though and it can be annoying to read under direct light-since it'll illuminate the text on the back of the page in addition to the front. not really an issue i have with my other bibles and books in general. still a great translation doe

[@evangelistmatthew783]

What bible group do you recommend that I can join on fb?

[@timwildsmith]

There’s one for most major translation and publishers. Just search in Groups and you should find a few.

[@evangelistmatthew783]

@@timwildsmith Thanks, Tim

[@palondreroyster1719]

Hi do you still have this bible and if so would you be willing to sell it?

[@lindamaejohnson1060]

I like it.👀👀👀

[@timwildsmith]

It's a fun little Bible.

[@GianFilipelli]

Hi can you tell me if the Berean Study Bible or any of their bibles have the apocrypya ? Also from which text is the old and new testament taken from please ? Was it a team or single person who translated it ?

[@Rueuhy]

I probably use Bible Hub almost daily. Great resource. The Berean translation fits well with the other translations but cannot classify it as superior and from what I've seen, I do believe they remain true to the word conveying God's heart to us. Adding the "study" as part of the title is a bit ingenuous. It's a reading bible. And I hope one day they do come out with a comparable study bible to the ESV study bible because they do demonstrate deep thought in commentaries from what I've seen. (You handled that potential minefield well Tim when explaining the "study" part of the title.) But it's not a "study" bible and it's possible for someone to be misled when purchasing. And after calling this a study bible, what would they label an actual study bible for this translation? It kinda causes a dilemma for them. Probably well worth the money. Good review. Thanks.

[@timwildsmith]

Thank you... I agree that the name is a bit confusing. Perhaps they'd call is the Berean Study Study Bible!

[@ghess]

I don’t think they plan on producing a traditional “study” Bible nor do they have plans on changing the name of this version. They are committed to an unbiased text though. No translation is 100% free of doctrinal bias (including this one) but that is why they are producing 4 translations. I think the goal is that their entire eco-system of Berean translations is to be used in studying the Bible. Not any one version in particular. This way, hopefully, scripture interprets scripture without leaning heavily on a denomination or taking a hard stance on certain doctrinal beliefs outside of the inspiration and inerrancy of scripture. Now will it work? That’s another question. But I think it will!

[@sorenpx]

I agree. They really should've gone with a different name. It seems like the confusion is something they'd have seen coming when they first considered calling it a "study" Bible. Reading their promo materials it sounds like they are not really committed to releasing physical editions and so I doubt we'll ever see an actual study Bible. That also seems like a mistake. I don't even adopt translations that don't have a study Bible available.

[@dalenam.816]

I recently ordered the BSB on the premise it was the study Bible being mentioned in an online church I attend, with all sorts of glorious notes that are different from typical study bibles. When I excitedly opened the package today I was disappointed. No study notes. Even after this review, I’m not sure I want to keep it, as I have a CSB study Bible that I enjoy.

[@MichaelAmen316]

Tim TattooSmith thanks for the video. Would nice if you got into the actual translation.

[@GianFilipelli]

What translations does the Berean Bible use ? What is the difference between a Berean Bible and like other Protestant Bibles ?

[@truehope287]

Tho shall not judge a book by its cover. Haha, just a thought as you are going over the appearance of it. Looking forward to the rest of your review.

[@timwildsmith]

Ha!

[@sorenpx]

I think the idea of a four-tier unified ecosystem is quite interesting and feels exciting and innovative. That said, the BSB is not nearly as interesting to me as the Berean Literal Bible. It feels like these dynamic translations are a dime a dozen these days but getting a new formal-equivalence translation feels like an event. There aren't many of them and certainly there aren't many new ones.

[@timwildsmith]

I like that… “ecosystem.”

[@CedricCredle]

2:46pm I have been reading the KJV for so long I saw this version on my app and starting reading it and I like it. It does not have the Commentaries as other types of others have. So I wonder of other commentaries might have the perspectives of those they may not their view possibly their view possibly points which bring divisions within the church. But in letting the scriptures reveal themselves. The image of the scriptures has the way it seems to interpret themselves. I am not a Hebrew/Greek in which that having still , KJV I can look up a certain word the BSB has that word in the text. So I am using the KJV/BSB in my reading/study.

[@sweetypuss]

you might wanna look into the BLB (Berean Literal Bible) when it gets completed. i think it'll be a serious contender with the KJV

[@eijentwun5509]

COPYRIGHT??? PERMISSION? why does it say that? I thought it was made Public Domain???

[@joshwitt1475]

Several other reviewers have confirmed that it is both Sewn and glued (not just glued). Just got a copy today for $39 and $5 shipping.

[@timwildsmith]

Enjoy!

[@petermillist3779]

Another CSB then

[@timwildsmith]

It reads a bit different… but similar approaches.

[@JessicaSalamone]

If anyone is looking to part with a clean Tan copy let me know :)

[@JessicaSalamone]

I found one!

[@gunnartesdahl9347]

Great review, as always! You are always very kind in your reviews. I'm not on board with the hype surrounding the BSB, personally. The quality just does not match the hype. The text format itself looks like a Word document. I mean, Cambria as the font? The size of the book itself is not practical. The translation isn't needed (we have PLENTY of translations that are in the same spot on the formal-dynamic scale). And we don't need their translation "ecosystem," either. We have tons of translations that are on the literal side, with interlinears available everywhere Bibles are sold. The name of the translation (Berean STUDY Bible) is misleading, as virtually every Christian in the English-speaking world uses the title "Study Bible" the same way, not as the BSB does (which I don't even get how they are using it?). It's not a study Bible; there aren't even cross references or a concordance. There's no way others are going to catch on to this translation, and there are already a host of more transparent, reliable translations that are far more widely available. (As another commenter mentioned below, we don't even know who the translation team is.) Now, Biblehub is a great resource, with a ton of commentaries, language resources, and other tools available in one, free spot. THAT is great. But this translation and edition itself is not worth the excitement it's getting.

[@ghess]

Ouch! Just hear me out. Free licensing. In this day and age, it’s is a much bigger deal than many people realize. Every point you made is valid but when you view them in light of Berean Bibles’ overall mission, it starts to make more sense - right down to their choice to use a royalty-free font.

[@timwildsmith]

Thanks for sharing your thoughts, Gunnar. I had a good chuckle when I read your comment about Cambria (not my favorite choice on this one, but I think the overall layout and spacing is done well and makes for an easy read). And what you have to say about translations is certainly an interesting point. The BSB has a lot of early support (as does the LSB), so I'm interested to see if these new ones take off.

[@bradberry6953]

39.99

[@timwildsmith]

💵

[@Dwayne_Green]

Ha, Back Street Boy study Bible!

[@timwildsmith]

😂😆🤣

[@WgB5]

Reader be aware. The 2022 version has weak print, in an 8 point font. Even the best of eyes may need reading glasses.And no, it doe not simply open flat. I wish that they had stayed with the 10 font. It was still a faded print, but t was easier to see. So the faded print shown in this video is accurate. The text tends to follow after the CT manner of either dropping or denouncing passages. Some... blah blah bah. Sadly, the faded pint will make this book into a dust collector.

[@jacobbragg1032]

So, I'm being led to the Bible. I was raised Jehovah's witness with the new testament. I need more. The world I live in, everything leads to Jesus and his rules. My biggest problem is I lost trust in the Bible as it is TRANSLATED by MAN. I'm almost 50 and what I've learned about powerful men Is that they will turn facts into propaganda in order to suit their desires. I am seeking the truest and honest words from our historical teachers. I fear I have to learn Hebrew, Greek, Arabic, and Sanskrit. And then start the feeding on ancient texts. This study Bible seems great for when I'm holding a Tuesday night study group. I can't help but feel I may be on to something mistranslated or worse misinterpreted. Someone tell me I'm overthinking this. And to just jump in please. Or..... Thank you 🙏❤

[@RaYBaSHKatan]

Back Street Boys... really bro!? I just lost all respect for you! LOL! ;) LOL! ;) ... just kidding, great review, thanks!

[@timwildsmith]

Hahah!

[@lesawkawalec420]

Tim, when you review a bible, other than saying how it feels and looks,, perhaps just open it and go through fast without much ado, but this is not the most important reason why we buy bibles. So, why don't you say something about the credentials of the group that releases this one? Perhaps you could compare 2-3 places in which it gives a better read than the others? Let me show you what I mean. James 4:5-6 in, say, NIV reads "He jealously longs for the spirit he has caused to dwell in us?" whereas BSB renders the Greek original thus "the Spirit He caused to dwell in us yearns with envy". This is NOT the same! In the context of James 4:6 "But he gives us more grace." and in the broad context of chapters 4 and 5 BSB makes sense: God does not want us to pursue this world's ambitions, so He limits us in a way as He wants us to be His only, but then He gives us more grace. With the other usual translations this point is lost. ALSO: Berean STUDY Bible is the translation TIER. This particular bible is the Berean Standard Bible...

[@RaquelNavas]

Leviticus 19:28 - "You shall not make any cuttings in your flesh for the dead, nor tattoo any marks on you: I am the Lord."

[@timwildsmith]

▶️ kzbin.info/www/bejne/amarfGxrf7d-pNU

[@---zc4qt]

I am the 101st commentor on this video. This video should have been called "101 Reasons why the Berean Study Bible disappoints". Pause at 1:39. Yeah!!!!!!!!!!! Why is it called a "study bible" when it does not have a commentary, It does not seem to have very many footnotes and the NWT has more c-f than this Bible. ( One negative thing about the NWT, and other English Bibles, is that it is real heard to believe that the translators even knew Hebrew when/if they cannot even tell you the correct name of the letters of the Hebrew Alphabet.) There are pros and cons to a literal and not so literal rendering of some verses. This has been the case since at least the mid-1700s. The "Yoda Bible"? I guess you are referring to the fact that Hebrew does not always translate well into English. I know a verse in Ps. 145 that reads AMAZING when read in Hebew, but sadly all but 3 translations FOR the verse to agree and conform to the English syntax. ( This is one example I find insulting in English. Granted I have sung/chanted this Psalm-chapter in Hebrew for many years.) Pause at 7:38. It is sad that soooooooooooooooooo many treat the New Testament as if it is 99% of the Bible and the Hebrew Bible is only 1% of the Bible. It is fairly good as a translation. But calling itself a STUDY BIBLE seems VERY dishonest.

[@timwildsmith]

Noted.

[@RUT812]

You really have issues. Seriously

[@Tony-we5kp]

@@RUT812 Serious Ones....

[@SirChristoferus]

I’ve been pretty interested in the BSB ever since I started using BibleHub, they did a very nice job with the printed editions. I think it’ll make a very nice addition to the array of mainline English translations.

[@timwildsmith]

Agreed! I hope it stays around.