The HCSB

You might want to pick up a copy of the Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB) the next time you are out and about. I love the Bible, and I also love having numerous translations available to me for Bible study. It is quite interesting at times to see how various translations render certain texts of Scripture based upon there study, knowledge, etc. I am particularly fond of the HCSB for one reason that I will share in just a second. Let me first say that it is a good, easy-to-understand translation of Scripture. It speaks the language of today without compromising the message of Sacred Scripture. I have personally chosen it as my household's primary Bible translation for studying, memorization, etc. My children enjoy it and I enjoy hearing them read out of it.

What first caught my attention though about this translation is its use of the name Yahweh is many texts of the Old Covenant Scriptures. In the preface to my edition the translation explains that it uses the name Yahweh to portray the Father's name, and "the LORD" is a title and not a name. The HCSB uses Yahweh in many cases where the name of the Creator is emphasized (like in Exodus 3:15 and Psalm 68:4).

What makes this so useful for me (and other believers in the sacredness of the Father's name) is that you can buy this Bible at your local Christian bookstore. When witnessing to others, if I have a Bible with me that can be bought down the street and the Christian bookstore (where everyone goes to buy a Bible), and that uses the name of Yahweh frequently, I really feel like I can get the attention of the person I'm witnessing to. This is a Bible put out by the Baptist organization for the most part, and thus I can explain to people that its not just me making this up or something. The translators of the HCSB saw the name Yahweh important enough to include it numerous times in the Old Covenant portion of our Scriptures.

So... if you want to strengthen your witness about the name of Yahweh, I would suggest you go get you and HCSB and begin to carry it with you. This way you will have it if the need arises.

Matthew Janzen