The New American Standard Bible (NASB) and The Message (MSG) are two very different ways of reading Scripture. The NASB is a word-for-word translation built for close study, keeping the grammar and word order of the original languages as closely as English allows. The Message is a paraphrase by Eugene Peterson that restates the text in fresh, conversational English so that the meaning lands quickly. Readers who want to examine the wording of a passage closely tend to prefer the NASB, while readers who want a warm, readable voice for devotional reading or for newcomers often prefer The Message.
Background
The NASB was produced by a committee of evangelical scholars under the Lockman Foundation. It first appeared as a revision of the American Standard Version of 1901, with the New Testament released in 1963 and the full Bible completed in 1971. Later editions have updated the language and refined the text while keeping the same commitment to literal rendering. It is widely used in seminaries, Bible colleges and by pastors who teach passage by passage.
The Message was not produced by a translation committee at all. Eugene Peterson, a pastor and professor, worked on it as a single author, publishing the New Testament and Psalms in the 1990s and completing the full Bible in 2002. He described his work as a paraphrase, meaning he set out to say in contemporary speech what the text was getting at, rather than to match each Greek or Hebrew word. Because it is one author’s voice, it reads more like a personal interpretation than a committee-checked rendering.
Translation Method
The NASB sits near the literal end of the spectrum. Its translators aim to render each original word with a consistent English equivalent, which makes it useful for tracing a repeated term across a book or noticing a grammatical detail that a freer version would smooth over. The trade-off is that some sentences read stiffly, and certain idioms can sound awkward when translated so closely.
The Message works at the opposite end. Peterson paraphrased freely, often expanding a phrase into a full sentence or swapping an ancient image for a modern equivalent. This makes long passages move quickly and can make familiar stories feel newly vivid. The cost is that the reader depends more on the translator’s judgment about what the text means, so it is a poor choice when you want to check a single word against the original.
Reading Level and Style
The NASB is formal and deliberate. Its sentences follow the shape of the source, which can mean longer clauses and a more textbook tone. Readers who are comfortable with careful prose find it steady and dependable, though newer readers sometimes find it heavy going over long stretches.
The Message is casual and direct, written in the rhythm of everyday speech with contractions, short sentences and modern idioms. It is generally easier to read aloud and often easier for young readers or those new to the Bible. Its informality is part of its appeal, but some readers feel that the voice can overshadow the text if they read it for long periods without comparing it to a more literal version.
A Verse to Compare
Psalm 23:1
The LORD is my shepherd: I shall lack nothing.
(WEB)
This familiar opening shows the difference clearly. The NASB keeps the structure of the Hebrew, so the reader sees the shepherd image and the statement of need in a plain, measured order that invites slow reflection on each phrase. The Message restates the same confidence in a more personal, conversational way, turning the statement into a relaxed declaration that the speaker is cared for. Both point to the same truth, but one invites you to study the wording while the other invites you to rest in the feeling of the words.
Who Should Use It
Choose the NASB if you are studying a book closely, preparing a sermon or Bible study, or want to see how a key word is used across the text. Its strength is precision, and its limit is that it can read less smoothly during casual reading. It suits anyone who wants to check the wording against the original languages.
Choose The Message if you want a fresh way into familiar passages, are reading with a young person, or need a devotional companion that feels like a conversation. Its strength is warmth and clarity, and its limit is that the translator’s interpretation shapes the reading. Many readers use it alongside a more literal version so they can enjoy the freshness while still checking the details.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the NASB more accurate than The Message?
The NASB is more literal, so it follows the wording of the original languages more closely. The Message is a paraphrase, which prioritizes meaning and readability over matching each word. Each serves a different purpose, so neither is simply better.
Can I use The Message for serious Bible study?
It can be helpful for getting the overall sense of a passage. For detailed study, pair it with a more literal translation so you can check specific words and grammar.
Which is easier for a new Christian to read?
The Message is usually easier at first because its language is conversational and direct. Many new readers later move to a more literal translation as they grow more familiar with the text.
