Somewhere in this mix of possible Bible translations comes the Holman Christian Study Bible. As far as I can tell, it’s more readable than ESV, but in many ways more accurate than the TNIV. One interesting point is it if the first brand new translation in decades. The ESV is building off of the Revised Standard Version. The TNIV, of course, is building off the NIV.

One reviewer who likes readability gives the HCSB very high marks.

Another reviewer who likes literal translations is not so kind.

All three are so very similar, I am leaning toward readability. TNIV and HCSB are more readable in many ways. The TNIV is moving forward in acceptance, but it hasn’t been easy. It recently dropped out of the top ten in Bible translation sales. The headaches of being accused of being liberal because it is gender inclusive are really bogging things down. The HCSB is only published by Holman, and while it’s not a Southern Baptist translation, Holman is a Southern Baptist publisher. Take it for what it’s worth. Being tied to one publisher makes it tough to know if it will gain enough popularity to stay marketable and usable.