
UPDATED AMERICAN STANDARD VERSION OF THE HOLY SCRIPTURES (2022 EDITION)
Our primary purpose is to give the Bible readers what God said by way of his human authors, not what a translator thinks God meant in its place.—Truth Matters!
Our primary goal is to be accurate and faithful to the original text. The meaning of a word is the responsibility of the interpreter (i.e., reader), not the translator.—Translating Truth!
We value the sincere faith of Christians who acknowledge that God’s ways and thoughts are higher than ours (Isaiah 55:8–9). That humility is essential. Yet the desire to grow in accurate Bible knowledge and to seek Scriptural answers to difficult questions does not weaken faith or challenge God. It honors Him because God has revealed His will in His inspired Word so that we may know Him, obey Him, and trust Him more fully.
Scripture repeatedly urges believers to pursue understanding. Proverbs 2:3–5 says that if we call out for discernment, seek understanding like silver, and search for it as for hidden treasures, we will understand the fear of God and find the knowledge of God. Likewise, 2 Timothy 3:16–17 teaches that all Scripture is inspired by God and is useful for teaching, reproving, correcting, and training in righteousness, equipping the man of God for every good work. David did not treat faith as a reason to avoid study. He meditated on God’s Word, treasured it, and wrote, “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path” (Psalm 119:105). His trust was informed by the Scriptures.
Faith and knowledge belong together. Romans 10:17 states, “So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.” Hebrews 11:1 shows that faith trusts what God has promised, even when we do not yet see its fulfillment. Such trust rests on revealed truth, not ignorance. When Christians examine Bible difficulties carefully, they become better prepared to make a defense for their hope with gentleness and respect (1 Peter 3:15). The goal is not pride, argument, or claiming to know everything. The goal is diligent study, humble obedience, and reliance on God’s wisdom. By embracing both faith and accurate knowledge, we honor God and draw closer to Him through His Word. This is a faith that listens, learns, and submits to the Scriptures as the final authority in every matter of true faith.


























