American Standard Version (ASV) Bible
Published in 1901, the American Standard Version set out to correct weaknesses in the King James Version (KJV) while keeping its dignified tone, and it remains one of the most literal English translations available. Start reading from Genesis (ASV) and follow its close, word-for-word rendering of the Hebrew and Greek text.
The Old Testament (often abbreviated OT) is the first division of the Christian biblical canon, which is based primarily upon the 24 books of the Hebrew Bible (or Tanakh), a collection of ancient religious Hebrew writings by the Israelites believed by most Christians and religious Jews to be the sacred Word of God.
The New Testament (NT) is the second division of the Christian biblical canon. It discusses the teachings and person of Jesus, as well as events in first-century Christianity.
About the American Standard-ASV1901 (ASV) Translation
The American Standard Version (ASV), published in 1901, is widely regarded as one of the most accurate and literal English Bible translations ever produced. Developed by an American revision committee working alongside British scholars on the Revised Version (1885), the ASV Bible was designed to correct perceived weaknesses in the King James Version while preserving its dignified style. One notable feature of the ASV is its consistent use of 'Jehovah' as the name of God in the Old Testament, following the Hebrew text more closely than many other translations. Prized by Bible scholars, seminaries, and serious students of scripture for its word-for-word fidelity to the original Hebrew and Greek texts, the American Standard Version offers unmatched precision for in-depth Bible study. Many important modern translations, including the New American Standard Bible (NASB) and the World English Bible (WEB), are based on the ASV. Read the American Standard Version Bible online here in full, from Genesis to Revelation.
Frequently Asked Questions
When was the American Standard Version published and where did it come from?
How does the ASV compare to the King James Version?
What name does the ASV use for God, and why?
Who is the ASV best suited for?
What later translations were based on the ASV?
Where can I read the ASV online?
Today's Verse
The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: A broken and contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise.
Verse Of The DayThe ASV's consistent use of 'Jehovah' for the divine name in the Old Testament set it apart from earlier English Bibles and later shaped translations such as the NASB and the Webster's Bible (WBT). Serious students of scripture still turn to it for study, including passages like Psalms (ASV).
