revised standard version: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowFormal, Academic, Religious
Quick answer
What does “revised standard version” mean?
A modern English translation of the Bible published in the mid-20th century, intended as an update to the American Standard Version.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A modern English translation of the Bible published in the mid-20th century, intended as an update to the American Standard Version.
Often abbreviated as RSV, it is a scholarly revision of the King James Version that maintains traditional language while incorporating archaeological and textual discoveries. It is used in academic study and certain liturgical traditions.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The RSV is used by some mainline Protestant denominations in both regions, but is more common in American academic contexts. The UK may more frequently reference the New Revised Standard Version (NRSV) or other local translations.
Connotations
Connotes scholarly, mid-20th-century mainstream Protestantism. In the US, it is associated with ecumenical and academic settings. In the UK, it may be seen as an American-influenced translation.
Frequency
Low frequency in general discourse, high specificity within biblical studies circles.
Grammar
How to Use “revised standard version” in a Sentence
[the] Revised Standard Version + of + [the Bible][to] use + the Revised Standard Version[to] quote from + the Revised Standard VersionVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “revised standard version” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The RSV translation notes are extensive.
- He preferred the Revised Standard Version text.
American English
- Her RSV study Bible was well-worn.
- The Revised Standard Version edition included the Apocrypha.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not applicable.
Academic
Used in theological seminaries, religious studies departments, and historical criticism of biblical texts.
Everyday
Rare. May be used by churchgoers discussing which Bible translation their study group uses.
Technical
Used in textual criticism to refer to a specific critical edition and its translation philosophy.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “revised standard version”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “revised standard version”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “revised standard version”
- Calling it the 'Revised Standard Bible' (though understood, the correct title uses 'Version').
- Using it as a countable noun (e.g., 'several revised standard versions' - incorrect for the specific title).
- Confusing it with the 'New Revised Standard Version' (NRSV), which is a later update.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. The RSV is a 20th-century revision that uses the KJV as a base text but incorporates modern scholarship and updates the language.
A Catholic edition of the RSV was published in 1965-66 (the RSV-CE). A revision, the RSV-2CE, is approved for Catholic use.
The New Revised Standard Version (NRSV, 1989) is its direct successor, using more gender-inclusive language.
To provide a readable, authoritative English Bible that incorporated discoveries like the Dead Sea Scrolls and updated archaic language from the ASV/KJV.
A modern English translation of the Bible published in the mid-20th century, intended as an update to the American Standard Version.
Revised standard version is usually formal, academic, religious in register.
Revised standard version: in British English it is pronounced /rɪˌvaɪzd ˈstændəd ˈvɜːʃən/, and in American English it is pronounced /rɪˌvaɪzd ˈstændərd ˈvɜːrʒən/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Remember the order: First it was 'Standard' (American Standard Version), then it was 'Revised' to create the 'Revised Standard Version'.
Conceptual Metaphor
AUTHORITATIVE UPDATE: The text is conceptualised as a living document that has been carefully updated ('revised') while maintaining its core authority ('standard').
Practice
Quiz
What is the Revised Standard Version primarily?