TRANSLATION DECISIONS FOR THE CHRISTIAN STANDARD BIBLE

In verses where Christian discipleship is in view, the HCSB rendered doulos as "slave" rather than the traditional "servant" or "bond-servant." An example is Titus 1:1: "Paul, a slave of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ." This rendering is accurate from a lexicographical standpoint, and it conveys an important theological truth: we are bought at a price (1 Corinthians 6:20).
The HCSB's use of slave met with mixed assessment from scholars, pastors, and everyday readers. Positive comments centered on the theological picture conveyed by slave. The weight of the feedback, however, tilted significantly toward a different approach in CSB. Factors commending a change included the following.
Sensitive Connotations: In our context, the word "slave" primarily brings to mind our history of race-based slavery. The theologically appropriate connotation of the word is lost on most readers. In light of this obstacle, it seemed best to the Translation Oversight Committee to choose a word that is less apt to cause distraction and misunderstanding.
"Servant" and the Old Testament ‘eved: The choice to render doulos as "servant" rather than "slave" aligns with the OT usage of ‘eved in reference to followers of God, such as Moses. Joshua 1:1 is an example. In CSB, it reads: "Moses the Lord’s servant." If the OT chose a word meaning "servant" to refer to followers of God, and if the NT word doulos can be rendered either "slave" or "servant" accurately, the choice to render it as "servant" is well supported.
New Testament Precedent: The NT itself presents precedent for the approach taken in CSB when it quotes OT passages or uses a Greek word specifically meaning "servant" rather than "slave" for references to followers of God. Hebrews 3:5 is an example. In CSB it reads: "Moses was faithful as a servant in all God’s household."
The CSB retains use of "slave" in contexts where slavery or a slave are clearly in view, but for references to Christian discipleship, "servant" is used.


– Dr. Thomas R. Schreiner
Co-chair, CSB Translation Oversight Committee
January, 2017

For the source reference see Q&A Translation Decisions for the Christan Standard Bible