A year ago, I was inspired by an evening with John Piper (is anyone surprised?) to consider changing from reading the NASB version of Scripture to the ESV. Piper presented a very compelling and impassioned case, and I made the switch. I have truly enjoyed the last year diving into the Word in this fresh, very readable, highly accurate and literal translation.
Click here to read ESV Blog’s story of the origins of the ESV translation. This is in response to Ben Witherington’s inaccurate account. For perspective, you can read his thoughts here.
Click here for the ESV homepage for more in depth information regarding this beautiful translation.
Thanks for this post. My new favorite translation is the ESV! I have been reading it for a year now and would say that it is readable as well as being a great word-for-word translation.
I’ve just started reading the ESV here over the last few weeks.
Unfortunately, I left the one copy I have on top of my car one evening, and it went sprawling out down Mack Hatcher… Thankfully it only tore the binding of the cover, so it’s repairable.
I was also persuaded, although not by John Piper, to switch from the NAS to the ESV. Translation aside, it is next-door-to-impossible- to find a quality ESV. That said, I am in agreement with those who insist that the ESV is a far less literal translation than it is advertised to be. I do indeed feel the ESV is leaning more to the NIV than to the NAS. I may just stick with the NAS. There is no question about that particular version. Besides, with the ESV under revision,(changes have alrewady been made quietly), it remains to be seen with the ‘next’ final edition will look like.
sdonahue-
Thanks for the feedback. Curious - ESV is a word-for-word translation and NIV is a dynamic equivalent thought-for-thought translation. Can you send me some links that have helped you conclude ESV is closer to NIV than NASB? I find it hard to believe. I’ve been an NASB reader for a long time, and although I do like how NASB handles pronouns better, and capitalizes personal pronouns for God, I find ESV very close to NASB. There are obviously other subtle differences, but I don’t see the ESV/NIV correlation. Would love to get some direction from you regarding that.
Rich and Samuel- Glad you’re enjoying the ESV! I think its very rich and readable. It’s really inspired a renewed passion for the Word in me.
…from another Brian
First off, you have to hand it to the ESV team for being so technically ahead of the rest…blogging, all sorts of web applications for people to use on their websites, etc etc…
I am a long time NASB user and I started using the ESV the past year or so. Initially, I was pretty excited about it, however, after reading it for a while now I have to say it definitely does not live up to the claims on the website (it is not as accurate as the “about text” would have you believe). There are still quite a few areas that need improvement and quite a few verses that could be translated in a more understandable way.
At any rate, I like the ESV, however, I am starting to lean more toward the NET Bible for accuracy and readability (they have a print version now).
I am still a man of many translations (including the Greek) when it comes to study but I like to have a good “carry around” Bible…and I think I am about to purchase the NET Bible to replace my ESV for that purpose.
My wife will probably use my ESV for her carry around Bible.
AMDG
WONDERFUL!!! GLORY BE TO LORD!!!
www vegasjoker com
plutonium?assertive dosage