NIV, NLT, CSB, or ESV

[FaithT]

Which Bible is best for Lutherans? I have an NIV which I use most often but am looking for something with both a pretty cover, easy to keep clean and as true to the original translation as possible, while being modern English and easy to read.
I don’t was a version which is paraphrased, but is translated. Today I found a company that makes some stunning Bibles, in the NLT, CSB and ESV called Hosanna Revival. Suggestions?

 

[tampasteve]

Which Bible is best for Lutherans? I have an NIV which I use most often but am looking for something with both a pretty cover, easy to keep clean and as true to the original translation as possible, while being modern English and easy to read.
I don’t was a version which is paraphrased, but is translated. Today I found a company that makes some stunning Bibles, in the NLT, CSB and ESV called Hosanna Revival. Suggestions?

Based on the criteria you mention the only two out of those that I would pick would be CSB or ESV. A few Lutheran ministers I know use ESV as their main translation. I bounce between ESV, CSB, and KJV. I find the CSB slightly easier to read but you can't go wrong with either of them in my opinion.

 

[FaithT]

Aesthetically speaking the ESV is the prettiest cover, (but looks like it would be difficult to keep clean) and the NLT comes in second. What’s wrong, if anything with the NLT?

 

[tampasteve]

Aesthetically speaking the ESV is the prettiest cover, (but looks like it would be difficult to keep clean) and the NLT comes in second. What’s wrong, if anything with the NLT?

I would not say that anything is "wrong" with the NLT, it is just not a version I prefer. The language is more simplified, a 6th grade reading level, and it is based on a dynamic equivalency rather than more literal as the ESV strives to be.

In my experience the ESV is far more common than the NLT in churches, only a SDA church here uses the NLT as their "pew" Bible. All of the Lutheran churches that I have been to use either the RSV or ESV, you may consider what your church uses if you want to use the same. Conversely you may prefer a completely different version than your church if you want to see how another version translates something.

 

[hedrick]

It depends upon the type of Lutheran. While the differences aren’t major, the theological orientation of the translators makes some difference. The translations you mention are all from conservative translators. They would be appropriate for LCMS. For the ELCA you probably want the NRSVue.

 

[FaithT]

It depends upon the type of Lutheran. While the differences aren’t major, the theological orientation of the translators makes some difference. The translations you mention are all from conservative translators. They would be appropriate for LCMS. For the ELCA you probably want the NRSVue.

I’m LCMS.

 

[DialecticSkeptic]

Which Bible is best for Lutherans? I have an NIV which I use most often but am looking for something with both a pretty cover, easy to keep clean and as true to the original translation as possible, while being modern English and easy to read.
I don’t was a version which is paraphrased, but is translated. Today I found a company that makes some stunning Bibles, in the NLT, CSB and ESV called Hosanna Revival. Suggestions?

I'm willing to bet that you would love the New English Translation (NET). It is possibly the best, most accurate translation I have ever encountered—and its translation is so consistent with Reformation theology. Take a look at the following example from Philippians 3:9.

(NIV) "... not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ—the righteousness that comes from God and is by faith."

(ESV) "... not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God that depends on faith ..."

(NET) "... not because I have my own righteousness derived from the law, but because I have the righteousness that comes by way of Christ's faithfulness—a righteousness from God that is in fact based on Christ's faithfulness."​

 

[FaithT]

I'm willing to bet that you would love the New English Translation (NET). It is possibly the best, most accurate translation I have ever encountered—and its translation is so consistent with Reformation theology. Take a look at the following example from Philippians 3:9.

(NIV) "... not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ—the righteousness that comes from God and is by faith."

(ESV) "... not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God that depends on faith ..."

(NET) "... not because I have my own righteousness derived from the law, but because I have the righteousness that comes by way of Christ's faithfulness—a righteousness from God that is in fact based on Christ's faithfulness."​

Too late. I already ordered the ESV. It’s personalized and on it’s way.