English Standard Version (ESV)

[Willo]

I have been looking at the ESV as a translation, and was wondering what everyone's thoughts were about this bible?

 

[s0journ3r]

I love the ESV. I've had mine for a couple of months now, and it has become my daily reading, study, and devotional bible. I'm also looking forward to the up-coming Single-Column Reference edition in January. Crossway states that it'll have revisions to the text as well. So, I'm looking forward to seeing that.

I also gave a copy to my pastor's wife and she has told me that it has been the best gift she has received. She really is enjoying it as much as I am. I'm hoping this version really catches on.

Yours truly in Christ,
sojourner

 

[aReformedPatriot]

love it.

 

[Iosias]

It is the Extremely Similar Version see page 22: http://www.trinitarianbiblesociety.org/site/qr/QR563.pdf

 

[erin74]

I love it - but I wish I could have found a small one without red letters.... but it is difficult to do.

plus it has no cross references - our larger version does I think.

 

[Willo]

Crossway states that it'll have revisions to the text as well. So, I'm looking forward to seeing that.

Do you know what kind of revision to the text?

 

[s0journ3r]

Do you know what kind of revision to the text?

Unfortunately, no. I have emailed Crossway & I received this response:

"We do plan to make a limited number of changes, similar to what most other translations have done a few years after they were first released for publication, though our sense is that the number of changes that we anticipate will be quite a bit less than typically is the case. The vast majority of these involve only minor changes in grammar, punctuation, and footnotes. We are still in process regarding the finalization and implementation of these changes, which we will probably begin to implement some time next year."
​

I've been told that the English/Greek Reverse Interlinear has some updates to the text, but I don't personally have one to confirm that.

Yours truly in Christ,
sojourner

 

[flaglady]

Didn't know there was one - thanks for the 'heads up'!

 

[Reformationist]

I have been looking at the ESV as a translation, and was wondering what everyone's thoughts were about this bible?

Absolutely love it. Just got my new copy of The Reformation Study Bible in ESV and it quickly became my translation of choice.

God bless

 

[JM]

Don't buy it, get the Geneva Bible [updated English]!

 

[Eryk]

HATE it. The mixture of obsolete and modern syntax and vocabulary makes this a particularly awkward translation.

Folks, the KJV is the KJV. You cannot "update" this text without destroying the rhythm, alliteration, and other prosodic features.

 

[Foundthelight]

I have it and like it. I prefer the NIV for casual reading.

 

[picnic]

I really like it. My church decided to use it when it was started a few years ago. I much prefer it to the NIV which my daily reading bible is and was used in my previous church. I find the ESV has a good balance between literal and dynamic translation.

 

[oworm]

Absolutely love it. Just got my new copy of The Reformation Study Bible in ESV and it quickly became my translation of choice.

God bless

Ditto. I have a hardbound which is my 'marking,working' bible and two leatherbounds which were gifts.

 

[Willo]

Thanks for everyone's thoughts. I am still thinking about getting an ESV as my preaching bible.

 

[McWilliams]

Thanks for everyone's thoughts. I am still thinking about getting an ESV as my preaching bible.

When I first went to my current church the pastor used NASB so I bought one of them. Then he received the ESV as a gift and began using it. I did not go with this one and actually when reading, hearing and memorizing scripture I truly prefer KJV or NKJV. I suppose it is a personal preference but I do feel that the current use of multiple bibles lends to confusion.
Plus, I still go by my own personal test of quality, which is how the wording of Genesis 7:1 reads. There was always great significance for me in reading God's word to 'Come into the ark', signifying that He is already there and we enter into HIm; we are in Christ! I find that so wonderful and with great meaning!
All other translations say either, Go, Enter or some such variation which says to me there is much inaccuracy in translations; for how and why would one say 'Come', 'Enter' or 'Go' with the same meaning?
I'll continue to remain as many others choose to do with the tried and true KJV or NKJV and just follow along as he reads in his own ESV.
As always, the best version is the one that is read, understood and applied and displays the fruit thereof!
That is my prayer! Soli deo gloria!!

 

[Knight]

Great translation.... Lousy publisher quality. But that's not different from any other.

The ESV is simply the best available today.

 

[AndOne]

I haven't read the entire version of the ESV - but in some detailed comparison to the NIV I find that the two are too similar to warrant anyone spending money on an ESV if they already have an NIV.

Ditto on the Geneva Bible that is coming out - I couldn't resist - had to preorder a copy for myself as well...

 

[Knight]

I love it - but I wish I could have found a small one without red letters.... but it is difficult to do.

plus it has no cross references - our larger version does I think.

Family Christian offers one like this. It is exclusive to them. Very small print but only about $10.

 

[Knight]

I haven't read the entire version of the ESV - but in some detailed comparison to the NIV I find that the two are too similar to warrant anyone spending money on an ESV if they already have an NIV.

Ditto on the Geneva Bible that is coming out - I couldn't resist - had to preorder a copy for myself as well...

I disagree but I think it comes down to a preference in the style of language. The ESV uses some bigger words and long sentences while the NIV tends to spell things out and use shorter sentences.

I will say this from personal experience. If you have an ESV and your church teaches primarily from the NIV you will have no trouble following along.