WHY I LOVE THE ESV
And Why I’ll Eventually Leave It Behind.
Once upon a time, an English translation of the Scriptures was hard to come by. Soon enough, with the invention of the printing press and subsequent technological advances, copies of, and access to the Scriptures increased the opportunity for new translations.
That being said, our English translations are constantly under scrutiny and so they should be! But it doesn’t stop people from having their favourite version.
This past week I had a discussion with my mentor about English translations and which current translation a church should be using today?
Some love a word-for-word standard like the NASB, where others prefer a thought-for-thought like the NIV. Others still, stand firm on the old KJV while others lean completely the other way, with a paraphrase like “The Message“.
Personally, I’m an ESV man!
I’m a big fan of the English Standard Version and here’s a few reasons why:
- Although official work on the ESV started in 1990, translation work started in 1971 under the banner of the Revised Standard Version (RSV) using the greatest availability of authoritative manuscripts.
- The ESV is considered an “essentially literal” translation, attempting to closely align with a formal equivalent translation, seeking to capture the exact wording of the original text as well as the personal style of each writer.
- The ESV was had a 15-member translation team, then a 50-member review team to ensure accuracy and authenticity.
There are many more reasons, some good information outlined in this article The Gospel Coalition for those interested: 9 Things You Should Know About the ESV Bible
I Would Leave the ESV.
As much as I love the ESV and believe it is an incredible version to teach from, counsel from and study from, I would leave it in a heartbeat.
Why? Because the work isn’t complete.
According to scholars, we have roughly 95% accuracy to the original texts. Which is incredible when you think of the amount of time that has past, and the numerous copies and versions that have been completed, through various languages.
It is truly amazing how God has preserved His Word!
That being said, archeological digs continue to take place. Scholarly translation work continues to be completed. Time moves on and more is revealed!
The moment I say, “The ESV and the ESV alone!” is the moment I have turned my favourite translation into a god.
Scripture Holds the Authority.
God’s Word definitely holds authority in my life, but a specific translation of God’s Word does not hold the authority.
I will continue to use the ESV until such a time, where a better, more authoritative version or translation is completed and released. Then I will switch, because I want to ensure that I have access to the closest English translation to the original text.
As Christians we strive for truth. In that endeavour, how could we not desire the truest version of God’s Word?
Great comments, Jeremy. I agree with you, the moment we “marry” ourselves to a particular
translation is the moment that we lose the opportunity to be truthful to the original text. In days gone by I had relatives that were “married” to the KJV to such an extent that it clouded everything that they did from their preaching, to their view of the church and so one. It is much preferred to realize that the translations we have are all subject to further investigation and verification.
Thanks for this, my friend!
Thanks Bill! Within Western English readers, I have also witnessed the (almost) worship of the KJV. We should team them up with some Spanish readers to see if they agree!?!? 😜
Great article. Very helpful. Great to see pastors whose hearts are set on the truth, but also open as God reveals even more of His truth.
I didn’t realize that the ESV had roots in the RSV. Also good info.
Josephine
Thanks Josephine! There’s a scary trend with English readers in particular, favouring a version so much that it edges on worship. We must always keep in mind that Scripture was not written in our mother tongue; and therefore, as more translation work is revealed through better manuscript evidence, our version preferences should follow.