Does anyone recommend the ESV

It's not my favorite, but I think it's a good translation. If you really want a hard copy, you may want to purchase it, but it might be just as good to access it online whenever you want to consult it.

It's not quite as literal as the NASB, but it's not dynamic like the NIV. That's why the ESV isn't my favorite. I like my literal translations literal and my dynamic translations dynamic.

 

I would recommend buying a copy of the ESV . It's better than the KJ ,NKJ, and NASU ( they all have their respective strengths though ) . It is certaily an upgrade to secure an ESV rather than the former three . I am not a Bible scholar so you can take my opinion with that in mind . As for the reading quality -- I think I have been establishing that it is quite clumsy in many places . It is also very clear in other spots . It is about "essentially literal " as the HCS . But the HCS is accurate without the awkward grammar of the ESV . So for a better read without being any less accurate -- the HCS is a better buy for your money IMAO .

 

One thing I've seen personally...

Most of the people I know who prefer the ESV tend to be Calvinist. Is that the norm where you are?

 

SM , you should reevaluate how you look at translation methods . There is a continuum from dynamic to literal . It is not as cut-and-dried as you believe . The NLT , for instance , is largely dynamic and the NLT marketing arm openly says so . But there are times where they are as formal as the NASU or ESV. I guess I could make that the topic of another thread in the future . What I'm saying is that this is a matter of degrees . There is no hard-and-fast seque from dynamic to literal . And how literal do you want a translation to be ?

 

Is the ESV Calvinistic ? Maybe . Many have said that the NIV was too Calvinistic for them ( some on the BB ) . The ESV is being used more and more by a number of students at BJU . Many turn into Calvinists after their semesters there . Some become so while they are still students .

 

I use the ESV almost extensively. But I also use the NKJV and HCSB. I highly recommend purchasing one. I don't think you'll ever regret it.
BTW: I guess some would consider me Calvanistic, in that my theology closely aligns with John Piper's.

 

I am aware of the differences in translation methods. I was just saying I don't prefer those on the continuum between NIV and NASB. For a literal translation, I want it very literal, and for a dynamic translation, I prefer them to focus clearly on smooth readings.

I understand that I must speak in generalities because in any single verse a dynamic translation could be very literal or very free--and the same goes for literal translations.

For me, when I'm looking for a translation that makes things readable, I prefer them to take that approach for most of the readings. The ESV seems to waver between the the literal and dynamic approach, and that creates awkward readings sometimes. I am aware that the NASB sounds awkward because of its literalness at times, but I can see the Greek through the English easier with the NASB. With the ESV, I can see a bit, then they go dynamic on the verse, and it throws me off while it sounds strange.

For just reading through the Bible, I prefer the NIV or NLT, but when I am unable to have access to my Greek New Testament, when I want to compare word-for-word, or when I just want something for in-depth study, I'll usually go to my NASB, despite its woodenness.

 

If you are closely aligned with Piper, I think you can be fully in the CalvinIST camp.

 

No, no, no, no!

 

yep, yep, yep, yep

 

Why? You'll just compare it the the KJB to try and figure out what the Bible actually says, so why bother?

 

I say yes because it's a literal translation. They turned the RSV into an Evangelical translation and basically it's just a good translation. I use it fairly often. Although I stick with the Holhman and NASB most of the time.

 

I do not promote any particularly version (of course, I have my favs) and I'm only against the intentionally mistranslated versions (I'll use the NWT as an example). My only experience reading the ESV is in The Evangelical Parallel New Testament I own and compare occasionally.

You don't define your financial situation, but assuming you can reasonably support yourself and meet your fiscal responsibilities, I recommend buying one. Get one at a used book store or Ebay for evaluation for a few bucks. If you read it through in a year you will benefit greatly. A Bible is a purchase you should never regret.

You do not reveal your educational background, but estimating you can read at least a ninth-grade level, you should be satisfied with the ESV. It supposed to read nearly as smoothly as the NIV (while at the same time almost as literal as the NASB).

You do not specify the way in which you intend to use it. Consider that there is a difference between casual personal reading and public aloud reading (this could include reading to children). Will you carry this Bible to church? It is easy to get lost when a different version is being read from the pulpit. In-depth study is yet another way that a Bible may be used and some translations perform some of these tasks better than others. Think of each translation like an instrument in your toolbox.

 

Wayne, you're welcome... and thanks. I have recently read these two verses; I hope you'll like them, too:

I have not departed from the commands of his lips;
I have treasured the words of his mouth more than my daily bread.
- Job 23:12, NIV

Let us choose for ourselves what is right; let us know among ourselves what is good! - Job 34:4, J.N.Darby Translation 1890