lastest JETS on ESV, Message, n NET bible

Truthfully, I wasn't overly impressed by the three articles.

First, it's almost like comparing apples and oranges when you try to compare translations that occupy different methodologies. That is, when you compare an essentially literal translation (ESV) with a paraphrase (Message), it's way too easy to build a strawman out of one's own biases and preferences.

Second, the OT reviewers seemed to criticize the ESV being in the Essentially Literal camp, yet a translation will somehow fit into one camp or another. I know I'm an ESV guy, but I believe some of the criticisms against the ESV were really against the translational philosophy as a whole. Supposed inconsistencies will always be charged against literal translations, such as the NASB, et.al.

There were some helpful comments. The ESV using the word "Behold" for instance, was something I was not wild about. Yet even the NIV uses this, as one reviewer pointed out.

All-in-all, the reviews are worth reading. Just don't be too swayed by the articles. You have to take the good with the bad with the sensational at times with JETS. This is one of those times.