The ESV

I am not a big “this must be the translation you use” sort of guy. Sometimes I wonder if I should be but that thought quickly passes me by. My view on translations of the Bible is simple…

They are all translations

They are all God’s word

From the NIV, to the NLT, to the NASB, to the KJV there are no doctrines in any of these translations that is left out or hindered.

Bible’s that are paraphrases of the scriptures are ones that should be handled with care for they are more like commentaries and I do not consider them to be translations. Most paraphrases are written as an explanation of the english Bible they are written from. I would say that even these paraphrases have their place in helping us grow spiritually and are great when used as a resource for Bible study. (The Message is a paraphrase)

So why this post about the ESV?

Well (like I said on Sunday) several people in our congregation have asked which Bible translation I use on Sundays. The answer is (as you have guessed by now) the ESV.

Here are some reasons why I use this translation to preach from.

1. I like to preach from a literal translation of the scriptures.

2. It is very understandable and easy to read. I like being able to read fluidly and not stumble over my words while reading. The ESV is a smooth read and to me it sounds good when read out loud.

3. It is a happy medium. Because our church does not and will not adopt(because I do not think we should) an “official” translation, our audience brings what ever translation they prefer to the service. It is easy for someone (even with a King James Bible) to follow along as the ESV is being read.

4. It is NOT because I think “unbelievers” will like it better and understand it better. The Bible is for discipleship and instruction in righteousness You can’t understand the Scriptures without the Holy Spirit in your life (either in you or drawing you to Christ). Its nuts to pick a Bible Version based on what people who do not believe in Jesus may or may not think of it. (BTW – I am very evangelistic and so it our church)

5. I like the fact it keeps words such as virgin, propitiation, and other theological terms that not only are important but are the correct renderings of the Greek and Hebrew words they represent.

6. To me it represents the original languages (Greek and Hebrew) very well

So there are some basic reasons… none are meant to win any type of debate but just to inform you concerning why I do what I do.

So this coming Sunday we will take orders for them like we did last Sunday. (Imitation Leather Black or Burgundy $12) If you order one you order one… if not no big deal. Just wanted to make them available for those who want to follow along in the same translation I am reading from.

So there you go…

If you have any questions… just comment below.