I'm not a huge fan of the ESV- it is fine but not my favorite. But the Study Bible is fantastic. I regularly open it just to read the notes while reading a different Bible. That said, I'm an old guy that went back to school for some Bible degrees. And the school I attend defaults to the ESV so I certainly respect it and have a couple around.
I agree with everything Tim said, but would add these thoughts. 1) Crossways secondary material is excellent ( commentaries, Bible studies, etc) which use the ESV. 2) They seem to have pioneered using different more enjoyable to read fonts and better typesetting which other translations have now caught on to. 3) Their product lines are copied by other translations ( NKJV Interleaved Bible, CSB Scripture Notebook, etc.) Showing their innovation is second to none. 4) Their products are all great quality ( which Tim alluded to) from cheap $20 Bibles to their expensive premium offerings. They all seem to have a high standard of quality. 5) The translation is traditional enough for the traditionalist, new enough for the new reader, and literal enough for the scholar.
I think ESV to average Joe is just another option, but if you're hungry it's a charcuterie from a high dollar restaurant. They'll serve you a bit of everything, you're bound to like some of it, you'll come back for more and when you get tired of that the full menu is still available. It's odd how good they are in the $5-50 range, dollar for dollar it's the sturdiest and cleanest print that I've encountered. It's not like they won't offer you top dollar premiums but there are so many good quality options cheap, it's just not necessary. Aside from all that, the text is really good to read and ponder.
Part of the reason that the ESV reads well with a good cadence is that J.I. Packer, it's General Editor, was an Anglican priest and wanted it to sound well for when read publicly.
The Bible I keep in my truck is ESV. The Bible I keep in my work bag is the ESV. My go-to for personal study is the ESV. I think it has great footnotes in the study Bible. I love the single-column layout of the preaching edition. I really like the understated elegance of the translation. I think maybe, in that way, it reminds me of the KJV I grew up with, but in understandable modern English. For preaching and leading Bible studies, tho, I use the CSB. It just seems more accessible English for a mixed crowd of indeterminate educating and reading level.
This year is the first time I've read so much ESV. I'm enjoying it. Reading through in a year with ESV & NASB1995. Last year did CSB & NASB1995. NASB1995 is my favorite. But I've been enjoying mixing it up a bit. Spend some time in devotion Bible's in NKJV. CSB & NLT. The different helps in Bible's these days are wonderful. We're spoiled. Thanks for interesting video Brother Tim. Let's keep reading our Bibles.✝️📖🙏🤍
I think that one of the big reasons why the ESV is so popular in the world in which I live is that there are so many resources that go with the ESV that are such high quality. The ESV Study Bible was SO good compared to other study Bibles on the market back in the day (even if also SO MUCH BIGGER). It came out while I was in Bible college and starting seminary which is what initially made me gravitate to the ESV (having grown up on the NIV). The amount of study resources that go with the ESV also makes it feel like a translation for a "serious students of the Bible." While I now prefer the CSB, I wish there were the resources of that magnitude associated with it. Another good place for the ESV is the context in which I now find myself. I pastor a church where many people are either (N)KJV readers or NIV '84 readers. The ESV fits a "sweet spot" between the more traditional language without using as many archaic English wordings and terms. Last week I preached from the CSB and had a parishioner tell how "lost" they were because they were using the NKJV. 😞 Haven't had those comments nearly as often when using the ESV.
About three months ago (as I type this), out of curiosity I was searching (on Amazon) for Bibles -- in particular, "small" or "compact" bibles; I had very little knowledge of the different translations. One compact Bible that caught my eye was an ESV. Since I didn't know ANYTHING at that time about the ESV (like, that it stood for English Standard Version), I started looking into it, and getting some understanding with regards to the other translations ("word-for-word," "thought-for-thought," etc.). I also took a familiar Bible chapter (even to me, who hadn't been to church in years, and had tried and failed to read the Bible as a kid more than once) -- namely, Psalm 23 -- and compared different translations of that particular Psalm. After all this, I decided that maybe I wanted to take a crack at reading the Bible. I decided to try a more recent translation, but also one that leaned more on the "word-for-word" side. To me, the ESV fit the bill; it even passed the "Shadow of Death" test (although, TBH, I have no problem with "valley of deep darkness" in Ps 23:4 -- and that's in a footnote). This probably fits Mr. Frisch's fourth point: "Its traditional sound." As for Tim's second point -- "Its various editions" -- that gave me a bit of a headache for a few days: trying to sort through the Many MANY different variations JUST FROM CROSSWAY!! In the end, I wound up selecting the VERY SAME compact Bible (okay, "Large Print Compact Bible") that initially caught my eye. About three days ago (again, as I type this), I completed my readthrough (first one EVER) of that Bible.
The basic economy thinline $2, the single column personal sized reference $15, the thinline flagship $15-20, even the student study bible $25-40 is a good portable size and a good read. For anyone normal those should do anything and probably well. Then go crazy for the middle market, sky is the limit. Then almost as much to choose in premiums, and honestly those zippered Schuylers look so good.... good utilitarian option, nothing really looks better than those full yapp treveris! I'm trying to not get a Treveris because I think it'll make me uppity enough I appreciate normal stuff less.
J.I. Packer's influence is a big reason I lean toward ESV, with absolutely nothing against NASB or NKJV. Plus, the ESV Study Bible is unparalleled in a combination of theology, apologetics, and cultural application. Love the new BSB translation, however, too. Thanks, Tim.
For me, it's two things: 1) there's nothing objectionable (to ME) to be found in the ESV and 2) it still sounds like what the Bible ought to sound like. I still prefer the RSV, but the ESV is very good.
I grew up on the KJV, but when I was a teenager I came across the NIV. Wow, was that a game-changer! For the first time I really enjoyed reading my Bible instead of feeling like it was a chore. As I got older and learned more about translations, I wanted a more literal version. I started using the NASB, but it felt clunky in the way it sounded to me. Then I heard John Piper say he used the ESV, which I'd never heard of before. I tried it, and I liked it. It's an easier read to me than the NASB but still has a stately feel. In other words it's approachable in its language but not casual. It's my daily reading Bible, but not my hard copy. I use the app. It's user-friendly, light-weight, and always available. If I had known about the (at the time) HCSB I probably would have gone for that. That's the version my pastor uses. But now I'm familiar with it, I enjoy it, so I'm pretty set in my ways. 😄 Thank you for another great video! 👍🏻
You asked what my favorite translation is. It is the NLT because its very readable, understandable, accurate, it flows well and the Word comes alive in this translation more than any other. I just finished reading the NewTestament again in the NLT. I do like the NKJV, CSB, KJV and the Geneva Bible as well. Those are the 5 I will stick to. I have an NASB 1995 Bible too. Blessings!
For me, it was the fact that the denomination I belong to uses the ESV in everything. It is quoted in our hymnal, it is read from the pulpit. It is the translation used in our lectionary. It is what is used in the Small Catechism. It is what I use when I teach Bible study. There is also the fact that in a liturgical context, the ESV stands up really well. The Psalms read well and sing well in a group setting. The NKJV does well in this setting too. Something like the NIV, NLT, CEB, or the NASB does not sound right in a liturgical setting. The ESV became popular among conservative litugically-minded Protestants for that reason.
Well done. Great thoughts. Yoda: "I would like a tea that is green." Me: "I would like some green tea." NKJV for study. CSB (or even NLT) to read aloud. Also, some great comments here.
Recently, the ESV Catholic Edition has come with extra books that Catholics read. Most Catholic bible readers use the RSV but now the ESV is an option for the 25 million or so Catholics living in the US and other countries. Love your videos.
I got a copy (published by Augustine Insrtitute) as soon as it was available-- nice to have all of the books available, even if I don't put them on the same level.
Thank you for your comments on the ESV translations. Like others, I grew up on the KJV version of the bible. Over time I gravitated to the NIV. Being a conservative Christian, when Crossway introduced the ESV I was drawn to the more literal translation. It's definitely in my frequently read versions which includes the NASB, CSB, NET bible and NIV.
Zondervan released Today's New International Version NT (TNIV) March 2002. Crossway released the ESV in 2001. I think timing was everything in catapulting the sales and popularity of the ESV. Although Zondervan would discontinue the TNIV in 2011, many of the changes found their way into the 2011 NIV. The final straw for many Conservative Evangelicals was the discontinuation of the 1984 NIV. The success of the ESV has much to do with the missteps of the International Bible Society (now Biblica), who owns the rights to the NIV. Otherwise, in my opinion, the ESV would have remained more of a niche translation like the NASB.
I have both the Esv and Nasb reference Bible. I would say I like the Nasb a bit more. But when I read a study Bible it’s almost always my Nasb study Bible. Nice video as always.
I used (and preferred) the NASB for over 30 years, but my church of 18 years uses the NIV. I switched to ESV a few years back as a happy medium between the two.
I too use and have used the unparalleled brilliant NASB 1977 since Bible College in the mid 80s,( not the 1995/2020 which I have). I would NEVER go to an interior translation ie NIV even if my Pastor/ church uses it. I go to a KJV Only church, but I always take and use my NASB 1977. I have for 23 years!!
I'm surprised the the the ESV's literalness wasn't mentioned. I think that's the main reason conservative Christians like it. It's not paraphrastic like the NIV. But it's fairly literal. That's why I like it, along with the NKJV and the NASB. Those are my top translations because they are so literal. Also, saying it's conservative isn't enough. Examples could have been given. For example, how it retains words like propitiation rather than mere expiation. Conservative scholars were involved in its translation include J.I. Packer and Wayne Grudem.
I enjoyed your talk very much. Thank you. To answer the question you asked, I do use the ESV (though it is not my absolute favourite) because I was introduced to it via the ESV Study Bible which came out in 2001. That Study Bible really blew me away at the time - so much information, charts, diagrams, etc. In fact, I still have my first ESV Study Bible and it remains my favourite in terms of Study Bibles. Other translations I use and love are the NRSV and The NET (New English Translation). I have followed the NET translation since it was only available online and I love the NET Full Notes Edition (a totally different type of study bible) plus some of the new reader’s editions, such as the Large Print Thinline Art Edition, which is beautiful. Personally, I would certainly agree that, as the NIV moved in a more “progressive” path, so to speak, the ESV remained more traditional and thus became a translation that more traditional people started to use. I agree also about how it sounds - it does sound more formal, more “intelligent” somehow than the NIV and yet more easy to read aloud than, say the NASB or the NKJV (my personal favourite as it retains capitals for Deity, together with being more literal. Thanks again.
My prefered? NKJV. Mainly because my mum bought me a Thomson exhaustive topical chain ref study bible which I got rid of because I was going to change to an ESV study bible, why? Because I'm stupid. I've gone on a bible buying binge to try and match it. Upside, I have 11 (12nt/LSB) different versions including 5 study bibles. I used NIV up until my early 20s. Since watching your CSB video (OKist) my preference may be changing, also the CEV has caught my ears last couple of days. All in all, I'm going through some denominational fragmentation at the moment, but all glory to God, Jesus is Lord no matter how lost I feel.
Hi Tim I love ❤ the ESV it's a great translation. 👍 I use the CSB the most, but I also use the NASB 2020 Edition which I believe is the best NASB version. Great job Tim God Bless 🙌 🙏
I recently purchased the ESV study Bible. It's an awesome translation that is essentially a formal equivalent translation which has great literary qualities. My favorite translations are NKJV, NASB and of course the ESV is my number one go to translation. Great review. Thank you for the helpful information.
Initially, the reason I started using the ESV four years ago, is because I changed churches, and my new pastor uses the ESV. Another reason, is that I really like the font. It really makes a difference in what translation I want to use. I like the CSB, but the font they use, doesn't work for my eyes. Neither does the new comfort prints. But the Lexicon font Crossway uses, is great. I mostly use the ESV wide margin and the ESV Thinline Reference. Also the ESV large print compact, and a pocket ESV Gideon NT. Since the CSB font doesn't work formy eyes, I found a 2004 HCSB Ultrathin Reference that has an older style font, that is easy to read.
I think, when looking at the ESV in an interlinear format with the Greek it seems to be very accurate so that is something I really like and I think that plays a part of building that trust you talk about.
I used the ESV translation for about 10 years, and for the past 1.5 years I’ve been using the ASV 1901 translation as my main source for daily reading and study, with the ESV supplementing it when there is something that is a bit difficult to understand in older English. I was introduced to the ASV 1901 by listening to Dr. Greg L. Bahnsen’s lectures and loving the translation that he was reading from.
The NIV is the version that the Lord used to call me to him, and for that reason still remains my favorite. I’ve been trying to move towards a more literal version and am using the ESV and like you said, am finding the translation easier than other word for word translations. I also like the NKJV, because I have a pocket NKJV that I keep in my handbag, but the NIV and ESV remain my favorite versions.
I've read the KJV since I was 8 years old which was a very long time ago. I've read the NASB, NIV, NKJV and almost all of the other translations but the ESV has somehow found a place in my heart. I would love to see a parallel KJV and ESV just so I could see them side by side. I loved your reasons. Bless you.
I know it's really popular but for some reason the ESV has just never "clicked" for me. Maybe that's just me though. As I say so often, the CSB wins out with me big.
Also, the ESV has made more editions of journaling Bibles and notetaking Bibles than most other translations. Their Bibles seem to be better quality in general for the price in terms of design and material in many cases.
English Sanctified Version. Being serious, ESV is for reading and understanding - more poetic, CSB is for reading out loud. I used to like HCSB for reading out loud but it was a little too colloquial. The CSB has rectified most of that. Also, I'm a Calvinist and Calvin read from an ESV.
I use the ESV because my church, and many of the reformed evangelical pastors I follow, use it. I love that it's more accurate and word for word than others like the NIV, which makes it a great translation for study and preaching. When I read the Bible with my kids, however, I found it a hard one for them to follow so I bought a bunch of cheap NLTs that we all read together. I also love comparing the ESV to these when I study: KJV, NASB, CSB, NIV, NLT. Sometimes my wife and I will switch from the ESV to the NIV when we read together as it is what we grew up on and she likes it better.
As a KJV only for 45plus years followed by a NKJV for a few years i'm now enjoying the ESV Bible over the past year -- just like the flow and ease of readability.
@@colvinator1611 So in the scriptures it teaches you to make personal attacks against fellow CHRISTIANS? Be careful what you believe may change tomorrow as you educate yourself. GOD Bless
@@Rev.DavidJTowns If speaking the truth of Almighty God is attacking ' fellow Christians ' so be it. Revelation 22 : 18-19 ( KJV ) sums up how serious the Lord Jesus Christ takes HIS pure and preserved word ( Psalm 12 : 6-7 et al KJV ) and His truth doesn't come from the philosophical swamp of Alexandria where ALL modern so called ' bibles ' come from ( Aleph , the fake Siniaticus and codex B [ vaticanus ] minority heavily corrupted mss ) via Wescott and Hort and their catholic ' revision ' gang. The Lord Jesus Christ and His followers CALLED OUT hypocrites, liars and false teachers ( some by Name ) and I will do the same. Anyone who uses a modern ( post 1881 ) so called bible is a heretic whether they know it or not. Finally, there are over 60,000 words less in the niv compared to the King James Bible. You won't find hell either, like many other evil books they call bibles it's been removed.
@@Rev.DavidJTowns PS: you obviously don't read the scriptures do you ? The Lord Jesus referred to Peter as satan when He ( Jesus ) rebuked him. I'll let you find the passage.
@@colvinator1611 i teach scripture and i find your comments inappropriate my friend in CHRIST. If your suggestion is that KJV is the only legit translation of the scripture you need more education on the subject. Like I said before what you think you know today may change tomorrow -- we are all on a spiritual path with CHRIST. If you like I can suggest idolizing a translation may be cause for rebuke. GOD Bless
Good video Tim! All the reasons that you mentioned regarding the ESV's success are correct. In my opinion, marketing and the variety of nice-looking and affordable Bibles are the main reasons why the ESV has a large market among Evangelicals. The ESV is a very good translation and, I almost switched to it as my primary version several years ago, but I gave the Bible that I had away to someone who needed a Bible. Years later, I went to seminary and I purchased an ESV Study Bible. I have read from it extensively, but the ESV is not my favorite Bible translation. The NASB (1995 update) is my favorite translation. I have been using the NASB for decades and it's been a major part of my spiritual development. The reasons why I like the NASB are as follows: 1) Accuracy to the original languages. 2) Personal pronouns referring to God are capitalized. 3) OT quotations in the NT are capitalized making it easier to see the connection between the Testaments. 4) Footnotes. I love that NASB consistently gives a more literal reading for many passages in the footnotes. Also, I like that the NASB retains many of the same verses that you see in the KJV (such as Mark 9:44, 46) even though the Greek text behind it is virtually the same as the ESV. 5) Readability. The NASB is not as "wooden" to me as people believe. In fact, I find the NASB more readable and more nuanced than the ESV, primarily in the NT. Here's one example: "For what can be known about God is plain to them, because God has shown it to them. For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world,[g] in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse." Romans 1:19-20 ESV "because that which is known about God is evident within them; for God made it evident to them. For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen, being understood through what has been made, so that they are without excuse." Roman 1:19-20 NASB (1995) It something about the word over that trips me up in ESV with these verse. Furthermore, the NASB preserves more of a conservative/traditional rendering of the original language than the ESV, especially in the NT. Also, I would have preferred that the ESV kept the tradition rendering of John 3:16 as the KJV and NKJV , which the NASB did. I have maybe one or two other reasons, but this should suffice for now. Notwithstanding, the ESV is still one of the better modern translations out there.
I still prefer the NASB95, chiefly because I really like the all caps Old Testament references in the New Testament: that, and my familiarity with the NASB, make it my preferred translation. However, I also like the ESV, and have often considered making a trade in my personal study. Question: do you know anything about the Literal Standard Version, published by something called the Christian Covenant Coalition?
I grew up on the NKJV and when I was looking to switch translations, I was deciding between the NASB95 and the ESV. I bought an ESV Study Bible, but did not like the single column format, even though I did love the resource it is. I decided to purchase a Schuyler NAS95 because I liked the leather cover and double column layout. Once I started reading the NAS95, I felt at home. Though not exactly the same as the NKJV, it did feel similar because of the capitalization of Deity, italics of added words, and capitalization of OT quotes. And to my ear, the NAS95 does not sound too dissimilar to the ESV. I can easily follow along in my NAS95 when someone else is reading an ESV. The NAS95 has become my main translation. I love it.
I think one of the big reasons it's successful is it's study bible. When people go to figure out which study bible to use the ESV Study Bible is almost always number one.
You nailed it. I prefer the NRSV-89 (Not this new updated edition) for the quality of prose and extended vocabulary but the ESV and RSV are close seconds in those areas. I've read many versions side by side and these are the two translations that feel correct to my ear, which is an admittedly intuitive process. Of those three, the ESV is available in the widest variety of incredibly beautiful premium editions, matching any individual requirements you may have. But I do rub the gold foil off the translation version on the spine.
KJV, NKJV, ESV, CSB, and NASB, in that order. The CSB is the newest translation to enter my preferred translation list, thanks to Bible Believing Christian's UA-cam channel. She and I occasionally correspond via email and I was encouraged by her to try it. I purchased the least expensive large print Bible I could find at that time and after reading it nightly for about a week, I got into the flow of the translation and now have a Study Bible. I guess because I'm old and the KJV was the Bible my church was using at the time I was saved, it's my first love. The ESV Study Bible I have and use is primarily for the notes and commentary as well as the translation. :)
I use the ESV for preaching, teaching and personal study/devotions. I've always liked it (I was raised on the RSV, which pre-conditioned me) because it sounds traditional for reading out loud and for preaching. It is also an accurate translation, ignoring some of the mistakes made by more "trendy" translations looking for a modern sound. Finally, it was the production of the ESV Study Bible that made me a committed fan and customer of Crossway. One other factor: I am an ACNA clergyman. When our new Book of Common Prayer 2019 was being created, there was an intentional (wise?) decision to have the sound and pacing sound much like the ESV-- in the same way that previous editions of the Book of Common Prayer were highly compatible with the KJV/RSV.
I bought an ESV from Ligonier with commentary by RC Sproul. It also has apologetics, all the confessions of faith, of course concordance and church history. A great study bible. I also have an NKJV and I find the wording is very close with the ESV. I have never been a fan of the NIV, to me it reads like an owners manual for a car or something.
I was told to get an ESV by my Bible teacher in my senior year of high school. He went against the school's preference of the NKJV, and I didn't know why. I still don't know why, nor do I know much about textual criticism, but the ESV just became 'the thing' to have. It became popular somehow, and I was told to get one, and others followed suit. It was like sheep, just oodles of people flocking to it because others were as well...it just kinda happened.
I personally prefer the New King James Version for it's manuscript diversity (using both Majority and Minority Texts to clarify Verses the Old King James translated).
You are so on point. I don't use the NIV because of the gender thing. I mostly use now the NLT. But I do own the ESV, NASB, NKJV, KJV, NET. I also have an Ebonics translation lol
I been a csb guy for a while now. I love the esv, it was the main Bible I used when I was not using my first Bible which was a kjb. I still use esv here & there. It's a great translation, easy to read & easy to understand. Kjv only people will probably say something to me about that.
When I first opened up an ESV Bible and read a few verses, I stopped and said to myself, "Wait a minute. This sounds very familiar. Where have I read this before?" I then opened up my trusty NKJV alongside the ESV and found that many verses were identical - word for word. Which begs the question... why create a new translation (ESV), when a translation as good, (and almost identical to the ESV) as the NKJV already exists? Don't misunderstand me - I appreciate the ESV and I encourage anybody who favors it to by all means read it. But although I also enjoy the NIV and NLT, my go to version is still the NKJV and I'm sticking with it.
I mean, you can say the same thing about the NKJV. Why did Thomas Nelson feel the need to put out the NKJV when they already had the RSV? The reason that the ESV sounds like the NKJV is because they both sound like the RSV (which itself made a conscious effort to sound like the KJV).
@@MAMoreno But one big difference between the ESV and the NKJV is that the NKJV New Testament has the Textus Receptus Greek text as its foundation, whereas the ESV and RSV has the Nestle- Aland and United Bible Societies modern Greek text as the foundation for their New Testament. That's why the NKJV has more verses in the New Testament that are not found in the ESV or RSV.
I was mainly a NKJV/NASB95 user when I first discovered the ESV around 2007. I agree some of the verses are identical to the NKJV but I also think overall it modernizes the language just enough (such as some of the more archaic words/phrasing) that it's easier to understand (especially for a modern day reader) & I find overall it "flows" better/smoother. I still like the NKJV but the ESV has a beautiful literary quality to it that mixes the traditional with the modern.
I own a copy of the ESV Anglicised printed by Harper Collins. Basically it uses the British spelling of words. That might contribute to the wide availability of this translation.
I love the RSV, as a Catholic I own the Quentel w/Apocrypha, but I also love the ESV and just bought the Cambridge Diadem w/Apocrypha. Sadly the fine study Bible from Crossway isn't available with all the books. I remember when the ESV came out and a bunch of friends bought it immediately and loved it.
Our church used the 1984 NIV for some time until 2011 when the gender-inclusive edition came out as you discussed in the video. This convinced our pastor to switch to the ESV for its theologically conservative nature and reliability. Before the ESV I was using the HCSB and the NKJV for personal study. I love the readability of the ESV. It's a marvelous work. I recommend this translation over the NIV. It's a good alternative. I have gotten sick of the NIV. The ESV feels richer to me.
I’ve always been a KJV loyalist. And still am. The ESV just reads so well and doesn’t seem to lose any important elements or principles. I go it when there are spots in the KJV that I just can’t parse. And that is often
I cut my teeth on the RSV but switched to NIV when I taught a SS class using NIV. I never got into the more colloquial feel of it. It didn't have an authoritative feel. The RSV had some archaic words so I was very happy when the ESV came out. It game me the "authority" I was looking for and is very readable. I do like to how comprehensive the ESV Study Bible is. I tried NASB and NKJV but I prefer the flow of the ESV. NKJV still had words that seemed out of place to me, somewhat similar to the RSV, and didn't flow as well.
I am legally blind and my only issue with the ESV is it's just not available and as many large print variations is any other translation. I would like to see something between a 12 to 14 point font with cross references and words of Christ in red. I just can't find that combination. I can find a 14-point font with words of Christ in black and across references. I found a 12-point font which I can read with words of Christ in red and no cross references. I've also noticed that the ESV in the equivalent size font with the same trim measurements seems to be thicker than any other translation. As soon as I can find one that meets my criteria I will pick one up.
I’m pretty neutral with ESV. I have it in the Cambridge hardback wide-margin edition (really because that’s the only translation they offer in the hardback) and I don’t have any major issues with it. Yet nothing about it truly stands out to me. I prefer the NASB95 because of the italicized words, caps for pronouns of God and for it being more literal. But I’m also an NKJV and KJV junkie as well. I’ve been wondering for a while why people even like the ESV. However, reading this comment section has been very interesting and fun. It’s been enlightening hearing about why/how this particular translation touches people.
I will hold my hands up and say I really didn't like the ESV. I thought the study bible was great and I would use it to get information from. But I forced myself to read it about 2 weeks ago and now I can say that I really have been enjoying it. I have been using it in my personal devotional time and its been excellent. I have a lot of books that are also done by crossway books and I appreciate not only how they look but also the quality of their teaching
I’ve read mostly the NIV translation for a long time. I will admit that it did bother me that they went to the gender neutrality and some of the Scriptures. But I also like to cross reference between different translations. Thank you for the video. God bless you and your family. Merry Christmas. Duane.
My personal preference is for the RSV; it was the first translation I was given, and I still prefer it. For alternatives, I could see myself using the ESV or NKJV.
I think another reason why it's so successful is because it has the same poetic sounding as the King James Bible. And I think when it comes to the Bible a lot of people especially conservative circles like it when the words of God have a poetic sounding to it cuz it helps them to appreciate that they're reading the very words of God himself
My favorate is the NASB. My second choice is HCSB, then ESV. I prefer the most word for word I can get. NASB does it for me. Altho, this fall (24) MacArthur doing a LSB study Bible. Looking forward to that.
From the video, but watch the video for explanation and elaboration: 1. Origins. The ESV is a more conservative version of the RSV. Lots of big names among conservative evangelicals and Reformed folks endorsed it (e.g. John Piper). 2. Editions. Crossway has put out a tremendous variety of editions for the ESV. Also, many of these editions are aesthetically well designed. And many well designed editions are offered at affordable prices. 3. The ESV is similar to NIV. Such as the formatting (e.g. not capitalizing pronouns for God). This similarity to NIV made it easy for those who used to use the NIV but who didn't like the NIV11 moving in a more gender inclusive direction to more easily move to the ESV. The ESV got many from the NIV84's base to switch over to the ESV due to these similarities. 4. The ESV has a more traditional sound. The ESV sounds more like "the Bible" should sound, which really just means the Tyndale-KJV heritage. For some, this is a negative (e.g. Biblish doesn't necessarily mean good English; as CS Lewis once said, beauty can exalt but beauty can also lull), but for others this is a positive. 5. Ubiquitous. A snowball effect where once a translation like the ESV has built up enough critical mass over time, then others simply get pulled into its gravity, thinking that since everyone is using it, it must be trustworthy enough to use.
I typically will use the NIV or NLT as a reader. When I want to dive a little deeper and do exegetical study, I use the ESV or the NASB 1995. The ESV is much better to read aloud and is less blocky. I love the App and the online resources as well of being able to look at the Greek and Hebrew texts and hover over the word to see the definition and why they translated it the way they did. There are so many good translations these days. If I could only choose one version, the ESV is it though.
I found a personal SIZE in 12 point FONT. And in buffal8 leather. I have the main versions also in QUENTEL. Or PSQ. But really like the Holman personal SIZE large PRINT at 11.25 the perfect bible for me. I guess when NASB comes out in that version I will buy it...also.
I think another reason for top-sellers is in the acronyms of Bible versions. words like "international" , or "standard", sound like you just can't go wrong worldwide, or this particular bible purchase is everybody's standard..
I like the ESV a lot and have used it for a long time. I know it is more reformed and I noticed most of the ESV study Bibles are more Calvinistic. I got the Jeremiah ESV Study Bible- Dr. David Jeremiah- bc I wanted a more Dispensational study Bible- and I am overall happy with that Study Bible.
Strange I have noticed UA-cam has been popping up notifications for videos that are 5 days old. For instance I got a message that looks like this video is only 22m old when it's 5 days.
But John MacArthur, Chuck Swindoll, Tony Evans and many other very reliable guides still use the NASB 95! I don't think we'll see a NASB Apocrypha too soon!
The ESV should start looking over its shoulder… the CSB is quietly coming up from behind, without any theological/denominational bias or baggage, nostalgically reminding folks of the NIV84, yet more literal, and striking the absolute sweet spot between the NIV and NASB/NKJV ;) The CSB is ascending!
Hi Tim. Thank you for this video. To be honest, I am struggling with getting a "retirement" bible. I have pretty messed up hands from a botched open heart surgery so full size bibles are out. I spent 42 years preaching from the NASB and NIV, and have read the ESV cover to cover and, for SOME reason, which I can not pin point, the ESV leaves me cold. BUT, I need a compact large print for my hands and am having trouble finding a good one. The NASB is so majestic and glorious, the NIV so easy to handle, read and understand. I have dabbled with the NLT and enjoy it as well, but again, the ESV seems to be the only compact (6.5x4x1) large print (8pt) that I can find. Any suggestions? Keep the great vids comming!
The ESV version is certainly a great Bible to read from, I still believe the NASB95 is the best study Bible with the John Macarthur study Bible being the best!
I have many many translations, which I have both read, studied, and compared. I always read the Greek first, then the English. In regards to the NKJ, ESV and the ESV, they do not come even close to the accuracy and brilliance of the NASB 1977. I am not a fan of the NASB 1995 /2020. The Nasb 1997 is not perfect, but I have in the margins made my translation emandations on the margins in certain places.
I read the entire ESV Study Bible and then started to read the NKJV because Christ words are in red. I read the NT and started to read the OT. I had to go back to the ESV because the NKJV has too many footnotes that it is distracting as I want to read them all.
It was the ESV STUDY BIBLE that put the ESV on Everybody's radar. 🚀
Yes it's a great study bible
I'm not a huge fan of the ESV- it is fine but not my favorite. But the Study Bible is fantastic. I regularly open it just to read the notes while reading a different Bible.
That said, I'm an old guy that went back to school for some Bible degrees. And the school I attend defaults to the ESV so I certainly respect it and have a couple around.
I agree with everything Tim said, but would add these thoughts. 1) Crossways secondary material is excellent ( commentaries, Bible studies, etc) which use the ESV. 2) They seem to have pioneered using different more enjoyable to read fonts and better typesetting which other translations have now caught on to. 3) Their product lines are copied by other translations ( NKJV Interleaved Bible, CSB Scripture Notebook, etc.) Showing their innovation is second to none. 4) Their products are all great quality ( which Tim alluded to) from cheap $20 Bibles to their expensive premium offerings. They all seem to have a high standard of quality. 5) The translation is traditional enough for the traditionalist, new enough for the new reader, and literal enough for the scholar.
Not to mention all of the journal bibles and the reader bibles. It’s all great stuff!
I think ESV to average Joe is just another option, but if you're hungry it's a charcuterie from a high dollar restaurant. They'll serve you a bit of everything, you're bound to like some of it, you'll come back for more and when you get tired of that the full menu is still available.
It's odd how good they are in the $5-50 range, dollar for dollar it's the sturdiest and cleanest print that I've encountered. It's not like they won't offer you top dollar premiums but there are so many good quality options cheap, it's just not necessary. Aside from all that, the text is really good to read and ponder.
Agreed. However, I use them extensively(even with ESV quotation) while using my NASB. No problem at all as they are close enough.
Part of the reason that the ESV reads well with a good cadence is that J.I. Packer, it's General Editor, was an Anglican priest and wanted it to sound well for when read publicly.
It was because the RSV was its base. Packer just worked to improve on that great translation.
The Bible I keep in my truck is ESV. The Bible I keep in my work bag is the ESV. My go-to for personal study is the ESV. I think it has great footnotes in the study Bible. I love the single-column layout of the preaching edition. I really like the understated elegance of the translation. I think maybe, in that way, it reminds me of the KJV I grew up with, but in understandable modern English.
For preaching and leading Bible studies, tho, I use the CSB. It just seems more accessible English for a mixed crowd of indeterminate educating and reading level.
This year is the first time I've read so much ESV. I'm enjoying it. Reading through in a year with ESV & NASB1995. Last year did CSB & NASB1995. NASB1995 is my favorite. But I've been enjoying mixing it up a bit. Spend some time in devotion Bible's in NKJV. CSB & NLT. The different helps in Bible's these days are wonderful. We're spoiled. Thanks for interesting video Brother Tim. Let's keep reading our Bibles.✝️📖🙏🤍
ESV stole me from KJV and NASB
I think that one of the big reasons why the ESV is so popular in the world in which I live is that there are so many resources that go with the ESV that are such high quality. The ESV Study Bible was SO good compared to other study Bibles on the market back in the day (even if also SO MUCH BIGGER). It came out while I was in Bible college and starting seminary which is what initially made me gravitate to the ESV (having grown up on the NIV). The amount of study resources that go with the ESV also makes it feel like a translation for a "serious students of the Bible." While I now prefer the CSB, I wish there were the resources of that magnitude associated with it.
Another good place for the ESV is the context in which I now find myself. I pastor a church where many people are either (N)KJV readers or NIV '84 readers. The ESV fits a "sweet spot" between the more traditional language without using as many archaic English wordings and terms. Last week I preached from the CSB and had a parishioner tell how "lost" they were because they were using the NKJV. 😞 Haven't had those comments nearly as often when using the ESV.
About three months ago (as I type this), out of curiosity I was searching (on Amazon) for Bibles -- in particular, "small" or "compact" bibles; I had very little knowledge of the different translations. One compact Bible that caught my eye was an ESV. Since I didn't know ANYTHING at that time about the ESV (like, that it stood for English Standard Version), I started looking into it, and getting some understanding with regards to the other translations ("word-for-word," "thought-for-thought," etc.). I also took a familiar Bible chapter (even to me, who hadn't been to church in years, and had tried and failed to read the Bible as a kid more than once) -- namely, Psalm 23 -- and compared different translations of that particular Psalm. After all this, I decided that maybe I wanted to take a crack at reading the Bible. I decided to try a more recent translation, but also one that leaned more on the "word-for-word" side. To me, the ESV fit the bill; it even passed the "Shadow of Death" test (although, TBH, I have no problem with "valley of deep darkness" in Ps 23:4 -- and that's in a footnote). This probably fits Mr. Frisch's fourth point: "Its traditional sound."
As for Tim's second point -- "Its various editions" -- that gave me a bit of a headache for a few days: trying to sort through the Many MANY different variations JUST FROM CROSSWAY!! In the end, I wound up selecting the VERY SAME compact Bible (okay, "Large Print Compact Bible") that initially caught my eye.
About three days ago (again, as I type this), I completed my readthrough (first one EVER) of that Bible.
The basic economy thinline $2, the single column personal sized reference $15, the thinline flagship $15-20, even the student study bible $25-40 is a good portable size and a good read. For anyone normal those should do anything and probably well.
Then go crazy for the middle market, sky is the limit.
Then almost as much to choose in premiums, and honestly those zippered Schuylers look so good.... good utilitarian option, nothing really looks better than those full yapp treveris! I'm trying to not get a Treveris because I think it'll make me uppity enough I appreciate normal stuff less.
J.I. Packer's influence is a big reason I lean toward ESV, with absolutely nothing against NASB or NKJV. Plus, the ESV Study Bible is unparalleled in a combination of theology, apologetics, and cultural application. Love the new BSB translation, however, too. Thanks, Tim.
For me, it's two things: 1) there's nothing objectionable (to ME) to be found in the ESV and 2) it still sounds like what the Bible ought to sound like.
I still prefer the RSV, but the ESV is very good.
I grew up on the KJV, but when I was a teenager I came across the NIV. Wow, was that a game-changer! For the first time I really enjoyed reading my Bible instead of feeling like it was a chore. As I got older and learned more about translations, I wanted a more literal version. I started using the NASB, but it felt clunky in the way it sounded to me. Then I heard John Piper say he used the ESV, which I'd never heard of before. I tried it, and I liked it. It's an easier read to me than the NASB but still has a stately feel. In other words it's approachable in its language but not casual. It's my daily reading Bible, but not my hard copy. I use the app. It's user-friendly, light-weight, and always available.
If I had known about the (at the time) HCSB I probably would have gone for that. That's the version my pastor uses. But now I'm familiar with it, I enjoy it, so I'm pretty set in my ways. 😄
Thank you for another great video! 👍🏻
Approachable but not casual: that's it precisely!
Just the fact that Calvinist pastors use it is the very reason I don’t. I have the free ESV on my Kindle, but still love the KJV & NKJV translations.
You asked what my favorite translation is. It is the NLT because its very readable, understandable, accurate, it flows well and the Word comes alive in this translation more than any other. I just finished reading the NewTestament again in the NLT. I do like the NKJV, CSB, KJV and the Geneva Bible as well. Those are the 5 I will stick to. I have an NASB 1995 Bible too. Blessings!
Having grew up with the RSV, the ESV is about like the RSV. The ESV is what the NRSV should have been.
AMEN to that last comment!
Yes I agree with that. No doubt.
This.
For me, it was the fact that the denomination I belong to uses the ESV in everything. It is quoted in our hymnal, it is read from the pulpit. It is the translation used in our lectionary. It is what is used in the Small Catechism. It is what I use when I teach Bible study.
There is also the fact that in a liturgical context, the ESV stands up really well. The Psalms read well and sing well in a group setting. The NKJV does well in this setting too. Something like the NIV, NLT, CEB, or the NASB does not sound right in a liturgical setting. The ESV became popular among conservative litugically-minded Protestants for that reason.
LCMS?
Well done. Great thoughts. Yoda: "I would like a tea that is green." Me: "I would like some green tea." NKJV for study. CSB (or even NLT) to read aloud. Also, some great comments here.
Recently, the ESV Catholic Edition has come with extra books that Catholics read. Most Catholic bible readers use the RSV but now the ESV is an option for the 25 million or so Catholics living in the US and other countries. Love your videos.
Yes. I saw the ESV "COMPLETE" CATHOLIC BIBLE in a Catholic book store.
True, but the dreaded Nab is still t]read at Mass…in the U.S.. ..
I got a copy (published by Augustine Insrtitute) as soon as it was available-- nice to have all of the books available, even if I don't put them on the same level.
Actually the Romain Catholic Church in Britain has chosen it as their official text for their liturgy
Thank you for your comments on the ESV translations. Like others, I grew up on the KJV version of the bible. Over time I gravitated to the NIV. Being a conservative Christian, when Crossway introduced the ESV I was drawn to the more literal translation. It's definitely in my frequently read versions which includes the NASB, CSB, NET bible and NIV.
Zondervan released Today's New International Version NT (TNIV) March 2002. Crossway released the ESV in 2001. I think timing was everything in catapulting the sales and popularity of the ESV. Although Zondervan would discontinue the TNIV in 2011, many of the changes found their way into the 2011 NIV. The final straw for many Conservative Evangelicals was the discontinuation of the 1984 NIV. The success of the ESV has much to do with the missteps of the International Bible Society (now Biblica), who owns the rights to the NIV. Otherwise, in my opinion, the ESV would have remained more of a niche translation like the NASB.
I love the esv, good content man, praying for you ministry! Glad there are other people on here making content for the kingdom!
I have both the Esv and Nasb reference Bible. I would say I like the Nasb a bit more. But when I read a study Bible it’s almost always my Nasb study Bible. Nice video as always.
I used (and preferred) the NASB for over 30 years, but my church of 18 years uses the NIV. I switched to ESV a few years back as a happy medium between the two.
I too use and have used the unparalleled brilliant NASB 1977 since Bible College in the mid 80s,( not the 1995/2020 which I have). I would NEVER go to an interior translation ie NIV even if my Pastor/ church uses it.
I go to a KJV Only church, but I always take and use my NASB 1977. I have for 23 years!!
I'm surprised the the the ESV's literalness wasn't mentioned. I think that's the main reason conservative Christians like it. It's not paraphrastic like the NIV. But it's fairly literal. That's why I like it, along with the NKJV and the NASB. Those are my top translations because they are so literal. Also, saying it's conservative isn't enough. Examples could have been given. For example, how it retains words like propitiation rather than mere expiation. Conservative scholars were involved in its translation include J.I. Packer and Wayne Grudem.
Good report on ESV. I have used the 1984 NIV for years. Lately, I have been listening to the audio KJV bible read by Alexander Scourby.
Sciurba is an awesome listen
I enjoyed your talk very much. Thank you. To answer the question you asked, I do use the ESV (though it is not my absolute favourite) because I was introduced to it via the ESV Study Bible which came out in 2001. That Study Bible really blew me away at the time - so much information, charts, diagrams, etc. In fact, I still have my first ESV Study Bible and it remains my favourite in terms of Study Bibles. Other translations I use and love are the NRSV and The NET (New English Translation). I have followed the NET translation since it was only available online and I love the NET Full Notes Edition (a totally different type of study bible) plus some of the new reader’s editions, such as the Large Print Thinline Art Edition, which is beautiful. Personally, I would certainly agree that, as the NIV moved in a more “progressive” path, so to speak, the ESV remained more traditional and thus became a translation that more traditional people started to use. I agree also about how it sounds - it does sound more formal, more “intelligent” somehow than the NIV and yet more easy to read aloud than, say the NASB or the NKJV (my personal favourite as it retains capitals for Deity, together with being more literal. Thanks again.
My prefered? NKJV. Mainly because my mum bought me a Thomson exhaustive topical chain ref study bible which I got rid of because I was going to change to an ESV study bible, why? Because I'm stupid. I've gone on a bible buying binge to try and match it. Upside, I have 11 (12nt/LSB) different versions including 5 study bibles. I used NIV up until my early 20s. Since watching your CSB video (OKist) my preference may be changing, also the CEV has caught my ears last couple of days. All in all, I'm going through some denominational fragmentation at the moment, but all glory to God, Jesus is Lord no matter how lost I feel.
Hi Tim I love ❤ the ESV it's a great translation. 👍 I use the CSB the most, but I also use the NASB 2020 Edition which I believe is the best NASB version. Great job Tim God Bless 🙌 🙏
I recently purchased the ESV study Bible. It's an awesome translation that is essentially a formal equivalent translation which has great literary qualities. My favorite translations are NKJV, NASB and of course the ESV is my number one go to translation. Great review. Thank you for the helpful information.
Initially, the reason I started using the ESV four years ago, is because I changed churches, and my new pastor uses the ESV. Another reason, is that I really like the font. It really makes a difference in what translation I want to use. I like the CSB, but the font they use, doesn't work for my eyes. Neither does the new comfort prints. But the Lexicon font Crossway uses, is great. I mostly use the ESV wide margin and the ESV Thinline Reference. Also the ESV large print compact, and a pocket ESV Gideon NT.
Since the CSB font doesn't work formy eyes, I found a 2004 HCSB Ultrathin Reference that has an older style font, that is easy to read.
I think, when looking at the ESV in an interlinear format with the Greek it seems to be very accurate so that is something I really like and I think that plays a part of building that trust you talk about.
I prefer the NRSV, but the ESV is so similar to it that I feel comfortable using it alongside its older sibling.
I used the ESV translation for about 10 years, and for the past 1.5 years I’ve been using the ASV 1901 translation as my main source for daily reading and study, with the ESV supplementing it when there is something that is a bit difficult to understand in older English.
I was introduced to the ASV 1901 by listening to Dr. Greg L. Bahnsen’s lectures and loving the translation that he was reading from.
The NIV is the version that the Lord used to call me to him, and for that reason still remains my favorite. I’ve been trying to move towards a more literal version and am using the ESV and like you said, am finding the translation easier than other word for word translations. I also like the NKJV, because I have a pocket NKJV that I keep in my handbag, but the NIV and ESV remain my favorite versions.
I’m never disappointed by this gent’s perspectives. Always thoughtful, insightful, and comprehensive.
THANKS for THIS. I just ordered a new ESV yesterday.
I've read the KJV since I was 8 years old which was a very long time ago. I've read the NASB, NIV, NKJV and almost all of the other translations but the ESV has somehow found a place in my heart. I would love to see a parallel KJV and ESV just so I could see them side by side. I loved your reasons. Bless you.
I know it's really popular but for some reason the ESV has just never "clicked" for me. Maybe that's just me though. As I say so often, the CSB wins out with me big.
When Crossway backed-up a great product with a massive 2001 to 2005 advertising campaign you get a super popular bible translation.
I really like the NASB followed by the ESV. Also looking forward to the Legacy I ordered.
The legacy is awesome! 😉
Also, the ESV has made more editions of journaling Bibles and notetaking Bibles than most other translations. Their Bibles seem to be better quality in general for the price in terms of design and material in many cases.
English Sanctified Version.
Being serious, ESV is for reading and understanding - more poetic, CSB is for reading out loud. I used to like HCSB for reading out loud but it was a little too colloquial. The CSB has rectified most of that.
Also, I'm a Calvinist and Calvin read from an ESV.
😂
😂👌🏼
I use the ESV because my church, and many of the reformed evangelical pastors I follow, use it. I love that it's more accurate and word for word than others like the NIV, which makes it a great translation for study and preaching. When I read the Bible with my kids, however, I found it a hard one for them to follow so I bought a bunch of cheap NLTs that we all read together. I also love comparing the ESV to these when I study: KJV, NASB, CSB, NIV, NLT. Sometimes my wife and I will switch from the ESV to the NIV when we read together as it is what we grew up on and she likes it better.
That leather chair you are sitting in reminds me of a soft leather bible.
As a KJV only for 45plus years followed by a NKJV for a few years i'm now enjoying the ESV Bible over the past year -- just like the flow and ease of readability.
Another example of the ' falling away ' David. By the way, there are no reverends in my Precious King James Bible.
@@colvinator1611 So in the scriptures it teaches you to make personal attacks against fellow CHRISTIANS? Be careful what you believe may change tomorrow as you educate yourself. GOD Bless
@@Rev.DavidJTowns If speaking the truth of Almighty God is attacking ' fellow Christians ' so be it. Revelation 22 : 18-19 ( KJV ) sums up how serious the Lord Jesus Christ takes HIS pure and preserved word ( Psalm 12 : 6-7 et al
KJV ) and His truth doesn't come from the philosophical swamp of Alexandria where ALL modern so called ' bibles ' come from ( Aleph , the fake Siniaticus and codex B [ vaticanus ] minority heavily corrupted mss ) via Wescott and Hort and their catholic ' revision ' gang.
The Lord Jesus Christ and His followers CALLED OUT hypocrites, liars and false teachers ( some by Name ) and I will do the same.
Anyone who uses a modern ( post 1881 ) so called bible is a heretic whether they know it or not.
Finally, there are over 60,000 words less in the niv compared to the King James Bible.
You won't find hell either, like many other evil books they call bibles it's been removed.
@@Rev.DavidJTowns PS: you obviously don't read the scriptures do you ? The Lord Jesus referred to Peter as satan when He ( Jesus ) rebuked him.
I'll let you find the passage.
@@colvinator1611 i teach scripture and i find your comments inappropriate my friend in CHRIST. If your suggestion is that KJV is the only legit translation of the scripture you need more education on the subject. Like I said before what you think you know today may change tomorrow -- we are all on a spiritual path with CHRIST. If you like I can suggest idolizing a translation may be cause for rebuke. GOD Bless
Good video Tim! All the reasons that you mentioned regarding the ESV's success are correct. In my opinion, marketing and the variety of nice-looking and affordable Bibles are the main reasons why the ESV has a large market among Evangelicals. The ESV is a very good translation and, I almost switched to it as my primary version several years ago, but I gave the Bible that I had away to someone who needed a Bible. Years later, I went to seminary and I purchased an ESV Study Bible. I have read from it extensively, but the ESV is not my favorite Bible translation. The NASB (1995 update) is my favorite translation. I have been using the NASB for decades and it's been a major part of my spiritual development. The reasons why I like the NASB are as follows: 1) Accuracy to the original languages. 2) Personal pronouns referring to God are capitalized. 3) OT quotations in the NT are capitalized making it easier to see the connection between the Testaments. 4) Footnotes. I love that NASB consistently gives a more literal reading for many passages in the footnotes. Also, I like that the NASB retains many of the same verses that you see in the KJV (such as Mark 9:44, 46) even though the Greek text behind it is virtually the same as the ESV. 5) Readability. The NASB is not as "wooden" to me as people believe. In fact, I find the NASB more readable and more nuanced than the ESV, primarily in the NT. Here's one example:
"For what can be known about God is plain to them, because God has shown it to them. For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world,[g] in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse." Romans 1:19-20 ESV
"because that which is known about God is evident within them; for God made it evident to them. For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen, being understood through what has been made, so that they are without excuse." Roman 1:19-20 NASB (1995)
It something about the word over that trips me up in ESV with these verse. Furthermore, the NASB preserves more of a conservative/traditional rendering of the original language than the ESV, especially in the NT. Also, I would have preferred that the ESV kept the tradition rendering of John 3:16 as the KJV and NKJV , which the NASB did. I have maybe one or two other reasons, but this should suffice for now. Notwithstanding, the ESV is still one of the better modern translations out there.
Great marketing and promotion efforts plus endorsements! Three good things. The ESV Editions attraced wide support.
Have been using ESV for 8 years now. Read through multiple times KJV, NKJV, NIV84, NASB95, NRSV, AMP, and a few more. Love them all ❤
Good morning bro watching in the Philippines,ESV good bible easy to read and understand.
I still prefer the NASB95, chiefly because I really like the all caps Old Testament references in the New Testament: that, and my familiarity with the NASB, make it my preferred translation. However, I also like the ESV, and have often considered making a trade in my personal study. Question: do you know anything about the Literal Standard Version, published by something called the Christian Covenant Coalition?
I grew up on the NKJV and when I was looking to switch translations, I was deciding between the NASB95 and the ESV. I bought an ESV Study Bible, but did not like the single column format, even though I did love the resource it is. I decided to purchase a Schuyler NAS95 because I liked the leather cover and double column layout. Once I started reading the NAS95, I felt at home. Though not exactly the same as the NKJV, it did feel similar because of the capitalization of Deity, italics of added words, and capitalization of OT quotes. And to my ear, the NAS95 does not sound too dissimilar to the ESV. I can easily follow along in my NAS95 when someone else is reading an ESV. The NAS95 has become my main translation. I love it.
I think one of the big reasons it's successful is it's study bible. When people go to figure out which study bible to use the ESV Study Bible is almost always number one.
You nailed it. I prefer the NRSV-89 (Not this new updated edition) for the quality of prose and extended vocabulary but the ESV and RSV are close seconds in those areas. I've read many versions side by side and these are the two translations that feel correct to my ear, which is an admittedly intuitive process. Of those three, the ESV is available in the widest variety of incredibly beautiful premium editions, matching any individual requirements you may have. But I do rub the gold foil off the translation version on the spine.
I think here in the USA, the ESV is the most popular translation. Personally for me, I'm a KJV/NKJV guy, also NASB95
THIS may be a reason to order more Schuyler BIBLES.
It's LCMS translation of choice.
KJV, NKJV, ESV, CSB, and NASB, in that order. The CSB is the newest translation to enter my preferred translation list, thanks to Bible Believing Christian's UA-cam channel. She and I occasionally correspond via email and I was encouraged by her to try it. I purchased the least expensive large print Bible I could find at that time and after reading it nightly for about a week, I got into the flow of the translation and now have a Study Bible. I guess because I'm old and the KJV was the Bible my church was using at the time I was saved, it's my first love. The ESV Study Bible I have and use is primarily for the notes and commentary as well as the translation. :)
I use the ESV for preaching, teaching and personal study/devotions. I've always liked it (I was raised on the RSV, which pre-conditioned me) because it sounds traditional for reading out loud and for preaching. It is also an accurate translation, ignoring some of the mistakes made by more "trendy" translations looking for a modern sound. Finally, it was the production of the ESV Study Bible that made me a committed fan and customer of Crossway. One other factor: I am an ACNA clergyman. When our new Book of Common Prayer 2019 was being created, there was an intentional (wise?) decision to have the sound and pacing sound much like the ESV-- in the same way that previous editions of the Book of Common Prayer were highly compatible with the KJV/RSV.
I bought an ESV from Ligonier with commentary by RC Sproul. It also has apologetics, all the confessions of faith, of course concordance and church history. A great study bible. I also have an NKJV and I find the wording is very close with the ESV. I have never been a fan of the NIV, to me it reads like an owners manual for a car or something.
I was told to get an ESV by my Bible teacher in my senior year of high school. He went against the school's preference of the NKJV, and I didn't know why. I still don't know why, nor do I know much about textual criticism, but the ESV just became 'the thing' to have. It became popular somehow, and I was told to get one, and others followed suit. It was like sheep, just oodles of people flocking to it because others were as well...it just kinda happened.
I really love the way you put this! It made me light up! 😀
@@Tax_Buster lol, why do you say that?
I personally prefer the New King James Version for it's manuscript diversity (using both Majority and Minority Texts to clarify Verses the Old King James translated).
Written from corrupted texts.
No, thank you.
😂😂😂
You are so on point. I don't use the NIV because of the gender thing. I mostly use now the NLT. But I do own the ESV, NASB, NKJV, KJV, NET. I also have an Ebonics translation lol
LaVerne, surely you must know that the NLT uses more inclusive language than the NIV.
I been a csb guy for a while now. I love the esv, it was the main Bible I used when I was not using my first Bible which was a kjb. I still use esv here & there. It's a great translation, easy to read & easy to understand. Kjv only people will probably say something to me about that.
When I first opened up an ESV Bible and read a few verses, I stopped and said to myself, "Wait a minute. This sounds very familiar. Where have I read this before?" I then opened up my trusty NKJV alongside the ESV and found that many verses were identical - word for word. Which begs the question... why create a new translation (ESV), when a translation as good, (and almost identical to the ESV) as the NKJV already exists? Don't misunderstand me - I appreciate the ESV and I encourage anybody who favors it to by all means read it. But although I also enjoy the NIV and NLT, my go to version is still the NKJV and I'm sticking with it.
I mean, you can say the same thing about the NKJV. Why did Thomas Nelson feel the need to put out the NKJV when they already had the RSV? The reason that the ESV sounds like the NKJV is because they both sound like the RSV (which itself made a conscious effort to sound like the KJV).
@@MAMoreno But one big difference between the ESV and the NKJV is that the NKJV New Testament has the Textus Receptus Greek text as its foundation, whereas the ESV and RSV has the Nestle- Aland and United Bible Societies modern Greek text as the foundation for their New Testament. That's why the NKJV has more verses in the New Testament that are not found in the ESV or RSV.
I was mainly a NKJV/NASB95 user when I first discovered the ESV around 2007. I agree some of the verses are identical to the NKJV but I also think overall it modernizes the language just enough (such as some of the more archaic words/phrasing) that it's easier to understand (especially for a modern day reader) & I find overall it "flows" better/smoother. I still like the NKJV but the ESV has a beautiful literary quality to it that mixes the traditional with the modern.
I own a copy of the ESV Anglicised printed by Harper Collins. Basically it uses the British spelling of words. That might contribute to the wide availability of this translation.
The ESV publishers did everything the LSB publishers have failed to do.
I love the RSV, as a Catholic I own the Quentel w/Apocrypha, but I also love the ESV and just bought the Cambridge Diadem w/Apocrypha. Sadly the fine study Bible from Crossway isn't available with all the books. I remember when the ESV came out and a bunch of friends bought it immediately and loved it.
Our church used the 1984 NIV for some time until 2011 when the gender-inclusive edition came out as you discussed in the video. This convinced our pastor to switch to the ESV for its theologically conservative nature and reliability. Before the ESV I was using the HCSB and the NKJV for personal study.
I love the readability of the ESV. It's a marvelous work. I recommend this translation over the NIV. It's a good alternative. I have gotten sick of the NIV. The ESV feels richer to me.
I’ve always been a KJV loyalist. And still am. The ESV just reads so well and doesn’t seem to lose any important elements or principles. I go it when there are spots in the KJV that I just can’t parse. And that is often
I cut my teeth on the RSV but switched to NIV when I taught a SS class using NIV. I never got into the more colloquial feel of it. It didn't have an authoritative feel. The RSV had some archaic words so I was very happy when the ESV came out. It game me the "authority" I was looking for and is very readable. I do like to how comprehensive the ESV Study Bible is. I tried NASB and NKJV but I prefer the flow of the ESV. NKJV still had words that seemed out of place to me, somewhat similar to the RSV, and didn't flow as well.
The ESV has "authority." Well said, Karla. I agree with you on that.
I use the ESV because it is the perfect combo of the KJV and the RSV. It reads very smooth and much easier to understand.
The ESV says that Elhanan killed Goliath,not David! II SAMUEL 21:19
I am legally blind and my only issue with the ESV is it's just not available and as many large print variations is any other translation. I would like to see something between a 12 to 14 point font with cross references and words of Christ in red. I just can't find that combination. I can find a 14-point font with words of Christ in black and across references. I found a 12-point font which I can read with words of Christ in red and no cross references. I've also noticed that the ESV in the equivalent size font with the same trim measurements seems to be thicker than any other translation. As soon as I can find one that meets my criteria I will pick one up.
Any review of LSV (Literal Standard Version)?
I’m pretty neutral with ESV. I have it in the Cambridge hardback wide-margin edition (really because that’s the only translation they offer in the hardback) and I don’t have any major issues with it. Yet nothing about it truly stands out to me. I prefer the NASB95 because of the italicized words, caps for pronouns of God and for it being more literal. But I’m also an NKJV and KJV junkie as well. I’ve been wondering for a while why people even like the ESV. However, reading this comment section has been very interesting and fun. It’s been enlightening hearing about why/how this particular translation touches people.
I will hold my hands up and say I really didn't like the ESV. I thought the study bible was great and I would use it to get information from. But I forced myself to read it about 2 weeks ago and now I can say that I really have been enjoying it. I have been using it in my personal devotional time and its been excellent. I have a lot of books that are also done by crossway books and I appreciate not only how they look but also the quality of their teaching
I’ve read mostly the NIV translation for a long time. I will admit that it did bother me that they went to the gender neutrality and some of the Scriptures. But I also like to cross reference between different translations. Thank you for the video. God bless you and your family. Merry Christmas. Duane.
My personal preference is for the RSV; it was the first translation I was given, and I still prefer it. For alternatives, I could see myself using the ESV or NKJV.
I think another reason why it's so successful is because it has the same poetic sounding as the King James Bible. And I think when it comes to the Bible a lot of people especially conservative circles like it when the words of God have a poetic sounding to it cuz it helps them to appreciate that they're reading the very words of God himself
I think that the fact that the ESV Study Bible is arguably the best and most expansive study Bible on the market certainly plays a role.
My favorate is the NASB.
My second choice is HCSB, then ESV.
I prefer the most word for word I can get. NASB does it for me. Altho, this fall (24) MacArthur doing a LSB study Bible. Looking forward to that.
From the video, but watch the video for explanation and elaboration:
1. Origins. The ESV is a more conservative version of the RSV. Lots of big names among conservative evangelicals and Reformed folks endorsed it (e.g. John Piper).
2. Editions. Crossway has put out a tremendous variety of editions for the ESV. Also, many of these editions are aesthetically well designed. And many well designed editions are offered at affordable prices.
3. The ESV is similar to NIV. Such as the formatting (e.g. not capitalizing pronouns for God). This similarity to NIV made it easy for those who used to use the NIV but who didn't like the NIV11 moving in a more gender inclusive direction to more easily move to the ESV. The ESV got many from the NIV84's base to switch over to the ESV due to these similarities.
4. The ESV has a more traditional sound. The ESV sounds more like "the Bible" should sound, which really just means the Tyndale-KJV heritage. For some, this is a negative (e.g. Biblish doesn't necessarily mean good English; as CS Lewis once said, beauty can exalt but beauty can also lull), but for others this is a positive.
5. Ubiquitous. A snowball effect where once a translation like the ESV has built up enough critical mass over time, then others simply get pulled into its gravity, thinking that since everyone is using it, it must be trustworthy enough to use.
I typically will use the NIV or NLT as a reader. When I want to dive a little deeper and do exegetical study, I use the ESV or the NASB 1995. The ESV is much better to read aloud and is less blocky. I love the App and the online resources as well of being able to look at the Greek and Hebrew texts and hover over the word to see the definition and why they translated it the way they did. There are so many good translations these days. If I could only choose one version, the ESV is it though.
I found a personal SIZE in 12 point FONT. And in buffal8 leather. I have the main versions also in QUENTEL. Or PSQ. But really like the Holman personal SIZE large PRINT at 11.25 the perfect bible for me. I guess when NASB comes out in that version I will buy it...also.
Its the Elect Standard Version.
I think another reason for top-sellers is in the acronyms of Bible versions. words like "international" , or "standard", sound like you just can't go wrong worldwide, or this particular bible purchase is everybody's standard..
I like the ESV a lot and have used it for a long time. I know it is more reformed and I noticed most of the ESV study Bibles are more Calvinistic. I got the Jeremiah ESV Study Bible- Dr. David Jeremiah- bc I wanted a more Dispensational study Bible- and I am overall happy with that Study Bible.
Strange I have noticed UA-cam has been popping up notifications for videos that are 5 days old. For instance I got a message that looks like this video is only 22m old when it's 5 days.
Hey brother Tim. Do you have a copy of the ESV MacArthur Study Bible? If so have you done a review? If so. Have you done a review on it yet?
What's your favorite translation?
I tend to say the NKJV and CSB rank among the top for me
But John MacArthur, Chuck Swindoll, Tony Evans and many other very reliable guides still use the NASB 95! I don't think we'll see a NASB Apocrypha too soon!
@Evangelist Robert Presson From his pulpit?
Tony Evans uses CSB now
Chuck Swindolls Study Bible is NLT.
The ESV should start looking over its shoulder…
the CSB is quietly coming up from behind, without any theological/denominational bias or baggage, nostalgically reminding folks of the NIV84, yet more literal, and striking the absolute sweet spot between the NIV and NASB/NKJV ;)
The CSB is ascending!
Hi Tim. Thank you for this video. To be honest, I am struggling with getting a "retirement" bible. I have pretty messed up hands from a botched open heart surgery so full size bibles are out. I spent 42 years preaching from the NASB and NIV, and have read the ESV cover to cover and, for SOME reason, which I can not pin point, the ESV leaves me cold. BUT, I need a compact large print for my hands and am having trouble finding a good one. The NASB is so majestic and glorious, the NIV so easy to handle, read and understand. I have dabbled with the NLT and enjoy it as well, but again, the ESV seems to be the only compact (6.5x4x1) large print (8pt) that I can find. Any suggestions? Keep the great vids comming!
May I ask what is your translation of choice?
Tim has said on other videos he prefers the CSB and NKJV.
My second Thompson Chain is an ESV.
ESV sort of experiences herd contagion rather than immunity.
No, the real reason, is because it is the best Bible translation in the English language!
The ESV version is certainly a great Bible to read from, I still believe the NASB95 is the best study Bible with the John Macarthur study Bible being the best!
The ESV is now an « approved » Roman Catholic version, opening it up to the traditional RC consumers.
I have many many translations, which I have both read, studied, and compared. I always read the Greek first, then the English. In regards to the NKJ, ESV and the ESV, they do not come even close to the accuracy and brilliance of the NASB 1977. I am not a fan of the NASB 1995 /2020. The Nasb 1997 is not perfect, but I have in the margins made my translation emandations on the margins in certain places.
Also it’s Study Bible is a major contributor to its success, the ESVSB is almost unparalleled
its all in the name...
1. English
2. its the new standard
3. marketing #1
I love your voice
I read the entire ESV Study Bible and then started to read the NKJV because Christ words are in red. I read the NT and started to read the OT. I had to go back to the ESV because the NKJV has too many footnotes that it is distracting as I want to read them all.