Comments on: CS Lewis and Embracing the ESV Translation http://www.modernpulpit.com/2008/09/29/embracing-the-esv-translation/ The modern pulpit from a reforming layman's perspective Sun, 05 Sep 2010 06:01:05 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.9.2 hourly 1 By: Carl http://www.modernpulpit.com/2008/09/29/embracing-the-esv-translation/comment-page-1/#comment-8 Carl Wed, 20 Jan 2010 08:22:31 +0000 http://www.thlibo.com/2008/09/29/embracing-the-esv-translation/#comment-8 To all the King James Version / Authorised Version only people, I would like to quote just one verse to illustrate a point. My aim is not to ridicule or hurt in any way. Isaiah 3:22 The changeable suits of apparel, and the mantles, and the wimples, and the crisping pins, When language changes over time to become such that no meaning can be carried then it may be time to have another version within reach. Oh and in the English Standard Version it reads as; "the festal robes, the mantles, the cloaks, and the handbags" Quite a difference, wouldn't you agree? Although I would prefer the New American Standard Version (Quite a confession coming from an Englishman brought up from the milk of the word to the meat, on the KJV) and as way of illustration the same verse in NASB reads; "festal robes, outer tunics, cloaks, money purses" A slight variation on the ESV, but I a sure you would agree both are very readable and both convey meaning in a clear way. I believe the english speaking people of the world have been blessed almost to the point of bewilderment by the number of translations available. I would like to share with you an order of Bibles ranging from a literal word for word translation going to more of a thought for thought translation. Interlinear NASB Amplified ESV RSV KJV NKJV HCSB NRSV NAB NJV NIV TNIV NCV/ISB NLT NIRV GNT CEV Living Message Just 20 of the more popular versions! One Bible available, is a parallel version which has the NASB and the Message together - could be helpful. One thing to remember is, as you go further down the list you come to paraphrases which strictly speaking are not translations as such and can be coloured by the belief of the writer / writers. The main thing about any version is; does it convey meaning to you and the most important aspect will you read it? The J.B. Phillips version is a paraphrase of the New Testament and portions of the Old Testament, one of the first such undertakings and was (excuse the pun) a revelation when it was first published. On a note of reflection. There are about fifty versions of the Bible and New Testament available to the the english readers of the world and we cheerfully attack each other over which one we should be using to bash people with. There are close to 2,000 language groups of the world with not even a single version to read in their own tongue. The picture isn't quite as bad as it sounds though as about 800 have at least the New Testament with about another 400 with portions of scripture translated. Please pray for the remaining tribes, that they may have God's Word translated soon. It is possible for these groups to be reached within our lifetime. - Pray the Lord of the Harvest to send forth labourers. - Please. The time is short. To all the King James Version / Authorised Version only people, I would like to quote just one verse to illustrate a point. My aim is not to ridicule or hurt in any way.
Isaiah 3:22 The changeable suits of apparel, and the mantles, and the wimples, and the crisping pins,
When language changes over time to become such that no meaning can be carried then it may be time to have another version within reach. Oh and in the English Standard Version it reads as;
“the festal robes, the mantles, the cloaks, and the handbags”
Quite a difference, wouldn’t you agree? Although I would prefer the New American Standard Version (Quite a confession coming from an Englishman brought up from the milk of the word to the meat, on the KJV) and as way of illustration the same verse in NASB reads;
“festal robes, outer tunics, cloaks, money purses”
A slight variation on the ESV, but I a sure you would agree both are very readable and both convey meaning in a clear way.
I believe the english speaking people of the world have been blessed almost to the point of bewilderment by the number of translations available. I would like to share with you an order of Bibles ranging from a literal word for word translation going to more of a thought for thought translation.
Interlinear
NASB
Amplified
ESV
RSV
KJV
NKJV
HCSB
NRSV
NAB
NJV
NIV
TNIV
NCV/ISB
NLT
NIRV
GNT
CEV
Living
Message
Just 20 of the more popular versions! One Bible available, is a parallel version which has the NASB and the Message together – could be helpful. One thing to remember is, as you go further down the list you come to paraphrases which strictly speaking are not translations as such and can be coloured by the belief of the writer / writers. The main thing about any version is; does it convey meaning to you and the most important aspect will you read it?
The J.B. Phillips version is a paraphrase of the New Testament and portions of the Old Testament, one of the first such undertakings and was (excuse the pun) a revelation when it was first published.

On a note of reflection.
There are about fifty versions of the Bible and New Testament available to the the english readers of the world and we cheerfully attack each other over which one we should be using to bash people with. There are close to 2,000 language groups of the world with not even a single version to read in their own tongue. The picture isn’t quite as bad as it sounds though as about 800 have at least the New Testament with about another 400 with portions of scripture translated. Please pray for the remaining tribes, that they may have God’s Word translated soon. It is possible for these groups to be reached within our lifetime. – Pray the Lord of the Harvest to send forth labourers. – Please. The time is short.

]]>