Why I Switched (KJV->ESV)
Posted by Matt Lane on March 13th, 2008 filed in Bible, IBSESV
John Piperintroduction different translation philosophymanuscripts The Word of God in Englishheritage watched PiperDriscollothers ESV Scofield Study Bible
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March 14th, 2008 at 3:38 pm
I also really enjoy the ESV, though I don’t really limit myself to one translation anymore. I found your post via the ESV blog and really enjoyed reading about your process.
March 16th, 2008 at 10:03 am
I’ve been using the ESV for myself now for about three years. I forget how I heard about it — it may have been some tape series from Piper I was listening to — but for me, it was #3 and #4 of your list that really hit home with me. Those words in the older translations, like “propitiation”, actually MEAN something, something which a kinder and gentler synonym just can’t quite capture.
I was also a fan and user of the old-school RSV for many years, but (1) the RSV, as opposed to the NRSV, is not easy to find in print in the USA; and (2) there are some translational issues with the RSV that seem to suggest the translators’ theology was a little suspect. (Google about it.) So with the ESV being basically a corrected version of the RSV, it was a winner all the way around with me. (Now to convince my pastor now to switch to it!)
March 28th, 2008 at 2:07 pm
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June 2nd, 2008 at 12:37 am
[…] Translation would of course be ESV ( it’s my fav!) […]
April 1st, 2009 at 11:43 am
Hey, Love this site… tks
November 17th, 2010 at 3:14 am
I study from the ESV too. I like your comment, “I can spend my time wrestling with the meaning, not the words.” I believe God’s word was meant to be understood but more so, obeyed. So how many obstacles do we have to climb just to get to that point of obedience? With modern translations, and my preference the ESV, it is easier. Some KJV-only advocates say that all modern translations aka. ‘New Age Bibles’ are interpretations. That is not true! I made it an experiment to start from the beginning, with no preconceived notions or biases about the KJV or any other translations, and did my research from scratch to decide which translation to use. I’ve come to the conclusion that in this day and age of 2010 the ESV is my preference in Bible Study. It is my contemporary. And I’ve come to conclude that the KJV is good overall translation too, but not one I would use.
November 17th, 2010 at 10:30 am
Hi James, thanks for the comments. It is funny (in a sick way) to read the junk out there from all the KJVers. I don’t think any of it leads anyone to love Jesus more nor does it help the world see Christians as loving and full of grace.
I do love the ESV though when I study I have several translations I refer to. The ESV is the version I read to my kids and the version we memorize from. In the end, whether someone uses the ESV, NIV, KJV or whatever, we all need to give God the glory that he has spoken to us through the written word and that the point of the Bible is not to worship it but the God who breathed it out. If more people did good study of the Bible, they would know more of God and would be embarrassed of the things that divide us. Like translations.
February 1st, 2011 at 3:09 am
I began as a KJV onlly advocate (an ignoramus) and was taught that the Greek taught otherwise. I switched! Poor “…” until I studied the history of the versions and especially Wescott (an evolutionist/unbeliever/professor/smart/linguist/”let me strip my panty hose off pagan! ). He believed that “literature evolves” and becomes better! and so his interpretation espoused a better translation (and hence a myriad of translations, some good some bad) . I find one serious fault, all new translations are based on one simple idea that the “few” trump the majority”. If you don’t understand “lay-down-befo-yo” hurt yourself, I find many departures from the traditional translative interpretations that confuse the original Greek in many modern versions. Be aware (translations are not, let me repeat; are not direct translations of the Greek!), they are translations of the individuals interpreters of the words of what they think the paragraph means! I have come to the conclusion that modern translations make money and don;’t reflect original intent! Lay down befo u hurt yo self. I have returned to the KVB! This is where I stand!
September 14th, 2013 at 4:46 pm
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June 18th, 2014 at 10:55 am
Well written article.. The fruit of the Spirit is evident.. Concluded well with describing it as your journey.. Helpful indeed.. Stay Blessed!