English Standard Version | ESV

First released in 2001, the English Standard Version (ESV) is a unique bible translation in that it is a word-for-word translation yet maintains the stylistic and readable qualities that literal translations often miss.

While the translation philosophy is similar to that of the King James Version (KJV), the ESV has the advantage of access to far more manuscripts than were available to the translators of the KJV. Along with that, the ESV reflects modern English as opposed to the KJV’s old English.

According to the ESV website, this version seeks to translate the original Greek and Hebrew words with the greatest possible accuracy and precision. It balances this aim with a desire to carry forward the great historic stream of Bible versions in English—with literary excellence, beauty, and depth of meaning, in a fresh and compelling way.

Lead by Dr. J. I. Packer, the ESV translation team involved over 100 members and is published by Crossway.

What does it sound like?

John 3:16-17 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.

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