Why does Cornerstone use the English Standard Version of the Bible?
September 19, 2022
Pastor Jeff Kliewer
Before saying what I like about the English Standard Version (ESV), let me first say that the ESV is not our official version. Some of our elders and other bible teachers tend to use the NKJV or the NASB or perhaps another translation in their teaching. Moreover, each individual in the congregation brings their choice of translation on Sunday mornings. I preach from the ESV, but it isn't too hard to follow along in another translation, although it is a little easier to follow along with the ESV.
So, the question is, why did I choose the ESV to preach from?
There are lots of reasons, but here are my top five.
Pastor Jeff Kliewer
Before saying what I like about the English Standard Version (ESV), let me first say that the ESV is not our official version. Some of our elders and other bible teachers tend to use the NKJV or the NASB or perhaps another translation in their teaching. Moreover, each individual in the congregation brings their choice of translation on Sunday mornings. I preach from the ESV, but it isn't too hard to follow along in another translation, although it is a little easier to follow along with the ESV.
So, the question is, why did I choose the ESV to preach from?
There are lots of reasons, but here are my top five.
- The ESV is a word-for-word translation of the Bible. It is a "maximally transparent" version. It seeks to communicate the actual words, language, and images of the Bible, not just broad thoughts and ideas. You preserve the richness of meaning when you translate as literally as possible.
- There is a consistency of translation when it translates the same word across the Bible. This allows the Bible student to pick up on themes across the Bible.
- It leaves the ancient analogies alone, rather than trying to modernize them.
- It has a chance to become the standard version in English in our generation for the English that is spoken today. Other good translations haven't gained the traction that the ESV has.
- Wayne Grudem was on the translation committee (and not just Grudem, but JI Packer and other very conservative scholars that I have come to trust). Please take ten minutes to watch the video below, featuring several of the Christian brothers who did the translation work.
These are some of the reasons why I choose to preach from the ESV, amongst the many great translations that are out there.