ESV- Best Translation of 2 Timothy 3:16-17
In a previous post, I encouraged everyone to try the ESV Bible. 2 Timothy 3:16-17 is a good example of why the ESV is a translation worthy of use for reading and study.
All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be competent, equipped for every good work. (ESV)
Most translations read “All Scripture is inspired by God….” But the Greek word theopneustos that is translated by most translations as “inspired” literally means “God-breathed.” The ESV offers a great image of every scripture being breathed out of the mouth of God and given to us so that we can be equipped for every good work.
Don't forget to browse Biblical Studies or The Bible or Translations.
Your Thoughts
3 Comments so far3 Responses to “ESV- Best Translation of 2 Timothy 3:16-17”
By submitting a comment here you grant Christian Monthly Standard a perpetual license to reproduce your words and name/web site in attribution. Inappropriate comments will be removed at our discretion.
Joe
January 12, 2009 at 9:43 pm
Brent, did you know the NIV used a similar phrase here?
“All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” (NIV)
Brent Kercheville
January 13, 2009 at 1:36 pm
Yes I did. In fact, I used to use the NIV for this passage until the ESV came out. I think the ESV is better than the NIV. I would like it better if it said “breathed out of the mouth of God.”
Joe
January 13, 2009 at 1:58 pm
I kind of knew you would know :-)
The NIV gets such a bad rap, it is interesting that it is more literal here than most “literal” translations.