Comments on: Is The ESV Readable?

By: Terry T

Terry T — Thu, 22 Jan 2009 02:35:01 +0000

I used the KJV until I was a senior in High School (1979 – yes I am old), began using the NIV at that time and used it until a couple of years ago at which time I began using the HCSB.

While I have found a few renderings to be different, not traditional, I just can’t seem to get away from it. Initially I saw a couple of the second edition changes and was ready to return to the NIV but relooked and found them to be right on. (Had a short discussion at Robert Jimenez’s blog – theinquiring minds on that).

I find the HCSB to be more readable than the ESV, far too many archaic words and tortured sentence structure/word order. It is seems to be an improvement in accuracy (more literal) over the NIV. In fact on several occasions I have heard either Piper or MacArthur mention the “Literal greek” rendering of a passage and then seemingly quote the HCSB rendering.

So I will remain with the HCSB.

By: Ray McCalla

Ray McCalla — Sat, 17 Jan 2009 02:24:35 +0000

Brent said, “I am glad that I am not the only one who feels that the translation one is used to or grew up with is the greater part of this issue.”

Brent,

I would suggest that one’s own background is the primary reason for at least initial preference or affinity with a particular translation. A few years ago I read a story (sorry, no link) about a 10-year-old pentecostal preacher who was a KJV-only little tyke. When asked by the reporter why he preferred the KJV, he said (something like), “It’s the most easy to understand.” Hogwash. What he meant was, “It’s the one I’ve been raised on, so it sounds ‘right’ to me.”

And that’s the way it is with most people who have been churched.

By: brian

brian — Fri, 16 Jan 2009 14:19:38 +0000

I agree with the others, this is an excellent point – redability depends on history of translation usage. I personally have issues with the ESV more for what I see as false marketing issues – but your point may make sense of it all.

By: Brent Kercheville

Brent Kercheville — Fri, 16 Jan 2009 14:04:03 +0000

Peter and Robert,
I am glad that I am not the only one who feels that the translation one is used to or grew up with is the greater part of this issue.

Every so often I do find the NKJV to be superior. It is unfortunate that the NKJV in many places follows some of the KJV problems like a lemming off a cliff. I wish the NKJV people would have been more bold to maintain the tradition, but remove readings that are clearing Western additions or have zero manuscript evidence (like 1 John 5:7).

By: Joe

Joe — Fri, 16 Jan 2009 13:45:42 +0000

I’ll email the information to you, I don’t mean to steal from the ESV thread ;-)

By: Wendyl

Wendyl — Fri, 16 Jan 2009 13:43:05 +0000

Joe,

How did you get the electronic version? I’d be interested in getting a copy. I have to go to work, but if no one provides you with a list of some of the weird renderings of the HCSB, I’ll try to get some to you later on today. Thanks!

By: Joe

Joe — Fri, 16 Jan 2009 13:11:53 +0000

I have the revised text in electronic format, but just interested in getting a list of some of the unusual renderings that may put people off the translation as a whole.

By: Christian Links of Interest | Scripture Zealot

Christian Links of Interest | Scripture Zealot — Fri, 16 Jan 2009 13:10:53 +0000

[...] Is The ESV Readable? [...]

By: Wendyl

Wendyl — Fri, 16 Jan 2009 13:07:28 +0000

Joe,

I guessing from your question that the HCSB has come out with an updated version, i.e., 2nd edition?

If so, then I don’t have the newer version in which to make a comparison, but would be very willing to do.

By: Joe

Joe — Fri, 16 Jan 2009 12:55:05 +0000

Wendyl,

I’v been trying to go through the HCSBse text hoping to see if some of the unique readings have been revised or not. Are there any in particular that you can think of at the moment?