If you’ve been attending HLPC for some time you’ll notice that we use the English Standard Version published by Crossway.  It’s a relatively new translation on the scene.  Why do we use it?  We appreciate and affirm the translation philosophy of the ESV that’s given in this quote taken from the ESV website :

There are two main kinds of Bible translations. The first is commonly referred to as (1) “word-for-word” (or “formal equivalence”) translation, the second as (2) “thought-for-thought” (or “dynamic equivalence”) translation. The main difference between these two translation philosophies is that the first one places the primary emphasis on what the words of the original say and mean (in their context), while the second one places the primary emphasis on the main thought or idea in the phrases of the original.

As an “essentially literal” translation, the ESV is committed to the principle of “word-for-word” translation, as the translation philosophy that most accurately conveys the Bible’s own understanding that “all Scripture is breathed out by God” (2 Timothy 3:16), or as Jesus said, “Man shall not live by bread alone but by every word that comes from the mouth of God” (Matthew 4:4).

Other translations, such as the New American Standard Bible (NASB) follow this similar philosophy.  Translations such as the New International Version (NIV) would follow the “thought for thought” philosophy.  While both are excellent translations, we are excited about the ESV and want to encourage its use!

Also, the new ESV Study Bible is soon to hit the shelves and looks to be an excellent resource to go with the Reformation Study Bible and the Spirit of the Reformation Study Bible.