Why the ESV?, Part 3 January 28, 2013
For the last few weeks, we’ve been exploring thereasons I prefer the English Standard Version of the Bible for use in thechurch. Last week, I explained my first reason: the ESV is translated in a waythat emphasizes the words and syntax of the Bible’s original languages.
The second reason I prefer the English StandardVersion for use in the church is literary style. The ESV strikes a fine balancebetween refined language on the one hand and readability on the other.
Some modern translations are too casual for my taste.I think it’s helpful when a translation’s style is elevated above thevernacular enough to capture one’s attention with memorable expressions thatlinger in the mind. I don’t prefer for the word of God to read like a Dick andJane story. For example, here is 2 Corinthians 4:1 in one particularly freetranslation: “Since God has so generously let us in on what he is doing, we’renot about to throw up our hands and walk off the job just because we run intooccasional hard times.” Contrast that with the ESV: “Therefore, having thisministry by the mercy of God, we do not lose heart.”
On the other hand, the ESV is not overly wordy orformal. Reportedly written at an 8th grade reading level, it can beread aloud very nicely. Some other literal translations, however, are soarchaic or stilted, many readers stumble when attempting to read them out loud.This problem is only compounded for those who are not very familiar with theScriptures.
Granted, the point I’m making is a matter ofpreference. There are no biblical principles I know of which regulate the stylein which God’s word should be rendered when moving from one language toanother. In fact, it helps to bear in mind the fact that, even though the Bibledeals with holy matters, for the most part it was originally written in theeveryday Greek and Hebrew of commoners, not in the lofty, reverent style ofKing James English!