Home > The Bible  > English Standard Version

Holy Bible: English Standard Version

The translators of the English Standard Version, in their preface describe it as "an 'essentially literal' translation that seeks as far as possible to capture the precise wording of the original text and the personal style of each Bible writer." As contrasted with versions which adopt the "dynamic equivalence" approach of translating "idea for idea" they adopted the "word for word" approach. There is, of course, value in both methods (and other versions featured on this site take the other line) but the ESV, as a result of this policy, provides us with a modern English translation admirably suited for detailed study.

Wherever possible, within the constraint of needing to produce good English, the translators have tried to represent each Hebrew or Greek word by the same English word wherever it recurs so as to achieve continuity and comparability of passages. At the same time they have also sought to follow the tradition of the older versions such as the A.V. "in which faithfulness to the text and vigorous pursuit of accuracy were combined with simplicity, beauty, and dignity of expression."

Other English language Bible translations currently featured on this site:

• "King James" Authorised Version
• "Good News" Bible
• New International Version

For those who like to carry their Bibles around with them in their handheld computers or mobile phones, the ESV is available for several major models using the Olive Tree BibleReader.

© 2006, 2007, Hilda and David Murray (BrunleaBooks).
The Granary, Norwell Road, Caunton, Newark-on-Trent, Nottinghamshire, England, NG23 6AF
Local customers please note: We have no facilities for trading on the premises; Internet only.