NIV or ESV?
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Recently I have been comparing the NASB to ESV and I think the ESV is a clear winner. It is accurate and reads a bit better than the NASB. Once I went to a church which used the NLT and I reluctantly purchased one to read along with the Pastor. Now I prefer it if I am reading chapters or more because it is very easy read.
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Not a real big fan of the NIV but agree the 1984 is probably better then the newer revisions. I personally use many different versions. I orignally started with RSV then switched to NASB, but will admit as the years have passed the KJV has become my personal favorite. Remember folks the most important thing is reading and studying regardless of which version it is (with exception of a few really horrible translations).
I have translated both the Greek and Hebrew texts and ESV is the clear winner when it comes to being closest to the original languages. I have been using it for about 4 years now.
If you can afford it, get the ESV Study Bible. It is full of history, maps, drawings and footnotes about the Bible, as well as the words in the original languages. While there is a bit of eisegesis in the notes, I find it to be very faithful to the text.
I would not touch the NIV with a 10 foot pole. I have read it several times, and it simply does not stand up as being truthful to the original languages in many instances. While the NIV seems slick and polished, it goes beyond the limits of true translation to "interpreting" and "paraphrasing" according to the beliefs of the translators.
ESV is now the preferred translation in many Seminaries and churches with pastors who really study the Word of God.
If you can afford it, get the ESV Study Bible. It is full of history, maps, drawings and footnotes about the Bible, as well as the words in the original languages. While there is a bit of eisegesis in the notes, I find it to be very faithful to the text.
I would not touch the NIV with a 10 foot pole. I have read it several times, and it simply does not stand up as being truthful to the original languages in many instances. While the NIV seems slick and polished, it goes beyond the limits of true translation to "interpreting" and "paraphrasing" according to the beliefs of the translators.
ESV is now the preferred translation in many Seminaries and churches with pastors who really study the Word of God.
L
True. I think the ESV is the best available. The 1984 edition of the NIV (before PC went hog wild in 2011 Edition) is still available. Closeouts: NIV Bible, 1984 Original Ed. - Christianbook.com
L
Someone recommended that if you get the ESV to consider the Study Bible Edition. If you were to get the 1984 ed. NIV, I would recommend the NIV Archaeological Study Bible. It has a wealth of info...and is very thick! Or the standard Zondervan NIV Study Bible.
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What are you going to use it for? Daily devotional use, intensive personal study, group Bible study, leading one to one meanings with other Christians/non-Christians? That would heavily play into my decision.
Both are perfectly acceptable translations, although one is closer to the full meaning in the original languages, while the other is more readable and readily applicable - you can spend less time trying to penetrate the concepts and more time doing what it says.
With that said, I would actually recommend buying both, if possible. Having multiple translation is a great way to gain understanding about what the Bible means and how it works together, while also making sure you understand what the word is actually saying. I personally refer to multiple translations (and also the Greek) when preparing for talks, leading Bible studies, etc. But really, if you refer to multiple translations, you often don't need to refer to the Greek. My favoured four at the moment are the NASB, ESV, HCSB and NIV.
Both are perfectly acceptable translations, although one is closer to the full meaning in the original languages, while the other is more readable and readily applicable - you can spend less time trying to penetrate the concepts and more time doing what it says.
With that said, I would actually recommend buying both, if possible. Having multiple translation is a great way to gain understanding about what the Bible means and how it works together, while also making sure you understand what the word is actually saying. I personally refer to multiple translations (and also the Greek) when preparing for talks, leading Bible studies, etc. But really, if you refer to multiple translations, you often don't need to refer to the Greek. My favoured four at the moment are the NASB, ESV, HCSB and NIV.