I actually use a number of translations, including the English Standard Version (ESV). I also use the New International Version (NIV) and in the past I’ve used the New American Standard Version.

The New Living Translation, a “thought for thought” translation, is a nice supplement, but I wouldn’t use it as my main version. Yet I do like the combination of using a “word for word” translation and a “thought for thought” translation.

I think some of the “thought for thought” translations occasionally take too many liberties and depart from the actual use of certain words. As a reader, you lose all sense of coordination because some of the words in the original text aren’t reflected. It’s like a whole thought is missed.

However, sometimes the “word for word” translations leave you feeling like the wording is stilted. The original was good Greek, but it isn’t the way we talk in English.

I like the NIV because it is reader-friendly and has a certain beauty and flow, yet sometimes it takes some liberties. In those situations, I prefer the ESV for its hardcore accuracy.

My friend Jim Swanson has shared some further thoughts about choosing a Bible translation.

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