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399 of 418 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
How similar is the ESV to the RSV?, February 28, 2002
By A Customer
As one of the people who worked on the ESV, I would like to respond to a comment made in a number of reviews--that the ESV is remarkably similar to the RSV. This is somewhat to be expected, since translations that are essentially literal in terms of translation philosophy are going to be markedly similar to one another--moreso than translations that are more dynamic in their approach. Besides, our stated goal was to improve the RSV where necessary and not to produce a unique translation (if such a thing is even possible). We wanted to stand deliberately in the Wycliffe-Tyndale-KJV-RSV tradition, so that echoes of it could still be heard in the ESV. Nevertheless, we made approximately 75,000 changes to the text of the RSV, ranging from the deletion of a comma to reworking of an entire paragraph. It is not fair to say that the ESV is only a slightly modified version of the RSV--we weighed carefully every word against the original languages and made changes where we believed they were necessary. The full extent of the improvements can only be seen through a careful comparison of the entire text, not just a casual browsing through a few favorite passages. I would also like to respond to one of the reviewers, who stated that the ESV was completed in two years, and then implied that two years was not enough time to make a significant improvement to a document with the size and complexity of the Bible. First, the project required three years, not two. Second, the fact that we were able to use the RSV as the basis for our text saved a tremendous amount of time--we didn't have to start from scratch. Third, we made the best possible use of Bible software, email, file transfers, conference calls, and other technology to which previous translators did not have access. This enabled us to complete more work in less time. Finally, we had some of the finest evangelical scholars on our Translation Oversight Committee and our Translation Review Committee. They were already experts in their fields, many of them having written commentaries on the books they revised. This also improved the turnaround time on the review process. I hope this sheds some helpful light on the making of the ESV. Thanks for your interest.
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67 of 70 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
A Reasonable Review from a College Student, May 10, 2007
Before I purchase any product, especially online, I obsess over reviews and blog entries and any other information I can find on it. I must have read a hundred different pieces on this Bible before buying it. I was so disappointed with many of Amazon's Bible reviews because many of the comments are from overzealous supporters (or opponents) to a certain translation. Here's the short list of things to have in mind before buying (or not buying) this Bible.... 1) It's sweet. It looks exactly like a large square-ish moleskine journal (which, by the way, are also sweet). It also seems to share the moleskine's durability, but only time will tell. 2) It does have small type (7.5). It is not, by any means, too small...provided you are in the market for a compact or thin-line type Bible. You won't want to get this if you are farsighted. 3) There is plenty of margin space and the lines ARE close together...but they consist of tiny light dots so it won't be a problem to use 2 lines for larger writing. The paper is thinner than moleskine, but if it bleeds...go spend 4 dollars on a better pen. 4) The ESV is a great translation. It is only very slightly less literal than the NASB but flows better, and is therefor excellent for both devotional reading and study. 5) It's the inspired inerrant word of God.
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167 of 183 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
The ESV Sets a New Standard, October 11, 2001
I have waited for a translation of the Bible like this for some time now, and I am grateful to God that it has finally arrived. The ESV is an essentially literal translation with an eye for literary excellence. Hence, it is more accurate and precise than the NIV, and more natural and clearly expressed than the NASB. For example, the ESV translates the key conjunctions between propositions, and it also seeks to maintain consistency with recurring words. This is an area that the NIV often fails in, which makes it difficult to rely upon for in-depth study. On the other hand, the ESV seeks clarity of expression in dividing paragraphs and sentences: each paragaph is set apart by a bold section heading. The NASB, on the other hand, begins each verse on its own separate line, which makes reading the text cumbersome and awkward. The ESV also employs a helpful center-column cross-reference system (which has been updated). It includes (1) references to specific words or phrases, (2) comparative references, (3) less direct references, and (4) quoted references. There are also footnotes which indicate alternative translations and explanations of translation decisions. J. I. Packer is the general editor, with Clifford John Collins chairing the OT translation, William Mounce chairing the NT translation, and Leland Ryken overseeing the literary aspects of the ESV. More information can be found at [website] I believe that the ESV will become the Bible of choice for many students of the Word of God. soli Deo gloria!
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