I have to say I use the ESV and NIV equally. Our church uses the NIV, so that’s one reason I stick with it. I think the ESV is better for memorization, especially the New Testament. I also think some of the Old Testament stories flow a little easier in the NIV, but it’s close.

My first real Bible though was in the Good News Translation, given to me by a reverend right before my wedding last year. I don’t read it as much now, but I guess I’ll always have a soft spot for it, since reading that translation made the Bible clear to me for the first time. Being raised Catholic, we unfortunately never read the Bible all that much.

Great post ! It’s great to hear from so many others on what translations they are reading.

I started out with New Century Version encapsulated in a Youth Bible. They had some life stories to try and make the Bible relevant but also had some dodgy theology within those stories. I graduated to the Message in a way during my teenage years. I still like the Message but its shortcomings are the reason I don’t turn to it as much now. I have a small NKJV which is my primary doodle Bible and am now looking for a real good study Bible. Not sure whether to go with the Amplified or ESV. Hmmm…

Personally, I use the NASB because I worked at the same place and I liked the fact that it was literal word-for-word. I like the NIV when I don’t understand a passage completely and want it translated more into everyday English…I like the KJV because it is sooo beautiful and it reminds me of Shakespeare, and I liked the Amplified because of all the different options it gives, and I used an NIrV when I was younger, and I loved it. I remember reading my Bible for long periods of time as a young child simply because the wording was easy for me to follow, and it was interesting to me. Someday I would love to learn Greek and Hebrew so I can read the Bible in its original language!
Overall, I liked a comment which I heard my World civ professor say…
It doesn’t matter what translation you use…what matters is if you are getting anything out of it…I feel like people do tend to get caught up in the translation argument which makes them lose sight of the ultimate goal

I keep meaning to get an ESV, but haven’t gotten up the motivation yet. I’m not looking forward to the switch in terms of 1) passages being harder to find in a new Bible and 2) the slightly different wording throwing me off in well-known/memorized passages. That, and I can’t decide if I want the journaling one or a study Bible

Maria Pauline, yes! I did and still sometimes do get confused because of knowing them by heart, particularly in the Psalms. That is the downside to switching translations. But rest assured, it gets better quickly – I am learning things by heart in the ESV now. And you know, in the end it’s just great that you know it by heart.

Do you ever become confused because the words are different or when memorizing? There are so many verses I know by heart without having memorized and I’m not sure how much I would like a different version.

I will have to consider ESV.

I’ve grown up with mostly the NKJV but have used the NASB over the past couple years and really like it. I also use an OKJV with hebrew/greek references as a study help. I’m currently sort of wandering in my daily study between these three versions. Now I’m interested to check out the ESV too! Eventually I’d like to settle with one as a favorite as I agree that its nice to be able to become familiar with one.

I’ve noticed some respected people who use the ESV, but didn’t know much about it before. (does Elisabeth Elliot too? Seems like I remember that) Anyways, THANKS for the info!