Good morning. Today is Tuesday, August 11th!

🥳 Congratulations on starting today with God, and thank you for letting us be a part of it.

— Romans 12:2

Walk into a Bible section and you’ll probably see a bunch of letters: NIV, KJV, NLT, NKJV, ESV.

They’re all English Bibles, so why are there so many? And what exactly is the ESV?

ESV stands for English Standard Version. It was first published by Crossway in 2001, making it much newer than translations like the King James Version, first published in 1611.

The ESV isn’t a different Bible. Most of the Old Testament was originally written in Hebrew, with some Aramaic, while the New Testament was written in Greek. Unless we know those languages, we need translations to read Scripture in English.

The ESV was created as a revision in the tradition of the Revised Standard Version. Its translation work involved a 14-member Translation Oversight Committee, more than 50 review scholars, and more than 50 advisory members.

So why create another translation?

Different translations take different approaches to bringing ancient languages into English. The ESV describes its approach as “essentially literal.” Basically, its translators tried to stay close to the original wording and structure while still making sense in English.

Look at Romans 12:2.

The ESV says, “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind.”

The NIV says, “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.”

The NLT puts it more conversationally: “Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think.”

The message is the same, but the approach is different.

The ESV generally stays closer to the wording and structure of the original languages. The NIV balances close translation with natural English, while the NLT focuses more on communicating the meaning in everyday language.

No English translation can perfectly reproduce every feature of ancient Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek. That’s one reason comparing trustworthy translations can sometimes help us understand a passage.

And think about how incredible that is.

Words written thousands of years ago in languages most of us cannot read are now available in English, often within seconds on our phones.

The ESV is one careful attempt to bring those ancient words faithfully into English.

The important question isn’t which translation is sitting on our shelf.

It’s whether we’re reading it.

When you’re not sure how to pray, A.C.T.S. gives you a simple path to follow: Adore, Confess, Thank, and Ask.

Adoration: God, Your Word is true and powerful.

Confession: Forgive me for neglecting Your Word.

Thanksgiving: Thank You for giving us Scripture we can understand.

Supplication: Help me read, understand, and live by Your Word.

In Jesus’ name, Amen

“Listening” by Anna Golden

Go like, comment, and share!

Thanks for letting us be a part of how you start your day with God.

See you tomorrow,

Zach | Start With God