CSB Vs ESV Bible

In this article, we will look over the CSB and the ESV translation of the Bible.

Origin 

CSB – In 2004 the Holman Christian Standard version was first published.

ESV – In 2001, the ESV translation was compiled and published. It was based on the 1971 Revised Standard.

Readability of the CSB and ESV Bible translation

CSB – The CSB is considered highly readable by all.

ESV – The ESV is highly readable. This translation is suitable for children as well as adults. This translation presents itself to be a smooth read due to the fact that it is not a literal word for word translation.

CSB and ESV Bible translation differences 

CSB – The CSB is considered a blending of word for word as well as thought for thought. The goal of the translators was to create a balance between the two.

ESV – This is considered an “essentially literally” translation. The translation team focused on the original wording of the text. They also took into consideration the “voice” of each individual Bible writer. The ESV focuses on “word for word” while weighing the differences with the original language use of of grammar, syntax, idiom in comparison to Modern English.

Bible verse comparison

CSB

Genesis 1:21 “So God created the large sea-creatures and every living creature that moves and swarms in the water, according to their kinds. He also created every winged creature according to its kind. And God saw that it was good.”

Romans 8:38-39 “For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

1 John 4:18 “There is no fear in love; instead, perfect love drives out fear, because fear involves punishment. So the one who fears is not complete in love.”

1 Corinthians 3:15 “If anyone’s work is burned up, he will experience loss, but he himself will be saved—but only as through fire.”

Galatians 5:16 “For the flesh desires what is against the Spirit, and the Spirit desires what is against the flesh; these are opposed to each other, so that you don’t do what you want.”

Philippians 2:12 “Therefore, my dear friends, just as you have always obeyed, so now, not only in my presence but even more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.”

Isaiah 12:2 “Indeed, God is my salvation; I will trust him and not be afraid,
for the Lord, the Lord himself, is my strength and my song. He has become my salvation.”

ESV 

Genesis 1:21 “So God created the great sea creatures and every living creature that moves, with which the waters swarm, according to their kinds, and every winged bird according to its kind. And God saw that it was good.”

 Romans 8:38-39 “For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers,  nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

1 John 4:18 “There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear. For fear has to do with punishment, and whoever fears has not been perfected in love.”

1 Corinthians 3:15 “If anyone’s work is burned up, he will suffer loss, though he himself will be saved, but only as through fire.”

Galatians 5:17 “For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do.”

Philippians 2:12 “Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.”

Isaiah 12:2 “Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and will not be afraid; for the Lord God is my strength and my song, and he has become my salvation.”

Revisions

CSB – In 2017 the translation was revised and the name Holman was dropped.

ESV – In 2007 the first revision was completed. The publisher issued a second revision in 2011, and then a third in 2016.

Target Audience     

CSB – This version is targeting the general populace, children as well as adults.

ESV – The ESV translation is geared for all ages. It is well suitable for children as well as adults.

Popularity

CSB – The CSB grows in popularity.

ESV – This translations is by and large one of the most popular English translations of the Bible.

Pros and cons of both 

CSB – The CSB is indeed highly readable, however it is not a true word for word translation.

ESV – While the ESV certainly excels in readability, the downside is that it is no a word for word translation.

Pastors 

Pastors who use the CSB – J. D. Greear

Pastors who use the ESV – Kevin DeYoung, John Piper, Matt Chandler, Erwin Lutzer

Study Bibles to choose 

Best CSB Study Bibles

·       The CSB Study Bible

·       CSB Ancient Faith Study Bible

Best ESV Study Bibles –

·   The ESV Study Bible

·   The ESV Systematic Theology Study Bible

Other Bible translations 

There are several Bible translations to choose from such as the ESV and NKJV. Using other Bible translations during study can be very beneficial. Some translations are more word for word while others are thought for thought.

Which Bible translation should I choose?

Please pray about which translation to use. Personally, I think that a word for word translation is much more accurate to the original writers.