Wrapping up a search for a formal translation

By ElShaddai Edwards | Published: April 3, 2008

Kevin Sam has wrapped up his search for a formal translation, primary focused on the NASB, ESV and NRSV:

After blogging on this series on the three formal equivalent translations, I cannot say there is a clear #1 winner because it all depends on what a person wants in a translation. [...] The NASB is definitely the most literal, the NRSV is the least literal of the three literal translations, and the ESV is somewhere in-between. If one wants the most literal word-for-word precision (in alignment with the Greek) and do not mind the choppiness in reading, plus a conservative theological outlook, then the NASB is best. If you want a fairly high degree of literalness but without the awkward choppiness of the NASB, and a conservative evangelical theological outlook, then the ESV is the best. If you want a fairly literal translation and even greater readability than the ESV, plus gender-neutral language, then the NRSV is best.

Read more for Kevin’s concluding thoughts on each translation, links to his detailed comparisons and his choice(s) moving forward.

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