How does the ESV differ from the NASB?
The ESV seeks to translate each word as literally as possible. However, when an exactly literal translation interferes with the natural flow of the English language, the word or phrase has been rendered with an eye for proper syntax and grammar. This is an “essentially literal” translation. The NASB is a “strictly literal” translation, attempting to render each word in English for the corresponding Greek or Hebrew. The NASB does not give as much weight as other “standard” translations to the flow of the English language. Our goal with the ESV is to publish one Bible for all of life. Combining an essentially literal translation with readability makes the ESV suitable for any situation—word studies and exegesis, reading out loud from the pulpit or in college and seminary classrooms, home Bible studies, and personal study. kschaub says: October 10, 2007 at 8:17 Erik, the ESV Literary Study Bible is an excellent resource to complement other good study Bibles (e.g. NASB Inductive Study Bibl
