LORD Or Yahweh? (ESV vs. LSB)

With the ESV (English Standard Version) and the LSB (Legacy Standard Bible) we have two of the best Bible translations.  One of the most significant differences between the ESV and LSB is how they translate the Tetragrammaton which refers to the four Hebrew letters YHWH, the personal name of God.  

The ESV usually renders YHWH as LORD.  The ESV translators point out that the pronunciation of YHWH is uncertain.  Also the Jewish people did not pronounce the personal name of God because it was considered to be so holy.  Many ancient translations into Greek, Syriac, and Aramaic also translated it as Lord.  Significantly the New Testament writers also followed the same practice by using Lord.  

The LSB translates YHWH as Yahweh.  This is the way most scholars believe it should be pronounced.  The LSB translators believe that Exodus 3:14-15 shows that God considered it important for His people to know His name, and should therefore be translated as Yahweh.  They also point out that early church figures such as Origen and Clement of Alexandria show that the covenant or personal name of God was used in the early church.  

YHWH is used over 6800 times in the Old Testament.  It is first used in Genesis 2:4.    

Mark 1:1 (A Bible Translation Comparison)

 (ESV)"The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God." 

(NIV)"The beginning of the good news about Jesus the Messiah, the Son of God," 

(NRSV)"The beginning of the good news of Jesus Christ." 

We notice a few differences with these translations at Mark 1:1.  The ESV has gospel while the NIV and NRSV have good news.  The NIV has Messiah while the ESV and NRSV have Christ.  Messiah and Christ both mean Anointed One.  

But the biggest difference is that the ESV and NIV include the phrase, "Son of God" while the NRSV omits it.  There is actually a textual variant in the manuscripts.  A few of the manuscripts do not have "Son of God" but most of the manuscripts do include the phrase.  

The omission of the phrase "Son of God" in a few ancient manuscripts is probably explained by a copyist error.  The words "Son of God" also appear toward the end of the Gospel at Mark 15:39.  So "Son of God" at 1:1 and 15:39 sort of serve as bookends.  It is likely that the words "Son of God" are part of the original text at Mark 1:1.  

(ESV) English Standard Version

(NIV) New International Version

(NRSV) New Revised Standard Version 

 

Bestselling Bible Translations (2025)

 Here is a list of the bestselling Bible translations for the year 2025 as compiled by the ECPA.  

1. NIV (New International Version)

2. ESV (English Standard Version) 

3. KJV (King James Version) 

4. NLT (New Living Translation)

5. NKJV (New King James Version) 

6. CSB (Christian Standard Bible) 

7. Reina Valera (Spanish) 

8. NIrV (New International Readers Version)

9. NRSV (New Revised Standard Version) 

10. NASB (New American Standard Bible) 

 

Psalm 127:3 (A Bible Translation Comparison)

 (ESV)"Behold, children are a heritage from the LORD, the fruit of the womb a reward."  

(LSB)"Behold, children are an inheritance of Yahweh, The fruit of the womb is a reward." 

(CSB)"Sons are indeed a heritage from the LORD, offspring a reward." 

(NRSV)"Sons are indeed a heritage from the LORD, the fruit of the womb a reward." 

In Psalm 127:3 we have an unusual occurrence.  Two Bible translations (ESV,LSB) that do not usually use gender neutral language have "children".  On the other hand, two Bible translations (CSB,NRSV) that do regularly use gender neutral language have "sons".   

Deuteronomy 6:4 (A Bible Translation Comparison)

(KJV)"Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God is one LORD:" 

(NKJV)"Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one!" 

(ESV)"Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one." 

(LSB)"Hear, O Israel! Yahweh is our God, Yahweh is one!" 

(CSB)"Listen, Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one." 

(NIV)"Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one." 

(NRSV)"Hear, O Israel: The LORD is our God, the LORD alone." 

Deuteronomy 6:4 is known as the Shema, from    the Hebrew for "hear".  This verse is a clear statement of monotheism.  It makes the exclusive statement that there is only one God.  Deuteronomy 6:4 is quoted by Jesus in Mark 12:29.  

John 1:18 (A Bible Translation Comparison)

(ESV 2016)"No one has ever seen God; the only God, who is at the Father's side, he has made him known." 

(ESV 2025)"No one has ever seen God; God the only Son, who is at the Father's side, he has made him known." 

(LSB)"No one has seen God at any time; the only begotten God who is in the bosom of the Father, He has explained Him."  

(NIV)"No one has ever seen God, but the one and only Son, who is himself God and is in closest relationship with the Father, has made him known." 

(NKJV)"No one has seen God at any time.  The only begotten Son, who is in the bosom of the Father, He has declared Him."  

There are two significant issues with the translation of John 1:18.  The first is how to translate the Greek word "monogenes". Should it be "only" or "only begotten"?   The second issue is a textual variant in the manuscripts.  Is the original reading (monogenes theos, the only God) or (monogenes huios, the only Son)?  The majority of manuscripts have "the only Son" but the earliest manuscripts have "the only God".  

(ESV 2016) "the only God"

(ESV 2025) "God the only Son"

(LSB) "the only begotten God"

(NIV) "the one and only Son, who is himself God" 

(NKJV) "The only begotten Son"  

ESV 2016 vs ESV 2025 (Genesis 3:16) A Bible Translation Comparison

With the 2025 update to the ESV, one of the most significant changes from the ESV 2016 text edition is at Genesis 3:16.  

(ESV 2016)"To the woman he said, I will surely multiply your pain in childbearing; in pain you shall bring forth children.  Your desire shall be contrary to your husband, but he shall rule over you."  

(ESV 2025)"To the woman he said, I will surely multiply your pain in childbearing; in pain you shall bring forth children.  Your desire shall be for your husband, and he shall rule over you."  

The ESV 2016 text edition renders the last part of the verse as, "Your desire shall be contrary to you husband, but he shall rule over you."  This rendering is less literal and more interpretive.  But it does seem to fit the context of the passage better.  This passage is about judgment because of sin.  The ESV 2016 shows the conflict and struggle that will result between the husband and wife because of the sin curse.  The NET and NLT have a similar rendering of this verse.  

The ESV 2025 text edition renders the last part of the verse as, "Your desire shall be for you husband, and he shall rule over you." This rendering is more literal and more traditional.  It is also a return to the original 2001 ESV text edition.  Most Bible translations render the verse in this way.   

Bestselling Bible Translations (2024)

 Here is a list of the bestselling Bible translations for the year 2024, as compiled by the ECPA.  

1. NIV (New International Version)

2. ESV (English Standard Version)

3. KJV (King James Version)

4. NLT (New Living Translation)

5. NKJV (New King James Version)

6. CSB (Christian Standard Bible) 

7. Reina Valera (A Spanish Version) 

8. NIrV (New International Readers Version)

9. NASB (New American Standard Bible)

10. NRSV (New Revised Standard Version) 

 

The NIV and ESV seem to be the two most popular translations.  Although the KJV is still popular after all these years.  The NLT, NKJV, and CSB seem to be on the second tier of modern translations.  The Reina Valera is a Spanish version.  The NIrV is a version for children.  The NASB and NRSV are also fairly popular.  The LSB, NET, and The Message did not make the top ten.  

The 2025 ESV Bible Update

The ESV (English Standard Version) is being updated once again.  The 2025 edition will now be the fourth update to the ESV since it was first published.  The ESV was published in 2001, with updates in 2007, 2011, 2016, and now 2025.  

The 2025 ESV text edition contains changes to 42 verses.  Most of the changes are minor.  The most significant changes seem to be, Genesis 3:16 and John 1:18.   

If you are not sure which edition of the ESV you have, just look at the copyright page in your Bible.  

For more visit crossway.org

A Bible Translation Timeline

 Here is a timeline of some of the most significant Bible translations in English.  

(1526) Tyndale New Testament

(1539) Great Bible

(1560) Geneva Bible

(1611) King James Version

(1885) Revised Version

(1901) American Standard Version

(1952) Revised Standard Version

(1971) Living Bible

(1971) New American Standard Bible

(1978) New International Version

(1982) New King James Version

(1989) New Revised Standard Version

(1996) New Living Translation

(2001) English Standard Version

(2003) Holman Christian Standard Bible

(2017) Christian Standard Bible

(2021) Legacy Standard Bible

Slave, Bondservant, Or Servant? (A Bible Translation Comparison)

Ephesians 6:5

(ESV)"Bondservants, obey your earthly masters with fear and trembling, with a sincere heart, as you would Christ," 

(LSB)"Slaves, be obedient to those who are your masters according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in the integrity of your heart, as to Christ;" 

(KJV)"Servants, be obedient to them that are your masters according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in singleness of your heart, as unto Christ;" 

Romans 1:1

(ESV)"Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle, set apart for the gospel of God," 

(LSB)"Paul, a slave of Christ Jesus, called as an apostle, having been set apart for the gospel of God," 

(KJV)"Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated unto the gospel of God," 

John 8:34

(ESV)"Jesus answered them, Truly, truly, I say to you, everyone who practices sin is a slave to sin." 

(LSB)"Jesus answered them, Truly, truly, I say to you, everyone who commits sin is the slave of sin." 

(KJV)"Jesus answered them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whosoever committeth sin is the servant of sin."  

At issue is how to translate the Greek word doulos.  Should it be translated as slave, bondservant, or servant?  The ESV sometimes uses slave, sometimes bondservant, and sometimes servant, depending on the context.  The LSB consistently translates it as slave.  The KJV regularly renders it as servant.  

ESV (English Standard Version)

LSB (Legacy Standard Bible)

KJV (King James Version)  

Psalm 8:5 (A Bible Translation Comparison)

 (ESV)"Yet you have made him a little lower than the heavenly beings and crowned him with glory and honor."  

(LSB)"Yet You have made him a little lower than the angels, And You crown him with glory and majesty!" 

(CSB)"You made him little less than God and crowned him with glory and honor."  

The main difference in these translations is how they translate the Hebrew word elohim.  The term elohim can mean God, gods, or heavenly beings/angels.  The ESV and LSB are in basic agreement with heavenly beings and angels,  while the CSB translates it as God.  Psalm 8:5 is quoted by the writer of Hebrews in Hebrews 2:7.  

(Hebrews 2:7)"You made him for a little while lower than the angels; you have crowned him with glory and honor," (ESV) 

All the translations have angels in Hebrews 2:7 where Psalm 8:5 is quoted as a messianic prophecy about Jesus.  The author of Hebrews quotes Psalm 8:5 from the Septuagint (Greek translation of the Old Testament) which has angels.  

(ESV) English Standard Version

(LSB) Legacy Standard Bible

(CSB) Christian Standard Bible

Matthew 5:5 (A Bible Translation Comparison)

 (ESV)"Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth."  

(LSB)"Blessed are the lowly, for they shall inherit the earth."  

(NIV)"Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth."  

(CSB)"Blessed are the humble, for they will inherit the earth."  

(NASB95)"Blessed are the gentle, for they shall inherit the earth."  

All these Bible translations are very similar on their rendering of Matthew 5:5.  The ESV has the most traditional translation.  

Each version maintains the word "blessed" at the beginning.  The ESV and NIV have "meek." The LSB has "lowly", the CSB has "humble", and the NASB95 has "gentle." The ESV, LSB, and NASB95 have the traditional word "shall." The NIV and CSB translate it as "will." 

ESV (English Standard Version)

LSB (Legacy Standard Bible)

NIV (New International Version)

CSB (Christian Standard Bible)

NASB95 (New American Standard Bible 1995)

John 3:16 (A Bible Translation Comparison)

 (NKJV)"For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life." 

(ESV)"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life." 

(LSB)"For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life." 

(CSB)"For God loved the world in this way: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life." 

The NKJV follows the KJV in this verse except for updated language.  The ESV and LSB stay close to the form and wording of the KJV.  The CSB departs somewhat from the traditional KJV rendering.  

In the first clause of the verse the NKJV, ESV, and LSB all have the traditional rendering, "For God so loved the world."  The CSB moves away from the traditional translation with, "For God loved the world in this way."  

Another difference in the translations centers around the Greek word "monogenes." The NKJV and the LSB render the phrase, "only begotten Son." The ESV has "only Son," while the CSB has "one and only Son."  

NKJV (New King James Version)

ESV (English Standard Version)

LSB (Legacy Standard Bible)

CSB (Christian Standard Bible)

Psalm 23:1 (A Bible Translation Comparison)

 (ESV)"The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want." 

(LSB)"Yahweh is my shepherd, I shall not want." 

(NIV)"The LORD is my shepherd, I lack nothing." 

(CSB)"The LORD is my shepherd; I have what I need." 

The ESV and the LSB are more literal translations.  The ESV maintains the traditional translation of Psalm 23:1.  The LSB maintains the traditional wording except that it translates the Hebrew YHWH (the tetragrammaton) as Yahweh instead of LORD.  The NIV and the CSB are less literal translations that move away from the traditional rendering of this verse.  

(ESV) English Standard Version

(LSB) Legacy Standard Bible

(NIV) New International Version

(CSB) Christian Standard Bible

ESV vs NIV (Proverbs 16:9)

 (Proverbs 16:9)"The heart of man plans his way, but the LORD establishes his steps."  (ESV) 

(Proverbs 16:9)"In their hearts humans plan their course, but the LORD establishes their steps."  (NIV) 

The ESV gives a more literal and traditional rendering.  It maintains the words "man" and "his".  On the other hand the NIV gives a gender neutral translation of this verse.  The word "man" is replaced with "humans" and the word "his" is replaced with "their".  The NIV even changes it from singular to plural just to avoid the masculine references. 

ESV vs NIV (Matthew 4:19)

 (Matthew 4:19) "And he said to them, Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men." (ESV)

(Matthew 4:19) "Come, follow me, Jesus said, and I will send you out to fish for people." (NIV) 

In this verse the ESV has "fishers of men" while the NIV has "fish for people."  The ESV rendering is more literal and traditional.  The Greek word "anthropoi" is masculine in the original language so the ESV translates it as "men."  

On the other hand the NIV 2011 edition regularly uses gender neutral language.  So it translates the Greek word "anthropoi" as "people."  The NIV is less literal and traditional than the ESV.  It is interesting to note that the NIV 1984 edition had "fishers of men."  

ESV, NASB 1995, NKJV, KJV, all have "fishers of men."  

NIV, CSB, NLT, NASB 2020, NRSV, all have "fish for people" or something similar. 

ESV vs NIV (1 John 2:2)

 (1 John 2:2)"He is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the sins of the whole world." (ESV) 

(1 John 2:2)"He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world." (NIV) 

The major difference between these two translations in this verse is one word or phrase.  The ESV has "propitiation" while the NIV has "atoning sacrifice."  The phrase "atoning sacrifice" has the meaning to make amends, to pay for sins.  The term "propitiation" has a fuller meaning.  It means the payment for sins, but also includes turning away the wrath of God and turning it to favor.  

The NIV rendering of "atoning sacrifice" does not provide the reader with the full meaning. While the ESV rendering of "propitiation" does provide the full meaning for the reader.  Christ is the propitiation for our sins, for all believers in the whole world.  Our sins incur the wrath of a holy God.  The sacrifice of Jesus on the cross turns away the wrath of God from us and turns it to favor for us.  Because God's wrath has been propitiated or satisfied we can now have forgiveness.  

The more literal translations such as the ESV, NASB, and NKJV all have propitiation.  The less literal translations such as the NIV, CSB, and NLT have atoning sacrifice or something similar.     

Ranking Bible Translations

 All Bible translations are not equal, some are better than others.  Unfortunately some modern translations are even politically correct.  We will rank ten of the most popular and significant modern translations of the Bible in English.  

Rankings

1. ESV

2. NASB95

3. NKJV

4. NASB2020

5. CSB

6. NIV

7. NLT

8. NET

9. NRSV

10. The Message 

The ESV and the NASB95 are the two best translations.  They are more literal translations that are accurate and not politically correct.  The NKJV is good and not politically correct, but it does not use some of the more recently discovered manuscripts. The NASB2020 and the CSB are pretty good but they are slightly politically correct.  The NIV, NLT, and NET are fair but somewhat politically correct.  The NRSV is more liberal and also politically correct.  With The Message one hardly knows if he is even reading the Bible.  

One final note, the LSB (Legacy Standard Bible) is due to be published in 2021 and it looks to be another good translation. 

Which Bible Translation Should I Use?

Since the Bible is the Word of God, his revelation to us it is important to use a good translation.  There are three basic types of translations.  They are literal, dynamic, and paraphrase.  A good Bible translation needs to be readable and most importantly accurate.  

The first translation category is literal.  It seeks to translate word for word as much as possible from the Hebrew and Greek.  Literal translation also tries to maintain the original sentence structure.  The idea is to be transparent to the original text.  Examples of literal translation are:  ESV, NASB, CSB, and NKJV.    

The next translation category is dynamic equivalence.  It is more of a thought for thought translation not necessarily trying to maintain word for word translation.  Dynamic translation tries to steer a middle ground between literal and paraphrase.  The original sentence structure is often changed for greater readability.  Examples of dynamic translation are:  NIV, NLT, and NRSV.  

The other translation category is paraphrase.  This type focuses on readability mainly.  Paraphrases deviate greatly from the original Hebrew and Greek, basically just giving you the gist of what the original text said.   Examples of paraphrase include: The Message and The Living Bible.  

I do not really recommend dynamic translations or paraphrases.  Dynamic translations are just thought for thought and not word for word.  They deviate somewhat from the original text giving you the translators interpretation instead of what it actually says.  Also dynamic translations often tend to be politically correct.  Paraphrases are probably best avoided all together.  They stray too much from the original text and are not very accurate or precise.  

I strongly recommend literal translations.  They try to translate from the Greek and Hebrew as closely as possible.  There goal is to be transparent to the original text, giving you what it actually says.  A literal translation is much more accurate and reliable than a dynamic translation or paraphrase.  

Here are what I consider to be the best translations.

1) (ESV) English Standard Version
2) (NASB) New American Standard Bible
3) (CSB) Christian Standard Bible
4) (NKJV) New King James Version