The ESV and the English Bible Legacy

Modern Bible translations are at a crossroads. Multiple translation philosophies argue that there is a right way and a wrong way to translate the Bible. But who is right? And what has been the historic view of English Bible translators?

Leland Ryken, an expert on the literature of the Bible, brings clarity to these questions as he traces the history of English Bible translation from William Tyndale to the King James Bible and argues that the English Standard Version is the true heir of this classical stream.

Here is a great resource for Christians who have questions about why we have different Bible translations and how to choose between them.

192 pages

“Leland Ryken brilliantly demonstrates historically and linguistically that Bible translation philosophy is a life and death matter, and that it takes a thorough commitment to producing an ‘essentially literal’ translation to convey (and not obscure) the multiplex, polychrome fullness of God's Word. Unflinching. Powerful. Convincing.”
—R. Kent Hughes, John Boyer Chair of Evangelism and Culture and Professor of Pastoral Theology, Westminster Theological Seminary

“In this fascinating book, one of the world’s most renowned experts on the literary qualities of the Bible explains what made the King James Version of 1611 the standard of translation excellence for centuries, and shows convincingly how the ESV and several other modern versions compare favorably or unfavorably to that enduring standard. An excellent book for understanding why translations differ, and why it is important.”
—Wayne Grudem, Distinguished Research Professor of Theology and Biblical Studies, Phoenix Seminary; author, Christian Ethics

“Every generation has to fight their own ‘battle for the Bible.’ Today the issue is seen through the ‘What does this mean to you?’ syndrome, an aversion to propositions, and most recently, the questioning of the historicity of Genesis. That’s why The ESV and the English Bible Legacy is so critical. In the current climate of pop Bible translations it is critical to have a translation like the ESV, which is faithful to the original text, honors the traditional treasures of literary style and readability, and is widely accessible. Last year we began using the ESV officially in our church and sold over two thousand Bibles in our church bookstore, most of which were ESVs. Obviously, we believe in the legacy Dr. Ryken explains in this book!”
—Jon McNeff, Senior Pastor, NorthCreek Church, Walnut Creek, California