I do think modern language translations are helpful, especially in the OT where we are less familiar with the content. I used the ESV for a while, and there are things to like about it. But I have a file somewhere that I was keeping called “ESV Issues”. It is a list of translations I came across that made me go “Wha???” as in “What in the world??” I have since gone back decidedly to the NAS. While not quite as readable in some places, it is decidedly superior in translation. But not perfect, unfortunately.

I ran across one of those ESV issues recently, but I can’t remember what it was. It must have been from one of Sunday’s messages, but the passage and the issue escapes me. I know one thing that bugs me about the ESV is “rules” where the KJV has “judgements” (so does the NAS as well). Try reading Ps 119 in the ESV – don’t you find “rules” quite jarring? I can’t imagine using that word to translate mishpat. That and other glaring issues have soured me on the ESV, though I still have it displayed in BW.

One more thing on Leviticus, remember that the very visual OT religion was given to people who only had at most the first 5 books of the Bible plus maybe Job. The visual drama of OT worship was a constant revelation of truth to those who were looking with eyes of faith. Most individuals had no written copy of their own, just what they had memorized and what they saw enacted before them in the ritual.

But now things have changed because we have the full revelation in Christ and the complete Word, no more need for ritualistic mumbo jumbo… in fact, the ritual in some bodies now obscures the revelation.

FWIW

Dad

Interesting to see your message on Lev 5 at this point… I just this week have begun reading Leviticus again myself. This time through I’m reading it in the ESV. I do almost all of my devotional reading in the KJV (and am in no hurry to change that), but it occurred to me that the modern style of the ESV might actually help me stay engaged as I read Leviticus. So far I have not been disappointed.

Glad you found it helpful. For what it’s worth, I once asked Minnick for permission to reproduce one of his messages for our people and he graciously gave his consent, then added “better yet, just preach it yourself!” I don’t think I have ever done that, but I appreciate the generosity of spirit!

BTW, you might have noticed that I use Wenham quite extensively in my preparation for Leviticus. I have also found Lange to be good, although he is a little harder to read.

Leviticus is a precious book for our understanding of salvation. I used to say “It constructed physical pictures of spiritual truth.” I have found it really beneficial, and have been using it for our communion services for a while. This is my second time through, hopefully better than the first time.

Regards,
Don Johnson
Jer 33.3

Don’t worry, I didn’t preach it verbatim:).

Seriously, it was helpful in my prep. –thanks for making it available.