The English Standard Version (ESV) Study Bible. “A dream come true”?

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Written and compiled by Art K., a former member of the Mennonite Brethren in Ontario, Canada

Posted at Lighthouse Trails Research - Word Document (July 11, 2009)

Introduction

First, why I compared the KJV to the ESV is because the ESV study Bible has received such high praise for being an excellent literal translation.

Second, in the Preface under “Translation Legacy” page 19, we read “The English Standard Version (ESV) stands in the classic mainstream of English Bible translations over the past half-millennium. The fountainhead of that stream was William Tyndale’s New Testament of 1526; marking the course were King James Version of 1611...” I understood this to mean that there would be a great similarity between the KJV and the ESV. What I found however, is that the ESV, is in the majority of the references, very similar or the same as the NIV. This I find difficult to reconcile with the statement made in reference to the KJV.

Third what motivated me to further compare the ESV to the KJV, was the very high praise that the ESV has received from so many people who are well versed in the field of bible translations. For example, John Piper calls it “a dream come true?” Please see http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SlFsBdEkxMQ

Fourth  what  motivated me to examine the ESV Study Bible was what I  read  in the Introduction under the subtitle “Divine Words and Merely Human Words,” where it is written “The ESV Study Bible contains two kinds of words. The first kind is the actual of the Bible, which are the very words of God to us. These are printed in the larger font of each page. The second kind is the study notes, which are merely human words” page 9.

The problem is knowing which group of words to trust. The first group of words “the very words of God to us” in the ESV have so many omissions compared to the KJV that it creates serious doubt, not trust.  If there are so many omissions in “the very words of God” in the ESV, how can we have confidence in the ‘words of men, in the explanation?

Before we accept this translation as “a dream come true” we need to examine the ESV bible carefully and ponder the words of Jesus, “And Jesus answered and said unto them, Take heed that no man deceive you.” Matthew 24:4

Please Note

1) The following examples are from the New Testament only.
2) This is not an exhaustive study.

Comparing the KJV to the ESV and NIV  (listed in this order)

Please note: all words missing  in the ESV and NIV are highlighted in red  in the KJV.

Gospel of Matthew

1) Matthew 1:25 And knew her not till she had brought forth her firstborn son: and he called his name JESUS.

ESV  1:25  but knew her not until she had given birth to  a son. And he called his name Jesus.
NIV  1:25 But he had no union with her until she gave birth to a son. And he gave him the name Jesus.

2) Matthew 5:22   But I say unto you, That whosoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment: and whosoever shall say to his brother, Raca, shall be in danger of the council: but whosoever shall say, Thou fool, shall be in danger of hell fire.

ESV 5:22  But I say to you that everyone who is angry with his brother will be liable to judgment; whoever insults his brother will be liable to the council; and whoever says, ‘You fool!’ will be liable to the hell of fire.
NIV 5:22  But  I tell you that anyone who is angry with his brother will be subject to judgment. Again, anyone who says to his brother, ‘Raca,’ is answerable to the Sanhedrin. But anyone who says, ‘You fool!’ will be in danger of the fire of hell.

3) Matthew 5:44 But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;

ESV 5:44 But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,
NIV 5:44  But  I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,

4) Matthew 8:2  And,  behold, there came a leper and worshiped him, saying, Lord, if thou wilt, thou canst make me clean.

ESV   8:2  And  behold, a leper came to him and knelt before him, saying, “Lord, if you will, you can make me clean.”
NIV   8:2  A  man with leprosy came and knelt before him and said, “Lord, if you are willing, you can make me clean.”

5) Matthew 9:13   But go ye and learn what that meaneth, I will have mercy, and not sacrifice: for I am not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.

ESV 9:13  Go and learn what this means, ‘I desire mercy, and not sacrifice.’ For I came not to call the righteous, but sinners.”
NIV  9:13  But go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy, not sacrifice.’ For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.”

6) Matthew 9:18 While he spake these things unto them, behold, there came a certain ruler, and worshiped him, saying,  My daughter is even now dead: but come and lay thy hand upon her, and she shall live.

ESV  9:18  While he was saying these things to them, behold, a ruler came in and knelt before him, saying, “My daughter has just died, but come and lay your hand on her, and she will live.”
NIV  9:18  While he was saying this, a ruler came and knelt before him and said, “My daughter has just died. But come and put your hand on her, and she will live.”

7) Matthew 15:6  And  honour not his father or his mother, he shall be free. Thus have ye made the commandment of God of none effect by your tradition.

ESV  15:6 he  need not honor his father.’ So for the sake of your tradition you have made void the word of God.
NIV  15:6 he is not to ‘honor his father’ with it. Thus you nullify the word of God for the sake of your tradition.

8) Matthew 15:8  This  people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me.

ESV   15:8 “This people honors me with their lips, but their heart is far from me;
NIV   15:8 “’These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me.

9) Matthew 15:25  Then came she and worshipped him, saying, Lord, help me.

ESV   15:25   But she came and knelt before him, saying, “Lord, help me.”
NIV   15:25   25  The woman came and knelt before him. “Lord, help me!” she said.

10) Matthew 18:11   For the Son of man is come to save that which was lost.

ESV   18:11 missing
NIV   18:11  missing

11) Matthew 20:7 They say unto him, Because  no man hath hired us. He saith unto them, Go ye also into the vineyard; and whatsoever is right, that shall ye receive.

ESV   20:7 They said to him, ‘Because no one has hired us.’ He said to them, ‘You go into the vineyard too.’
NIV   20:7  “‘Because no one has hired us,’ they answered. “He said to them, ‘You also go and work in my vineyard.’

12) Matthew 20:16  So  the last shall be first, and the first last: for many be called, but few chosen.

ESV   20:16   So  the  last will be first, and the first last.”
NIV   20:16 “So the  last  will be first, and the first will be last.”

13) Matthew 20:20  Then  came to him the mother of Zebedee’s children with her sons, worshiping him, and desiring a certain thing of him.

ESV   20:20 Then the mother of the sons of Zebedee came up to him with her sons, and kneeling before him she asked him for something.
NIV   20:20 Then the mother of Zebedee’s sons came to Jesus with her sons and, kneeling down, asked a favor of him.

14) Matthew 20:22 But Jesus answered and said, Ye  know not what ye ask. Are ye able to drink of the cup that I shall drink of, and to be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with? They say unto him, We are able.

ESV   20:22 Jesus answered, “You do not know what you are asking. Are you able to drink the cup that I am to drink?” They said to him, “We are able.
NIV   20:22  “You don’t know what you are asking,” Jesus said to them. “Can you drink the cup I am going to drink?” “We can,” they answered.

15) Matthew 24:7 For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places.

ESV   24:7  For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom, and there will be famines and earthquakes in various places.
NIV   24:7  Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in various places.

16) Matthew 24:36  But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only. Note ‘my’ is changed to (the) in the ESV and NIV

ESV   24:36  “But concerning that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but (the) Father only.
NIV   24:36 “No one knows about that day or hour, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only  (the) Father.

17) Matthew 27:34 They gave him vinegar to drink mingled with gall: and when he had tasted thereof, he would not drink.

ESV   27:34  they offered him wine to drink, mixed with gall, but when he tasted it, he would not drink it.
NIV   27:34  There  they offered Jesus wine to drink, mixed with gall; but after tasting it, he refused to drink it.

Gospel of Mark

1) Mark 1:31  And he came and took her by the hand, and lifted her up; and immediately the fever left her, and she ministered unto them.

ESV   1:31  And he came and took her by the hand and lifted her up, and the fever left her, and she began to serve them.
NIV   1:31 So he went to her, took her hand and helped her up. The fever left her and she began to wait on them.

2) Mark 2:17  When Jesus heard it, he saith unto them, They that are whole have no need of the physician, but they that are sick: I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.

ESV   2:17  And when Jesus heard it, he said to them, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. I came not to call the righteous, but sinners.”
NIV   2:17  On hearing this, Jesus said to them, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.”

3) Mark 3:15 And to have power to heal sicknesses, and to cast out devils:

ESV   3:15 and  have authority to cast out demons.
NIV   3:15 And to have power to heal sicknesses, and to cast out devils * same as KJV

4) Mark 5:6  But when he saw Jesus afar off, he ran and worshiped him,

ESV   5:6   And when he saw Jesus from afar, he ran and fell down before him.
NIV   5:6  When he saw Jesus from a distance, he ran and fell on his knees in front of him.

5) Mark 6:11  And whosoever shall not receive you, nor hear you, when ye depart thence, shake off the dust under your feet for a testimony against them. Verily I say unto you, It shall be more tolerable for Sodom and Gomorrha in the day of judgment, than for that city.

ESV   6:11   And if any place will not receive you and they will not listen to you, when you leave, shake off the dust that is on your feet as a testimony against them.”
NIV   6:11  And if any place will not welcome you or listen to you, shake the dust off your feet when you leave, as a testimony against them.”

6) Mark 6:51  And he went up unto them into the ship; and the wind ceased: and they were sore amazed in themselves beyond measure, and wondered.

ESV   6:51 And he got into the boat with them, and the wind ceased. And they were utterly astounded,
NIV   6:51  Then he climbed into the boat with them, and the wind died down. They were completely amazed,

7) Mark 7:8 For laying aside the commandment of God, ye hold the tradition of men, as the washing of pots and cups: and many other such like things ye do.

ESV   7:8  You leave the commandment of God and hold to the tradition of men.”
NIV   7:8 You have let go of the commands of God and are holding on to the traditions of men.”

8) Mark 8:26 And he sent him away to his house, saying,  Neither go into the town, nor tell it to any in the town.

ESV   8:26 And he sent him to his home, saying, “Do not even enter the village.”
NIV   8:26 Jesus sent him home, saying, “Don’t go into the village.”

9) Mark 9:29  And he said unto them, This kind can come forth by nothing, but by prayer and fasting.

ESV   9:29 And he said to them, “This kind cannot be driven out by anything but prayer.”
NIV   9:29 He replied, “This kind can come out only by prayer.”

10) Mark 9:44  Where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched.

ESV   9:44 missing
NIV   9:44 missing

11) Mark 9:45 And if thy foot offend thee, cut it off: it is better for thee to enter halt into life, than having two feet to be cast into hell, into the fire that never shall be quenched:

ESV   9:45 And if your foot causes you to sin, cut it off. It is better for you to enter life lame than with two feet to be thrown into hell
NIV   9:45 And if your foot causes you to sin, cut it off. It is better for you to enter life crippled than to have two feet and be thrown into hell.

12) Mark 9:46 Where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched.

ESV   9:46  missing
NIV   9:46  missing

13) Mark 9:49 For every one shall be salted with fire, and every sacrifice shall be salted with salt.

ESV   9:49  For everyone will be salted with fire.
NIV   9:49 Everyone will be salted with fire.

15) Mark 10:21 Then Jesus beholding him loved him, and said unto him, One thing thou lackest: go thy way, sell whatsoever thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, take up the cross, and follow me.

ESV   10:21 And Jesus, looking at him, loved him, and said to him, “You lack one thing: go, sell all that you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me.”
NIV   10:21 Jesus looked at him and loved him. “One thing you lack,” he said. “Go, sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.”

16) Mark 10:24  And the disciples were astonished at his words. But Jesus answereth again, and saith unto them, Children, how hard is it for them that trust in riches to enter into the kingdom of God!

ESV   10:24 And the disciples were amazed at his words. But Jesus said to them again, “Children, how difficult it is to enter the kingdom of God!
NIV   10:24 The disciples were amazed at his words. But Jesus said again, “Children, how hard it is to enter the kingdom of God!

17) Mark 11:26 But if ye do not forgive, neither will your Father which is in heaven forgive your trespasses.

ESV   11:26   whole verse missing.
NIV   11:26  whole verse missing

18) Mark 13:14  But when ye shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, standing where it ought not, (let him that readeth understand,) then let them that be in Judaea flee to the mountains:

ESV   13:14  “But when you see the abomination of desolation standing where it ought not to be (let the reader understand), then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains.
NIV   13:14 “When you see ‘the abomination that causes desolation’ standing where it does not belong— let the reader understand— then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains.

19) Mark 13:33  Take ye heed, watch and pray: for ye know not when the time is.

ESV   13:33 Be on guard, keep awake. For you do not know when the time will come.
NIV   13:33 Be on guard! Be alert! You do not know when that time will come.

20) Mark 14:24 And he said unto them, This is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many.

ESV   14:24 And he said to them, “This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many.
NIV   14:24 “This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many,” he said to them.

21) Mark 15:28 And the scripture was fulfilled, which saith,  And he was numbered with the transgressors.

ESV   15:28  missing
NIV   15:28  missing

Gospel of Luke

1) Luke 1:28 And the angel came in unto her, and said, Hail, thou that art highly favoured, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women.

ESV   1:28 And he came to her and said, “Greetings, O favored one, the Lord is with you!”
NIV   1:28 The angel went to her and said, “Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.”

2) Luke 2:22And when the days of  her (changed to ‘their’) purification according to the law of Moses were accomplished, they brought him to Jerusalem, to present him to the Lord;

ESV   2:22   And when the time came for their purification according to the Law of Moses, they brought him up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord
NIV   2:22 When the time of their purification according to the Law of Moses had been completed, Joseph and Mary took him to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord

3) Luke 4:4  And  Jesus answered him, saying, It is written, That man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word of God.

ESV   4:4  And  Jesus answered him, “It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone.”’
NIV   4:4 Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man does not live on bread alone.’”

4) Luke 4:8 And Jesus answered and said unto him, Get thee behind me, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve.

ESV   4:8  And Jesus answered him, “It is written, “‘You shall worship the Lord your God, and him only shall you serve.”’
NIV   4:8 Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God and serve him only.’”

5) Luke 8:48 And he said unto her, Daughter, be of good comfort: thy faith hath made thee whole; go in peace

ESV   8:48 And he said to her, “Daughter, your faith has made you well; go in peace.”
NIV   8:48 Then he said to her, “Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace.”

6) Luke 9:55 But he turned, and rebuked them, and said, Ye know not what manner of spirit ye are of.

ESV   9:55 But he turned and rebuked them.
NIV   9:55 But Jesus turned and rebuked them,

7) Luke 9:56    For the Son of man is not come to destroy men’s lives, but to save them. And they went to another village.

ESV   9:56 And they went on to another village.
NIV   9:56 and they went to another village.

8) Luke 10:19  Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you.

ESV   10:19 Behold, I have given you authority to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall hurt you.
NIV   10:19 I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you.

9) Luke 11:2 And he said unto them, When ye pray, say, Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done, as in heaven, so in earth.

ESV   11:2 And he said to them, “When you pray, say:  “Father, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come.
NIV   11:2 He said to them, “When you pray, say: “‘Father, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come.

10) Luke 11:54  Laying wait for him, and seeking to catch something out of his mouth, that they might accuse him.

ESV   11:54 lying in wait for him, to catch him in something he might say
NIV   11:54 waiting to catch him in something he might say.

11) Luke 22:64   And  when  they had blindfolded him, they struck him on the face, and asked him, saying, Prophesy, who is it that smote thee?

ESV   22:64 They also blindfolded him and kept asking him, “Prophesy! Who is it that struck you?”
NIV   22:64 They blindfolded him and demanded, “Prophesy! Who hit you?”

12) Luke 22:68  And  if I also ask you, ye will not answer me, nor let me go.

ESV   22:68 and if I ask you, you will not answer.
NIV   22:68 and if I asked you, you would not answer.

13) Luke 23:17 For of necessity he must release one unto them at the feast.

ESV   23:17 missing
NIV   23:17 missing

14) Luke 23:23  And they were instant with loud voices, requiring that he might be crucified. And the voices of them and of the chief priests prevailed.

ESV   23:23 But they were urgent, demanding with loud cries that he should be crucified. And their voices prevailed.
NIV   23:23 But with loud shouts they insistently demanded that he be crucified, and their shouts prevailed.

15) Luke 23:42  And he said unto Jesus, Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom.

ESV   23:42   And he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.”
NIV   23:42   Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.”

 16) Luke 24:1 Now upon the first day of the week, very early in the morning, they came unto the sepulchre, bringing the spices which they had prepared, and certain others with them.

ESV   24:1  But on the first day of the week, at early dawn, they went to the tomb, taking the spices they had prepared.
NIV   24:1 On the first day of the week, very early in the morning, the women took the spices they had prepared and went to the tomb.

17) Luke 24:42  And  they gave him a piece of a broiled fish, and of an honeycomb.

ESV   24:42 They gave him a piece of broiled fish,
NIV   24:42 They gave him a piece of broiled fish,

Gospel of John

1) John 1:14  And  the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.

ESV   1:14 And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.
NIV   1:14  The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.

2) John 1:27  He it is, who coming after me is preferred before me, whose shoe’s latchet I am not worthy to unloose.

ESV   1:27 even he who comes after me, the strap of whose sandal I am not worthy to untie.
NIV   1:27  He is the one who comes after me, the thongs of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie.”

3) John 3:13 And no man hath ascended up to heaven, but he that came down from heaven, even the Son of man which is in heaven.

ESV   3:13 No one has ascended into heaven except he who descended from heaven, the Son of Man.
NIV   3:13 No one has ever gone into heaven except the one who came from heaven— the Son of Man.

4) John 3:15  That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life.

ESV   3:15 That whosoever believeth in him, but have eternal life.
NIV   3:15 that everyone who believes in him may have eternal life.

5) John 5:4 For an angel went down at a certain season into the pool, and troubled the water: whosoever then first after the troubling of the water stepped in was made whole of whatsoever disease he had.

ESV   5:4 missing
NIV   5:4 missing

6) John 5:16 And therefore did the Jews persecute Jesus, and sought to slay him, because he had done these things on the sabbath day.

ESV   5:16 And this was why the Jews were persecuting Jesus, because he was doing these things on the Sabbath.
NIV   5:16 So, because Jesus was doing these things on the Sabbath, the Jews persecuted him.

7) John 6:47 Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me hath everlasting life

ESV   6:47 Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever believes has eternal life.
NIV   6:47 I tell you the truth, he who believes has everlasting life.

8) John 6:69 And we believe and are sure that thou art that Christ, the Son of  the living God.

ESV   6:69 and we have believed, and have come to know, that you are the Holy One of God
NIV   6:69  We believe and know that you are the Holy One of God.”

9) John 8:9  And they which heard it, being convicted by their own conscience, went out one by one, beginning at the eldest, even unto the last: and Jesus was left alone, and the woman standing in the midst.

ESV   8:9 But when they heard it, they went away one by one, beginning with the older ones, and Jesus was left alone with the woman standing before him.
NIV   8:9  At this, those who heard began to go away one at a time, the older ones first, until only Jesus was left, with the woman still standing there.

10) John 8:59  Then took they up stones to cast at him: but Jesus hid himself, and went out of the temple, going through the midst of them, and so passed by.

ESV   8:59  So they picked up stones to throw at him, but Jesus hid himself and went out of the temple.
NIV   8:59 At this, they picked up stones to stone him, but Jesus hid himself, slipping away from the temple grounds.

11) John 11:41 Then they took away the stone from the place where the dead was laid. And Jesus lifted up his eyes, and said, Father, I thank thee that thou hast heard me.

ESV   11:41 So they took away the stone. And Jesus lifted up his eyes and said, “Father, I thank you that you have heard me.
NIV   11:41 So they took away the stone. Then Jesus looked up and said, “Father, I thank you that you have heard me.

12) John 16:16   A little while, and ye shall not see me: and again, a little while, and ye shall see me, because I go to the Father.

ESV   16:16  “A little while, and you will see me no longer; and again a little while, and you will see me
NIV   16:16 “In a little while you will see me no more, and then after a little while you will see me.”

13) John 17:12 While I was with them in the world, I kept them in thy name: those that thou gavest me I have kept, and none of them is lost, but the son of perdition; that the scripture might be fulfilled.

ESV   17:12  While I was with them, I kept them in your name, which you have given me. I have guarded them, and not one of them has been lost except the son of destruction, that the Scripture might be fulfilled.
NIV   17:12  While I was with them, I protected them and kept them safe by that name you gave me. None has been lost except the one doomed to destruction so that Scripture would be fulfilled.

Acts

1) Acts 2:30 Therefore being a prophet, and knowing that God had sworn with an oath to him, that of the fruit of his loins, according to the flesh, he would raise up Christ to sit on his throne;

ESV   2:30  Being therefore a prophet, and knowing that God had sworn with an oath to him that he would set one of his descendants on his throne,
NIV   2:30 But he was a prophet and knew that God had promised him on oath that he would place one of his descendants on his throne.

2) Acts 3:26  Unto you first God, having raised up his Son Jesus, sent him to bless you, in turning away every one of you from his iniquities.

ESV   3:26  God, having raised up his servant, sent him to you first, to bless you by turning every one of you from your wickedness
NIV   3:26  When God raised up his servant, he sent him first to you to bless you by turning each of you from your wicked ways.”

3) Acts 7:37 This is that Moses, which said unto the children of Israel, A prophet shall the Lord your God raise up unto you of your brethren, like unto me; him shall ye hear.

ESV   7:37 This is the Moses who said to the Israelites, ‘God will raise up for you a prophet like me from your brothers
NIV   7:37 “This is that Moses who told the Israelites, ‘God will send you a prophet like me from your own people.’

4) Act. 8:37 And Philip said, If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest. And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.

ESV   8:37 missing
NIV   8:37 missing

5) Acts 9:5-6   And he said, Who art thou, Lord? And the Lord  said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest: it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks. And he trembling and astonished said, Lord, what wilt thou have me to do? And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the city, and it shall be told thee what thou must do.

ESV   9:5-6   And he said, “Who are you, Lord?” And he said, “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. But rise and enter the city, and you will be told what you are to do.
NIV   9:5-6   “Who are you, Lord?” Saul asked. “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting,” he replied. “Now get up and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do.”

6) Acts 10:30   And Cornelius said, Four days ago I was fasting until this hour; and at the ninth hour I prayed in my house, and, behold, a man stood before me in bright clothing,

ESV   10:30   And Cornelius said, “Four days ago, about this hour, I was praying in my house at the ninth hour, and behold, a man stood before me in bright clothing
NIV   10:30  Cornelius answered: “Four days ago I was in my house praying at this hour, at three in the afternoon. Suddenly a man in shining clothes stood before me

7) Acts 15:18  Known unto God are all his works  from the beginning of the world.

ESV   15:18  known  from of old.
NIV   15:18  that  have been known for ages

8) Acts 23:9  And there arose a great cry: and the scribes that were of the Pharisees’ part arose, and strove, saying, We find no evil in this man: but if a spirit or an angel hath spoken to him, let us not fight against God.

ESV   23:9 Then a great clamor arose, and some of the scribes of the Pharisees’ party stood up and contended sharply, “We find nothing wrong in this man. What if a spirit or an angel spoke to him?”
NIV   23:9 There was a great uproar, and some of the teachers of the law who were Pharisees stood up and argued vigorously. “We find nothing wrong with this man,” they said. “What if a spirit or an angel has spoken to him?”

9) Acts 28:29   And when he had said these words, the Jews departed, and had great reasoning among themselves.

ESV   28:29 missing
NIV   28:29 missing

Romans

1) Romans 1:16  For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.

ESV   1:16  For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek.
NIV   1:16  I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile.

2) Romans 8:1 There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.

ESV   8:1 There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.
NIV   8:1 Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus

3) Romans 10:15  And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!

ESV   10:15  And  how are they to preach unless they are sent? As it is written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!”
NIV   10:15 And how can they preach unless they are sent? As it is written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!”

4) Romans 14:21 It is good neither to eat flesh, nor to drink wine, nor any thing whereby thy brother stumbleth, or is offended, or is made weak.

ESV   14:21  It is good not to eat meat or drink wine or do anything that causes your brother to stumble.
NIV   14:21  It is better not to eat meat or drink wine or to do anything else that will cause your brother to fall.

5) Romans 15:29  And I am sure that, when I come unto you, I shall come in the fulness of the blessing of the gospel of Christ.

ESV   15:29  I know that when I come to you I will come in the fullness of the blessing of Christ.
NIV   15:29  I know that when I come to you, I will come in the full measure of the blessing of Christ. 

6) Romans 16:24 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.

ESV   16:24  missing
NIV   16:24 missing

1 Corinthians

1) 1 Corinthians 5:7  Purge out therefore the old leaven, that ye may be a new lump, as ye are unleavened. For even Christ our passover is sacrificed for us:

ESV   5:7 Cleanse out the old leaven that you may be a new lump, as you really are unleavened. For Christ, our Passover lamb, has been sacrificed.
NIV   5:7 Get rid of the old yeast that you may be a new batch without yeast— as you really are. For Christ, our Passover lamb, has been sacrificed.

2) 1 Corinthians 7:5 Defraud ye not one the other, except it be with consent for a time, that ye may give yourselves to fasting and prayer; and come together again, that Satan tempt you not for your incontinency.

ESV   7:5  Do not deprive one another, except perhaps by agreement for a limited time, that you may devote yourselves to prayer; but then come together again, so that Satan may not tempt you because of your lack of self–control.
NIV   7:5   Do not deprive each other except by mutual consent and for a time, so that you may devote yourselves to prayer. Then come together again so that Satan will not tempt you because of your lack of self-control

3) 1 Corinthians 9:18 What is my reward then? Verily that, when I preach the gospel, I may make the gospel of Christ without charge, that I abuse not my power in the gospel.

ESV   9:18 What then is my reward? That in my preaching I may present the gospel free of charge, so as not to make full use of my right in the gospel.
NIV   9:18  What then is my reward? Just this: that in preaching the gospel I may offer it free of charge, and so not make use of my rights in preaching it.

4) 1 Corinthians 10:28  But if any man say unto you, This is offered in sacrifice unto idols, eat not for his sake that shewed it, and for conscience sake: for the earth is the Lord’s, and the fulness thereof:

ESV   10:28 But if someone says to you, “This has been offered in sacrifice,” then do not eat it, for the sake of the one who informed you, and for the sake of conscience–
NIV   10:28  But if anyone says to you, “This has been offered in sacrifice,” then do not eat it, both for the sake of the man who told you and for conscience’ sake—

5) 1 Corinthians 11:24 And when he had given thanks, he brake it, and said, Take, eat: this is my body, which is broken for you: this do in remembrance of me.

ESV   11:24 and when he had given thanks, he broke it, and said, “This is my body which is for you. Do this in remembrance of me.”
NIV   11:24 and when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, “This is my body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of me.”

6) 1 Corinthians 15:47 The first man is of the earth, earthy: the second man is the Lord from heaven.

ESV   15:47 The first man was from the earth, a man of dust; the second man is from heaven.
NIV   15:47  The first man was of the dust of the earth, the second man from heaven.

Galatians

1) Galatians 3:1  O foolish Galatians, who hath bewitched you, that ye should not obey the truth, before whose eyes Jesus Christ hath been evidently set forth, crucified among you?

ESV   3:1  O foolish Galatians! Who has bewitched you? It was before your eyes that Jesus Christ was publicly portrayed as crucified.
NIV   3:1 You foolish Galatians! Who has bewitched you? Before your very eyes Jesus Christ was clearly portrayed as crucified.

2) Galatians 3:17 And this I say, that the covenant, that was confirmed before of God in Christ, the law, which was four hundred and thirty years after, cannot disannul, that it should make the promise of none effect.

ESV   3:17 This is what I mean: the law, which came 430 years afterward, does not annul a covenant previously ratified by God, so as to make the promise void.
NIV   3:17 What I mean is this: The law, introduced 430 years later, does not set aside the covenant previously established by God and thus do away with the promise.

3) Galatians 4:7 Wherefore thou art no more a servant, but a son; and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ.

ESV   4:7 So you are no longer a slave, but a son, and if a son, then an heir through God.
NIV   4:7 So you are no longer a slave, but a son; and since you are a son, God has made you also an heir.

4) Galatians 6:15  For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision, but a new creature.

ESV   6:15 For neither circumcision counts for anything, nor uncircumcision, but a new creation.
NIV   6:15 Neither circumcision nor uncircumcision means anything; what counts is a new creation. 

Ephesians

1) Ephesians 3:9  And to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ:

ESV   3:9 and to bring to light for everyone what is the plan of the mystery hidden for ages in God who created all things,
NIV   3:9 and to make plain to everyone the administration of this mystery, which for ages past was kept hidden in God, who created all things.

2) Ephesians 3:14  For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,

ESV   3:14  For this reason I bow my knees before the Father,
NIV   3:14  For this reason I kneel before the Father,

3) Ephesians 4:6 One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.

ESV   4:6  one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all. (New Age?)
NIV   4:6 one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all. (New Age?)

4) Ephesians 5:30 For we are members of his body, of his flesh, and of his bones.

ESV   5:30 because we are members of his body.
NIV   5:30 for we are members of his body.

5) Ephesians 6:10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.

ESV   6:10  Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might.
NIV   6:10  Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power.

Philippians

1) Philippians 3:16 Nevertheless, whereto we have already attained, let us walk by the same  rule, let us mind the same thing.

ESV   3:16 Only let us hold true to what we have attained.
NIV   3:16 Only let us live up to what we have already attained.

Colossians

1) Colossians 1:2  To the saints and faithful brethren in Christ which are at Colosse: Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

ESV   1:2  To the saints and faithful brothers in Christ at Colossae: Grace to you and peace from God our Father.
NIV   1:2  To the holy and faithful brothers in Christ at Colosse: Grace and peace to you from God our Father.

2) Colossians 1:14   In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins:

ESV   1:14 in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.
NIV   1:14 in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.

3) Colossians 1:28  28  Whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus:

ESV   1:28 Him we proclaim, warning everyone and teaching everyone with all wisdom, that we may present everyone mature in Christ.
NIV   1:28 We proclaim him, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ.

4) Colossians 2:11  In whom also ye are circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ:

ESV   2:11  In him also you were circumcised with a circumcision made without hands, by putting off the body of the flesh, by the circumcision of Christ,
NIV   2:11 In him you were also circumcised, in the putting off of the sinful nature, not with a circumcision done by the hands of men but with the circumcision done by Christ,

5) Colossians 2:18  Let no man beguile you of your reward in a voluntary humility and worshipping of angels, intruding into those things which he hath not seen, vainly puffed up by his fleshly mind,

ESV   2:18 Let no one disqualify you, insisting on asceticism and worship of angels, going on in detail about visions, puffed up without reason by his sensuous mind
NIV   2:18  Do not let anyone who delights in false humility and the worship of angels disqualify you for the prize. Such a person goes into great detail about what he has seen, and his unspiritual mind puffs him up with idle notions.

6) Colossians 3:6 For which things’ sake the wrath of God cometh on the children of disobedience:

ESV   3:6  On account of these the wrath of God is coming.
NIV   3:6  Because of these, the wrath of God is coming.

1 Thessalonians

1) 1 Thessalonians 1:1 Paul, and Silvanus, and Timotheus, unto the church of the Thessalonians which is in God the Father and in the Lord Jesus Christ: Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ.

ESV   1:1  Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy, To the church of the Thessalonians in God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ: Grace to you and peace.
NIV   1:1 Paul, Silas and Timothy, To the church of the Thessalonians in God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ: Grace and peace to you.

Timothy

1) 1 Timothy 6:5 Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself.

ESV   6:5 and constant friction among people who are depraved in mind and deprived of the truth, imagining that godliness is a means of gain.
NIV   6:5 and constant friction between men of corrupt mind, who have been robbed of the truth and who think that godliness is a means to financial gain.

Hebrews

1) Hebrews 10:30  For we know him that hath said, Vengeance belongeth unto me, I will recompense, saith the Lord. And again, The Lord shall judge his people.

ESV   10:30 For we know him who said, “Vengeance is mine; I will repay.” And again, “The Lord will judge his people.”
NIV   10:30 For we know him who said, “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” and again, “The Lord will judge his people.”

1 Peter

1) 1 Peter 4:1 Forasmuch then as Christ hath suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves likewise with the same mind: for he that hath suffered in the flesh hath ceased from sin;

ESV   4:1 Since therefore Christ suffered in the flesh, arm yourselves with the same way of thinking, for whoever has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin,
NIV   4:1 Therefore, since Christ suffered in his body, arm yourselves also with the same attitude, because he who has suffered in his body is done with sin.

2) 1 Peter 4:14 If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye; for the spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you: on their part he is evil spoken of, but on your part he is glorified.

ESV   4:14 If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you.
NIV   4:14 If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you.

2 Peter

1)  2 Peter 2:17 These are wells without water, clouds that are carried with a tempest; to whom the mist of darkness is reserved for ever.

ESV   2:17 These are waterless springs and mists driven by a storm. For them the gloom of utter darkness has been reserved.
NIV   2:17  These men are springs without water and mists driven by a storm. Blackest darkness is reserved for them.

2) 2 Peter 3:10 But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up.

ESV   3:10  But the day of the Lord will come like a thief, and then the heavens will pass away with a roar, and the heavenly bodies will be burned up and dissolved, and the earth and the works that are done on it will be exposed.
NIV   3:10 But the day of the Lord will come like a thief. The heavens will disappear with a roar; the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and everything in it will be laid bare.

1 John

1)  1 John 1:7  But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.

ESV   1:7  But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin.
NIV   1:7  But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin.

2) 1 John 4:3 And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world.

ESV   4:3  and every spirit that does not confess Jesus is not from God. This is the spirit of the antichrist, which you heard was coming and now is in the world already.
NIV   4:3 but every spirit that does not acknowledge Jesus is not from God. This is the spirit of the antichrist, which you have heard is coming and even now is already in the world.

3) 1 John 5:7-8  For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one. And there are three that bear witness in earth, the Spirit, and the water, and the blood: and these three agree in one.

ESV   5:7 For there are three that testify: 8  the Spirit and the water and the blood; and these three agree.
NIV   5:7 For there are three that testify: 8  the Spirit, the water and the blood; and the three are in agreement.

Revelation

1) Revelation 1:8  I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty.

ESV   1:8  “I am the Alpha and the Omega,” says the Lord God, “who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty.”
NIV   1:8 “I am the Alpha and the Omega,” says the Lord God, “who is, and who was, and who is to come, the Almighty.”

2) Revelation 1:11 Saying, I am Alpha and Omega, the first and the last: and, What thou seest, write in a book, and send it unto the seven churches which are in Asia; unto Ephesus, and unto Smyrna, and unto Pergamos, and unto Thyatira, and unto Sardis, and unto Philadelphia, and unto Laodicea.

ESV   1:11 saying, “Write what you see in a book and send it to the seven churches, to Ephesus and to Smyrna and to Pergamum and to Thyatira and to Sardis and to Philadelphia and to Laodicea.
NIV   1:11 which said: “Write on a scroll what you see and send it to the seven churches: to Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia and Laodicea.”

3) Revelation 2:13   I know thy works, and where thou dwellest, even where Satan’s seat is: and thou holdest fast my name, and hast not denied my faith, even in those days wherein Antipas was my faithful martyr, who was slain among you, where Satan dwelleth.

ESV   2:13 “‘I know where you dwell, where Satan’s throne is. Yet you hold fast my name, and you did not deny my faith even in the days of Antipas my faithful witness, who was killed among you, where Satan dwells.
NIV   2:13  I know where you live— where Satan has his throne. Yet you remain true to my name. You did not renounce your faith in me, even in the days of Antipas, my faithful witness, who was put to death in your city— where Satan lives.

4) Revelation 5:14    And the four beasts said, Amen. And the four and twenty elders fell down and worshiped him that liveth for ever and ever.

ESV   5:14   And the four living creatures said, “Amen!” and the elders fell down and worshiped.
NIV   5:14   The four living creatures said, “Amen,” and the elders fell down and worshiped.

5) Revelation 11:17 Saying, We give thee thanks, O Lord God Almighty, which art, and wast, and art to come; because thou hast taken to thee thy great power, and hast reigned.

ESV   11:17 saying,  “We give thanks to you, Lord God Almighty, who is and who was, for you have taken your great power  and begun to reign.
NIV   11:17 saying: “We give thanks to you, Lord God Almighty, the One who is and who was, because you have taken your great power and have begun to reign.

6)  Revelation 6:1  And I saw when the Lamb opened one of the seals, and I heard, as it were the noise of thunder, one of the four beasts saying, Come and see.

ESV   6:1  Now I watched when the Lamb opened one of the seven seals, and I heard one of the four living creatures say with a voice like thunder, “Come!”
NIV   6:1  I watched as the Lamb opened the first of the seven seals. Then I heard one of the four living creatures say in a voice like thunder, “Come!”

7) Revelation 12:17    And the dragon was wroth with the woman, and went to make war with the remnant of her seed, which keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ.

ESV   12:17  Then the dragon became furious with the woman and went off to make war on the rest of her offspring, on those who keep the commandments of God and hold to the testimony of Jesus. And he stood on the sand of the sea.
NIV   12:17  Then the dragon was enraged at the woman and went off to make war against the rest of her offspring— those who obey God’s commandments and hold to the testimony of Jesus.

8) Revelation 14:5  And in their mouth was found no guile: for they are without fault  before the throne of God.

ESV   14:5 and in their mouth no lie was found, for they are blameless.
NIV   14:5  No lie was found in their mouths; they are blameless.

9) Revelation 16:17  And the seventh angel poured out his vial into the air; and there came a great voice out of the temple of heaven, from the throne, saying, It is done.

ESV   16:17   The seventh angel poured out his bowl into the air, and a loud voice came out of the temple, from the throne, saying, “It is done!”
NIV   16:17  The seventh angel poured out his bowl into the air, and out of the temple came a loud voice from the throne, saying, “It is done!”

10) Revelation 20:9 And they went up on the breadth of the earth, and compassed the camp of the saints about, and the beloved city: and fire came down from God out of  heaven, and devoured them.

ESV   20:9  And they marched up over the broad plain of the earth and surrounded the camp of the saints and the beloved city, but fire came down from heaven and consumed them,
NIV   20:9   They marched across the breadth of the earth and surrounded the camp of God’s people, the city he loves. But fire came down from heaven and devoured them.

11) Revelation 21:24 And the nations of them which are saved  shall walk in the light of it: and the kings of the earth do bring their glory and honour into it.

ESV   21:24  By its light will the nations walk, and the kings of the earth will bring their glory into it
NIV   21:24 The nations will walk by its light, and the kings of the earth will bring their splendor into it.

May God help us to be true Bereans who “…search the scriptures daily, whether these things were so”  Acts 17:11 

For further information on Bible Translation see “The Bible Version” Question/Answer Database by David Cloud Published by Way of Life Literature, Bethel Baptist Church, 4212 Campbell St. N., London, ON N6P 1A6

Phone 519-652-2619 (e-mail)  info@bethelbaptist.ca