Barabbas

A Comparison of the CSB, ESV, & NIV (2011)[1]

^ESVGenesis 29:10 Now as soon as Jacob saw Rachel the daughter of Laban his mother's brother, and the sheep of Laban his mother's brother, Jacob came near and rolled the stone from the well's mouth and watered the flock of Laban his mother's brother.
^NIVGenesis 29:10 When Jacob saw Rachel daughter of his uncle Laban, and Laban’s sheep, he went over and rolled the stone away from the mouth of the well and watered his uncle’s sheep.
^CSBGenesis 29:10 As soon as Jacob saw his uncle Laban's daughter Rachel with his sheep, he went up and rolled the stone from the opening and watered his uncle Laban's sheep.

Comment: Uncle > mother’s brother.

^ESVExodus 4:14 and when he sees you, he will be glad in his heart.
^NIVExodus 4:14 and he will be glad to see you.
^CSBExodus 4:14 He will rejoice when he sees you.
Comment: “He will be glad in his heart” is a Semitic idiom which simply means “he will be glad.”

^ESVJob 1:2 There were born to him seven sons and three daughters.
^NIVJob 1:2 He had seven sons and three daughters.
^CSBJob 1:2 He had seven sons and three daughters.

^ESVJob 1:5 Thus Job did continually.

^NIVJob 1:5 This was Job’s regular custom.

^CSBJob 1:5 This was Job's regular practice.

^ESV2 Samuel 7:19 this is instruction for mankind, O Lord GOD!"

^NIV2 Samuel 7:19 this decree, Sovereign LORD, is for a mere human!"
^CSB2 Samuel 7:19 this is a revelation for mankind, Lord GOD.

^ESVPsalm 1:1 Blessed is the man

^NIVPsalm 1:1 Blessed is the one
^CSBPsalm 1:1 How happy is the one

^ESVPsalm 20:7 Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the LORD our God.

^NIVPsalm 20:7 Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the LORD our God.

^CSBPsalm 20:7 Some take pride in chariots, and others in horses, but we take pride in the name of the LORD our God.

^ESVPsalm 23:1 The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.
^NIVPsalm 23:1 The LORD is my shepherd, I lack nothing.
^CSB Psalm 23:1 The LORD is my shepherd; I have what I need.
Comment: Though the old language is familiar and cherished by some, it does not communicate well today. “Want” means something different in our day than it did a couple hundred years ago.

^ESVPsalm 23:4 Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
^NIVPsalm 23:4 Even though I walk through the darkest valley,
^CSBPsalm 23:4 Even when I go through the darkest valley,
Comment: The NIV, CSB, NET, NRSV, and NLT have clarified this verse with “darkest valley.”

^ESVPsalm 37:1 Fret not yourself because of evildoers; be not envious of wrongdoers!

^NIVPsalm 37:1 Do not fret because of those who are evil or be envious of those who do wrong;
^CSBPsalm 37:1 Do not be agitated by evildoers; do not envy those who do wrong

^ESVPsalm 71:7 I have been as a portent to many

^NIVPsalm 71:7 I have become a sign to many
^CSBPsalm 71:7 I am like a miraculous sign to many

^ESVPsalm 76:2 His abode has been established

^NIVPsalm 76:2 His tent is
^CSBPsalm 76:2 His tent is

^ESVIsaiah 34:6 it is sated with blood

^NIVIsaiah 34:6 is bathed in blood
^CSBIsaiah 34:6 is covered with blood

^ESVIsaiah 53:4 smitten by God

^NIVIsaiah 53:4 stricken by him
^CSBIsaiah 53:4 struck down by God

^ESVAmos 4:6 I gave you cleanness of teeth in all your cities
^NIVAmos 4:6 I gave you empty stomachs in every city
^CSBAmos 4:6 I gave you absolutely nothing to eat in all your cities
Comment: NIV and CSB have clarified this Hebrew idiom.

^ESVZechariah 1:3 Thus declares the LORD of hosts:
^NIVZechariah 1:3 This is what the LORD Almighty says:
^CSBZechariah 1:3 This is what the LORD of Armies says:

^ESVMatthew 1:18 she was found to be with child

^NIVMatthew 1:18 she was found to be pregnant
^CSBMatthew 1:18 it was discovered before they came together that she was pregnant

^ESVMatthew 1:25 but knew her not until she had given birth to a son.

^NIVMatthew 1:25 But he did not consummate their marriage until she gave birth to a son.
^CSBMatthew 1:25 but did not have sexual relations with her until she gave birth to a son.

^ESVMatthew 5:2 And he opened his mouth and taught them, saying:

^NIVMatthew 5:2 and he began to teach them.
^CSBMatthew 5:2 Then he began to teach them, saying:

^ESVMatthew 6:34 Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.

^NIVMatthew 6:34 Each day has enough trouble of its own.
^CSBMatthew 6:34 Each day has enough trouble of its own.

^ESVMark 1:1 The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ
^NIVMark 1:1 The beginning of the good news about Jesus the Messiah
^CSBMark 1:1 The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God.
Comment: Christ (Christos) is a title, not a last name.

^ESVMark 1:2 Behold, I send my messenger before your face

^NIVMark 1:2 I will send my messenger ahead of you
^CSBMark 1:2 See, I am sending my messenger ahead of you
Comment: “Before your face” is an idiom meaning “ahead of you.”

^ESVMark 3:28 Truly, I say to you, all sins will be forgiven the children of man, and whatever blasphemies they utter

^NIVMark 3:28 Truly I tell you, people can be forgiven all their sins and every slander they utter
^CSBMark 3:28 Truly I tell you, people will be forgiven for all sins and whatever blasphemies they utter.

^ESVMark 8:36 For what does it profit a man to gain the whole world and forfeit his soul?
^NIVMark 8:36 What good is it for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul?
^CSBMark 8:36 For what does it benefit someone to gain the whole world and yet lose his life?
Comment: Extensive research has shown that the singular “they,” “their,” and “them” has a venerable place in common English idiom and has quickly become established in speaking and writing. Those troubled by translating singulars to plurals should note that Paul did this: See Rom 10:15b (those) quoting Isa 52:7 (him), Rom 3:10 (their) quoting Ps 36:1b (his), and Rom 4:6-7 (they) quoting Ps 32:1 (he).[2]

^ESVLuke 2:12 wrapped in swaddling cloths
^NIVLuke 2:12 wrapped in cloths
^CSBLuke 2:12 wrapped tightly in cloth

^ESVLuke 5:12 While he was in one of the cities, there came a man full of leprosy.
^NIVLuke 5:12 While Jesus was in one of the towns, a man came along who was covered with leprosy.
^CSBLuke 5:12 While he was in one of the towns, a man was there who had leprosy all over him.
Comment: Full of leprosy?

^ESVLuke 11:41 But give as alms those things that are within
^NIVLuke 11:41 But now as for what is inside you – be generous to the poor
^CSBLuke 11:41 But give from what is within to the poor

^ESVLuke 17:35 There will be two women grinding together
^NIVLuke 17:35 Two women will be grinding grain together
^CSBLuke 17:35 Two women will be grinding grain together

^ESVLuke 22:47 there came a crowd

^NIVLuke 22:47 a crowd came up
^CSBLuke 22:47 suddenly a mob came

^ESVJohn 1:16 And from his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace.
^NIVJohn 1:16 Out of his fullness we have all received grace in place of grace already given.
^CSBJohn 1:16 Indeed, we have all received grace upon grace from his fullness
Comment: If John wanted to say “upon,” he would have used the preposition epi, not anti. The most common use of anti is “instead of” or “in place of.”[3]

^ESVJohn 3:16 "For God so loved the world

^NIVJohn 3:16 For God so loved the world

^CSBJohn 3:16 "For God loved the world in this way
Comment: The word houtōs means “in this way,” or “in this manner.” CSB is to be applauded for breaking with tradition when it muddles the meaning of Scripture.

^ESVJohn 9:22 anyone should confess Jesus to be Christ
^NIVJohn 9:22 anyone who acknowledged that Jesus was the Messiah
^CSBJohn 9:22 anyone confessed him as the Messiah

^ESVActs 2:33 Being therefore exalted at the right hand of God

^NIVActs 2:33 Exalted to the right hand of God,
^CSBActs 2:33 Therefore, since he has been exalted to the right hand of God
Comment: The NIV does not translate oun (therefore).

^ESVActs 2:43 And awe came upon every soul
^NIVActs 2:43 Everyone was filled with awe
^CSBActs 2:43 Everyone was filled with awe

^ESVActs 3:11 While he clung to Peter and John, all the people, utterly astounded, ran together to them in the portico called Solomon's.
^NIVActs 3:11 While the man held on to Peter and John, all the people were astonished and came running to them in the place called Solomon’s Colonade.
^CSBActs 3:11 While he was holding on to Peter and John, all the people, utterly astonished, ran toward them in what is called Solomon's Colonnade.

^ESVActs 4:34 There was not a needy person among them
^NIVActs 4:34 that there were no needy persons among them
^CSBActs 4:34 For there was not a needy person among them

Comment: Here the ESV leaves out the “for” (gar) that begins the sentence.

^ESVActs 8:23 For I see that you are in the gall of bitterness and in the bond of iniquity.

^NIVActs 8:23 For I see that you are full of bitterness and captive to sin.
^CSBActs 8:23 For I see you are poisoned by bitterness and bound by wickedness.

^ESVActs 19:13 I adjure you by the Jesus

^NIVActs 19:13 In the name of Jesus . . I command you

^CSBActs 19:13 I command you by the Jesus

^ESVActs 20:12 And they took the youth away alive, and were not a little comforted.

^NIVActs 20:12 The people took the young man home alive and were greatly comforted.
^CSBActs 20:12 They brought the boy home alive and were greatly comforted.

^ESVRomans 1:4 was declared to be the Son of God in power
^NIVRomans 1:4 was appointed the Son of God in power
^CSBRomans 1:4 and was appointed to be the powerful Son of God
Comment: “Declared” is an incorrect translation of horizō. It never means “declared” in the NT or LXX. In its seven other occurrences, it means “determine, appoint, or fix.[4]

^ESVRomans 1:5 through whom we have received grace and apostleship to bring about (eis) the obedience of faith
^NIVRomans 1:5 Through him we received grace and apostleship to call all the Gentiles to the obedience that comes from faith
^CSBRomans 1:5 Through him we have received grace and apostleship to bring about the obedience of faith

^ESVRomans 2:14 For when Gentiles, who do not have the law, by nature do what the law requires, they are a law to themselves, even though they do not have the law.

^NIVRomans 2:14 (Indeed, when Gentiles, who do not have the law, do by nature things required by the law, they are a law for themselves, even though they do not have the law.
^CSBRomans 2:14 So, when Gentiles, who do not by nature have the law, do what the law demands, they are a law to themselves even though they do not have the law.

Comment: Here I think the CSB nails it by modifying “do not have the law” with the phrase “by nature.” As Gentiles, they are without the Mosaic law.

^ESVRomans 6:12 Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal bodies

^NIVRomans 6:12 Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body
^CSBRomans 6:12 Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body

^ESVRomans 7:14 For we know that the law is spiritual, but I am of the flesh, sold under sin.

^NIVRomans 7:14 We know that the law is spiritual; but I am unspiritual, sold as a slave to sin.

^CSBRomans 7:14 For we know that the law is spiritual, but I am of the flesh, sold as a slave to sin.

Comment: The NIV often omits the key word “for” (gar). So also Romans 1:18, 8:5, and 8:7.

^ESVRomans 9:5 To them belong the patriarchs, and from their race, according to the flesh, is the Christ who is God over all
^NIVRomans 9:5 Theirs are the patriarchs, and from them is traced the human ancestry of the Messiah, who is God over all
^CSBRomans 9:5 The ancestors are theirs, and from them, by physical descent, came the Christ, who is God over all

^ESVRomans 10:4 For Christ is the end of the law.

^NIVRomans 10:4 Christ is the culmination of the law

^CSBRomans 10:4 For Christ is the end of the law

Comment: The NIV is on point here, since telos can mean end or goal. Culmination nicely captures both, though they should’ve left the “for.”

^ESVRomans 13:8 Owe no one anything

^NIVRomans 13:8 Let no debt remain outstanding

^CSBRomans 13:8 Do not owe anyone anything

Comment: The NIV softens the imperative here.

^ESVRomans 15:3 For Christ did not please himself

^NIVRomans 15:3 For even Christ did not please himself
^CSBRomans 15:3 For even Christ did not please himself
Comment: The text says ho Christos = the Messiah. It should be translated as such. Wish the CSB would have stuck with HCSB on this one.

^ESVRomans 15:7 Therefore welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you

^NIVRomans 15:7 Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you

^CSBRomans 15:7 Therefore accept one another, just as Christ also accepted you
Comment: The text says ho Christos = the Messiah. HCSB was best on this one.

^ESVRomans 16:1 Phoebe, a servant
^NIVRomans 16:1 Phoebe, a deacon
^CSBRomans 16:1 Phoebe, who is a servant

^ESVRomans 16:7 Greet Andronicus and Junia, my kinsmen and my fellow prisoners. They are well known to the apostles
^NIVRomans 16:7 Greet Andronicus and Junia, my fellow Jews who have been in prison with me. They are outstanding among the apostles
^CSBRomans 16:7 Greet Andronicus and Junia, my fellow Jews and fellow prisoners. They are noteworthy in the eyes of the apostles
Comment: This is a very controversial passage due to its implications for gender, but the consensus view is that episēmoi en tois apostolois means “distinguished among the apostles.”[5]

^ESV1 Corinthians 6:8-9 But you yourselves wrong and defraud--even your own brothers! Or do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God?
^NIV1 Corinthians 6:8-9 Instead, you yourselves cheat and do wrong, and you do this to your brothers and sisters. Or do you not know that wrongdoers will not inherit the kingdom of God?
^CSB1 Corinthians 6:8-9 Instead, you yourselves do wrong and cheat - and you do this to brothers and sisters! Don't you know that the unrighteous will not inherit God's kingdom?
Comment: By being inconsistent in translating this verse, the ESV and CSB misses the word play Paul is using. He is warning them, “You do wrong (adikeite) . . . don’t you know that wrongdoers (adikoi) will not inherit the kingdom.

^ESV1 Corinthians 10:26 For “the earth is the Lord's, and the fullness thereof.”

^NIV1 Corinthians 10:26 for, “The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it.”
^CSB1 Corinthians 10:26 since the earth is the Lord's, and all that is in it.

^ESV2 Corinthians 5:16 we regard him thus no longer.
^NIV2 Corinthians 5:16 we do so no longer.
^CSB2 Corinthians 5:16 we no longer know him in this way.
^ESV2 Corinthians 5:17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation
^NIV2 Corinthians 5:17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come
^CSB2 Corinthians 5:17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation
Comment: The Greek literally says, “If anyone is in Christ, new creation.” The NIV is more accurate here though, for Paul never uses the noun “creation” (ktisis) for individuals.

^ESV2 Corinthians 12:10 For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities.
^NIV2 Corinthians 12:10 That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties.
^CSB2 Corinthians 12:10 So I take pleasure in weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and in difficulties, because of Christ.
Comment: The ESV softens the verb eudokeō. It is much stronger than “I am content.”

^ESVGalatians 1:8 let him be accursed
^NIVGalatians 1:8 let them be under God’s curse
^CSBGalatians 1:8 a curse be on him

^ESVGalatians 4:3 In the same way we also, when we were children, were enslaved to the elementary principles of the world.
^NIVGalatians 4:3 So also, when we were underage, we were in slavery under the elemental spiritual forces of the world.
^CSB Galatians 4:3 In the same way we also, when we were children, were in slavery under the elements of the world.
Comment: There are a couple of problems with the ESV here. First, the ESV leaves out the word “under” (hypo), which is very important theologically for Paul. In Galatians he equates being under the law with under the elemental spiritual forces, under the control of sin, and under a guardian.[6] The NIV and CSB include the word, “under.” Also, the ESV translates stoichea tou cosmou as “elementary principles of the world.” This is strange since the ESV translates the exact same phrase as “elemental spirits of the world” in Colossians 2:8 and 2:20. I think the ESV has it right in Colossians but wrong in Galatians. The NIV and CSB are accurate in both places and do not leave out any words.[7]

^ESVGalatians 5:3, 14 I testify again to every man who accepts circumcision that he is obligated to keep the whole law. . . . 5:14 For the whole law is fulfilled in one word: "You shall love your neighbor as yourself."
^NIVGalatians 5:3, 14 Again I declare to every man who lets himself be circumcised that he is obligated to obey the whole law. . . . 5:14 For the entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one command: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’
^CSBGalatians 5:3, 14 Again I testify to every man who gets himself circumcised that he is obligated to do the entire law. . . . 5:14 For the whole law is fulfilled in one statement: Love your neighbor as yourself."
Comment: In these verses, Paul uses two different verbs and two different adjectives in relation to the law in these two verses. In verse 3, he says that a person who is circumcised is obligated to obey or do (poiēō) the whole (holos) law. In verse 14, he says the entire (pas) law is fulfilled (plēroō) in keeping this one command. NIV has “obey and whole” in v. 3 and “entire and fulfilled” in v. 14 while the ESV has “keep and whole” in v. 3 and “whole and fulfilled” in v. 14.

^ESVGalatians 5:6 but only faith working through love.

^NIVGalatians 5:6 The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love.

^CSBGalatians 5:6 what matters is faith working through love.
Comment: The NIV misses the word play on “works.” Works of the law do not justify but faith “works” (energēō) through love.

^ESVGalatians 5:7 You were running well. Who hindered you from obeying the truth?
^NIVGalatians 5:7 You were running a good race. Who cut in on you to keep you from obeying the truth?
^CSBGalatians 5:7 You were running well. Who prevented you from being persuaded regarding the truth?
Comment: The NIV is better here. Paul is alluding to the Judaizers who were trying to force the Galatians to be “cut” (i.e. circumcised).

^ESVGalatians 6:10 So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith.

^NIVGalatians 6:10 Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.

^CSBGalatians 6:10 Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us work for the good of all, especially for those who belong to the household of faith.

Comment: The NIV and ESV miss another important word play here in Paul. Paul has been showing how “works of the law” (ergōn nomou) do not justify. This does not imply that Christians do not “work.” No, we “work” (ergaōmetha) good to all, especially to fellow Christians.

^ESVGalatians 6:15 For neither circumcision counts for anything, nor uncircumcision, but a new creation.
^NIVGalatians 6:15 Neither circumcision nor uncircumcision means anything; what counts is the new creation.
^CSBGalatians 6:15 For both circumcision and uncircumcision mean nothing; what matters instead is a new creation.

^ESVGalatians 6:16 And as for all who walk by this rule, peace and mercy be upon them, and upon the Israel of God.
^NIVGalatians 6:16 Peace and mercy to all who follow this rule – to the Israel of God.
^CSBGalatians 6:16 May peace come to all those who follow this standard, and mercy even to the Israel of God!
Comment: Although this is a disputed point, in taking the teaching of the letter as a whole, the NIV rightly translates “and” as an explicative kai.

^ESVEphesians 1:3 Blessed be the God

^NIVEphesians 1:3 Praise be to the God

^CSBEphesians 1:3 Blessed is the God

^ESVEphesians 1:4-5 In love he predestined us

^NIVEphesians 1:4-5 In love he predestined us

^CSBEphesians 1:4-5 blameless in love before him. He predestined . .
Comment: “In love” is best seen as the beginning of verse 5.

^ESVEphesians 1:8-9 . . in all wisdom and insight, making known to us

^NIVEphesians 1:8-9 With all wisdom and understanding he made known to us

^CSBEphesians 1:8-9 . . .with all wisdom and understanding. He made known to us
Comment: I think the NIV gets the punctuation right here.

^ESVEphesians 2:3 we were by nature children of wrath

^NIVEphesians 2:3 we were by nature deserving of wrath

^CSBEphesians 2:3 we were by nature children under wrath

^ESVEphesians 2:10 For we are his workmanship

^NIVEphesians 2:10 For we are God’s handiwork

^CSBEphesians 2:10 For we are his workmanship

^ESVEphesians 2:15 that he might create in himself one new man in place of the two
^NIVEphesians 2:15 His purpose was to create in himself one new humanity, out of the two
^CSBEphesians 2:15 so that he might create in himself one new man from the two

^ESVEphesians 4:20 But that is not the way you learned Christ!

^NIVEphesians 4:20 That, however, is not the way of life you learned

^CSBEphesians 4:20 But that is not how you came to know Christ
Comment: NIV leaves out Christ in this verse.

^ESVEphesians 5:18 but be filled with the Spirit

^NIVEphesians 5:18 Instead, be filled with the Spirit

^CSBEphesians 5:18 but be filled by the Spirit
Comment: I think the CSB is on point here, translating en with by rather than with.

^ESVEphesians 5:21 submitting to one another

^NIVEphesians 5:21 Submit to one another

^CSBEphesians 5:21 submitting to one another
Comment: ESV and CSB show that submitting is a participle rather than a new command or section.

^ESVPhilippians 2:5 Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus
^NIVPhilippians 2:5 In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus
^CSBPhilippians 2:5 Adopt the same attitude as that of Christ Jesus
Comment: NIV and CSB > ESV here.

^ESVPhilippians 2:6 who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped
^NIVPhilippians 2:6 Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage
^CSBPhilippians 2:6 who, existing in the form of God, did not consider equality with God as something to be exploited
Comment: Progress in biblical scholarship has shown that this word (harpagmos) refers to something a person has in their possession but chooses not to use it to their own advantage.[8] The NIV and CSB are more accurate here.

^ESVPhilippians 2:27 Indeed he was ill, near to death. But God had mercy on him, and not only on him but on me also, lest I should have sorrow upon sorrow.

^NIVPhilippians 2:27 Indeed he was ill, and almost died. But God had mercy on him, and not on him only but also on me, to spare me sorrow upon sorrow.
^CSBPhilippians 2:27 Indeed, he was so sick that he nearly died. However, God had mercy on him, and not only on him but also on me, so that I would not have sorrow upon sorrow.

^ESVPhilippians 4:13 I can do all things through him who strengthens me.
^NIVPhilippians 4:13 I can do all this through him who gives me strength.
^CSBPhilippians 4:13 I am able to do all things through him who strengthens me.
Comment: This verse is ripped out of context all the time to slap on coffee mugs. The NIV’s more accurate translation will make it harder for people to do this. The Greek simply says, “I can do all.” “Things” or “this” must be added. By adding “this” rather than “things,” the NIV points us back to what Paul had just said, namely, being content in any circumstance. While it is true that Christ gives us strength to do all things, in this verse Paul is saying Christ gives him strength to be content in any and every situation (Phil 4:12).

^ESVColossians 1:2 To the saints and faithful brothers in Christ at Colossae

^NIVColossians 1:2 To God’s holy people in Colossae, the faithful brothers and sisters in Christ
^CSBColossians 1:2 To the saints in Christ at Colossae

Comment: Only the NIV translates en as “in” showing they are both in Christ and in Colossae.

^ESVColossians 1:5 because of the hope laid up for you in heaven. Of this you have heard before in the word of the truth, the gospel

^NIVColossians 1:5 the faith and love that spring from the hope stored up for you in heaven and about which you have already heard in the true message of the gospel
^CSBColossians 1:5 because of the hope reserved for you in heaven. You have already heard about this hope in the word of truth, the gospel

^ESVColossians 2:8 See to it that no one takes you captive by philosophy and empty deceit,

^NIVColossians 2:8 See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy
^CSBColossians 2:8 Be careful that no one takes you captive through philosophy and empty deceit

Comment: Paul is not denouncing all philosophy, only deceptive philosophy that is not according to Christ. NIV clarifies.

^ESVColossians 2:11 by the circumcision of Christ

^NIVColossians 2:11 when you were circumcised by Christ
^CSBColossians 2:11 in the circumcision of Christ

^ESVColossians 2:15 by triumphing over them in him

^NIVColossians 2:15 triumphing over them by the cross
^CSBColossians 2:15 he triumphed over them in him

Comment: Context shows that it is the cross that triumphs.

^ESVColossians 3:9 seeing that you have put off the old self

^NIVColossians 3:9 since you have taken off your old self
^CSBColossians 3:9 since you have put off the old self

^ESVColossians 4:2 Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving.

^NIVColossians 4:2 Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.
^CSBColossians 4:2 Devote yourselves to prayer; stay alert in it with thanksgiving.

^ESV1 Thessalonians 1:3 remembering before our God and Father your work of faith and labor of love and steadfastness of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.

^NIV1 Thessalonians 1:3 We remember before our God and Father your work produced by faith, your labor prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.
^CSB1 Thessalonians 1:3 We recall, in the presence of our God and Father, your work produced by faith, your labor motivated by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ
Comment: Genitives are tricky for translaters. The writers of the NT had a certain relationship concerning the words in mind. As Moises Silva writes, “It would be naive to think that the average believer in the pew immediately recognizes the ambiguities inherent in the Greek genitive—let alone that he or she has the means to reach an informed opinion regarding the meaning without at least consulting other translations. But if in either case (with the NIV or the ESV) it is necessary to consult something or someone, then what harm has been done by providing a more intelligible rendering that represents, at the very least, a defensible understanding of the text?”[9]

^ESV1 Thessalonians 2:8 So, being affectionately desirous of you

^NIV1 Thessalonians 2:8 so we cared for you. Because we loved you so much
^CSB1 Thessalonians 2:8 We cared so much for you

^ESV1 Timothy 2:5 one mediator between God and men

^NIV1 Timothy 2:5 one mediator between God and mankind

^CSB1 Timothy 2:5 one mediator between God and humanity

^ESV1 Timothy 2:12 I do not permit a woman to teach or to exercise authority over a man; rather, she is to remain quiet.

^NIV1 Timothy 2:12 I do not permit a woman to teach or to assume authority over a man; she must be quiet.

^CSB1 Timothy 2:12 I do not allow a woman to teach or to have authority over a man; instead, she is to remain quiet.
Comment: This is a very controversial and important verse, but many NT scholars agree that “have” or “exercise” authority is the correct translation.[10] The NIV has said it hopes to satisfy both egalitarians and complementarians. Unfortunately, their “assume” will not satisfy many complementarians. Here the NIV should have stuck with their 1984 rendering “have authority.”[11]

^ESV1 Timothy 3:11 Their wives likewise must

^NIV1 Timothy 3:11 In the same way, the women are to be

^CSB1 Timothy 3:11 Wives, too, must be

Comment: ESV adds “their” to the Text. The word gunē means women unless context clearly indicates wife.

^ESV1 Timothy 5:17 Let the elders who rule well be considered worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in preaching and teaching.
^NIV1 Timothy 5:17 The elders who direct the affairs of the church well are worthy of double honor, especially those whose work is preaching and teaching.

^CSB1 Timothy 5:17 The elders who are good leaders are to be considered worthy of double honor, especially those who work hard at preaching and teaching.

Comment: CSB seems to have a Baptist audience in mind with this one.

^ESV1 Timothy 6:10 have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pangs.

^NIV1 Timothy 6:10 have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.
^CSB1 Timothy 6:10 have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.
Comment: Pangs?

^ESV2 Timothy 3:17 that the man of God may be competent, equipped for every good work.

^NIV2 Timothy 3:17 so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.

^CSB2 Timothy 3:17 so that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.

^ESV2 Timothy 4:8 Henceforth

^NIV2 Timothy 4:8 Now
^CSB2 Timothy 4:8 [Left untranslated]

^ESVTitus 2:5 workers at home

^NIVTitus 2:5 to be busy at home
^CSBTitus 2:5 working at home

^ESVTitus 2:10 not pilfering, but showing all good faith, so that in everything they may adorn the doctrine of God our Savior.

^NIVTitus 2:10 and not to steal from them, but to show that they can be fully trusted, so that in every way they will make the teaching about God our Savior attractive.
^CSBTitus 2:10 or stealing, but demonstrating utter faithfulness, so that they may adorn the teaching of God our Savior in everything.

^ESVTitus 3:14 And let our people learn to devote themselves to good works, so as to help cases of urgent need, and not be unfruitful.
^NIVTitus 3:14 Our people must learn to devote themselves to doing what is good, in order to provide for urgent needs and not live unproductive lives.
^CSBTitus 3:14 Let our people learn to devote themselves to good works for pressing needs, so that they will not be unfruitful.

^ESVHebrews 2:6 It has been testified somewhere, "What is man, that you are mindful of him, or the son of man, that you care for him?

^NIVHebrews 2:6 But there is a place where someone has testified: "What is mankind that you are mindful of them, a son of man that you care for him?

^CSBHebrews 2:6 But someone somewhere testified: What is man that you remember him, or the son of man that you care for him?

Comment: I think Hebrews 2 is referring to Christ, but the NIV misses this by translating “man” (anthrōpos) as “mankind.” What is even stranger is that the NIV translates Psalm 8:4 as "what is mankind that you are mindful of them, human beings that you care for them?" So in the Psalm they have “human beings” but in Hebrews 2 they have the Psalm saying “son of man.”

^ESVHebrews 4:1 Therefore, while the promise of entering his rest still stands, let us fear lest any of you should seem to have failed to reach it.

^NIVHebrews 4:1 Therefore, since the promise of entering his rest still stands, let us be careful that none of you be found to have fallen short of it.

^CSBHebrews 4:1 Therefore, since the promise to enter his rest remains, let us beware that none of you should be found to have fallen short.

Comment: The NIV and CSB softens the warning by translating “fear” (phobēōmai) as “be careful” and “beware.”

^ESVHebrews 7:12 For when there is a change in the priesthood, there is necessarily a change in the law as well.
^NIVHebrews 7:12 For when the priesthood is changed, the law must be changed also.
^CSBHebrews 7:12 For when there is a change of the priesthood, there must be a change of law as well.
Comment: The ESV misses it here. It is not a change in the priesthood or in the law (dative), but of priesthood (tēs hierōsunēs) and of law (nomou) (gentive).

^ESVHebrews 9:6 These preparations having thus been made

^NIVHebrews 9:6 When everything had been arranged like this
^CSBHebrews 9:6 With these things prepared like this

^ESVJames 2:24 You see that a person is justified by works and not by faith alone.

^NIVJames 2:24 You see that a person is considered righteous by what they do and not by faith alone.

^CSBJames 2:24 You see that a person is justified by works and not by faith alone.

^ESV1 Peter 4:8 Above all, keep loving one another earnestly
^NIV1 Peter 4:8 Above all, love each other deeply
^CSB1 Peter 4:8 Above all, maintain an intense love for each other

^ESV1 Peter 4:18 And "If the righteous is scarcely saved

^NIV1 Peter 4:18 If it is hard for the righteous to be saved
^CSB1 Peter 4:18 And if a righteous person is saved with difficulty

^ESV2 Peter 1:3, 5 through the knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and excellence. . . . . ⁵ For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue
^NIV2 Peter 1:3, 5 through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. . . . For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness

^CSB2 Peter 1:3, 5 through the knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and goodness. . . . For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith with goodness
Comment: Again, the ESV misses Peter’s word play. Peter uses the same word in these verses (aretē), but you would not know it in the ESV since it translates the same Greek word as “excellence” in verse 3 and “virtue” in verse 5. The NIV and CSB rightly translate it “goodness” both times.

^ESV1 John 2:16 and pride of life

^NIV1 John 2:16 and the pride of life

^CSB1 John 2:16 and the pride in one’s possessions

^ESV1 John 4:11 Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.

^NIV1 John 4:11 Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.

^CSB1 John 4:11 Dear friends, if God loved us in this way, we also must love one another.

Comment: As with John 3:16, the CSB is better than the NIV and ESV with the modal meaning of houtōs.

^ESVRevelation 3:20 Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me.

^NIVRevelation 3:20 Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me.

^CSBRevelation 3:20 See! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me.
Comment: The NIV reads awkwardly here due to plural pronouns.[12]

^ESVRevelation 18:20 Rejoice over her, O heaven

^NIVRevelation 18:20 Rejoice over her, you heavens

^CSBRevelation 18:20 Rejoice over her, heaven

[1] See Mark L. Strauss, “Why the English Standard Version (ESV): Should not become the Standard English Version”: http://zondervan.typepad.com/files/improvingesv2.pdf. Accessed March 28, 2011. I first noticed several of these in his article.

[2] Fee and Strauss, How to Choose a Translation, 105. The KJV does this at Phil 2:3.

[3] See D.A. Carson, John, PNTC (Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1991), 131-32.

[4] Douglas Moo, Romans, NICNT (Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1996), 47; Thomas R. Schreiner, Romans, BECNT (Grand Rapids: Baker Academic, 1998), 42.

[5] Schreiner, Romans, 796; Moo, Romans, 923; See also Linda Belleville, “Women Leaders in the Bible,” in Discovering Biblical Equality (Downers Grove, IL: IVP Academic, 2005), 116-20.

[6] See my Galatians: A Theological Interpretation (Frederick, MD: New Covenant Media, 2011), 81.

[7] See my The Law of Christ (Frederick, MD: New Covenant Media, 2010), 61-66.

[8] For a defense of this view, see Frank Thielman, Philippians, NIVAC (Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1995), 116.

[9] Silva “Are Translators Traitors? Some Personal Reflections;” See also the whole chapter dedicated to the genitive case in Fee and Strauss, How to Choose a Translation, 77-87.

[10] See Andreas J. Köstenberger and Thomas R. Schreiner, Women in the Church: An Analysis and Application of 1 Timothy 2:9-15 (Grand Rapids: Baker Academic, 2005).

[11] See Al Wolters, “An Early Parallel of authentein in 1 Tim 2:12″ JETS 54.4 (2011): 673-684.

[12] See Vern Poythress, “Gender Neutral Issues in the New International Version of 2011,” WTJ 73 (2011): 79-96.