The ESV: History, Method, and Meaning. The English Standard Version (ESV), first published in 2001, has quickly become one of the most influential English translations of the Bible. Marketed as “essentially literal,” it aims for word-for-word accuracy while maintaining readability. Popular among Reformed and complementarian circles, the ESV has become the standard translation for many evangelical churches.

For many Christians, picking up a Bible feels simple—just choose a cover you like, open to a familiar page, and start reading. But if you’ve ever compared two translations side by side, you probably noticed that they don’t always match word for word.