Bible version?

I'm sometimes asked what Bible version I preach from.  Usually it is with a confused, "that wasn't the NIV" kind of look on the person's face. 

I use the ESV in preaching and teaching.  I like its clarity of language, its balance between literal translation and expressing the thoughts of Greek words, and the way it retains important biblical words like "propitiation" without becoming archaic and unreadable. 

Another great translation that hasn't been marketed as well but is really good is the Net Bible.  The study tools available online through the NetBible are especially good. 

I like the NIV too, but I prefer the ESV.  Just thought I'd share that for whatever its worth.

Comments

[ToJ_Rapha]

While I normally read and study out of the NAS (New American Standard), I also really like the NCV ( http://www.biblegateway.com/versions/?action=getVersionInfo&vid=78 ).

The New Century Version is an translation from the original Greek and Hebrew, only with an attempt to use a 3rd-4th grade vocabulary. You end up with a clear, potent, hard-to-avoid translation which is difficult to pretend you don't understand. I have used it in children's ministry, for discipling adults, and for personal Bible memory.

Ex: "Do not be bitter or angry or mad. Never shout angrily or say things to hurt others." -Ephes 4:31 Can't get much more plain than that!