Our Translation Choice
Texas Bible Bowl uses the English Standard Version (ESV) for all competition materials.
Why Not the NIV?
The NIV cannot be reproduced in bulk due to copyright restrictions, which makes it impractical for a competition that requires printing and distributing large amounts of Bible text to participants.
Why the ESV?
The ESV uses an essentially literal translation philosophy, striving to “stay as close as possible to the original wording and style of the biblical authors.”
This approach offers several advantages for serious study:
- Maintains consistent English terminology for original-language concepts
- Aligns Old Testament passages cited in the New Testament
- Preserves the richness and nuance of original meanings
For a competition where careful study and understanding of Scripture are key, the ESV is an excellent choice. It is a newer translation and very readable.
“Making God’s Word Important”