Originally Posted by
exile
That is the version I read.
I started out with the NIV and read it for years and years, but I did not find it to be terribly accurate. I then tried the NASB for a while, (I have heard that it is the most accurate modern translation) but I did not find it to be as readable as the NIV.
When the ESV came out, I checked it against the NASB and the King James version long enough to determine that (for me) it was the best balance between accuracy and readability that I could find.
I know it is not a real translation (it is a revision of the RSV) and I always said that I would never read a paraphrased version of Scripture, but I like it very much.
When you add the fact that Crossway publishers seem to be in business to get the Bible into as many hands as possible with a minimum profit motive (they may be totally non-profit, I don't know), I am sold on the ESV.
It may help you to know that no one agrees with my reasoning on this matter, but hey, such is life.
This is probably more information than you wanted, but I hope I answered your question.
Regards,
exile