To what extent was the translation of the ESV Bible one consciously assisted by prayer and the Holy Spirit? How conscious of his work in illuminating and guiding our understanding of God�s Word were you in working together on this translation?

Watch Vern Poythress respond (Windows Media format).

The question is, what role did prayer and our dependence on God have in the process of working on the ESV translation? I think it had a very significant role. When we met as a central committee, we opened with prayer almost always�if not always; with some devotional interaction with the Scripture itself. And from time to time we paused for prayer, particularly as we came to a difficult issue or where there was a struggle to find a good English wording.

Looking back, I think we can see the hand of God many, many times in that one way or another the Lord gave us a very good way of expressing accurately and in good English what we found in the original text.

My response to this reply
It is important to me that the ESV translators expressed this reliance on God so clearly. At the end of the day all translators used abilities given them by God whether they are aware of it or not. Prayer expresses our dependence on God. I am glad that the translators prayed for Gods assistance. I wonder whether translating committees for other translations begun with prayer. Comment on this post for your chance to win a free ESV Bible.