For those of us in the English-speaking world, we are incredibly blessed to have access to so many Bible translations. Most are solid and trustworthy, though I’ll admit there are a few I personally steer clear of. I’m not here to dive into a breakdown of every version I use—each has its own strengths and weaknesses. The truth is, no translation is a flawless, perfect replica of the original manuscripts—and, if we’re honest, there probably never will be.

As for my “favorite” translation? Honestly, that depends on my mood. (Yes, I know how flaky that sounds!) But I regularly rotate between five or six versions that span the spectrum from word-for-word to thought-for-thought translations. The ones I use most often are the ESV, NASB2020, LSB, NET and NKJV.

So which one do I consider my daily carry Bible? Which one do I reach for by default?

Well, here’s where it gets interesting. When I became a Christian in 1995, the NIV was the translation most churches were using, including the church I was in. But when they updated the NIV in 2011, our church (probably an overreaction) decided to reject it completely and adopted the ESV. And, wow, did I fall in love with it! And although I am at a different church now, they, too, use the ESV for teaching and preaching. So which Bible is my prefered primary translation? Although I use as reference those mentioned before, the NASB2020, LSB, NET and NKJV, my go-go Bible still remains the ESV.