The new English Standard Version translation is founded on the belief that the words of the Bible are the very words of God. Setting itself apart from other translations by sacrificing neither accuracy nor readability, the ESV is an 'essentially literal' translation that seeks to duplicate the original texts while taking into account the differences between modern English and the original languages. Relying on the work of more than 50 Bible scholars, as well as the input of a 60-member, multi-denominational Advisory Council, the translation committee chaired by J.I. Packer realized its goals of word-for-word precision and accuracy, literary excellence and readability, and depth of meaning.