What is the New International Version (NIV)?

Answer

The New International Version (NIV) originated in 1965 when, following several years of study by committees from the Christian Reformed Church and the National Association of Evangelicals, a trans-denominational and international group of scholars gathered at Palos Heights, Illinois. They reached a consensus on the necessity for a fresh translation in modern English. This conclusion received approval from numerous church leaders who convened in Chicago in 1966. The responsibility for the version was assigned to a self-governing body of fifteen biblical scholars, known as the Committee on Bible Translation. In 1967, the New York Bible Society took on the financial sponsorship of the project. The New Testament was first published in 1973, with the initial printing of the complete Bible following in 1978. Further revisions were implemented in 1983. Variants based on the NIV include the New International Version – UK (NIVUK) and the New International Reader’s Version (NIrV), which is described as an easier-to-read and understand adaptation of the NIV. In 2005, Zondervan published a significant revision of the NIV known as the Today’s New International Version (TNIV). The primary alteration in the TNIV compared to the NIV is a more gender-inclusive translation of specific terms. Due to its contentious gender inclusivity, the TNIV faced substantial criticism from the evangelical community and ceased publication in 2009.

In March 2011, Zondervan, the publisher of the NIV, released a new edition, the 2011 New International Version. This edition replaced the 1984 NIV, which is no longer being published. Similar to its forerunner, the TNIV, the 2011 NIV was translated using gender-neutral translation principles, leading to the substitution of gender-specific words (e.g., man, woman, he, she, son, daughter) with gender-neutral terms (e.g., person, they, child). In many instances, these substitutions are made even when the original language clearly indicates a specific gender. The Council on Biblical Manhood and

Womanhood, which reviewed the 2011 NIV, issued a statement saying they could not recommend the 2011 NIV due to “over 3,600 gender-related problems” previously identified in its critique of the TNIV. It is important to note that starting in 2011, the NIV will be different from the version that has been familiar and cherished since 1984. When buying a Bible, “NIV” will now refer to the 2011 NIV. Remaining copies of the 1984 NIV will be sold out and no longer produced. If an author cites a Bible passage from the NIV in a book, it will likely be from the 2011 NIV.

New International Version – Translation Method

Each book of the Bible was translated by a team of scholars, and the work underwent thorough review and revision by three separate committees. The main committee presented the evolving version to stylistic consultants for their input. Portions of the translation were evaluated for clarity and readability by diverse groups. The committee adhered to specific objectives for the NIV: that it be an “accurate, beautiful, clear, and dignified translation suitable for public and private reading, teaching, preaching, memorizing, and liturgical use.” The NIV is recognized particularly as a “thought for thought” or “dynamic equivalence” translation rather than a “word for word” translation.

New International Version – Pros and Cons

One of the key strengths of the New International Version is its readability. The NIV is presented in a fluid and easy-to-understand English. A drawback of the NIV is that at times it leans towards interpretation rather than strict translation. In the NIV, certain passages are translated with more of a “this is what the translator thinks the text means” approach rather than “this is what the text says.” While the NIV often provides a correct “interpretation,” it may miss the original point. A Bible translation should convey what the Bible states in the original languages and express the same message in the new language.

ge, leaving the interpretation to the reader with the aid of the Holy Spirit. The main drawback of the 2011 NIV is the use of gender-neutral language and the need for interpretation rather than direct translation to offer a more culturally sensitive or politically correct version.

New International Version – Sample Passages

John 1:1, 14: “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” “The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.”

John 3:16: “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”

John 8:58: “I tell you the truth,” Jesus answered, “before Abraham was born, I am!”

Ephesians 2:8-9: “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast.”

Titus 2:13: “while we wait for the blessed hope—the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ.”