What is the New Century Version (NCV)?

Answer

New Century Version – History

The New Century Version of the Bible is a revision of the International Children’s Bible, which targeted young readers and individuals with limited English reading and vocabulary skills. The ICB is written at a 3rd-grade level and maintains a conservative and evangelical tone. The ICB underwent some revisions to increase its sophistication (reading level grade 5) and was renamed the New Century Version. This updated version was initially released in 1991. More recently, the NCV text was integrated with notes addressing teenage issues to create The Youth Bible, which was revised in 2007. Thomas Nelson also produces a version known as NCV Clean, which includes the New Testament along with the books of Psalms and Proverbs.

New Century Version – Translation Method

According to Thomas Nelson, Inc., the publisher of the New Century Version, the translation process of the NCV was guided by a commitment to remain faithful to the manuscripts in the original languages. A team consisting of the World Bible Translation Center and fifty additional highly qualified and experienced Bible scholars and translators was assembled. This team included individuals with translation experience from recognized versions such as the New International Version, the New American Standard Bible, and the New King James Version. The most recent scholarship and the best available Hebrew and Greek texts were utilized, primarily the third edition of the United Bible Societies’ Greek text and the latest edition of the Biblia Hebraica, in addition to the Septuagint.

New Century Version – Pros and Cons

The fact that the New Century Version is a revision of a Bible translation intended for children has likely impeded its acceptance among adults. Although there is nothing “childish” about the NCV, and there is no issue with adults reading a Bible designed for children, the stigma persists. Overall,The New Century Version is a superb Bible translation, striking a fine balance between dynamic and formal equivalence.

New Century Version – Excerpts

John 1:1, 14 – “In the beginning was the Word. 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 Son, 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 – “Very truly I tell you,” 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 is 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 appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ.”