25 Year Old NIV Translation Will Be New Again

The widely known and published New International Version of the Holy Bible will soon be undergoing a scholarly revision process for the first time in over 25 years, according to NIV copyright owner Biblica (formerly the International Bible Society). As one of the most popular Bible translations of the 20^th Century, the NIV has set the standard for countless subsequent translations and Biblical commentaries and is even included in dozens of PC Study Bible computer software programs. Its impact is one that exists on a global scale, via print and digital media.

Evangelical book and Bible publishing giant Zondervan, along with the CBT (Committee on Bible Translations) have additionally announced their plans to completely cut all sales of the TNIV (Today's New International Version) translation-a translation which several conservative Christians had qualms about during its debut nearly seven years ago. Apparently, controversy surrounding the use of "gender-neutral language" caused a stir among certain large sects of conservative believers (Source: The Christian Post). According to Biblica's official website, the goal of the TNIV was to offer "clarity in contemporary English." When referring to people, the TNIV employs the use of gender-inclusive language, but does not refer to God with such language.

Although the original NIV was first published and marketed to the general populace in 1978, it underwent a heavy revision process in 1984. Now again, in 2009, Biblical scholars and Greek/Hebrew translators plan to revisit the ancient texts in an attempt to remain faithful to their desire for contemporariness and cultural relevancy.

Members of the NIV revision team and the CBT have not yet released any official statements revealing how they plan to handle the controversial gender language issues that will no doubt arise over the coming months.

CBT Chairman Professor Douglas Moo told The Christian Post, "The new 2011 NIV is all about maintaining and enhancing the original values of the NIV for today's readers."

Together, the CBT and Biblica are certainly striving for one goal above all else: accuracy. Remaining true and faithful to the words and intentions of the original authors should indeed be the goal of any and every Bible translation. Biblica and Zondervan have officially announced that the new and revised NIV translation will be published in 2011, a year that will also mark the historic 400th anniversary of the King James Version of the Bible.

You can read more about this new revision process of the NIV at Biblica's official website: www.biblica.com. You can learn more about the products offered by Zondervan Publishing at their official website: www.zondervan.com.

©2009 Joshua D. Givens and The Underground Christian magazine.

This article was originally published here: http://theundergroundsite.com/index.php/2009/09/25-year-old-niv-translation-will-be-new-again/

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