The New Century Version (NCV) is an English translation of the Bible first published in 1987. It was originally called the International Children’s Bible and was aimed at young readers, but was later renamed the New Century Version in 1991. The goal of the NCV was to create an easy-to-understand and readable translation of the Bible in contemporary English.
The NCV was translated by a team of over 100 scholars from three countries and various denominations, led by Dr. Barbour, Dr. Taylor and Dr. Wooddale. They used the original Hebrew, Aramaic and Greek texts as the basis for their translation. The guiding translation principle for the NCV was to create a text that was faithful to the meaning of the original languages but used vocabulary and language structures common in everyday English.
Some key features of the New Century Version include:
- Simple, easy to understand language – the NCV uses short sentences and every day words that are familiar to most native English speakers.
- Consistency in translating Greek and Hebrew terms – key theological words like grace, sin, righteousness, etc. are translated consistently throughout.
- In-text explanatory notes – difficult concepts or phrases have notes embedded in the text to explain them simply.
- Messianic prophecies marked – Old Testament passages about the Messiah are marked for easy identification.
- Paragraph format – text is structured in paragraphs instead of individual verses to improve readability.
- Section headings – clear thematic headings help guide readers through passages.
The NCV is written at approximately a third grade reading level according to standards like the Fry Readability Formula and the Flesch-Kincaid scale. This makes it one of the most understandable and accessible English Bible translations available. While some more advanced readers may prefer a translation with more complex vocabulary and sentence structure, the NCV is an excellent choice for individuals at a lower reading comprehension level such as children, new believers, non-native English speakers, or even adults who struggle with reading.
When it was first published as the International Children’s Bible, the NCV met with skepticism from some scholars who felt it oversimplified the text. However, it gained widespread acceptance over time and has been endorsed by organizations like the Child Evangelism Fellowship. In the decades since its initial release, the NCV has undergone minor periodic revisions and updates to improve readability. Today it is used widely in churches, schools, prison ministries, literacy programs, and for personal study.
Some examples of the easy to understand language used in the NCV include:
- “When Jesus saw the crowds, he went up on a hill and sat down. His followers came to him, and he began to teach them.” (Matthew 5:1-2)
- “For God loved the world so much that he gave his one and only Son so that whoever believes in him may not be lost, but have eternal life.” (John 3:16)
- “We know that in everything God works for the good of those who love him. They are the people he called, because that was his plan.” (Romans 8:28)
As can be seen, the vocabulary and sentence structure is simplified from more literal translations. The meaning remains the same, but the language is contemporary and easy to process.
The New Century Version is available digitally and in print from various Bible publishers like Thomas Nelson and Zondervan. Some specific editions of the NCV include:
- NCV Youth Bible – targeted at teens with supplementary articles and features
- NCV Children’s Bible – colorful illustrations and design for young readers
- NCV Life Recovery Bible – recovery helps and notes for those dealing with addictions
- NCV Devotional Bible – daily devotionals and reading plans included
The New Century Version provides an excellent alternative for someone looking for an English Bible that is accessible, comprehensible, and aimed at the average reader. While it is especially useful for children, new believers, and anyone who finds a translation like the King James Version difficult, it can be utilized by all Christians to get the essence of God’s Word in straightforward modern English. The NCV faithfully communicates the message of the Bible in a way almost anyone can understand.
The simplicity of the New Century Version does mean some nuance and literary style from the original languages is minimized. More advanced readers may prefer the ESV, NASB, or KJV. However, for those who struggle with the complex vocabulary and grammar in other translations, the easy to understand language of the NCV provides an invaluable way to engage with and comprehend the Bible. The NCV can help introduce new readers to the Scriptures and provide a foundation for eventually understanding more literal translations.
In summary, the key benefits of the New Century Version include:
- Simple vocabulary and sentence structure
- Lower reading level comprehensible for all ages
- Useful for kids, new believers, non-native speakers, and adults who struggle with reading
- Retains accuracy and faithfulness to the original biblical languages
- In-text notes to clarify complex concepts
- Section headings and paragraph format for improved readability
The New Century Version makes God’s Word accessible and understandable in contemporary English. For those looking for an accurate, easy to read Bible translation at a third grade reading level, the NCV is an excellent option.
The New Century Version is not a paraphrase but a faithful, accurate translation derived directly from the original biblical texts. The vocabulary and sentence structure are simplified to be readable by all, but care is taken not to sacrifice accuracy or depth of meaning. The scholarship behind the NCV is sound and doctrinally orthodox across denominations.
Some critics have argued the NCV oversimplifies to the point of distorting the original meanings or dumbing down Scripture. However, the translation aims not to remove complexity of thought, but to remove complexity of vocabulary and grammar that can obscure meaning. The intent is to make God’s Word clear and comprehensible while retaining accuracy and doctrinal integrity.
It is true that some literary nuance from the original Hebrew and Greek is minimized for the sake of readability. Figures of speech and rhetorical flourishes are simplified or reworded. The NCV may not convey every nuance or provide the most literal rendering. But it allow readers at a third grade level or lower reading ability to effectively comprehend and learn from the Bible text.
The NCV should be seen as a stepping stone towards study of more advanced translations, rather than a replacement. It can lay a foundation of biblical knowledge that helps new or struggling readers eventually tackle more literal renditions. Parents and educators can use the NCV to teach children and new believers the stories and content of Scripture in understandable language. Adults can use it to reinforce understanding or clear up difficulties in their study.
In conclusion, the New Century Version makes the Bible accessible to all ages and levels of reading ability while maintaining faithfulness to the original text. Its simplicity of language allows effective outreach and discipleship using God’s Word. For reading, teaching and sharing Scripture, the NCV is an invaluable translation when comprehension and clarity are the primary aims.
There are a few other main English Bible translations that aim for readability like the NCV:
- New International Reader’s Version (NIrV) – This extremely simple translation is written at a 2nd grade reading level. It was revised from the NIV and uses short sentences and easiest vocabulary.
- Contemporary English Version (CEV) – The CEV uses language adapted for listeners rather than readers. It aims for a high school reading level and was translated in the 1990s.
- The Message (MSG) – This is a paraphrase by Eugene Peterson that tries to convey the essential thought and meaning behind Scripture in very informal language. It is not a strict word-for-word translation.
The New Living Translation (NLT) also aims for readability and clarity but at a slightly higher level than the NCV. The NLT is written at around a 6th grade reading level, while the NCV is a 3rd grade level. The main differences between the NCV and these other easy-to-read translations are:
- The NCV maintains a close word-for-word approach while simplifying vocabulary and sentence structure. The NIrV, CEV, and Message contain more paraphrasing.
- The NCV uses more advanced vocabulary than the NIrV, but more simplicity than the NLT.
- The NCV is a more literal translation than The Message, which freely adapts phrases and is more a paraphrased rendering of concepts.
For balancing faithful accuracy with easy comprehension, the NCV sits in a middle ground amongst readability-focused translations. Parents, churches, schools, and ministries looking for an optimal Bible version for new readers, children, and younger teens have found the NCV strikes that balance extremely well.
The New Century Version has undergone periodic minor updates and revisions since its initial publication. Some of these include:
- 1987 – Originally published as the International Children’s Bible by Word Publishing
- 1991 – Renamed to New Century Version and revised
- 1999 – Minor update to improve readability
- 2005 – Revision and update directed by Rolesville Baptist Church in North Carolina
- 2014 – Text edition updating archaic words/phrases and fixing formatting issues
- 2022 – Updated edition released by Thomas Nelson with new study features
The central aim of readability for children and new Bible readers has remained unchanged throughout these revisions. The revisions tweaked vocabulary where word meanings had shifted since the late 1980s. They also updated punctuation, formatting, and chapter/verse numbering for better clarity. But the essential text and reading level targets did not shift significantly.
The 2022 NCV update focused mainly on adding supplementary study materials, timelines, archaeological notes, and visual aids without modifying the core text itself. Thomas Nelson partnered with the Christian publishing group HarperCollins to freshen presentation and offer new study resources aimed at youth and teens.
Future potential updates to the NCV may continue to sharpen language as English evolves. Periodic revisions can maintain optimal comprehension as words fall out of common usage over time. However, the translators and publishers are committed to retaining the core attributes of simple vocabulary, clear sentence structure, and accessibility that have defined the NCV since its inception.
In selecting an easy-to-understand English Bible translation, parents, churches, educators, and ministries have several good options to consider like the NIrV, CEV, NLT, and The Message. Each has strengths in different contexts. Some key factors in choosing between the NCV and other readable Bibles include:
- Reading level – If aiming for the absolute lowest reading level, NIrV is the best choice. NCV reading level is slightly higher.
- Age – NIrV alsooptimal for early readers below age 7. NCV better suited for 7-12 range.
- Literalness – NCV takes a more literal word-for-word approach than the CEV or Message paraphrases.
- Depth – NLT may offer more nuance for older children/teens than NCV.
- Comprehension – NCV vocabulary and sentence structure simplify meaning for neurological disorders like autism.
- Acceptance – NCV widely endorsed across denominations for children, literacy, ESL, prison ministry.
The New Century Version hits a sweet spot between literalness and extreme simplification. For outreach to children, prisons, communities with low literacy rates, ESL learners, and adults with limited comprehension, the NCV offers an ideal balance. Its popularity for these audiences speaks to its effectiveness and faithfulness in conveying Scripture clearly and accurately.
Many parents start their children on NIrV or NCV and transition them to NLT and higher-level translations as reading ability grows. The NCV can provide a basic foundation of Bible stories and content that prepares young minds to understand more nuanced translations later.
Churches focused on outreach in their community can distribute NCV Bibles to effectively communicate God’s Word to all people regardless of reading proficiency. For ministries like prison fellowship or literacy development, the vocabulary and readability of the NCV are ideal for connecting with people on the margins.
Overall, the New Century Version stands alone in reaching a broad demographic of people at a third grade reading level with an accurate, faithful, and engaging translation of Scripture.