What is the New International Version (NIV)?
The New International Version (NIV) is a popular English translation of the Bible. First published in 1978, the NIV aims to balance word-for-word and thought-for-thought translation philosophies. The goal of the NIV translators was to produce an accurate, readable, and clear translation suitable for public and private reading, teaching, preaching, memorizing, and liturgical use.
History of the NIV Translation
The New International Version project was initiated in 1956 by a small group of scholars at an evangelical conference. They recognized the need for a new translation in contemporary English to replace the existing King James Version and Revised Standard Version.
In 1965, after securing funding from the New York Bible Society (now Biblica), a committee of over 100 scholars from various denominations and countries began work on the translation. The translation took over 10 years and involved the latest scholarship in biblical languages. The NIV New Testament was completed in 1973, with the full NIV Bible released in 1978.
Since its initial publication, the text of the NIV has undergone several revisions and updates. The first major revision, Today’s New International Version (TNIV), was released in 2002 but faced controversy over gender-inclusive language. This led to a revised NIV published in 2011 that overhauled the TNIV while reinstating some traditional renderings. There was also a British edition NIV published in Anglicised English in the 1980s.
Translation Philosophy of the NIV
The NIV sought to strike a balance between formal equivalence (“word-for-word”) and dynamic equivalence (“thought-for-thought”) translation philosophies. The goal was to produce a readable, accurate text in natural, contemporary English while remaining faithful to the meaning of the original languages.
The translators aimed for a middle ground between transparency to the original text and ease of comprehension. As a mediating translation, the NIV renders some passages word-for-word to preserve linguistic connections, while other passages are translated more dynamically to enhance understanding. The result is a thought-for-thought translation where English clarity is prioritized over formal literalness.
Sources and Manuscripts for the NIV
The Old Testament of the NIV was translated from the Biblia Hebraica Stuttgartensia, a version of the Hebrew Masoretic text standardized in the 20th century. The translators also consulted the Dead Sea Scrolls, the Septuagint, and other ancient manuscripts.
The New Testament was translated from an eclectic Greek text, which means the translators considered various Greek New Testament manuscripts in their work rather than following just one family of texts.
Features of the NIV Translation
1. Readability: The NIV uses natural, easy to understand English aimed at the general reader. Short sentences and paragraphs, along with smoothing out difficult grammar, improves comprehension.
2. Contemporary language: The NIV uses language adapted to the present day rather than archaic terms. Words referring to weights, measures, and money are also modernized.
3. Accuracy: The translators went back to the original languages to produce an accurate text true to the meaning of the biblical writers. The NIV stays close to the Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek where possible.
4. Clarity: Ambiguous passages are clarified with sectional headings, subheadings, footnotes, and explanatory alternate translations. The NIV often adds words not in the original text to aid comprehension.
5. Gender-inclusive language: Recent revisions of the NIV avoid male-oriented language and use gender-neutral terms where the original intent is generic. However, references to God retain masculine pronouns.
6. Mediating translation: The NIV strikes a balance between formal, literal renderings and dynamic, easy to understand translation. The result blends transparency to the original text with natural expression.
The Translation Committee for the NIV
The Committee on Bible Translation (CBT) is the independent body of scholars responsible for the text of the NIV. The group originally consisted of 100 members from various denominations and countries, representing diverse backgrounds, viewpoints, and ecclesial traditions.
The committee was made up of experts in biblical languages and linguists knowledgeable in translation principles and techniques. The translators also consulted with style consultants to ensure clear, contemporary English expression.
The identity of the CBT members is not made public in order to shield them from outside influence and protect the translation process. An anonymous group of scholars allows for open discussion and critique, safeguarding the accuracy of the text. The anonymity also enables the NIV to belong to the whole Christian church rather than a particular denomination.
The CBT continues to meet regularly to review suggestions for revisions and implement minor changes to the text of the NIV. All changes to the text are based on advances in biblical scholarship and changes in the English language to maintain a clear, natural translation. Major revisions require a two-thirds majority vote by the committee.
Reception of the NIV Bible Translation
As one of the first major translations in contemporary English, the NIV quickly gained widespread popularity after its initial release. It became one of the most widely read, distributed, and trusted English Bible translations. Denominations that officially approved the NIV for use include the Assemblies of God, Church of England, Episcopal Church, and Lutheran churches.
The NIV has also faced criticism from those who prefer more literal, word-for-word translations. Some objections center around the NIV’s mediating approach and accuse it of not being faithful enough to the original text. However, no major English translation is without its detractors.
Despite controversies over various revisions and editions, the NIV remains beloved by many for its highly readable, accessible English. It is estimated hundreds of millions of copies have been sold, making the NIV the bestselling English Bible translation. The NIV is especially popular in Evangelical circles and functions as the pew Bible of many churches.
Ongoing Translation Work for the NIV
The Committee on Bible Translation continues to meet regularly to oversee the text of the NIV. As biblical scholarship advances and the English language changes, revisions are made to keep the NIV current and clear.
All suggested changes are thoroughly examined and debated by the committee and must be approved by a two-thirds majority vote. Most revisions involve only minor wording or grammatical adjustments. Occasionally, more significant changes are introduced based on new insights into the meaning of the original languages.
The most substantial update was the 2011 revision. This involved a complete review of the text aimed at increasing accuracy and improving clarity. Advances in biblical scholarship and changes to English usage prompted about 95% of the 2011 revisions. This updated edition replaced the 1984 NIV as the current standard text.
The various NIV translations and editions over the years reflect an ongoing commitment by the Committee on Bible Translation to maintain a trustworthy, understandable Bible text that faithfully communicates God’s Word in natural, contemporary English. Their goal is for the NIV to keep pace with changes in language, scholarship, and culture.
The NIV Translation for the 21st Century
For over 50 years, the New International Version has withstood the test of time as a popular translation that balances accuracy and readability. It strives to make God’s Word clear and accessible to all people, especially those with a basic understanding of the Bible. The NIV’s combination of faithfulness to the original text and natural, uncomplicated English has proven effective for both private reading and public teaching.
Looking ahead, the CBT has committed to periodically review and revise the NIV text as needed. Their aim is to ensure the NIV remains a trustworthy translation fulfilling its intended purpose – an accurate, readable English Bible poised to equip people to read and understand God’s Word well into the 21st century and beyond. As language continually changes, the NIV will adapt along with it, maintaining the balance of fidelity and clarity for the next generation.
In summary, the New International Version of the Bible offers an accurate, fluent translation in plain English making biblical truth accessible. For over five decades, the NIV has brought God’s Word to hundreds of millions of people, and it continues to be one of the most popular and trusted English Bible translations. Its careful scholarship and commitment to clarity allows God’s revelation of Himself through the Scriptures to shine through for all who long to listen to what God is saying.