What is this new translation?
The TNIV fulfills CBT's mission to meet the ever-changing needs of today's Christians and new believers. It offers an additional choice in Bible translations. Building on the classic New International Version (NIV), the TNIV precisely communicates the Scriptures with accuracy and clarity in modern English. Almost 7 percent of the TNIV text has been changed from the NIV. The changes reflect a better understanding of the meaning of the original Greek and Hebrew.
Who translated this text?
The Committee on Bible Translation (CBT) - the group that originally produced the NIV. The CBT is a group of independent translators, a premier assembly of scholars from a variety of denominations. Their work reflects more than 30 years of translation scrutiny.
The translators are determined to produce a Bible that does not include any denominational or regional bias. As such, the scholars come from not only the United States, but also Great Britain and Canada. To safeguard the translation from sectarian bias, the group represents a wide spectrum of denominations.
Will this text one day replace the NIV?
No. The TNIV offers today's Christians a new choice in translations with contemporary language, but in no way diminishes the needs of millions who currently love and trust the NIV. Because of its tremendous following, IBS and Hodder & Stoughton have both committed to continue publishing the classic NIV without change. The TNIV is intended to meet the language needs of people who desire the latest scholarship and updated language - the same way the NIV has met the needs of Christians for the last 30 years.
How does the TNIV differ from the NIV?
Almost 7 percent of the TNIV text has been changed from the NIV. The majority of the changes are made to better clarify passages or update colloquial English without altering the intended meaning.
- Word changes that more precisely render the meaning of the original text and thus improve accuracy. For example, 'Christ' is change to 'Messiah' when the underlying Greek functions as a title.
- Word changes that reflect a better understanding of the meaning of certain terms in the original Greek and Hebrew. References to 'the Jews' are described more specifically, such as 'the Jews there' or 'the Jewish leaders', when the context indicates a more precise group of people.
- Changes that clarify the meaning of language for today's reader. For example, Mary is said to be 'pregnant' rather than the archaic 'with child', thus reflecting language more commonly used today.
- Changes made in paragraph structure, sentence structure, word order, puntuation, spelling and capitalisation as well as minor word changes based on contemporary English style. For example, the TNIV omits the vocative 'O' as it has fallen out of every use.
- Generic language used when the meaning of the text was intended to include both men and women. For example 'sons of God' becomes 'children of God', and 'brothers' becomes 'brothers and sisters' when it is clear the original text never intended any exclusive male gender reference.
The TNIV is not merely a gender-accurate edition of the NIV. More than 70 percent of teh changes made in the TNIV are not gender related. All gender related changes in the TNIV are made to update masculine terminology that is often misunderstood and clearly used with generic intent. The gender related changes made in the TNIV do not have any doctrinal impact upon the text of scripture.
Why now?
There is a growing need to reach today's generation with language they can understand and relate to. As English language usage changes, the Scriptures must be presented with unwavering accuracy in a way that clearly and accurately communicates in today's language.
How do I know I am reading an accurate translation?
The translating body, the Committee on Bible Translation (CBT), is comprised of some of the top linguists and scholars from the most trusted institutions in the world. They come from a variety of denominational affiliations and theological backgrounds. This diversity creates a system of checks and balances, ensuring that the end result is the most accurate possible rendering of any given passage. Often passages are studied for hours to determine how to most accurately communicate the meaning of the original text. Since translation is not an exact science, translation by a diverse committee of trusted scholars is the best way to guarantee accuracy.
Is the TNIV more accurate than the NIV?
Translation is not like mathematics, where 2+2=4, and all other answers are inaccurate. It is a much 'art' as it is 'science'. As Dr Ronald Youngblood, longtime CBT member has said, "Responsible translation work never ends. English is always changing. As a result, we must continue the work of translation to guarantee that the Bible is accurately communicated in the language of the day."
The NIV is an extremely accurate Bible text, the best the CBT could produce as of 1984. The TNIV is an ever slightly more accurate Bible text, the best the CBT could produce as of 2001.
Is the TNIV gender-neutral?
The term 'gender-neutral' has often been used in error when used to describe inclusive language texts. The TNIV is in fact 'gender-accurate'. Gender neutrality suggests the removal of specific male or female attributes. The TNIV does not remove these attributes or 'neuter' any passages of Scripture. The TNIV uses generic language only where the meaning of the text was intended to include both men and women. These changes reflect a better understanding of the meaning of the original Greek and Hebrew.