WHAT:
TNIV was produced especially to meet the ever-growing needs of today's generation of Christians and new believers. Building on the classic NIV, this new translation offers today's generation another choice with the clarity of modern language and uncompromised accuracy.
WHEN:
The TNIV full Bible will be available from March 2005.
WHO:
The Committee on Bible Translation (CBT) produced TNIV. The CBT is established to be an independent self-perpetuating body of the most renowned English-speaking linguists and scholars in the world. It was formed in 1965 and comissioned to develop the NIV, by far the most read, most trusted English translation worldwide. The CBT has an ongoing commitment to produce additional translations in the sames standard of excellence as the NIV.
The International Bible Society (IBS) comissioned TNIV. Founded in 1809, IBS faithfully translates, publishes and reaches out with God's Word so that people around the world may become disciples of Jesus Christ and members of his body. Today, IBS also provides specialised Scriptures to minister to the spiritual needs of those in difficult circumstances. Its passion is to reach today's generation of young people with the life-transforming Word of God.
HOW:
Motivated by changes in the English language and a need for certain clarifications, the CBT produced TNIV. To ensure accuracy, scholars translate directly from the most reliable copies of the original Greek, Hebrew and Aramaic texts. Built on the foundation of the NIV, TNIV also incorporates hundreds of updates from reviews and critiques that the CBT has received since the NIV was published.
WHY:
The English language keeps changing and new discoveries from the Dead Sea Scrolls and other ancient documents shed new light on the biblical text. As Dr Ronald Youngblood, chair of the IBS board's translation committee says, 'Responsible translation work never ends' - especially if we want to accurately communicate the Scriptures to today's generation.
CHANGE:
TNIV incorporates textual changes that reflect a better understanding of the meaning of the original Greek and Hebrew. The majority of the changes are made to better clarify passages or update colloquial English without altering the meaning.
With seven percent change from the NIV, TNIV matches the NIV word-for-word much of the time.