A QUick LOok At the NIV

Essay Translation Group NIV:
Summarize the approach used in developing the translation:
The New International Version is an English translation of the Christian Bible. The project was formed in 1965 in Palos Heights, Illinois between the Christian Reformed Church, the National Association of Evangelicals, and a group of international scholars from over twenty different denominations, this was to avoid sectarian bias. The core group consisted of fifteen Biblical scholars. It took ten years and involved a team of up to 100 people from many countries to include: USA, Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa. The intent was to create a readable translation that would fall between (literal) word for word and (dynamic equivalent) thought for thought with emphasis on thought for thought.

Discuss common/popular perspectives (what others have to say) regarding this translation:
Some critics who only like the King James Version say the NIV only uses eclectic texts instead of the later Textus Receptus. You say what is that? That’s what I said so I looked it up. The meanings are found to be as follows; Eclectic Text – An edited text that draws from multiple sources is said to be eclectic. Textus Receptus – The Greek text of the New Testament that became standard in printed editions from the 16th to the end of the 19th century. The text of a written work that is generally considered genuine or original. Some say you cannot teach the same doctrine using the NIV and there is controversy in the scripture changes from KJV to NIV as shown here: The first example deals with the deity of Christ. Reference: http://brotherjosh.blogspot.com/2005/11/does-kjv-niv.html (a random view by one of God’s children).

KJV – Philippians 2:6 “Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God:” Plainly we see here that Jesus considered himself God and didn’t think it was wrong to do so.

NIV – Philippians 2:6 “Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, ”Here the NIV says that in his nature he was God, but didn’t think that he could be equal with God. This completely denies the deity of Christ.

 I have not done enough research to be able to tell you one way or the other, I wish I could. I do know if you read on in Philippians 2:9-11 it clearly states that God exalted Him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name and that Jesus Christ is Lord to the Glory of God the Father. That to me show deity, but what do I know, I am just an infant to the process.

Provide an evaluation on how this translation may or may not fit into the Bible interpreter’s toolkit:
I believe it is important to compare several translations when doing biblical research. That being said I believe the NIV fits into the Bible interpreter’s toolkit. We don’t have the opportunity to look at the original manuscripts so we must rely on the current versions/translations we have today. The NIV fits into the toolkit as one of many tools we need when doing our much needed homework. Knowing the orientation of a translation is definitely beneficial.

References: personal NIV starting point study bible, page 57 SBC Bible Interpretation study guide, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NIV