New and Newer Versions of Scripture
Saturday, February 19, 2005; Page B09
Criticism of Today's New International Version of the Bible began three years ago with the publication of the TNIV New Testament. Opponents accused the translation committee, an independent group of evangelical scholars, of bowing to political correctness and feminist theology in using "gender neutral" or "inclusive" language.
The committee made adjustments to the 2002 text before this month's publication of the complete Bible. But committee members said they did not abandon their goal of providing an accurate translation.
Critics call the effort a failure, many preferring TNIV's precursor, the best-selling New International Version published in 1978. Here are some passages they cite:
Isaiah 19:16
NIV: "In that day Egyptians will be like women. They will shudder with fear at the uplifted hand that the Lord Almighty raises against them."
TNIV: "In that day the Egyptians will become weaklings. They will shudder with fear at the uplifted hand that the Lord Almighty raises against them."
Hebrews 12:7
NIV: "Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as sons. For what son is not disciplined by his father?"
TNIV: "Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as his children. For what children are not disciplined by their father?"
James 1:12
NIV: "Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him."
TNIV: "Blessed are those who persevere under trial, because when they have stood the test, they will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him."
Acts 20:30 (Paul is saying farewell to Ephesian elders)
NIV: "Even from your own number men will arise and distort the truth in order to draw away the disciples after them."
TNIV: "Even from your own number some will arise and distort the truth in order to draw away the disciples after them."
Psalm 119:9
NIV: "How can a young man keep his way pure? By living according to your word."
TNIV: "How can those who are young keep their way pure? By living according to your word."
an example of a verse revised after release of the New Testament:
Mark 1:17 (Verse revised after release of the New Testament)
NIV: " 'Come, follow me,' Jesus said, 'and I will make you fishers of men.'"
TNIV (2002): " 'Come, follow me,' Jesus said, 'and I will send you out to catch people.' "
TNIV(2005): " 'Come, follow me,' Jesus said, 'and I will send you out to fish for people.' "
-- Bill Broadway