Today's New International Version
Full nameToday's New International Version
AbbreviationTNIV
NT published2002
Complete Bible
published		2005
Translation typeDynamic equivalence
Version revisionNew International Version (NIV)
PublisherZondervan (US), Hodder and Stoughton (EU)
CopyrightCopyright 2005 Biblica (Formerly International Bible Society)
Genesis 1:1–3
In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. Now the earth was formless and empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters. And God said, "Let there be light," and there was light.
John 3:16
For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.

Today's New International Version (TNIV) is an English translation of the Bible which was developed by the Committee on Bible Translation (CBT). The CBT also developed the New International Version (NIV) in the 1970s. The TNIV is based on the NIV. It is explicitly Protestant like its predecessor; the deuterocanonical books are not part of this translation. The TNIV New Testament was published in March 2002. The complete Bible was published in February 2005. The rights to the text are owned by Biblica (formerly International Bible Society). Zondervan published the TNIV in North America. Hodder & Stoughton published the TNIV in the UK and European Union.

A team of 13 translators worked on the translation, with forty additional scholars reviewing the translation work. The team was designed to be cross-denominational.

In 2011, both the 1984 edition of the NIV and the TNIV were discontinued, following the release of a revised and updated version of the NIV.

Translation philosophy

The translation took more than a decade to complete; 13 evangelical scholars worked on the translation: Ronald F. Youngblood, Kenneth L. Barker, John H. Stek, Donald H. Madvig, R. T. France, Gordon Fee, Karen H. Jobes, Walter Liefeld, Douglas J. Moo, Bruce K. Waltke, Larry L. Walker, Herbert M. Wolf and Martin Selman.[1] Forty other scholars, many of them experts on specific books of the Bible, reviewed the translation teams' work. They came from a range of Evangelical denominational backgrounds.[2]

The intent of the TNIV translators was to produce an accurate and readable translation in contemporary English. The Committee on Bible Translation wanted to build a new version on the heritage of the NIV and, like its predecessor, create a balanced mediating version–one that would fall in-between the most literal translation and the most free;[3] between word-for-word (Formal Equivalence)[3] and thought-for-thought (Dynamic Equivalence).[3]

For translation a wide range of manuscripts were reviewed. The Masoretic text, the Dead Sea Scrolls, the Samaritan Pentateuch, the Greek Septuagint or (LXX), the Aquila, Symmachus and Theodotion, the Latin Vulgate, the Syriac Peshitta, the Aramaic Targums, and for the Psalms the Juxta Hebraica of Jerome were all consulted for the Old Testament. The Dead Sea Scrolls were occasionally followed where the Masoretic Text seemed inconsistent. The United Bible Societies Nestle-Aland Greek New Testament text was used for the New Testament.[4]

Differences

Approximately 7% of the text was changed from the most recent (1984) version of the NIV.[5] According to Craig Blomberg the TNIV moves in a "more literal direction three times more often than not."[5] Mark L. Strauss has stated that the majority of changes are "based on advances in biblical scholarship, linguistics, and archaeology".[6]

In Matthew 1:18, where the NIV says that Mary was "with child," the TNIV simply says Mary was "pregnant."

In Luke 12:38, the phrase "second or third watch of the night" employed in the NIV is changed to "middle of the night or toward daybreak" in the TNIV.

The TNIV translators have, at times, opted for more traditional Anglo-Saxon or poetic renderings than those found in the NIV. For example, "the heavens" is sometimes chosen to replace "the sky," as is the case in Isaiah 50:3: "I clothe the heavens with darkness and make sackcloth its covering."

At times the TNIV offers a different or nuanced understanding of a passage. For example, in the NIV, Psalm 26:3 reads, "For your love is ever before me, / and I walk continually in your truth." The TNIV reads, "For I have always been mindful of your unfailing love / and have lived in reliance on your faithfulness." There are several changes in this one verse, but of special note is the TNIV's translation of the Hebrew word ’emet. The TNIV translators took this word to mean more than simple honesty in Psalm 26:3, referring more specifically to reliability or trustworthiness.

Examples of other changes are "truly I tell you" becomes "I tell you the truth;" "fellow workers" become "coworkers;" "the Jews," particularly in John's Gospel, often becomes "Jewish leaders" when the context makes the statement's real meaning apparent; and "miracles," especially in John, become the more literal "signs," "miraculous signs," or "works." The word for "Spirit," where there is a good chance it means the Holy Spirit, is now capitalized. "Peter" is now rendered "Cephas" when the Greek merely transliterates the Hebrew name.

Other notable changes are that "Christ" has regularly been rendered as "Messiah," and "saints" has often been replaced with terms such as "God's people" or "believers."

Gender language and the TNIV

Among other differences from the NIV, the TNIV uses gender-neutral language to refer to people. Confessional terms for this kind of language are such as gender-inclusive. Two examples of this kind of translation decision are found in Genesis and Matthew:

Genesis 1:27 reads, "So God created human beings in his own image." Older translations use the word "man" to translate the word אָדָם (’adam) employed in the Hebrew language, the same word used as the proper name of the first man married to the first woman, Eve.

Matthew 5:9 reads: "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God."[7] Here, the Greek word huioi is translated "children" rather than "sons" as found in other modern English translations such as the Revised Standard Version,[8] New American Standard Bible,[9] New King James Version,[10] and the Amplified Bible.[11]

However, the 1611 Authorized King James Version also renders this passage as "children" rather than "sons."[12] Masculine references to God, such as "Father" and "Son," are not modified from the literal translation in the TNIV.

Less than 30% of the changes in the TNIV involve the use of inclusive language.[5] The TNIV's approach to gender inclusive language is similar to the New International Version Inclusive Language Edition,[13] New Revised Standard Version, the New Living Translation, the New Century Version, and the Contemporary English Version.

The TNIV and οἱ Ἰουδαίοι (hoi ioudaioi)

In the TNIV some original Greek text references to οἱ Ἰουδαίοι (transliterated hoi ioudaioi), are changed from the original English translation of "the Jews" to "Jewish leaders" or simply "they" (such as in John 18:36). This change has been called for by Jewish leaders as a way of avoiding misunderstanding in the Gospel of John.

A number of evangelical scholars agree with this change.[14][15] The TNIV is not alone among English Bible versions in following recent biblical scholarship on this matter.[16]

Circulation

  • In 2002, Zondervan published the TNIV New Testament.
  • In 2005, the TNIV New Testament Audio Bible was published by Hodder & Stoughton. It features an Anglicised Version of the Today's New International Version read by a cast including Tyler Butterworth, Susan Sheridan, Joan Walker, Daniel Philpott, and Anna Bentinck. Available in CD and MP3 format. A downloadable MP3 format can also be found at voxbiblia.com [17]
  • In 2005, Zondervan planned to advertise the TNIV in Rolling Stone as part of its campaign to launch the full TNIV Bible to "spiritually intrigued 18 to 34-year-olds." Just weeks before the ad's scheduled run date, Rolling Stone pulled the ad, citing a policy against religious advertisements in its magazine. Beginning with a story in USA Today, media frenzy ensued and two weeks later, Rolling Stone reversed its position and published the ad.[18]
  • In 2006, Zondervan launched the TNIV Study Bible with study notes and a 700-page topical index.
  • In 2007, the International Bible Society released The Books of the Bible, which makes several changes in formatting the text. The TNIV text is used without chapter and verse divisions. Section headings are removed and footnotes are moved to the end of each book. The books are presented in an alternate order, and longer works that were divided over time are restored to their original unity. (For example, 1 and 2 Samuel and 1 and 2 Kings were originally a single book. They are recombined in The Books of the Bible as Samuel-Kings.)[19]
  • Also in 2007, a manga version of the TNIV was released. It was created by British/Nigerian artist Ajibayo Akinsiku who goes by the pseudonym Siku.[20]
  • In 2008, Zondervan released the TNIV Reference Bible. University teacher Rick Mansfield stated in an online review of a preview copy that it is "the edition of the TNIV I wish I had been using from the very beginning."[21]
  • With the 2011 release of an updated version of the NIV, both the TNIV and the 1984 NIV have been discontinued.[22] Keith Danby, president, and chief executive officer of Biblica, said that they erred in presenting past updates — failing to convince people that revisions were needed and underestimating readers' loyalty to the 1984 NIV.

Supporters

Denominations supportive of the TNIV include the Christian Reformed Church (CRC), which officially endorsed the TNIV as an acceptable translation for use, the Evangelical Covenant Church and the Free Methodist Church of North America. Scholars from the Free Methodist Church of North America had a varied response from it "constitutes no threat" to "most accurate ever."[23]

Evangelical scholars and pastoral leaders supporting the project include Mark L. Strauss, Tremper Longman, John Ortberg, Adam Hamilton, Craig Blomberg, Darrell Bock, Don Carson, Peter Furler, Bill Hybels, Ben Witherington III, Lee Strobel, Philip Yancey, Dan Kimball, Terri Blackstock, Erwin McManus, Ted Haggard and others.[24][25]

Critics

In June 2002, over 100 evangelical leaders signed a 'Statement of Concern' opposing the TNIV.[26] The Presbyterian Church in America and the Southern Baptist Convention passed resolutions opposing the TNIV and other inclusive-language translations.[27][28]

Evangelical scholars and various public figures critical of inclusive-language translations include John F. MacArthur, J. I. Packer, Jack T. Chick, Gail Riplinger, James Dobson, Jerry Falwell, Texe Marrs, Wayne Grudem, Peter Ruckman, D. James Kennedy, Josh McDowell, R. Albert Mohler, Jr., John Piper, Pat Robertson, R.C. Sproul, and Joni Eareckson Tada.[29]

References

  1. ↑ "The Committee on Bible Translation". Retrieved 2022-01-07.
  2. ↑ "Preface to the TNIV Bible". Retrieved 2022-01-07.
  3. 1 2 3 Barker, Kenneth L. "The Balance Translation Philosophy of the TNIV". Archived from the original on 2009-07-03. Retrieved 2007-11-29.
  4. ↑ The Holy Bible : New International Version. TNIV. 2006-07-20. pp. 2–7. ISBN 0-34090981-1.
  5. 1 2 3 "Today's New International Version: The Untold Story Of A Good Translation". Archived from the original on 2007-09-27.
  6. ↑ "TNIV Debate between Wayne Grudem and Mark Strauss at Concordia University". Salemthesoldier.us. Retrieved 2012-03-18.
  7. ↑ Matthew 5:9 from Today's New International Version
  8. ↑ Matthew 5:9 from the Revised Standard Version
  9. ↑ Matthew 5:9 from the New American Standard Bible
  10. ↑ Matthew 5:9 from the New King James Version
  11. ↑ Matthew 5:9 from the Amplified Bible
  12. ↑ Matthew 5:9 from the Authorized King James Version
  13. ↑ Comparing the Three NIVs, Christianity Today, 2002-01-01
  14. ↑ "Selected Bibliography for the Gospel of John". Archived from the original on September 27, 2011. Retrieved 2022-01-07.
  15. ↑ "Johannine Passion Narrative Issues". Boston College. Archived from the original on 2012-05-26. Retrieved 2012-03-18.
  16. ↑ Willker, Wieland (January 30, 2004). "[B-Greek] Re: Scrivener 1894 errors". Retrieved January 7, 2022.
  17. ↑ "Vox Biblia". Archived from the original on 10 April 2001. Retrieved 2022-01-13.
  18. ↑ "Ad for a Bible doesn't fit". USA Today. 2005-01-18. Retrieved 2007-12-15.
  19. ↑ "Community Bible Experience". The NIV Bible. Biblica. Retrieved 2022-01-07.
  20. ↑ Akinsiku, Ajibayo. "The Manga Bible". Retrieved 2009-03-22.
  21. ↑ Mansfield, Rick. "TNIV Reference Bible: Hands-On Review". This Lamp… and that's all I need. Archived from the original on 2007-12-22. Retrieved 2007-12-15 – via Apple Mac.
  22. ↑ Grossman, Cathy Lynn (2009-09-01). "Update of popular 'NIV' Bible due in 2011". USA Today. Retrieved 2010-05-25. Maureen Girkins, president of Zondervan, says the 'divisive' TNIV and 'cherished' 1984 NIV will not be published after the newest NIV comes out.
  23. ↑ "The TNIV Debate: A Studied Response". Archived from the original on 2007-11-11. Retrieved 2007-11-05.
  24. ↑ "Genesis 1 - New International Version (NIV)". Biblica. Retrieved 2022-01-07.
  25. ↑ Dart, John (2002-02-12). "TNIV Bible Braves Gender-Inclusive World". The Christian Century: 10–11.
  26. ↑ Wayne Grudem 2002, "A Brief Summary of Concerns About the TNIV", Journal for Biblical Manhood and Womanhood 7, CBWM: 6–8. "We cannot endorse the TNIV as sufficiently trustworthy to commend to the church." Names are documented at Over 100 Christian Leaders Agree the TNIV Bible is not Trustworthy, Phœnix seminary.
  27. ↑ "Presbyterian Church in America Rejects the TNIV". Bible researcher. 2002-06-20. Retrieved 2012-03-18.
  28. ↑ "Southern Baptist Convention Rejects the TNIV". Bible researcher. Retrieved 2012-03-18.
  29. ↑ "Statement of Concern by Evangelical Leaders". Gender neutral Bibles. Archived from the original on 2009-06-01. Retrieved 2007-11-17.
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