This site uses cookies to deliver our services, improve performance, for analytics, and (if not signed in) for advertising. By using LibraryThing you acknowledge that you have read and understand our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy. Your use of the site and services is subject to these policies and terms.
Today's New International Version is a fresh contemporary Bible translation that builds on the success of the popular New International Version. Its changes to the text reflect modern biblical scholarship and the shifts in the use of English in the 30 years since the NIV was first published. For examples, words that have attracted new meanings, such as 'aliens', 'saints' and 'stoned' have been changed to avoid ambiguity, and the generic use of masculine words and pronouns has been discontinued in the interests of clarity. Section headings have been introduced, to make the text easier to read, and there are some changes to name spellings and to layout. The Popular Edition includes blank pages for notes. Cambridge has a reputation for its high quality leather-bound Bibles and is continuing that tradition by introducing leather Bibles using Today's New International Version. This Bible is bound in black French Morocco leather with a presentation page and ribbon marker.… (more)
Most people here are giving emotional and prejudiced opinions on the bible, not this specific translation. Let me give a real review:
BACKGROUND: This translation, "Today's New International Version" (TNIV) is an update of the tremendously successful NIV which came out in the '70s and was the first English translation since the King James Version (KJV) to receive such wide acceptance, especially among evangelicals and other newer church movements.
A main reason the NIV is so popular (over 200 million copies!) is the easy reading level -- about 7th or 8th grade -- yet it is suitable for bible study unlike some paraphrases.
Some feel it is too simple and prefer a more literary translation like the Revised Standard Version or even the old KJV.
BASE TEXTS: For the original language texts, the TNIV uses the Biblia Hebraica and UBS Greek New Testament which may be the best reconstructed ancient documents in existence.
TRANSLATION: The TNIV, like its successor, uses simple syntax yet does a good job of reproducing the original-language texts. Some have argued that in the "smoothing out" and simplifying of the translation some theological bias crept in. I wouldn't call this serious -- maybe a point here or there. It should be noted that bias is inevitable in any translation and the TNIV may have less than most
CHANGES FROM THE NIV:
A casual reader may notice no difference from the original NIV. However a serious bible student will notice a slightly more literal translation. I think the new changes went more-literal at a ratio of 3 to 1.
With the more literal translation, one might have expected the TNIV to be embraced by conservative Christians but that hasn't happened.
The TNIV uses more gender-inclusive language which some conservative Christians equate with liberalism. It can be counter-argued that American English has become more gender-inclusive so this change is simply a correct translation.
I, myself, barely noticed the difference. An example might be "God created human beings..." rather than "God created man..." (But God is still called "he.")
CONCLUSION In summary, I would not advise you to toss-out your NIV for this update. The differences are not that great. However, if you are buying a new bible, then get the TNIV, instead of the older NIV. This is especially true if you prefer gender-neutral language.
I, myself, enjoyed the TNIV for a time but have gone back to the New Revised Standard Version.
Whether you love or love-to-hate the bible, you can rest assured that, with the TNIV, you have a solid translation based on the best available ancient texts. ( )
Today's New International Version is a fresh contemporary Bible translation that builds on the success of the popular New International Version. Its changes to the text reflect modern biblical scholarship and the shifts in the use of English in the 30 years since the NIV was first published. For examples, words that have attracted new meanings, such as 'aliens', 'saints' and 'stoned' have been changed to avoid ambiguity, and the generic use of masculine words and pronouns has been discontinued in the interests of clarity. Section headings have been introduced, to make the text easier to read, and there are some changes to name spellings and to layout. The Popular Edition includes blank pages for notes. Cambridge has a reputation for its high quality leather-bound Bibles and is continuing that tradition by introducing leather Bibles using Today's New International Version. This Bible is bound in black French Morocco leather with a presentation page and ribbon marker.
▾Library descriptions
No library descriptions found.
▾LibraryThing members' description
Book description
This is the TNIV version of the Complete Bible. It is somewhat in Chronological order and has no Chapter, Verse, subject headings.
Wikipedia in English
2
BACKGROUND:
This translation, "Today's New International Version" (TNIV) is an update of the tremendously successful NIV which came out in the '70s and was the first English translation since the King James Version (KJV) to receive such wide acceptance, especially among evangelicals and other newer church movements.
A main reason the NIV is so popular (over 200 million copies!) is the easy reading level -- about 7th or 8th grade -- yet it is suitable for bible study unlike some paraphrases.
Some feel it is too simple and prefer a more literary translation like the Revised Standard Version or even the old KJV.
BASE TEXTS:
For the original language texts, the TNIV uses the Biblia Hebraica and UBS Greek New Testament which may be the best reconstructed ancient documents in existence.
TRANSLATION:
The TNIV, like its successor, uses simple syntax yet does a good job of reproducing the original-language texts. Some have argued that in the "smoothing out" and simplifying of the translation some theological bias crept in. I wouldn't call this serious -- maybe a point here or there. It should be noted that bias is inevitable in any translation and the TNIV may have less than most
CHANGES FROM THE NIV:
A casual reader may notice no difference from the original NIV. However a serious bible student will notice a slightly more literal translation. I think the new changes went more-literal at a ratio of 3 to 1.
With the more literal translation, one might have expected the TNIV to be embraced by conservative Christians but that hasn't happened.
The TNIV uses more gender-inclusive language which some conservative Christians equate with liberalism. It can be counter-argued that American English has become more gender-inclusive so this change is simply a correct translation.
I, myself, barely noticed the difference. An example might be "God created human beings..." rather than "God created man..." (But God is still called "he.")
CONCLUSION
In summary, I would not advise you to toss-out your NIV for this update. The differences are not that great. However, if you are buying a new bible, then get the TNIV, instead of the older NIV. This is especially true if you prefer gender-neutral language.
I, myself, enjoyed the TNIV for a time but have gone back to the New Revised Standard Version.
Whether you love or love-to-hate the bible, you can rest assured that, with the TNIV, you have a solid translation based on the best available ancient texts. (