Bible Question: I don't mean to stir up a hornet's nest, but what does anybody think of the NIV? I've never read it(prefering the KJV, but am not "KJV ONLY") but have heard some negative comments on it, even read some of the many differences between it and other translations. Any comments? |
Bible Answer: Psalms 199:89 In the last few months I have spent many hundreds of hours researching the bible version issue. All my life 99 percent of the Christians I have associated with have been KJV only.Few have done any research on WHY they believe this so I did my own research. To answer your question, the NIV is based on a different text than the KJV so there are many TEXTUAL differences even before the translation itself comes into play. The NIV is based on the same text as the Nasb and most modern versions. Is it the best text? That is a matter of opinion. I will be quite honest, no one has convinced me that either text is "better" than the other. Let's say the Alexandrian type Text (NiV, Nasb) is the best text.(The KJV is from the Textus Receptus). I do not believe the NIV is even the best translation from this text. It tends to be too interpretive in places and paraphrases often. Now, any bible read and studied diligently is a "good bible", but if one wants the most accurate translation of an ancient bible text, I recommend the NKJV,NASB, and Green's Literal Bible. (KJV is an exellent translation and anyone does well to study and be happy with it, but if one wants a bible in a more up to date english, I reccomend the above versions. I am used to the language of the KJV and love it, but often consult other versions.)Sad to say, this issue will rage indefinitely but just keep loving God's word and if your conscience won't allow you to use another version right now, don't! |