Subject: is the NIV a good bible to read? |
Bible Note: I agree with the statement that a translation does not need to follow Greek word order and sentence structure and translate word for word in order to be an accurate text. However, it must stay accurate to the original text as much as possible. For instance the Greek phrase "kata hemeran" means literally "according to the day." However, we understand it to mean in English "daily." Translating this phrase as "daily" does no harm to the text. However, the NIV has a practice of changing words (like substituting "Jesus and the disciples" for "they", etc.) and removing relative pronouns without indicating it. This may be an accurate explanation of what is happening in a particular passage, but it is not an accurate translation of the Greek text. The result is a very readable text, but one that is not as accurate as it could be. Frequently the NIV sacrifices accuracy for readability. For a highly accurate and highly readable version I would recommend the New King James Version. In addition, the World English Bible is also a very accurate and readable translation. And if you're looking for accuracy, try the NASB, the LITV, or the Analytical-Literal Translation (www.dtl.org) In Christ, koinekid Upholding Scriptural Accuracy, Integrity, Immutability, and Relevancy: Working towards the glory of God and the salvation of man |