Out with the NEW, Keeping the OLD

If you've been within earshot of me in the last few months, then you've probably heard me complain endlessly about the New NIV 2011 version of the Bible. 


(Especially sorry to Sam & Bethany who've definitely heard it the most as I sit at my desk and use passage lookup and get frustrated over and over again.)


I am not a theologian nor do I know Greek or Hebrew so I am not an adequate or legitimate critic of Bible translation but what I know is there are certain things in life that should remain stable. I have read more equipped critics' opinions and they seem to agree with me that the 2011 NIV translation is less than usable.


I'll give you three examples of what I mean.

1) The 1984 NIV Proverbs 15:5 says "A fool spurns his father's discipline, but whoever heeds correction shows prudence." The 2011 NIV Proverbs 15:5 says, "A fool spurns a parent's discipline, but whoever heeds correction shows prudence." But the Hebrew text has 'ab, which means "father," not "parent." Fifteen other verses in the 2011 NIV make a similar change. Why seek to eliminate "father" when that is the precise meaning of the Hebrew text? (http://www.cbmw.org/Resources/Articles/An-Evaluation-of-Gender-Language-in-the)

2) In the NIV 1984 version, Mark 1:17 says, “And Jesus said to them, ‘Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men,’” while the new 2011 version reads, “‘Come follow me,’ Jesus said. ‘And I will send you out to fish for people.’” You don't have to be a Bible scholar to see the differences. 


3) Another example of a major translation difference is found in Luke 9:23 the NIV 1984 version reads, "Then he said to them all: “If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me." The 2011 NIV version reads, "Then he said to them all: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me."


This shift from Zondervan is just not acceptable for me personally. Sadly and unfortunately, Zondervan has made the decision as well to no longer publish the NIV 1984 version.  A major mistake on their part. If I'm changing versions, it will be to an entirely different one and not to the NIV 2011.


I will note that you already know from prior posts that I am a minimalist but I've turned into a hoarder of this particular Bible. It is getting harder and harder to find. If you own one and don't want it, I'll buy yours too. I'm going to need an intervention soon :).


God's Word is eternal and I know this. I'm not worried about His Word being changed. It just grieves me that for the sake of "gender sensitivity", His Word that wells up in my heart is being altered and the version I've been studying for years & years will no longer made available to me by the publisher.