BTCP and the 2011 version of the NIV Study Bible:
As you may be aware, Zondervan Corporation has made changes to the 1984 text in the newest version of the New International Version. Our concern at BTCP about this version goes far beyond minor differences in this and other NIV translations. We have read all the promo literature, the translators’ notes, and the rationale for the changes, and are not impressed or convinced that the changes are good ones. In fact the preface indicates that the 2011 version is built on both the NIV and the TNIV. We also continue to strongly object to the TNIV.
Since 1988, we have been using the NIV Study Bible in various editions (the latest being 2008) with the 1984 text as a training tool along side our 10-course BTCP curriculum. Our favorite version is the 1985 version that is uncluttered, thus making studying the text easy. By comparison the 2011 version is full of extras that sometimes hinder seeing the text.
We have purchased, distributed and used literally thousands upon thousands of the 1984 text NIV Study Bibles around the world. We have come to know, love and trust this translation, especially for training pastors from a conservative, evangelical standpoint. Even so, we don't always agree with every verse in the 1984 text, e.g. in Ex. 20:5 where we prefer "visiting" to "punishing." And while we appreciate the current attempt to make a better NIV product, we believe that the 2011 text revision is driven by marketing/sales and political correctness and represents an accommodation of Scripture to contemporary culture (see 2 Cor. 4:1-2).
In spite of explanations in the text and study notes, here are a few of the passages with new wording with which we have substantial problems:
Ps. 8:4 – “mankind” for man and “human beings” for son of man
Mal. 2:16 – undercuts the fact that God hates divorce
Mt. 1:16 – “was the mother of” rather than “of whom was born” which better shows that Joseph was not the father
Rom. 1:4 – “appointed” the Son of God by his resurrection rather than “declared” (i.e. affirmed)
Rom. 1:17 – righteousness “of God” instead of “from God”
Rom. 8:12 – a return to “flesh” to render the Greek word sarx rather than “sinful nature”
Rom. 16:2 – “deacon” is used instead of “servant”
Col. 1:4 – “God's people” for “saints”
1Tim. 3:2 – “faithful to his wife” instead of “husband of but one wife”
Heb. 12:2 – Jesus as “pioneer” instead of “author” of our faith
And I am sure we will discover over time many other subtle wording changes that will have to be carefully evaluated (like Col. 1:29).
We have already made our decision not to use the 2011 NIV text, as have several of our strategic implementing partners. In fact, we have already purchased 5,000 copies of the 2008 edition with 1984 text from existing inventories. Once this supply is exhausted, we will select another study Bible to use with our curriculum - perhaps the NASB Study Bible which has the existing NIV study bible references, resources and notes adapted for use with the NASB.
On a "heavier" note our reshipping cost would increase because the 2011 Study Bible weighs in at 4 lb. 3.6 oz. compared to 3lb. 6.8oz. for the 2008 edition. So, on all fronts the 2011 NIV version is a lose/lose for us.
We do value our longstanding relationship with Zondervan and IBS/Biblica and hope products will continue to be available that we can trust and use.
In Christ's service,
Dennis Mock,
Founder of BTCP