WHY THE NIV IS CRITICIZED SO MUCH

The New International Version Bible translation is extremely popular, consistently topping the Bible sales charts. However, the NIV also garners a lot of criticism. This video looks at the bases for criticism of this translation.

Timecodes:
0:00 Intro
1:15 Its Timing
3:06 Its Success
4:31 Its Translation Philosophy
5:55 Its Textual Basis
7:06 Its 2011 Revision

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Composer: Benjamin Tissot (also known as Bensound)

[ysobel]

The gender neutral language in the 2011 NIV isn't a problem for me, but even as a woman, masculine pronouns used for the generic singular have never bothered me. It may be associated with Spanish being my first language, but it just doesn't seem like a big deal. To be honest, people in other parts of the world, especially in countries where the romance languages are used, are amazed sometimes at how Americans are obsessed with being gender neutral.

[superproducercbiz]

I have a beautiful king james, new king james, ESV but I always come back to my NIV. This is the translation that impacted me the most on my walk with Christ.

[Beefcake]

My daughter goes to a Christian school that uses the NIV. I was disapproving of this at first. Most just because of what I had heard about the NIV. It’s a liberal translation and so on. Part of her homework has always been copying and memorizing Bible verses. I have always made her read and repeat her Bible verses to me. Over the past 4 years we’ve been doing this and I would read the verses in my Bible to make sure she wasn’t being led astray. To my surprise though I have frequently noticed that the NIV is actually very good at presenting the meaning of the Bible in a very understandable and faithful way. I was wrong. The NIV in my opinion is a very good translation especially for kids to learn from and I don’t think it’s a liberal translation.

[f]

The NIV causes me to literally visualize in my mind what I’m reading about. Love it.

[marjoriedonnett]

I've used the NIV and KJV the most during my long life. I really like the NIV and I'm not going to give the NIV up. I believe that people should use the translation they feel most comfortable reading.

[claudiabailey]

Every time I have started reading a different translation I read the translation philosophy. Ok just my opinion but I believe that if the KJV only took on board what the translation to readers actually says we would find better things to argue about. The NIV is not my main translation I don’t hate it but I have actually used it to understand passages in the KJV. I have been brought up in the church my whole life and this was KJV I didn’t even know there were other versions out there until I was about 28 and although all my verse memory was KJV there is a difference between remember a verse and edification. When I bought a 90’s version of NIV I got some clarification which brought edification. We are in the time in some households they don’t even own a bible and entering the church only happens in marriages, deaths and births. Yes the KJV is truly amazing translation but it’s 410 years old. Nobody living talks like that (and if they do I want to meet them) and nobody thinks or writes emails using that type of English. Again the translators made it clear that language changes. If people can understand the word of God in the NIV then praise God if people get blessed and draw closer to the master in the KJV then praise God. I have even heard people say that people who read the NIV can’t be saved. Seriously do we need the enemy in the body we are devouring each other.

[makarov]

I'd love to see a video on the differences between the 1984 and the 2011 NIV bibles. I think it would be very helpful for those considering using this translation.

[stevewayman]

I also have 3 copies of the 1984 NIV and love it. The 2011 has moved away to far from the more literal philosophy of the 84. I mostly use the ESV, but I still love the 84 NIV.

[henrysmom]

As long as someone is reading a major translation (not paraphrase), I don’t care which they read! Just read it! Too many people who identify as Christians never read the Bible. I’d be happy to have them read the NIV!

[Strawby]

The NIV has also been accused of being too simplistic in its wording, i.e, it downsizes the several meanings a single hebrew word can have by choosing just one word, and then not caring enough about other connotations of the source word (according to some). But that is most likely because it is dynamic, and the literal translation fan club dislikes that.
Anyway, quite an eye-opener that a lot of its hate is because it has been so successful. Great video :)

[billiamnotbob]

l still have my 1st Bible, the NIV Study Bible. Though I now use the NASB, the NIV still gets looked at. It's a decent translation.

[lkeloo]

Always enjoy your discussions as you represent the topics in a clear and non-judge mental way. Basically, what really matters is that we read the Word, and if a certain translation resonates with you, then go for it.

[JesseRoland]

The 84 version was a very good translation. Reading it now I wonder what all the fuss was about. When I got saved in 86, most people in my circle were KJV people. Anything different was just not right to them. All the arguments from back then would seem silly now in light of the acceptance of the ESV. No other translation can boast the level of scholarship represented on the NIV translation team that's for sure.

[timtrogdon]

The NIV came out about the time I began my walk with the Lord and was my first Bible. Used it for many years until I was drawn to more "word-for -word" translations such as the NASB. Even though it's not my main "go to" translation, I have come full circle and am reading it more and more and really enjoying it.

[gerardchristensen]

I prefer the NIV more than the others.. maybe because I’m so used to it.
I have found most of the criticism is unjustified and unreasonable… I think the more you know about translation and all it’s complications.. the more you realise these criticisms have little or no basis

[mitchady]

Very good overview to topic. Let me add some info…
In Fall of 1978 when the whole bible NIV released, there is additional context of the times. KJV was still strong, generally the top new translation was NASB getting used as many Bible Colleges & Seminaries with the 1977 update. NKJV released in 1982. However, what was a BIG seller was the Living Bible as a bible very readable and great for outreach, but it’s biggest criticism was being a paraphrase. So, when the NIV released, it was embraced as an actually readable or understandable translation that is NOT a paraphrase.
2nd - I’ve found some of the criticism of NIV 2011 comes as a carryover criticism of the previously released TNIV (now out of print).
Plus - in my opinion the 2011 update was mostly from a generational change in the English language. So, in some respect the 1984 was the English of the Baby Boomers, and 2011 the English of those after the Baby Boomers, resulting in what individuals depending on their age preferred or felt more like themselves in understanding.

[dennisokada]

I’ve read cover to cover KJV, NIV, NKJV, NASB, ESV, AMP more times than I can remember. And guess what? They’re all wonderful and you won’t go wrong no matter which one you prefer 👍😁

[geoffreyverkade]

I grew up on NIV, heard a lot of the criticisms, deep dived into them and quite honestly have been alleviated of any concerns and believe God cleared any confusion out of it for me. Love it again. He inspires and speaks to me through it everyday and I supplement with KJV, NKJV, ESV and NASB. I love my Giant Print Thinline in Buffalo leather from Zondervan.

[RhenishHelm]

I primarily use the NKJV, KJV, and ESV, but I've warmed to the NIV and NLT because they are so easy to read and understand, especially when trying to encourage bible reading among nominal church members.

[chaplainpaul]

I switched back to the NIV when I took Greek and learned that my Greek prof considered the NIV the most accurate of all the translations.