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What about the NIV?

Discussion in '2005 Archive' started by P_Barnes, Feb 20, 2005.

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  1. P_Barnes

    P_Barnes New Member

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    Hi folks,

    I'm new here so I apologize if I am just rehasing an old or worn-out topic. I'm not a KJV-only person, but I have serious problems with the NIV and I think sometimes I'm the only one! It's rarely discussed in my church and when it is, no one seems to care. Does any one else know what I'm talking about? I have to admit that I think the NIV Bible is dishonestly translated, e.g. the Sixth Commandment is "You shall not murder" and Matthew 19:12 has been turned into something completely different from any other translation. Help!
     
    #1 P_Barnes, Feb 20, 2005
  2. Trotter

    Trotter <img src =/6412.jpg>

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    Personally, I do not care for the "dynamic" approach. But, other than that, I dunno.

    In Christ,
    Trotter
     
    #2 Trotter, Feb 20, 2005
  3. NaasPreacher (C4K)

    NaasPreacher (C4K) Well-Known Member

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    Two basic problems for me personally.

    1) The underlying texts
    2) Dynamic equivalance
     
    #3 NaasPreacher (C4K), Feb 20, 2005
  4. natters

    natters New Member

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    I love the NIV. I think it is one of the best translations. But because of its dynamic equivalence approach, for in-depth study I use it in conjunction with a more word-literal translation like the KJV or NASB.

    I don't see the problem with the two verses you mentioned, and I even think "murder" is more accurate than "kill" in the 6th commandment.
     
    #4 natters, Feb 20, 2005
  5. P_Barnes

    P_Barnes New Member

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    I don't see the problem with the two verses you mentioned, and I even think "murder" is more accurate than "kill" in the 6th commandment. [/QB][/QUOTE]

    The distinction between "murder" and "kill" here is not such big deal, and I wish I had chosen one of the other ones.

    But look at Matthew 19:12 in the KJV vs. the NIV. I'm not talking about the entire verse, just this one part:

    KJV: "[. . . ] there be eunuchs which have made themselves eunuchs for the kingdom of heaven's sake."

    NIV: "[. . .] others have renounced marriage because of the kingdom of heaven."

    I don't think there will be much argument among the men that there is a considerable difference between castrating yourself and deciding not to get married.

    Look at the difference between the KJV and NIV for Isaiah 3:17 for another example of what I term "dishonest translation".

    I'm not sure why I went off on this bent years ago, but I have been completely dismissive of the NIV since.
     
    #5 P_Barnes, Feb 20, 2005
  6. rsr

    rsr <b> 7,000 posts club</b>
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    I don't necessarily defend the NIV (except against outlandish charges), but I think the NIV makes dynamic sense in Matthew 19:12 — precisely because of the rest of the verse. In the first two instances, the focus is on natural and man-made physical circumstances; in the last case "made themselves eunuchs for the Kingdom of heaven" does not imply anything of the sort.

    In Isaiah 3:17, the NIV is not radically different from the HSCB ("the Lord will put scabs on the heads of the daughters of Zion, and the LORD will shave their foreheads bare") or the NASB ("Therefore the Lord will afflict the scalp of the daughters of Zion with scabs, And the LORD will make their foreheads bare.") The NET takes a similar route and explains the reason here:

    NET TRANSLATORS NOTE
     
    #6 rsr, Feb 20, 2005
  7. Pastor Larry

    Pastor Larry <b>Moderator</b>
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    The NIV is a good translation, great for reading, okay for preaching and study.
     
    #7 Pastor Larry, Feb 20, 2005
  8. Phillip

    Phillip <b>Moderator</b>

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    I agree with C4K, but the dynamic equivalence is certainly better than a paraphrase. It seems that the translating team was very skilled and many committee meetings were used to determine if the translation actually "meant" what the originals said.

    My problem is now the same company is coming out with a gender neutral Bible. I hate to say this, but to me, this taints a perfectly good translation, if for no other reason by association. Just my humble position.
     
    #8 Phillip, Feb 20, 2005
  9. Ed Edwards

    Ed Edwards <img src=/Ed.gif>

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    Matthew 19:12 (NIV):

    12For some are eunuchs because they were born that way;
    others were made that way by men; and others have
    renounced marriage[a]because of the kingdom of heaven.
    The one who can accept this should accept it.”

    Footnotes:
    Matthew 19:12 Or have made themselves eunuchs

    I see nothing wrong with the NIV here.
    It gives the correct reading in the translator's
    footnote and the interpertation in the text.

    Probably only 1/100 of 1% of those revoking
    marriage for the service of the Lord have
    had themselves sersurgically castrated. Also the
    NIV includes the modern idea of chemical castration.

    In any case "The one who can accept this should accept it.".
    So if you cannot accept the scripture, don't condemn
    the Bible it came in.
     
    #9 Ed Edwards, Feb 20, 2005
  10. Phillip

    Phillip <b>Moderator</b>

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    Maybe since I write some fiction, my imagination is a little too much; but you're killing me here Ed.
     
    #10 Phillip, Feb 20, 2005
  11. Ed Edwards

    Ed Edwards <img src=/Ed.gif>

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    My remarks a little "to cutting", eh?

    How to get saved in the NIV:
    Romans 10:9 (New International Version)

    9That if you confess with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,”
    and believe in your heart that God raised
    him from the dead, you will be saved.
     
    #11 Ed Edwards, Feb 20, 2005
  12. PastorSBC1303

    PastorSBC1303 Active Member

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    NIV is a decent translation...not the best but definitely not the worst. I use it at times for study and reference, but seldom preach from it.
     
    #12 PastorSBC1303, Feb 21, 2005
  13. Phillip

    Phillip <b>Moderator</b>

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    EXCELLENT, ED! Now THERE is a verse that "cuts" to the heart! ;)
     
    #13 Phillip, Feb 21, 2005
  14. superdave

    superdave New Member

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    I enjoy reading the NIV, but prefer to use the NASB or the KJV when I am studying at least to start out with. I use a paralell Bible with KJV,NASB,NIV, and Amplified in four columns, why have to choose? :D
     
    #14 superdave, Feb 21, 2005
  15. Bro Tony

    Bro Tony New Member

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    The NIV is one of my least favorite versions. I love it because it is the Word of God, but I prefer to read the NKJV&gt;

    Bro Tony
     
    #15 Bro Tony, Feb 21, 2005
  16. PastorSBC1303

    PastorSBC1303 Active Member

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    Whatever version you mainly use, I think it is wise and helpful to examine several translations when you are preaching or teaching each week.
     
    #16 PastorSBC1303, Feb 21, 2005
  17. RockRambler

    RockRambler New Member

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    NIV= Non-Inspired Version
    (I know of at least one minister who refers to it that way)

    I have a NIV Bible that has the OKJV next to it...I find it a great way to study.
     
    #17 RockRambler, Feb 21, 2005
  18. Phillip

    Phillip <b>Moderator</b>

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    I often catch our preacher using the KJV, but using words out of the NIV to explain what those archaic words mean. He doesn't say where those words come from, but following along with an NIV makes it obvious.
     
    #18 Phillip, Feb 21, 2005
  19. dcorbett

    dcorbett Active Member
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    My son-in-law (the youth pastor) says that anyone who reads at the 5th grade level can use and comprehend the KJV.

    So no more excuses, fellas. Like I said, it is the Bible I grew up with, got saved through, and use in my daily life. No need of any other version. The Holy Spirit will guide you if you listen.

    Debbie C
     
    #19 dcorbett, Feb 21, 2005
  20. PastorSBC1303

    PastorSBC1303 Active Member

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    Well if your son-in-law said it, that settles it [​IMG]
     
    #20 PastorSBC1303, Feb 21, 2005
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