Concern Over TNIV
It’s odd in the last post that I was caricaturizing the KJV Onlyites that blast modern translations, and here I am doing so. But my concern is not over the Greek underlying the new translations, it is when a new translation takes dynamic equivalence to far; and in doing so, something that is presented as a Bible is not.
The TNIV (Today’s New International Version) is a new Bible from Zondervan that takes much liberty in their translation of the underlying manuscripts. I know there are those (including myself) that don’t even think that highly of the NIV, but its popularity has left a place for well-meaning Christians to inadvertently pick up the TNIV. Here are a few of the problems…
Gender Neutrality
Those who are born of God will not continue to sin, because God’s seed remains in them; they cannot go on sinning, because they have been born of God.
1 John 3:9 (TNIV)No one who is born of God practices sin, because His seed abides in him; and he cannot sin, because he is born of God.
1 John 3:9 (NASV) (emphasis added)Insertion of Words Not in The Ancient Manuscripts
“[I]n Luke 17:3, the translators changed “If your brother sins, rebuke him” to “If any brother or sister sins against you, rebuke the offender.” The problem is, the word “sister” is not found in the original language, nor is “against you,” nor is ‘offender.’”
Extensive Dynamic Equivalence
“How do the TNIV translators know that changing “Jews” to “Jewish leaders,” for example in Acts 13:50 and 21:11, does not make a false claim, and obscure a possible corporate meaning? How do they know that changing “saints” to “those” in Acts 9:13 or to “believers” in Acts 9:32 or to “God’s people” in Romans 8:27 does not sacrifice precious connotations of holiness which the Greek word carries? To justify translating “saints” as “believers” because it refers to believers is like justifying translating “sweetheart” as “wife” because that’s who it refers to.” (Source)
Join me in adding your name to the petition against the TNIV.
I feel like Bible translations tends to be a relatively gray area in terms of absolute correctness or incorrectness. TNIV is bad, but even the NASV uses some words which are not in the ancient manuscripts but are implied by it. Example: 1 Corinthians 7:9 “But if they do not have self-control, let them marry; for it is better to marry than to burn with passion.” The words “with passion” are not in the manuscripts. Source? The front of my NASB Bible.
*hehe*
“The front of my NASB Bible.”
So, “The front of my New American Standard Bible Bible”?
(I’m a dork)
Yes, you’re right, the NASV along with modern translations (and to a degree the KJV, but not quite to the extent) have the liberty to use implied texts due to them being found in other manuscripts. Although, the TNIV often completely change the context of the verse, and the prevelance of their insertion of words not in the ancient manuscripts (to maintain gender neutrality) makes it not a Bible.
I’m as bad as the KJV Onlyers:
Accurate Bibles: NASV, ESV, KJV, RSV, ASV, Amplified, NKJV, HCSB, & NIV (on good days)
Not Bibles (extensive paraphrases): NLT, CEV, TNIV, The Message, GNT, & NRSV (gender neutral)
i just got an NLT for free and i read some of it. It’s a lot of fun to read because it uses very modern language, which makes it like reading a novel (it may be fun to read right now just because it’s new). but it will never replace my NASB for my quiet times.
and Jim, good example. i wonder though (i’m too lazy right now to look at the Greek), perhaps it means it is better to get married than to burn “in hell” (or maybe just to catch on fire). i’d agree; i’d rather be married than burn. marriage can’t be that bad.
TNIV Bible Debate
Bible scholars debate the accuracy and faithfulness of a new translation from the publishers of the popular New International Version. (originally aired May 21, 2002)
Click here for webcast replay
Complete Transcipt
Transcript in .pdf format
Transcipt in MS Word format