International (IBS/MNN) ― The world's most popular modern English Bible is now not only updated, but also available online.
Biblica and Zondervan released the New International Version of the Bible (NIV) online version this month.
The release of the text comes after years of rigorous translation work by the Committee on Bible Translation (CBT). But since the NIV was last updated in 1984, it begs the question, ‘Why fix it if it isn't broken?'
"Our desire as a committee is that God would touch the lives of people through His Words as they are translated in the NIV," answers CBT Chair, Professor Douglas Moo, adding, "We're eager for people to begin engaging with the text."
"It has been a monumental undertaking to update the NIV, as well as a true honor to follow in the footsteps of the NIV founders who decades ago first defined the vision for a Bible translation that brings Bible readers as close as possible to the experience of the original audience."
Moo says, "With this update, we believe the NIV continues to represent the optimum combination of transparency to the original documents and comprehensibility for the broad audience we serve."
In 1965, the CBT formed to create a modern English Bible translation from the oldest and best-attested biblical manuscripts. Since the last update 26 years ago, the CBT has continued to meet every year in accordance with the NIV charter, which requires constant monitoring of developments in biblical scholarship and English usage and the reflection of these developments in periodic updates to the text.
The release of the text online follows CBT's recent completion of the translation update and is in advance of the March 2011 print publication date.
Biblica, as the worldwide publisher of the NIV, is the translation sponsor and copyright holder of the NIV. It is also a global Bible translation and resource ministry. Zondervan serves as the North American commercial publisher of the NIV Bible.
The updated text is available for viewing at both www.BibleGateway.com and www.Biblica.com along with an overview of the translation methods and approach used by the Committee on Bible Translation (CBT).
