International Bible Society

— News Release —

BIBLE SOCIETY COMPLETES REVISIONS
Easy-reading edition of best-selling New International Version Bible addresses gender concerns.

Colorado Springs, CO: Revision of an easier-to-read adaptation of International Bible Society’s best-selling New International Version (NIV) Bible has been completed on schedule, according to Dr. Gene Rubingh, Vice President for Translations. The updated New International Reader’s Version (NIrV), targeted for children, those whom English is a second language and others, now treats gender exactly as the NIV. IBS agreed to the revisions earlier this year following an intensive controversy over the proposed use of gender-accurate language in the NIV.

A preface to the revised NIrV—scheduled for release in August 1998—offers Genesis 1:27 as one of three examples to highlight the gender revisions. The original NIrV read: So God created human beings in his own likeness. He created them in the likeness of God. The revised edition reads: So God created man in his own likeness. He created him in the likeness of God.

“We are happy to have completed the revision within the time frame proposed,” said Rubingh. “We believe the revised NIrV will continue to be important in fulfilling IBS’ mission of serving the Church in evangelism and discipleship through the provision of God’s Word.”

Translated thought-for-thought, rather than word-for-word, the 40-member team that produced the NIrV over a four-year period shortened sentences and simplified grammar to a third grade reading level for easier comprehension. These modifications do not compromise the essence of IBS’ mission.

The recent gender-related revisions were tackled by a team including representation from two of the denominations expressing concern about the original NIrV, Dr. Ben Aker, Professor of New Testament Exegesis, Assembly of God Theological Seminary in Springfield, Missouri, and Dr. Paul House, Professor of Old Testament, Southern Baptist Seminary in Louisville, Kentucky. They joined Dr. Ronald Youngblood, IBS board member and Professor of Old Testament, Bethel West Seminary in California and Dr. Kenneth Barker, former director of IBS’ NIV Translation Center. Youngblood and Barker were members of the international group that produced the celebrated NIV in 1978.

The result of a ten-year effort by more than 100 Bible scholars and stylists, the NIV is admired for its loyalty to original Greek, Hebrew and Aramaic texts, and clarity for contemporary readers. The translation has sold more than 100 million copies worldwide. The French edition was released in 1992; Portuguese and Spanish versions are due out soon.

The NIrV text is used in several IBS specialized Bibles that target specific audiences including, Free On The Inside, a study Bible for prisoners, and The Jesus Way, a New Testament for Native Americans.

homepage | more releases