Q and A

Q and A

By Amy Gentry

 

Q: What is the difference between the 1984 NIV bible translation and the 2011 NIV translation?

A: These are some of the differences that I have found in my research:

1.   The 2011 NIV has more of an accepting view of females in leadership over men than the 1984 version.

             

1984 NIV 1 Timothy 2:12 “I do not permit a woman to teach or to have authority over a man; she must be silent.”

            2011 NIV 1 Timothy 2:12 “I do not permit a woman to teach or to assume authority over a man; she               must be quiet.”

2.       The 2011 NIV version changes “father” to “parent.”

1984 NIV Proverbs 15:5 “A fool spurns his father’s discipline, but whoever heeds correction shows prudence.”

2011 NIV Proverbs 15:5 “A fool spurns a parent’s discipline, but whoever heeds correction shows prudence.”

3.       The 2011 NIV changes “mighty men” to “might warriors.”

1984 NIV 2 Samuel 23:8  “These are the names of David’s mighty men: Josheb-Basshebeth, a Tahkemonite, was chief of the Three; he raised his spear against eight hundred men, whom he killed in one encounter.”

2011 NIV 2 Samuel 23:8  “These are the names of David’s mighty warriors: Josheb-Basshebeth, a Tahkemonite, was chief of the Three; he raised his spear against eight hundred men, whom he killed in one encounter.”

4.       The 2011 NIV changes “son” to child.”

1984 NIV Proverbs 13:24 “Whoever spares the rod hates his son, but he who loves him is careful to discipline him.^”

2011 NIV Proverbs 13:24 “Whoever spares the rod hates their children, but he who loves him is careful to discipline them.^”

5.       The 2011 NIV changes “man” to a gender-neutral term.

1984 NIV 1 Kings 9:5  “I will establish your royal throne over Israel forever, as I promised David your father when I said, ‘You shall never fail to have a man on the throne of Israel.’”

2011 NIV 1 Kings 9:5  “I will establish your royal throne over Israel forever, as I promised David your father when I said, ‘You shall never fail to have a successor on the throne of Israel.’”

If you are anything like me, you probably did not even know that there was a 2011 version of the NIV Bible.  It seems the 2011 version has made the scriptures more universally adaptable.  I personally feel that God’s Word is bigger than any particular translation.  He will speak to you through His Word by illuminating scripture.  Changes in nouns and pronouns cannot stop God from speaking truth to you.  That is why His Word is alive!