Niv Reconsidered: A Fresh Look at a Popular Translation

This book confirmed my own initial reaction to the NIV although I do not have the knowledge to analyze it as does Dr. Radmacher. I have heard Dr. Radmacher speak a number of times in the distant past and have a high regard for his opinion on scripture.

I would highly recommend this book! It is unfortunate that Christianity today has a lower regard for STUDYING from an accurate and faithful tranlsation than they do from a readable one. This book objectively looks at the NIV without the emotional fluff and bias that is commonplace in the field of textual criticism and issues relating to translations of the Bible. The intentions of the NIV editors are reviewed by looking at how the NIV stacks up to its original purpose. This is a great and objective method in reviewing the NIV. The book shows how the NIV uses liberty in many places to add commentary by adding or taking words out from the original Greek and Hebrew. It also looks at the potential doctrinal issues that are raised with these mistranslations. Even with the much touted "readability" of the NIV, this book shows how the NIV can also contradict its intention and be difficult to read in places. While giving credit to the NIV editors for their noble goals, Radmacher and Hodges provide a brief but scholarly and thorough analysis of the NIV. They also provide a brief but excellent summary of the merits of the Majority Greek Text which is related (in a broad sense as opposed to the Alexandrian based manuscripts) to the Greek Text from which the King James and New King James are derived. An interesting chapter on the "rhyme and rhythm" of the King James showing the merits of its ease in memorization was also very interesting. While I believe no translation is perfect, I would agree with the scholarship that supports translations from the Majority Greek Text related families. The NIV, being more of an eclectic translation, would not be a translation that I would highly recommend for actually studying the Bible. When the NIV adds commentary and adds or takes away from the Greek texts, I find myself doubting what words are from God and what words are from the NIV editors. I would highly recommend reading this book no matter what you think about the NIV!

Are you aware of the difference between literal equivalent and dynamic equivalent as it relates to a Bible translation? Do you know when a Bible translation steps over the line between translation and interpretation? Are the personal theological convictions of translators ever reflected in their translational work? If you feel less than confident in your ability to answer these questions, then you need to read this book! As a pastor I have used the NIV with beginning bible students for some time. If you do the same (or if you use it in a primary way) then you need to be aware of the very real problems resident in this translation. Radmacher and Hodges are two of the most capable Bible scholars of our day and have provided us with a work of great practical worth!Gary McNally Pastor; Pinelands Community Church