This paper has been mentioned many times. These somewhat longer (compared to most blog posts) types of papers are often difficult to read while sitting at the computer. So it’s easy to read about the gender related things near the beginning, and if it isn’t a critical matter to you, move on to something else.
One interesting part of this paper is the listing of many verses where there are changes between the NIV and the TNIV aside from the gender issue. These can be found on pages 4-14. Being very familiar with the NIV, almost every change I’ve noticed in the TNIV on my own even before I looked at this paper, aside from the gender inclusive language is positive as far as I can tell.
TODAY’S NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION:
THE UNTOLD STORY OF A GOOD TRANSLATION (PDF file)
by Craig L. Blomberg
Distinguished Professor of New Testament, Denver Seminary
Some quotes:
Approximately 7% of the text is changed from the last American revision of the NIV, published in 1984. A little less than 30% of these changes involve inclusive language for humanity…
In a busy world, it is often easiest just to trust a respected friend and scholar, do a little bit of first-hand examination, and come to a conclusion. On the other hand, I have read every word of the TNIV, rereading my old NIV at the same time, noting and evaluating every change in light of the UBS Greek New Testament, so that the generalizations that I make may be as accurate as possible.
The purpose of my paper, then, is threefold. First, I wish to point out some enormous improvements that the TNIV has made over the previous editions of the NIV in areas unrelated to gender-inclusive language. Second, I wish to respond to some of the most persistent and misguided charges against the TNIV with respect to gender-inclusive language. Finally, I wish to highlight the fact that the most prominent forms of gender-inclusive language changes in the TNIV that “violate” the CSG are forms of translation found within the New Testament itself, so that those who support the CSG, however unwittingly, are therefore impugning the very patterns God adopted in inspiring his Scriptures.
I’m not posting this because the TNIV is my favorite translation or because I’m a champion of gender inclusiveness to this degree, the latter only because I haven’t spent enough time on it. I just think this is very informative, especially for those who are considering using the TNIV regularly or who want to be well informed. Certainly it’s important to consider other sources as well.
Related articles:
THE DEBATE OVER GENDER-INCLUSIVE LANGUAGE (PDF file) by D. A. Carson
A Brief Summary of Concerns About the TNIV by Wayne Grudem
(although the main thrust of my post is the non-gender related changes from the NIV to the TNIV)
“Be angry and do not sin”
Psalm 4:4
Be angry and do not sin;
on your bed, reflect in your heart and be still.
Ephesians 4:26
Be angry and do not sin. Don’t let the sun go down on your anger,
–John Wesley
–Adam Clarke
Psalms 37:8
Refrain from anger and give up [your] rage;
do not be agitated-it can only bring harm.
Ephesians 4:31
All bitterness, anger and wrath, insult and slander must be removed from you, along with all wickedness.
Colossians 3:8
But now you must also put away all the following: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and filthy language from your mouth.
James 1:19-20
My dearly loved brothers, understand this: everyone must be quick to hear, slow to speak, and slow to anger, 20 for man’s anger does not accomplish God’s righteousness.