Reviews Of Books -- By: Anonymous

Journal: Westminster Theological Journal
Volume: WTJ 37:2 (Winter 1975)
Article: Reviews Of Books
Author: Anonymous


Reviews Of Books

The Holy Bible: New International Version: The New Testament. Grand Rapids: Zondervan Bible Publishers. 1973. x, 573. $5.95.

Since the appearance of the English Revised Version of the New Testament in 1881, new or revised English versions of the entire New Testament or of much of it have been issued with almost bewildering frequency. They have been published on the average of one or more a year. And new translations of portions of the New Testament into English in this period are to be numbered in the hundreds. The translators of these versions represent a large variety of theological positions and ecclesiastical connections. The basic texts which they have chosen, the methods of translation which they have followed, the objectives which they have sought to attain, and the grades of English which they have employed have been diverse. One might suppose that by now there must be some modern version suitable for every taste and for every need. But the recent issuance of the New International Version of the New Testament indicates that, despite the proliferation of New English versions in our times, not a few responsible scholars have felt the need for yet another.

The New International Version of the New Testament (NIV) is the result of much discussion, planning, and dedicated labor. Its origins can be traced to the fifties of this century, but the major impetus for its completion was given more recently when the New York Bible Society assumed sponsorship of the work. Dr. Edwin H. Palmer has served as the energetic executive secretary for the project. A large number of scholars from different parts of the word and various denominations, including specialists in language and style, have worked on the translation. The procedure followed has been painstaking, with almost exhausting revision, checking, rechecking, and testing. The initial translation work was performed by teams of scholars. Their work was revised by an Intermediate Editorial Committee. The work of that Committee was further revised by a General Editorial Committee. Finally, a Committee on Bible Translation inspected the work and made additional revisions. In the process, the advice of literary experts

was sought and the version was tested for intelligibility and idiomatic character on various types of people. In all, the whole New Testament was revised three times, and in each revision careful attention was given to fidelity to the Greek and to English style (pp. vii-viii). English-speaking Christians and all who are devoted to the dissemination of the Holy Scriptures cannot but be appreciative of the immense amount of work and intelligent care which has gone into the production of the NIV and must seek to benefit from the ...

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