Vol.6 No.6

Q. Some denominations teach that modem Bible translations are dangerous. Is there a problem with translations like the NIV?

A. As plainly stated in its original preface, the NIV was designed for the ecumenical movement, a Bible all denominations could read. It de-emphasized doctrinal contention between churches, and emphasized common ground.

It is claimed that the NIV is translated from the oldest manuscripts. While this may be true, it does not mean that they were the best or purest manuscripts. On closer inspection, you will find that most modem translations, including the NIV, were translated from the same corrupted western manuscripts which Catholic Bibles have been translated. These western manuscripts have been competing with eastern manuscripts for supremacy since the 4th century A.D.

The reformers translated their Bibles from eastern manuscripts to avoid corruptions from western manuscripts which had paved the way for papal errors. The was true of the King James Version, as well as Luther's Bible in German, and many other Protestant versions.

Western manuscripts and their translations leave out whole verses and portions of verses found in the King James Bible. You will not find, for example, the precious passages of Matthew 18:11 and 1 John 5:7 from the KJV in modem translations. In addition, the meanings of many familiar verses have been altered in the new translations. For example, compare the difference of meaning between Matthew 6:13 in the KJV and the NIV.

If you are interested in reliability, we recommend that you stay with the KJV.

* For more information on Bible translations please see <Modern Bible Translations Unmasked>, Hartland Publications.