The Bible Translation FAQ section answers some commonly asked questions regarding translations and how this is important for selecting a Bible that fits your needs:

Q: How important is a translation?
A: The right Bible translation helps.

The books that make up the Bible were written over a period of about 1,500 years. The last book was completed about 1,900 years ago. The different parts of the Bible were originally written in one of three languages: Hebrew, Aramaic, or Greek. Since then, it's been translated into many different languages. Today, the bestselling Bible translation in the world is the New International Version (NIV). The NIV has become the most-read and most-trusted version of the Bible because of its accuracy to the original texts and readability for the contemporary reader.

Q: What are the general translation guidelines I can use to select a Bible?
A: Here is something to consider:

Readability - Make sure you are comfortable with the Bible you choose to read. Can you understand it without constant use of references?

Accuracy - You may choose to use a paraphrased translation versus a formal translation that is intended for more in-depth study. Paraphrased translations help people new to the Bible understand it more easily. Literal or formal translations are helpful for people who want to study each word. Other translations, like the New International Version (NIV) and Today’s New International Version (TNIV) are literal where possible and "thought-for-thought" where necessary to help the reader understand it better. The NIV and TNIV achieve the best balance between accuracy and readability.

Q: Who completes the translation process?
A: Some translations are done by a committee and some by individuals. Committees may consist entirely of people from one denomination or religious group, or they may be inter-denominational or interfaith.

Q: What is the NIV?
A:The NIV is the New International Version, the most read and most trusted modern English translation of the Bible. It was translated 30 years ago by more than 100 scholars, under the direction of the Committee on Bible Translation. Translators came from a wide variety of denominations and seminaries. The result was a translation that is both clear and accurate. To date, more than 300 million NIV Bibles have been sold or distributed. The NIV will continue to be the translation of choice for millions. Every NIV and TNIV Zondervan Bible you purchase helps IBS-STL translate and give Bibles to people in need around the world.

Q: What is the TNIV?
A: The TNIV is Today’s New International Version, an uncompromisingly accurate Bible translation in today’s language from the same committee that created the NIV, the most trusted Bible translation. The TNIV is at the heart of Zondervan and IBS’s mission to share God’s Word with those in need in ways they can understand.

One group especially in need is 18- to 34-year-olds. Barna Research Group estimates that 8 million 18- to 34-year-olds are on the verge of leaving the church. But there is hope. Thom Rainer’s research shows that this same demographic are the most spiritually open.

With advancements in biblical scholarship, clarity, and gender accuracy, the TNIV is a new translation that will engage today’s younger generations with God’s Word. To further Bible engagement, the TNIV will be published in innovative formats to help 18- to 34-year olds experience the mystery and wonder of the Bible.

Q: Who translated the NIV and TNIV texts?
A: The Committee on Bible Translation, or CBT, —a group of leading evangelical scholars from around the world—translated the NIV and the TNIV. CBT members come from some of the most-renowned evangelical Christian colleges and seminaries in the world, including Wheaton Graduate School and Westmont College. The CBT is completely independent and its members represent a wide array of evangelical denominations.

Q: What makes the TNIV different?
There are a number of unique features to the TNIV, including:

• Word changes that more precisely render the meaning of the original text. For example, “Christ” is changed to “Messiah” when the underlying Greek functions as a title.
• Word changes that reflect a better understanding of the meaning of certain terms in the original Greek and Hebrew. For example, references to “the Jews” are described more specifically, such as “the Jews there” or “the Jewish leaders,” when the context indicates a more precise group of people.
• Changes that clarify the meaning of language for today’s reader. For example, Mary is said to be “pregnant” rather than “with child.” Or “the third watch of the night” is changed to the more understandable “shortly before dawn.”
• Changes made to paragraph structure, sentence structure, word order, punctuation, spelling and capitalization, as well as word changes based on contemporary English style.
  Generic language is used where the meaning of the text was intended to include both men and women. For example, when it is clear the original text never intended any exclusive male gender reference, “sons of God” becomes “children of God,” and “brothers” becomes “brothers and sisters.”
• All gender-related changes in the TNIV are made to update masculine terminology that has generic intent and is often misunderstood by today’s generations. References originally intended to be masculine remain masculine in the TNIV.
  

Q: There are dozens of English translations. Why do we need new translations?
A: Research has shown that there is an alarming increase in the number of 18- to 34-year-olds on the verge of disengaging from the church. We need to find ways to reach them with the timeless truth of God’s word in today’s language. In addition to reaching 18- to 34-year-olds with the Bible, we also know that English usage is changing and that discoveries by scholars continue to enhance our understanding of ancient biblical texts. A variety of translations are useful in helping readers better understand Scriptures.