Monday, March 20

Such a deal!
A few weeks ago I almost bought a TNIV "Pocket Bible." My TNIV is heavy but I've been carrying it around in my backpack because I often do sermon preparation while on the move. So, when I saw the $20 pocket version for just under $15 I picked it up and carried it around the store for 10 minutes. But then I decided I didn't feel like spending any money -- so I put it back.

This afternoon, when I was doing a Costco book survey, there was the same Bible -- just under $12. So this time I actually bought it.

It's not just the price that is noteworthy, though. This was the first time that I've seen a TNIV at Costco. And the fact that a TNIV could be found in a warehouse box store suggests that there is a growing level of acceptance of the translation. (Costco only stocks things of which they can sell a gazillion units.)

The TNIV is an update of the NIV -- about 7% of the words are different. I think it flows better and is more accurate than the NIV. However, it has been criticized because it is a dynamic equivalence translation which when the context suggests it, uses gender neutral language. For example, Luke 4:4:

NIV -- "Man does not live on bread alone."

TNIV -- "People do not live on bread alone."

1 comment:

Ted M. Gossard said...

I think it's just a matter of time before the TNIV becomes the dominant evangelical translation.

I like the NLT also, but sometimes (and overall) think it is too free in its renderings. Sometimes though, I think it says it better without sacrificing accuracy.

Though the TNIV is closer to NLT renderings than the NIV (as someone commented on a blog, and I think they're right).

Good to read and may the TNIV's sales grow!