Many people love to use the NIV or New International Version Bible. However, most of them are oblivious to the terrifying ways which the NIV corrupted the Word of God. Don’t believe me? Here are the reasons you should stop using the NIV Bible!
🔥 This blog is inspired by the book, “If the foundations be destroyed” by Chick Salliby. Check it out on Amazon.
The New International Version or simply, the NIV, is currently the second most popular translation of the Bible. However, this does not mean that you have to follow this trend. Before you reach for the NIV Bible, I want to warn you of its silent molestation and corruption of the Bible!
Yes, you read that right. Molestation and corruption. Strong words. So, let me explain my point.
After reading this post and you still rely on your salvation on this unholy Bible translation, then it is up to you to answer to God. I know this can be a big shock to many Christians and non-Christians alike, but the NIV Bible isn’t what it claims to be.
Don’t believe me? Then, please read these 12 compelling reasons you should not use the NIV.
Read on to find out more!
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Reason no. 1: Missing verses
The most obvious reason you should not use the NIV is that a lot of Bible verses are missing!
Let me just give you a few examples.
Open your New King James Version to Luke 9:56 and you will read:
“For the Son of Man did not come to destroy men’s lives but to save them.” And they went to another village.
Now, compare that to NIV:
Then he and his disciples went to another village.
That’s it! That’s all that you can read in the NIV. You won’t read the first part of the verse which I believe is a powerful and important message for all Christians.
Now, if you are just reading Luke 9:56 in the NIV, you won’t know that Yahshua the Messiah or Jesus Christ did not come to destroy men’s lives but to save them!
Isn’t it sad?
Now, this is not just the only omission in the NIV. Let me give you another example. Compare Matthew 18:11:
For the Son of Man has come to save that which was lost (NKJV).
Now, turn to Matthew 18:11 in your NIV Bible. What do you see? Nothing but a footnote – a footnote that says, “Some manuscripts include here the words of Luke 19:10.”
This footnote confirms that NIV is missing a verse and rightly so.
Again, the statement you read in Matthew 18:11 is an important aspect of Christ’s ministry. He came to the world to save the lost! However, this very word is denied to all NIV readers!
Let me give you another example of NIV’s deliberate shredding of God’s word. Read Matthew 9:13.
NKJV – But go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy and not sacrifice.’ For I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners, to repentance.”
NIV – But go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy, not sacrifice.’[a] For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.”
Did you see the subtle difference between the two translations? NKJV specifically mentioned that Jesus is calling the sinners TO REPENTANCE! You won’t read these words in the NIV translation.
Now, these three verses are among the many passages that the NIV changed. According to one estimate I read, there are over 60,000 words deleted in the NIV translation!
Let me give you a list of some of the verses that NIV deleted.
- Matthew 17:21
- Matthew 23:14
- Mark 7:16
- Mark 9:44
- Mark 9:46
- Mark 11:26
- Mark 15:28
- Luke 17:36
- John 5:3–4
- Acts 8:37
- Acts 15:34
- Acts 24:6–8
- Acts 28:29
- Romans 16:24
Those are some of the verses that were eternally denied to all NIV users.
Go, check it yourself and confirm how NIV molested the Bible by eliminating these important verses from your Bible.
If you think this is something of minor importance, then think again. As the Apostle mentioned, a little leaven leavens the whole lump (Galatians 5:9). The compound effect of these missing verses surely leads to many deceptions and sadly, a misunderstanding of the scripture.
Reason no. 2: NIV contradicts other Bible translations
Picture this: you are having a discussion with your church members, friends, or family. Then suddenly, you noticed that your Bibles don’t agree!
It is one thing when two people don’t agree and it is completely a different thing to see the Word of God clashing with each other!
If you read the NIV and compare it to NKJV, you will see a glaring discrepancy. Let me give you some examples:
- Revelation 8:13 – an angel (NKJV); an eagle (NIV) – so which is which? Is it an angel or an eagle?
- Ephesians 5:9 – for the fruit the spirit (NKJV); for the fruit of the light (NIV) – The phrase “the fruit of the spirit” is more believable since it is a common expression throughout the Bible.
- Luke 4:44 – synagogues of Galilee (NKJV); synagogues of Judea (NIV)
- Revelation 13:1 – in this verse, NIV mentioned that it was the dragon that stood on the shore of the sea, but in NKJV, you will read that it was John who stood on the shore of the sea. Such inconsistency can easily shake the faith of a babe in Christ.
These are just some of the minor differences in wording between NKJV and NIV. Though minor, they can nevertheless change the meaning of a verse. This leads us to the third point.
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Reason no. 3: Meaning of the verse changed
If you change a word in a verse, it will affect the entire message or meaning of the verse. Notice how the NIV undermined the eternal existence of Yahshua or Jesus in Micah 5:2:
Here’s what the NIV mentioned:
“But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah,
out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from of old, from ancient times.”
Compare this with what the NKJV mentioned:
“But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of you shall come forth to Me the One to be Ruler in Israel, whose goings forth are from of old, from everlasting.”
There’s a huge difference between everlasting and ancient times.
One of the greatest proofs of Christ’s divinity is His eternal existence. If you are to prove this, you can always go to Micah 5:2. However, if you are going to use the NIV, you will be disappointed to see that Christ is only mentioned to exist from “ancient times!”
“From everlasting” denotes Christ’s eternal existence.
“Ancient times” is only saying that Christ is very old or He has a beginning!
Reason no. 4: NIV denies Christ as the Creator
This might be a shock to many Christians, but Yahshua or Jesus Christ is the Creator of all things. Now, this is entirely a different topic that I won’t discuss today, but you may simply check out these verses as they prove that Christ is the Creator: Colossians 1:16; John 1:1-3; and Hebrews 11:3.
There’s one particular verse that I want you to take a look at. It’s found in Ephesians 3:9:
“And to make plain to everyone the administration of this mystery, which for ages past was kept hidden in God, who created all things” (NIV).
“And to make all see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the ages has been hidden in God who created all things through Jesus Christ” (NKJV).
Did you see a big difference? NIV just denied Christ’s Creatorship!
This is a direct assault on Christ’s divine nature and His role as our Creator, Savior, and Messiah.
Now, if you are just using the NIV, how would you know this profound truth written in the pages of your Bible? Surely, NIV users are again eternally denied of this truth.
Reason no. 5: NIV suggests that Joseph is the father of Christ
Look into Luke 2:33 and compare NIV and NKJV.
The child’s father and mother marveled at what was said about him (NIV).
And Joseph and His mother marveled at those things which were spoken of Him (NKJV).
Jesus does not have a human father. Replacing the name Joseph with “child’s father” directly goes against the teaching of the Bible that Christ was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit (Matthew 1:18). If Christ has a human father, then the prophecy of the Messiah being born of a virgin (Isaiah 7:14) has become a deception.
(Discover the life-changing lessons from the life of Joseph and Mary).
Reason no. 6: NIV underestimated Christ’s Miracles
One insult in Christ’s divinity is enough to make your head spinning especially if you read the Bible. How much more if the insult is done multiple times? This is exactly what the NIV has done!
If it isn’t enough to insult Christ’s divine nature, NIV went on to undermine or downplay His miracles.
Observe the following verses:
John 5:4
NKJV – For an angel went down at a certain time into the pool and stirred up the water; then whoever stepped in first, after the stirring of the water, was made well of whatever disease he had.
NIV – MISSING.
Luke 8:42-45
NKJV – But as He went, the multitudes thronged Him. Now a woman, having a flow of blood for twelve years, who had spent all her livelihood on physicians and could not be healed by any, came from behind and touched the border of His garment. And immediately her flow of blood stopped.
NIV – As Jesus was on his way, the crowds almost crushed him. And a woman was there who had been subject to bleeding for twelve years, but no one could heal her. She came up behind him and touched the edge of his cloak, and immediately her bleeding stopped.
Comment: NIV simply didn’t include “who had spent her livelihood on physicians.” This portion of the passage shows the seriousness of the woman’s illness. He had searched far and wide to get healed but to no avail. Reading NIV won’t give you this precious insight into the impact of Christ’s miracle on the woman.
John 11:41
NKJV – Then they took away the stone from the place where the dead man was lying. And Jesus lifted up His eyes and said, “Father, I thank You that You have heard Me.
NIV – So they took away the stone. Then Jesus looked up and said, “Father, I thank you that you have heard me.
As always, NKJV gives us a clearer and more complete picture. John wants to emphasize the fact that Lazarus is indeed dead already. The NIV simply mentioned, “They took away the stone.” However, NKJV added, “From the place where the DEAD MAN was lying.”
Mark 1:31
NIV – So he went to her, took her hand and helped her up. The fever left her and she began to wait on them.
NKJV – So He came and took her by the hand and lifted her up, and immediately the fever left her. And she served them.
Again, NKJV gives us how powerful the miracle of Christ. The NIV leaves the option for the reader to think when Peter’s mother-in-law was healed. It could have been a few minutes or hours later. But in the NKJV, the writer makes it very clear that the healing of Christ was fast, swift, and effective!
Let me give other scriptures where the NIV simply falls short in showing the power of Christ’s miracle.
Mark 3:14-15
NIV – He appointed twelve that they might be with him and that he might send them out to preach 15 and to have authority to drive out demons.
NKJV – Then He appointed twelve, that they might be with Him and that He might send them out to preach, and to have the power to heal sicknesses and to cast out demons.
Mark 6:50-52
NIV – Immediately he spoke to them and said, “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.” Then he climbed into the boat with them, and the wind died down. They were completely amazed, for they had not understood about the loaves; their hearts were hardened.
NJKV –for they all saw Him and were troubled. But immediately He talked with them and said to them, “Be of good cheer! It is I; do not be afraid.” Then He went up into the boat to them, and the wind ceased. And they were greatly amazed in themselves beyond measure, and marveled. For they had not understood about the loaves, because their heart was hardened.
Luke 10:19
NIV – I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you.
NKJV – Behold, I give you the authority to trample on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall BY ANY MEANS hurt you.
Reason no. 7: NIV eliminates Christ’s comfort
Isn’t it comforting to know that we can always run to God our heavenly Father and Yahshua/Jesus every time we are in need, when we are lonely and sad, and even during our darkest hours?
But sad to say, NIV has also eliminated some of the most comforting words of Jesus Christ. Notice Luke 4:18-19:
NIV – The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.”
NKJV – “The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me, because He has anointed Me to preach the gospel to the poor; He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed; to proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord.”
Jesus Christ was sent to heal the brokenhearted. If you are heartbroken and you only use the NIV, how would you be able to find this comforting verse?
Another verse the NIV altered is found in Luke 8:48:
NIV – Then he said to her, “Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace.”
NKJV – And He said to her, “Daughter, be of good cheer [or be of good comfort, KJV]; your faith has made you well. Go in peace.”
Christ brings comfort and Luke 8:48 shows us this. Sadly, you won’t read this in the NIV version.
Reason no. 8: NIV deleted Christ’s teachings
The murder of NIV of Christ’s words didn’t stop. It also went on as far as changing and deleting the teachings of our Lord and Master.
Consider Matthew 5:44:
NIV – But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.
NKJV – But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven; for He makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust.
In the NIV, we can only read a portion of Christ’s instruction on how to love our enemies. However, the NKJV version goes on to say to bless those who curse us, do good to those who hate us, and pray for those who SPITEFULLY use you. If you study the Bible and use the NIV, I’m sure you will not have the same idea how to love your enemies compared to those who read the NKJV.
How about Mark 11:26? Let’s see the difference.
NIV – MISSING.
NKJV – But if you do not forgive, neither will your Father in heaven forgive your trespasses.
Now, this is a HUGE difference that you can’t ignore!
Jesus Christ taught that God the Father can forgive us of our sins, but there is one reason that He might not forgive us and that is written in Mark 11:26!
This instruction is so important that it depends on it whether God will forgive you or not. Now, if you didn’t read this verse in your Bible, wow, you might have gone on with your lives without having your sin forgiven!
(Please don’t miss my full blog about this topic, Why God will not Forgive Your Sin.)
Let examine another way the NIV changed Christ’s teaching. Turn to Matthew 20:16:
NIV – “So the last will be first, and the first will be last.”
NKJV – So the last will be first, and the first last. For many are called, but few chosen.”
This is a vital teaching of Christ that the NIV freely destroyed! Christ is teaching us that it is not enough to be called. There are Christians who are called by God and yet, they were not chosen. It means that they have disqualified themselves along the way of their Christian race.
Let’s consider another verse found in Mark 6:11:
NIV – And if any place will not welcome you or listen to you, leave that place and shake the dust off your feet as a testimony against them.
NKJV – And whoever will not receive you nor hear you, when you depart from there, shake off the dust under your feet as a testimony against them. Assuredly, I say to you, it will be more tolerable for Sodom and Gomorrah in the day of judgment than for that city!”
NIV took away the latter part of Mark 6:11. Again, Christ is teaching us here that the city of Sodom and Gomorrah, though they were wicked, would be given a chance for them to learn God’s way of life at the time of the second resurrection.
This is a proof of God’s tremendous mercy and His willingness to extend salvation to as many people as possible. The Bible actually doesn’t teach that if you die without knowing God, you will immediately go to hell. Far be it!
(To learn more about this vital topic, please read my blog entitled, “5 Surprising Biblical Proofs that God won’t burn people forever in Hell.)
I’ll share with you other verses that alter Christ’s teaching. I won’t be discussing them anymore as they are self-explanatory. Read how the NIV molested and perverted Christ’s teaching by omitting and altering His words.
You’ll be the judge!
Mathew 23:14
NIV – MISSING
NKJV – Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you devour widows’ houses, and for a pretense make long prayers. Therefore you will receive greater condemnation.
Mark 10:24
NIV – The disciples were amazed at his words. But Jesus said again, “Children, how hard it is to enter the kingdom of God!”
NKJV – And the disciples were astonished at His words. But Jesus answered again and said to them, “Children, how hard it is for those WHO TRUST IN RICHES to enter the kingdom of God!”
Luke 4:4
NIV – Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone.’”
NKJV – But Jesus answered him, saying, “It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word of God.’”
Mark 7:16
NIV – MISSING
NKJV – If anyone has ears to hear, let him hear!”
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Reason no. 9: NIV altered Christ’s Model Prayer
The Disciples asked Jesus Christ to teach them how to pray. Thus, we now have the Model Prayer written in our Bible. However, this did not escape NIV’s alteration of God’s word. We see the difference between the two translations.
Luke 11:2
NIV – He said to them, “When you pray, say: “‘Father, hallowed be your name,
your kingdom come.’”
NKJV – So He said to them, “When you pray, say: Our Father in heaven, hallowed be Your name. Your kingdom come. Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.
Matthew 6:13
NIV – And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.’
NKJV – And do not lead us into temptation, But deliver us from the evil one. For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.
Reason no. 10: NIV deleted Messianic prophecies
The Messianic prophecies are very important since they show us the divinity and veracity of Bible. Through the Messianic prophecies, we see how the prophecies concerning our Savior was fulfilled to the letter!
Again, it is sad to see how NIV deleted some of these verses that could have boosted more the faith of Christians. Notice the following alterations:
Mark 15:28
NIV – MISSING
NKJV – So the Scripture was fulfilled which says, “And He was numbered with the transgressors.”
Matthew 27:35
NIV – When they had crucified him, they divided up his clothes by casting lots.
NKJV – Then they crucified Him, and divided His garments, casting lots, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet: “They divided My garments among them, and for My clothing they cast lots.”
Reason no. 11: NIV added words to support unbiblical teachings
We have seen how NIV deleted words in the Bible. However, there are also instances that it added words or comments, implying as if it is part of the original text.
One good example is Mark 7:19. We read:
NIV – For it doesn’t go into their heart but into their stomach, and then out of the body.” (In saying this, Jesus declared all foods clean.)
NKJV – because it does not enter his heart but his stomach, and is eliminated, thus purifying all foods?”
This is a favorite scripture of Christians who believe that the Food Law of God has already been done away with. They use this scripture to justify eating shrimp, pork, horse, rat, rabbit, snakes, and other meats that God considers unclean.
The problem with NIV is that they added this commentary to Mark 7:19 to make it look like it is a part of the original text. But is this really the case?
If you read the whole context, Christ isn’t talking about clean and unclean meats but the purification rites of the Pharisees. If Christ is saying that we can already eat all manners of meat then He is contradicting other clear scriptures that prove the food law is still binding.
Moreover, we don’t see Jesus, the Disciples, or early New Testament Christians eating pork or any unclean meat. The Bible has been consistent when it comes to designating meat which is fit for human consumption.
I know this is a huge topic so please take time to read the following articles:
- Did Jesus Declare All Meats Clean?
- 5 Scriptures that Prove God’s Food Laws are Still Binding
- 5 Compelling Reasons You Should Also Observe God’s Food Law
Reason no. 12: Confusing footnotes
If you are a new convert, how would you feel if the Bible you are reading has confusing footnotes? For example, in Acts 7:46, the footnote reads: “Some early manuscripts read the house of Jacob.” That’s the footnote for the word, “the God of Jacob.”
Now, that’s a substantial difference. This is not the only footnote that can sow the seed of doubt in the heart of a new convert. With so many footnotes that contradict each other, do you think that it promotes confidence and faith in the Holy Scripture?
Being a Christian is hard enough, but adding the challenge of reconciling conflicting statements in the Bible makes the Christian race even TOUGHER!
Let me give you another example. Read Matthew 16:18, which reads, “You are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church.”
Obviously, the Rock here is Christ. He is the foundation of the Church. Peter means small rock or stone. Christ can’t possibly build His Church on Peter. However, we read the footnote of NIV, “Peter means rock.” Without any explanation, it is implying that Peter is that rock which Christ will build His Church upon!
This is a disgraceful footnote used to support the claim of the Universal Church that they have the only right of the Christian faith.
Please read the footnotes of Mark 1:1, John 10:29, Acts 20:28, I Corinthians 16:24, John 7:8, Luke 23:34, John 10:9, Romans 9:5, and Mark 15:39. All these footnotes will surely send your mind swirling in doubt and confusion.
Final words
This is just a summary of the reasons why you should not use NIV as your Bible. While it is true that NIV wants to make the Bible easy to read and understand, it is not an excuse to desecrate the Word of God!
The New International Version or NIV is truly a poor translation. It takes away key truths from the Bible and casts doubts in the mind of readers.
It is of great concern to me how many Christians, church leaders, ministers, and pastors are INDIFFERENT to this issue. Some would even recommend NIV as their main Bible translation.
At this point, let me just make it very clear. There’s no perfect Bible translation, but there’s only the perfect Word of God written in its original form. Even the King James and New King James Version aren’t 100% accurate. There are certain words that could have been translated in a better way. Nevertheless, it is a way better translation than the NIV.
Now that I have shown you the 12 reasons (and I’m sure these are not the only reasons) why you should not use NIV, would you still choose to deliberately turn a blind eye and still promote NIV as a great Bible translation?
It is up to you. But as for me, I made a choice to never use nor promote this blasphemous Bible translation. While you might have seen me using NIV in the past, it is with the biggest regret. So, if you see any NIV translations in this blog, let me know as I will swiftly change them.
The Word of God is pure. Man may pervert and corrupt it, but Yahshua or Jesus Christ, Himself said, “Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will by no means pass away“ (Mark 13:31).
With that being said, may we all have the courage, zeal, and motivation to seek the true, genuine, and unspotted Word of God!
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Hello….I totally agree that the NIV should be avoided! However, I’m disappointed that you would compare it to the NKJV….. which unfortunately has also been corrupted, and that, even in the VERY FIRST LINE! Psalm 12 tells us that the Authorized version….the KJV… (and NOT the NKJV!!!), is the true word of God….and is authorized by God HIMSELF! (see Psalm 12 KJV). The language in the KJV is NOT difficult to understand…and one who is not used to it, can easily become so, simply by reading it! I’m not at all comfortable that you’ve exposed the NIV for what it is…..while simultaneously handing people over to any Bible, other than the KJV!
KJV – authorized by… WHO?!?!? It was “authorized” by only King James, NOT Jehovah God! You are really off in your biblical history if you don’t know this. KJ was protestant – Anglican/Episcopal and was having Bible translated to appease his protestant leadership and to spit in the face of the Catholic Church who, of course, at that time still did liturgy in Latin. It’s beautiful, well-written, but is not up to date with such findings as the Dead Sea Scrolls and other achological and more-recently found ancient Biblical linguistic writings.
Hmm, the KJV has been shown to have, according to one scholar, at least 20,000 errors, and even some of its enthusiastic defenders have acknowledged that, in their own words, it is excellent but defective. I do not think one’s Mother or Wife would be pleased if you called her cooking “excellent but defective”…
I’m not sure about the exact number, but I do acknowledge the KJV has errors.
Please provide documentation of an error in the KJV, using the 1550 Stephanus Textus Receptus to reference the error in translation. Obviously, if you use the Septuagint, the Vaticanus, or the Sinaiticus then of course the KJV will appear to have errors – but of course the KJV never claimed to be translated from those 3. Why are there 16 “missing” verses in the NIV as compared to the KJV? Because the NIV was translated from the 3 listed above, and not from the Textus Receptus. The “Original Texts” are different between the NIV and the KJV, that’s why the translations are different and why verses are missing in the originals and in the NIV. You can’t compare them and say one is mistranslated, that’s not accurate. You must compare the “original texts”!
The KJV is also a poor translation as most English bibles are. The writers were under orders to exclude references that readers could employ in opposition to the crown. Consult as many translations and commentaries as possible and trust that the Holy Spirit will bless you with understanding and discernment.
Hello,
Well said you and I agree wholeheartedly.
Ps 12 in God’s Word, marvellous.
You cant know these things unless your heart is at one with God, through Christ Jesus His only begotten Son our Lord and Saviour.
Amen.
Anyone no matter how trivial that speaks anything against God’s Holy and True Word in English should be avoided.
The AV.
Isn’t the NIV, the translation that one of the main translators divorced himself from, saying that he gravely repented in having had any part in having translated it, and was fearful of standing before God to account for that? There used to be info about this online, but it didn’t show up in a search this morning.
gravely repented “of” (not in),
one of the founders of the NASV admitted this.
You know the history of NKJV and that it uses different source texts, right?
Isaiah 59:19 in the NIV leaves out a promise that is protection from the evil one and words it in a totally different way:
NIV–From the west, people will fear the name of the Lord,
and from the rising of the sun, they will revere his glory.
For he will come like a pent-up flood
that the breath of the Lord drives along.[a]
KJV–So shall they fear the name of the Lord from the west, and his glory from the rising of the sun. When the enemy shall come in like a flood, the Spirit of the Lord shall lift up a standard against him.
You never answered your academic background questioned by another person earlier. Where have you studied?? Other posters have stated time and time again, and you said you agree, but your blog did not mention anything other than your attack on the NIV. As stated, no translation is perfect based on several reasons… which original manuscripts were used, how the translators manipulated certain sections to “get their point across”, how transcribers often made their changes over time, etc. I’m old, have been studying the Bible for over 60 years, and I use at least 3 other translations while studying, and often refer to Study Bibles as well as various commentaries. I have no clue who you are, what your qualifications are, etc. I am aware you are “passionate” about your beliefs but you have not presented any qualifications. The NIV is an easy Bible to read, and it’s a great start for new believers to help them read the Word and I always tell them to not limit themselves to just one translation based upon the fallacy of men who translated from ancient documents. Prayer is the strongest “aid” in reading Scripture and by asking God to help in understanding His message. By the way, a lot of pastors in Bible Churches, denominational churches, even seminaries use the NIV to aid in teaching God’s word. The NIV even spells out it is a balance between a word-for-word and thought-for-thought translation, but it is considered by many as a highly accurate and smooth-reading version of the Bible in modern English. Seems to me the main purpose is to get people to read the Bible and then branch out to other translations, read commentaries, etc. There is no one right way, and you have no right to try to discredit the work of others without any authoritative background.
I found one I think you missed. At least I didn’t see it. When Yeshua is arrested in the garden of Gethsemane the NIV says something that I knew right away was wrong. My physical Bible is a KJV but I was online doing some study and my search returned a result in the NIV and I got this.
Mark 14:48 “Am I leading a rebellion,” said Jesus, “that you have come out with swords and clubs to capture me?”
AM I LEADING A REBELLION???? WHAT???? Sure enough when checking the KJV this is not what Yeshua said. I even checked then the NKJV and the ESV and others just to be sure the KJV was not in error. To no surprise the NIV is WRONG.
Mark 14:48 NKJV “Then Jesus answered and said to them, “Have you come out, as against a robber, with swords and clubs to take Me?”
The KJV uses “thief” instead of robber but the meaning is the same.
This is not just a matter of mistranslation. This is deliberate deception. It almost seems as if the AUTHORS and I mean AUTHORS of this fictional version of the bible are trying to justify the actions taken against Yeshua by implying he was leading a rebellion. After reading the other evidence on this site it is evident that the NIV is a deliberate attack on the word of God.
A lot of these that are missing is because they weren’t in earlier manuscripts. I use the NASB and it’s noted there. If the NIV translators decided only to use text that were in earlier manuscripts it’s not a bad thing. Sounds like they’re trying to be accurate in what they put out in accordance with the original holy text. There are plenty of Godly people who use the NIV as their bible of choice. The holy scriptures are God breathed but how we live our lives is a good indicator of our Faith.
Have you ever listened to Robert Breaker on UTube. He is a strong KJB believer and he tells why. He says the earlier Bibles including the King James Bible was written in different places than the newer Bibles out of Egypt. He claims that he newer ones were corrupted by the Catholic writings. I agree with Robert Breaker and my own studies of comparing the KJB with the NIV. The Niv has removed scriptures and have added words. One is Pauls writings in Corinthians about liberty in Christ. The NIV added two words to it saying “you say” this changes the personal meaning of Paul back to the Corinthians. And many other errors that I think underminds the Blood of Jesus.
KJV used the Catholic Latin Bible as part of the translation process into English, as did all English bibles in that era.
You lost me at “we’re still under the dietary law” bit. All credibility just tanked. And if any of you agree with this, then you have bigger problems than just translations…
Hi Kim,
Why? How is it wrong to follow the dietary law of God?
If you hold to one part of the LAW you are subject to the whole LAW. You foolish Galatians!
I think there are misunderstandings about Bible translations. KJV used biblical manuscripts available at the time. NIV as many other modern Bibles have used Dead Sea Scrolls, the Septuagint, older Greek manuscripts to ascertain a more closer text to the original…KJV is not God’s favourite translation, since it too suffers much inconsistent wording. We may never have the original words because the originals have not been found. Stop the nitpicking on NIV and other bibles until you study biblical history and know Hebrew and Greek and Latin.
If I can find the website, I’ll come back and post it.
I read that the original NIV scholars used EVERY source and chose whatever they felt to fit. The NIV used the Alexandrian Text and the Westcott/Hort’s interpretation of the Greek Text (1881), and other manuscripts that they could. The Codices Sinaiticus and Vaticanus, if they were written in the 4th Century in the same place, actually DISAGREE in 3000 different places, over 500 times in the gospels alone.
Westcott and Hort, in their letters, confess they hated the KJV, rarely studied the works, were part of secret societies, did not accept the atonement of Christ, accepted Darwinism and attended seances. These can be researched and verified online. These are the people who started the revolution to remove the KJV from churches. 100+ years after their deaths, it looks like they have succeeded yet, their belief in Christianity betrays them while scholars today accept their work and belief the Alexandrian texts are better than the thousands of Greek manuscripts.
I have yet to hear any Minority Text believer defend Westcott and Hort’s belief in Christ.
In reading the comments it is hard to believe how many on here are making excuses for bad translations. Christ said the Scribes and Pharisees sit in the seat of Moses and that is exactly what is happening with these new translations. It is malicious intent when you eliminate the word “begotten” from John 3:16. Read Ezekiel 13 and you will see the malicious intent of the NIV creators
I would rather trust and give credence to a version that men sacrificed their lives for than a version compiled by someone in a comfortable chair in front of a computer.
This blog is evidence of what God says about how we should “avoid foolish controversies” (Titus 3:9) There is NO “one, true” totally accurate translation of the Bible. If there was, I’m sure God would have revealed it to mankind by now. God has serious warnings against divisive persons in Titus 3:10-11, and I fear for the author of this blog that he may have thus be one who is “self-condemned”, as mentioned at the end of that passage.
Hi Clint, I totally agree with you that there’s no perfect translation today. However, we need to realize that not all texts are inspired by God.
Our Savior came to earth to divide the people, those who will follow Him and those who will not. So, it’s not surprising to see that you’re saying that I’m dividing people because that’s actually what the Bible will do, it will divide people.
We read:
51 Do you suppose that I came to give peace on earth? I tell you, not at all, but rather division. 52 For from now on five in one house will be divided: three against two, and two against three. 53 Father will be divided against son and son against father, mother against daughter and daughter against mother, mother-in-law against her daughter-in-law and daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law.” Luke 12:51-53
So, if telling the truth will cause people to divide, then so be it.
umm… He has. KING JAMES VERSION ALL THE WAY!
Really disappointing evaluation, when a simple check will show that the newer translations do not have many of these verses because they are not found in the original manuscripts and were superimposed later. They were CORRECTLY removed for accuracy. Now, I am not a NIV, more of a NASB fan, but this is poor argumentation for your cause.
This is okay, but NKJV is just as controversial as NIV. I stick with the King James Bible.
Nothing controversial about the KJV, the translators were constrained by edicts of the king, nothing controversial about that. Please, the KJV is a literary piece of art, and an acceptable translation, but hardly the most accurate or authoritative rendition. If you’re looking for real accuracy, study the original languages and please stop relying on the Measoretic edited version of the Old Testament, the Septuagint a translation itself, but from older Hebrew texts, was also the text referenced by Yeshua. If it was good enough for Him…
Hey bro
You are saying NIV contradicts other Bible translations – You aren’t comparing the NKJV with any of the other versions, just the one NIV. Why not?
That made me have a look on http://www.biblegateway.com, and it seems that the NKJV is the exception and the others more or less all agree with the NIV.
Then I see that it’s because the NKJV holds to a different text as its base than all the other major translations. Even then it commits to “complete equivalence,” which can sometimes result in the concepts behind the literal words not being communicated adequately.
Translating the Bible is not simple. All translations have their strengths and weaknesses – like churches, like people 😉
What version you have depends on your goal – whether you’re reading devotionally or for study, etc. In the end, the “best” Bible translation for you is the one(s) you’ll read, including the NKJV.
Grace & peace
Please correct comment to say she on Luke 8: 42-45
According to everyone and other posts I have read, all versions of Biblical translations are in error, which refutes the claim that God holds His Word tried and true. I read that everyone believes that their translation is the “most accurate and literal translation” of the texts that they use, which then goes against others whose scholars and translations have claimed the same notion. These modern translations have been booming since the 1950s and it hasn’t stopped, noting the LSV was the most recent and used both the Textus Receptus and Alexandrian texts as necessary. When will the madness cease? Can any scholars make an agreement on one and not multiple translations?
Just to make a small gripe, I wonder how many today can go through translating parchments and manuscripts in the 1500s-1600s and do better in creating a Bible under those conditions? Then we each can give the alibi that no one is perfect and use that alibi that “we all make mistakes.”
For each Bible created, the rule of thumb is it must be 10% different from the others. Amazing that the English language is so traverse in its structure, we can continue to bring forth MORE translations!
And we wonder why the Church is so fractured. We can’t agree on which human ascription to detail is better nor can we comply with which text is better, causing such division and disruption and the enemy is enjoying this. We cherry-pick which to study and what “truth” to adhere to while bashing another.
As much digging as I have done concerning which text/translation is true, it has led me even more to find more, maybe finding out where the rift began. It is exhausting, to say the least.
I am completely dismayed upon seeing an advertisement stating “13 Signs You Could Be A Natural Witch”. Don’t you have control over who advertises here? Some of the ads are absolutely shocking.
I’m sorry about that, Kathy. Please click on the x button of the ad and choose “Stop seeing this ad” so that it would be removed.
You wrote, “Now, if you are just reading Luke 9:56 in the NIV, you won’t know that Yahshua the Messiah or Jesus Christ did not come to destroy men’s lives but to save them!”
Maybe, unless you keep reading, in the NIV: Luke 19:10, John 3:17, John 12:47, or 1Tim 1:15.
You would easily see – in the NIV – that Christ came to save believers.
Your assertion that, “After reading this post and you still rely on your salvation on this unholy Bible translation, then it is up to you to answer to God.” It is up to all to answer to God. Not for our choice of Bible translation, but for our response to the Good News in that translation. And for our denigration of God’s Word.
Are you aware of the KJV 1611 translator preference, where it reads: “we do not deny, nay we affirm and avow, that the very meanest translation of the Bible in English, set forth by men of our profession, … containeth the word of God, nay, is the word of God.”
“Meanest” meant most inferior. By throwing accusations at the NIV, you are disagreeing with the KJV translators and, therefore, publicly denigrating the word of God. I think you should keep such opinions unspoken (per your title) or at least moderate your language.
What is bothersome is reading posts without much depth in the reasons why?
I have been “occupied” why the KJV and hymnals have been vanishing from churches. I have heard multiple responses from both sides and some of them are very superficial.
Has anyone done some decent research on Westcott and Hort’s beliefs? How about the Alexandrian texts, where many believe if it’s older, it must be better?
The Word says a spiritual man judgeth all things… (1 Corinthians 2:15). The word here in Greek is anakrino, meaning “to investigate thoroughly” to make a righteous decision. So many are using their bias to substantiate their viewpoints.
First, the argument we need to figure out is it appears no side has the “pure” Word of God. After almost 2000 years, it is doubtful leaves or papyrus will last that long. The best recourse was to recopy to the best of human ability. What can’t be done is compare manuscripts that disagree with another and expect to know the true without the originals. It now becomes painfully obvious that is two are not in agreement, two factions must apply: either one is wrong or both are. If we are to accept that God’s Word would endure, God would protect and provide the correct one. As there are many false Christs and false prophets, surely there would be false gospels.
Hence, if the Codex Sinaiticus was the true Word, why was it hidden for 1100 years? The Codex Vaticanus was found in 1471 yet, the KJV scholars rejected it. Why, if this was the true Word of God? Why was that hidden for over 1000 years? Sadly, we are not experts in the Greek as the scholars were in the 1600s-1800s.
Through this study, I have to avoid the thousand rabbit holes that appear on my delving in to finding out which is right. I could spend the next twenty years and find dead ends in many places. I also read both sides of the argument and find many unappealling and unsatisfactory. Yet, why did some pastors flourish under the KJV usage yet, hundreds of Bibles have come out since the 1970s, saying EACH ONE is the best, most accurate and literal translation of these older manuscripts and coming from the Alexandrian Text? Why don’t these scholars agree on ONE and not produce one every five years?
Yes, I am partially biased to the KJV but I have kept an open mind through these studies. It has struck me that there is an obvious difference between the Antiochian texts and the Alexandrian texts. The answers lie deeper than many want to dig.