Going through 1 John this past week in our Wednesday Bible study I found these verses to be interesting. It will probably be something the Common English Bible folks will pick up and probably revise in later printings. I know it takes several years to get translation “kinks” worked out. I’m sure the NIV2011 will see some very small changes along the way as well.

But if a person has material possessions and sees a brother or sister in need and that person doesn’t care—how can the love of God remain in him? (1 John 3:17, CEB)

So, if the CEB is gender inclusive, does this mean that only men are capable of seeing someone in need and not responding?

The NIV indicates males and females might be a little hard-hearted at time:

If anyone has material possessions and sees a brother or sister in need but has no pity on them, how can the love of God be in that person?

Then, v. 24:

The person who keeps his commandments remains in God and God remains in him; and this is how we know that he remains in us, because of the Spirit that he has given to us. (CEB)

AND THIS:

The one who keeps God’s commands lives in him, and he in them. And this is how we know that he lives in us: We know it by the Spirit he gave us. (NIV)

Again, it’s probably just a matter of cleaning up small areas for future editions. It’s honestly fun to read through the comparisons. I am enjoying both translations.