Apprentice 2 Jesus

An Anglicostal Connecting to a Real World

Common English Bible and the NIV — Long Term Strategies

Dan

I’ve probably shared this video before, but it deals with the CEB’s use of “Human One.”

As I continue to use both the CEB and the NIV, I continue to think about how fast we think we need to change up translations. One interview I heard with a CEB official was a bit disappointing, but it’s probably fact for our modern world. He said the CEB would probably be revised in 10 years just to keep up with language.

This brings up a question for long-term strategy and pastoring. I truly like both translations, but do I stay with the NIV as my main translation (and the one we use for public reading) because it may go longer without some revision? And, as one friend pointed out to me, does the somewhat familiar language of the NIV lend itself a bit better to public reading because the “churchy” language is familiar to us. It’s comfortable in a way that is probably good.

Just mulling over thoughts as I continue on my journey.

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4 responses to “Common English Bible and the NIV — Long Term Strategies”

  1. Scripture Zealot Avatar
    Scripture Zealot

    I believe you’re correct. In fact, the NIV as you know still has many vestiges of the KJV and they don’t even mean the same things anymore. How long until we let go? 1000 years?

    I think there needs to be a distinction between Churchy as you say, or Biblish, and whether or not to use standard theological terms or not. If not, they should still be taught and learned.

    As for the CEB, I don’t really get it. I think it sounds strange, but not just because it’s modern language. Some plain weird workings. I would much prefer the God’s Word® translation as I wrote about, or the NLT if a plain language Bible is wanted, or the HCSB where it’s a little more natural than the NIV (but not much) and still uses standard theological terms. I think a translation like God’s Word with the standard terms but modern language would be great. In any case, I don’t think the NLT or God’s Word are as loose as some people think. There’s another step down to CEV before getting to paraphrase level.

    Just some ramblings. Not really a well thought out comment.

    Jeff

    Reply
    1. Dan Avatar
      Dan

      When I had tried to use the NLT a few years back, there were just a few things that just didn’t read right for me. I can’t remember exactly what, now. I have honestly not tried God’s Word. Thanks for the recommendation.

      Me and the HCSB never did get together very well. I think with the NLT and the HCSB I was still looking for more familiar phrasing and they had departed. At this point I may not be as concerned, which is why the CEB is growing on me.

      The NIV still reads the best for us as a church in public.

      Reply
      1. Scripture Zealot Avatar
        Scripture Zealot

        They (NIV) must be doing it right. The changes they’ve made have been nice ones but not enough to rock the boat, except for maybe gender language for some people. I really really wish I still liked it but for some reason just got tired of it.
        Jeff

  2. Dan Avatar
    Dan

    Too funny. I was not a fan of the NIV, but then began liking the TNIV.

    Reply

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