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Common Questions and Answers

What is the TNIV?

The TNIV is "Today's New International Version"; an uncompromisingly accurate Bible translation in today's language from the translators of the most trusted Bible translation, the NIV. The TNIV is at the heart of Zondervan and Biblica's mission to share God's word with those in need in ways they can understand.

One group especially in need are 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 18- to 34-year-olds are the most spiritually open age demographic.

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.

Who translated the text?

The Committee on Bible Translation, or CBT, translated the TNIV. The CBT—a group of leading evangelical scholars from around the world—is the same body that translated the NIV, the most read, most trusted modern English translation on the planet. 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.

How does the TNIV differ from the NIV?

The TNIV updates language and reflects advances in biblical scholarship.

  • 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. 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 in 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.

There are dozens of English translations. Why do we need another one?

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.

 Is the TNIV more accurate than the NIV?

The best way to judge whether a text is accurate is to determine whether the translation accurately transfers the intended meaningof the text to the reader.

The TNIV is the most accurate translation for 18- to 34-year-olds because it is written in today's language. As Dr. Ronald Youngblood, longtime CBT member, says, "English is always changing. As a result, we must continue the work of translation to guarantee that the Bible is accurately communicated in the language of the day." So how do you understand the language of the day? How does someone twenty years younger understand language?

Both the NIV and TNIV are extremely accurate translations for their intended audiences. However, the TNIV is more precise in its language, creating a highly readable Bible for today's generations that reflects the most recent advances in biblical scholarship.

Is the TNIV gender neutral?

The TNIV is not gender neutral; it is in fact "gender accurate." Gender neutrality suggests the removal of specific male or female attributes. The TNIV does not remove these attributes or "neuter" any passages of Scripture. The TNIV uses generic language only where the meaning of the text was intended to include both men and women. These changes reflect a more precise rendering of Greek and Hebrew words.

Half of all major Bible translations use some gender-accurate language, especially translations like the NLT (Tyndale) and the NCV (Nelson). But even translations like the the NKJV and the Holman Christian Standard Bible use gender-accurate language.

The TNIV does not refer to God by using such terminology as "she" or "our Father-Mother". It is the commitment and firm belief of the CBT that masculine terminology remains masculine when the original texts use the masculine form.

More Information

The TNIV uses gender-accurate language only where the meaning of the original text was intended to include both men and women.

If I wanted to know more about the language issue, where might I turn?

Here are two books written by leading scholars that discuss the language issue in a balanced way. Both books have been published independently of the Biblica, the CBT, or Zondervan.

  • The Inclusive Language Debate: A Plea for Realism (By D.A. Carson, Baker)

  • Distorting Scripture? The Challenge of Bible Translation & Gender Accuracy (By Mark L. Strauss, InterVarsity Press