The best selling Bible in the world is a tough title to earn. The King James Version is still the 400 year old bestselling Bible ever translated, but currently topping the charts of Bible translations is the New International Version. Since the initial release in 1978 over 400 million NIV Bibles have been sold. Recently a new, New International Version has been released, making it the most recent and the most popular. How do you get to be the number 1 best-selling translation? I'm happy you asked.
It's Not Easy Being Number One
The NIV translation is widely available through most Christian retail stores and most major wholesale distributors offer it, but it is mainly distributed primarily through Zondervan Publishing. The entire NIV Bible as currently available has undergone several updates, most of them minor; the most ballyhooed was one having to do with gender references to God as "He", so the NIV people simply made them "God". Most people would never notice the few changes that were made - we know which Who we're referring to. Writing "He" is more a stumbling block to those who insisted on the change than to those who truly love the Bible itself. As in many such issues the change was ultimately made to pacify a loud minority.
When you consider it took 100 scholars from 5 continents 10 years to assemble it, there is no reason to be concerned that the New International Version is as it should be. The language style better fits the type of church we have in the twenty-first century without destroying the beauty of the language or the fundamental content of the original writings, and because it is a balance between the paraphrase version, and a much more literal translation it is readable for more people making it a popular choice for the most preachers and teachers.
Should You Own an NIV Bible?
You will find many of the most current Bible studies and inspirational devotionals use the NIV as their reference. One of the best uses of the NIV I have personally seen is the NIV One Year Bible. It takes you through the entire Bible in a year, and there is no better way to find out if you like the translation than to read it cover to cover. If the King James has always been your favorite or one of the other more literal Word for Word translations I would suggest you take a look at the NIV Bible and make your own side-by-side comparison.
You may find you have preferences which lean toward, or you may elect to stay with your more traditional version. If you prefer a more literal translation, but don't necessarily want to wade through all the "thee's and thou's" I would recommend the NKJV or the ESV (English Standard Version). You might also want to consider trying one of the many Parallel Bibles which allows you to enjoy several Bibles side-by-side. Or you can use your iPad for an online Bible site, I personally recommend Biblos.com
It's Not Easy Being Number One
The NIV translation is widely available through most Christian retail stores and most major wholesale distributors offer it, but it is mainly distributed primarily through Zondervan Publishing. The entire NIV Bible as currently available has undergone several updates, most of them minor; the most ballyhooed was one having to do with gender references to God as "He", so the NIV people simply made them "God". Most people would never notice the few changes that were made - we know which Who we're referring to. Writing "He" is more a stumbling block to those who insisted on the change than to those who truly love the Bible itself. As in many such issues the change was ultimately made to pacify a loud minority.
When you consider it took 100 scholars from 5 continents 10 years to assemble it, there is no reason to be concerned that the New International Version is as it should be. The language style better fits the type of church we have in the twenty-first century without destroying the beauty of the language or the fundamental content of the original writings, and because it is a balance between the paraphrase version, and a much more literal translation it is readable for more people making it a popular choice for the most preachers and teachers.
Should You Own an NIV Bible?
You will find many of the most current Bible studies and inspirational devotionals use the NIV as their reference. One of the best uses of the NIV I have personally seen is the NIV One Year Bible. It takes you through the entire Bible in a year, and there is no better way to find out if you like the translation than to read it cover to cover. If the King James has always been your favorite or one of the other more literal Word for Word translations I would suggest you take a look at the NIV Bible and make your own side-by-side comparison.
You may find you have preferences which lean toward, or you may elect to stay with your more traditional version. If you prefer a more literal translation, but don't necessarily want to wade through all the "thee's and thou's" I would recommend the NKJV or the ESV (English Standard Version). You might also want to consider trying one of the many Parallel Bibles which allows you to enjoy several Bibles side-by-side. Or you can use your iPad for an online Bible site, I personally recommend Biblos.com
About the Author:
You can find the NIV alongside many other great translations with more specific details and many choices of size, covers, and study versions. For more explanation on the many Bible translations you may want to visit the resource library at one of many quality online Christian Bookstores. Consider the NIV Bible, you will see it bring your Bible reading and study into the twenty-first century. Be Blessed. Godspeed.
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