The Bible, New International Version versus New Living Translation?

Question

I'm planning on purchasing a new version of the bible, I was reading through the King James version and some of it is hard to understand and translate into contemporary english.

What I would like to know is, what is the difference between NIV and NLT? I read excerpts from both, and they seem mostly the same. Can you guys please recommend one or the other and please let me know your opinion on why you prefer that version.

Thank you!

Answer 1

NIV and NLT are both what's known as "meaning for meaning" translations as opposed to "word for word" translations.

If for example, you wanted to translate "He kicked the bucket" into Chinese, how would you do it? Would you translate each word literally, knowing that the Chinese will have to do research into American colloquialisms in order to make sense of the passage, or would you translate it to "He died," which would be a meaning for meaning translation. The meaning is the same, but some of the flavor of the passage is left out. See what I mean?

While I find nothing wrong in "meaning for meaning" translations as far as getting the main message of the Bible, I find that certain nuances are left out. That is why I prefer the NKJV, which is an up to date "word for word" translation that takes into account the Dead Sea Scrolls.

The only "bible" at the moment I would advise you to stay away from is the TNIV (today's new international version) because it actively changes scripture. It turns Christ into a genderless figure, for example, and it also adds to some of the commandments. Definitely not Biblical.

Answer 2

This Site Might Help You.

RE:
The Bible, New International Version versus New Living Translation?
I'm planning on purchasing a new version of the bible, I was reading through the King James version and some of it is hard to understand and translate into contemporary english.

What I would like to know is, what is the difference between NIV and NLT? I read excerpts from both, and they seem...

Answer 3

I like the 1984 NIV ..Never got much from the NTL. It's good ,But I feel the NTL is way to simplified for getting a real study.. It's like the NLT is made to read quick, like a story or something.
But I hear the 84 version of the NIV that I actually own has been discontinued since they started selling the new NIV 2011..
I heard that the TNIV was discontinued as well as the 1984 NIV together... I'm looking into the gender issues everyone is talking about with the TNIV and the NIV 2011 As I'm interested in buying a new bible. Mainly issues with the greek word "adelphos".And what not, look into it yourself tell me what you think.

I haven't noticed gender issues with the 1984 NIV..But if it's true about the the 2011 NIV issues ,then I will be looking into:
NRSV
NASB
CEV
HCSB
And you think you're having a hard time,lol Hopeth thine findeth one sooneth ,God bless

Answer 4

I would rather read the old KJV and have a good OLD dictionary(some new dictionaries definitions are/were being wrongly changed to opinions instead of facts) with me to translate any words I don't know instead of have a new bible that people decided to change to their own liking.

King James Version Bible
Exodus 9:24
"So there was hail, and fire
mingled with the hail, very
grievous, such as there was none
like it in all the land of Egypt
since it became a nation"

celloprof30078,Hello, it's saying that the hail was on fire

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New Living Translation 9:23-25
23 So Moses lifted his staff toward the sky, and the LORD sent thunder and hail, and lightning flashed toward the earth. The LORD sent a tremendous hailstorm against all the land of Egypt.24 Never in all the history of Egypt had there been a storm like that, with such devastating hail and continuous lightning.25 It left all of Egypt in ruins. The hail struck down everything in the open field—people, animals, and plants alike. Even the trees were destroyed.
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celloprof30078,Hello, there saying that this was a simple thunderstorm, with regular hail because the NLT people didn't believe in that god could make hail catch fire.

Answer 5

I enjoy both, but I favor the NLT. The NLT is a Parapharse Bible, which means that is is not a word for word translation, so it is easier to read. The NIV is a good word for word translation and might be something for you after you read the NLT. The most important thing for you, is that the same Spirit that wrote the Bible, now indwells you, so that He can help you understand it. I hope that this helps you.

Answer 6

"Last Ent Wife" gives good advice here. I use the NIV for my own personal reading, but in matters of intense study it is sometimes helpful to compare different versions. I advise against using the New English Bible (NEB) as a sole source of reference for the error of doctrine that can be deduced. Otherwise, I have found very little contradiction of great significance in those I have studied.

A small note to those who believe the different versions and translations indicate great disrepancy: it just ain't so.

Answer 7

Nlt Vs Niv

Answer 8

Good examination (somewhat in-depth)
NIV http://www.bible-researcher.com/niv.html
NLT http://www.bible-researcher.com/nlt.html

NLT website http://www.newlivingtranslation.com/05discoverthenlt/

This might be particularly useful
http://www.newlivingtranslation.com/05discoverthenlt/faqs.asp?faq=6#go6

NIV website http://www.ibs.org/niv/index.php

The updated NLT (2005) seems like it may be a worthy version, but I have not had the opportunity to review it.

The NIV is well-respected in most settings, but has two faults: it is dated (1970s), and it is "abridged" (meaning books commonly accepted by many sects of Christianity have not been included). The NLT is also missing these "extra" books (commonly referred to as "the apocrypha"). If you are not interested in these books, then this is not really a shortcoming of these versions.

I recommend the CEV (Contemporary English Version) for ease of reading. Like the NIV, it is a translation (the NLT appears to be primarily a paraphrase rather than a translation, and this technique lends itself to inaccuracies). The CEV has the lowest (easiest) reading level of any translation
http://www.sundayschoolresources.com/biblechoices.htm
Indeed, it has an easier reading level than the NLT. It is also available "complete" (without omission of books), and fortunately a complete edition is currently in print
http://www.amazon.com/gp/redirect.html?ie=UTF8&location=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FHoly-Bible-with-Deuterocanonicals-Apocrypha%2Fdp%2F158516173X%3Fie%3DUTF8%26qid%3D1196142796%26sr%3D11-1&tag=wwwjimpettico-20&linkCode=ur2&camp=1789&creative=9325
I have it on e-book - very cheap and complete, but not easy to take with me
http://www.amazon.com/gp/redirect.html?ie=UTF8&location=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FHoly-Bible%2Fdp%2F1585160059%3Fie%3DUTF8%26qid%3D1187556881%26sr%3D11-1&tag=wwwjimpettico-20&linkCode=ur2&camp=1789&creative=9325

Another advantage of the CEV (to me) is that it appears to have more footnotes than the NIV, which is important if you plan to study the bible in more depth after first reading it. Finally, the CEV is much more recent than the NIV (1990s).

Jim, http://www.jimpettis.com/wheel/

Answer 9

Read the Bible you understand. Always ask the Holy Spirit to reveal His word to you. Don't read the Bible independently, read it as if the Lord Himself is speaking to you, for He is.
I would however recommend switching back to KJV in time. I think the other translations tend to be a bit watered down. The main thing is to look to the Holy Spirit.

Answer 10

The NIV is a little bit more difficult a translation, but really, they are about the same. Personal, i like the NLT better, and the NKJV most.