The NIV: The Making of a Contemporary Translation

Since the complete NIV was published in 1978, it has established itself as the most popular of all modern translations.

Presented here are the why and how of the NIV—a look behind the scenes by fourteen of the original translators.

By Kenneth L. Barker (Editor)

The NIV: The Making of a Contemporary Translation
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The NIV: The Making of a Contemporary Translation
Copyright © 1991 All rights reserved.

Preface
This book had its beginning on November 1, 1980, when the NIV (New International Version) Committee on Bible Translation (CBT) decided to produce a memorial volume in honor of Edwin H. Palmer, who had died on September 16, 1980 (see “In Memoriam”). Palmer had served as executive secretary of CBT, as coordinator of all translation work on the NIV, and as the first general editor of The NIV Study Bible.1 The CBT agreed that the proposed volume should, among other things, explain certain NIV practices and renderings (see Contents).

Shortly before his death, Palmer himself had written an unpublished article comparing the NIV and the KJV (King James Version). After his death Mrs. Palmer gave it to me, and I assured her that I would include it in the volume being written in his honor (see chapter 14).

To make this work accessible to as many readers as possible, a simplified system has been used for transliterating words from the ancient biblical languages into English.

I wish to express my gratitude to all the contributors and to the Zondervan Corporation (Stanley N. Gundry in particular) for their cooperation and help; to my secretary, Betty Hockenberry, for retyping all the manuscripts after I edited them; and to God for granting me the priceless privilege of serving Christ and his church in association with so many of his choice servants.

Kenneth L. Barker

Editor