Discovering the NIV, or did it discover me?

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Timothy

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About a month ago I was in our local thrift store and noticed a leather NIV Life Application Study Bible with large text. It was an impressively large heavy Bible still in its original box - near new condition for only $4.95 ... So I purchased it and later that day started to explore it. I have found the NIV text much clearer than my KJV Bible, and the notes are informative.

I just ordered a slimline NIV for my desk here at work after reading the KJV and finding that the overall messages was clearer when I compared the same text with an online NIV. Apparently both NIV Bibles are 1984 text ...

What I find interesting is that I didn't just put my KJV aside. I didn't seek out a new translation like when I purchased an EVS. The translation seemed to find me in my attempt to study and understand scripture.

This isn't new. I have been shown how clear newer translations can be - but with a blinded mind toward only accepting the KJV as superior text (or should I say fear). I guess my heart wasn't accepting it. But, just this morning I was reading 1 John 3 in my KJV and was finding it just so hard to digest - I once again used the NIV text and was immediately opened to a clear understanding. My eyes started to tear up a little as I noticed clarity that I always craved from my KJV.

I believe God put that NIV Life Application Study Bible in my path to bring me to a better understanding of His Holy Word.

Can't wait for the slimline to show up!
 
Yes, the NIV is a pretty good translation, and generally quite clear. It's as popular as it is for good reason. Alas, it's aesthetically underwhelming, but you can't have everything in one.

Personally, I'm more a fan of the TNIV and the 2011 NIV, but the 1984 NIV is certainly good enough.
 
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