The New International Version – First Impressions

Abstract

Frederic E. Blume offers a detailed first impression of the New International Version—New Testament (NIV-NT), published in 1973. He praises its idiomatic clarity, aesthetic design, and fidelity to the original Greek text, noting its alignment with Martin Luther’s translation principles. Blume compares the NIV-NT with other modern versions, highlighting its superior handling of doctrinally significant passages and its avoidance of sectarian bias. He discusses the translation’s textual basis, its use of an eclectic Greek text, and its treatment of disputed passages. While acknowledging minor theological and stylistic differences due to the translators’ Reformed backgrounds, Blume finds the NIV-NT remarkably sound and suitable for Lutheran readers. He concludes that, among contemporary translations, the NIV-NT stands out for its balance of readability, doctrinal integrity, and textual scholarship, and anticipates only minimal need for corrective guidance within the Wisconsin Synod. —Abstract generated by Microsoft Copilot (GPT-4)