Revised NIV

The New International Version (NIV) Bible, first published in 1984, has been 'fully revised and updated for 2011'.   Copies are available from re:fresh books & christian resources.

It includes two hardback versions - Burgundy with gold block lettering (right) and blue (below) - a paperback edition (below right) and a special hardback schools edition(below left).  These are all printed in a clear, readable 9pt font and use British spelling, grammar and punctuation. 

A variety of 'helps' includes a 'Bible at a Glance' timeline; lists of well-known people in the Bible, events in the Old Testament, events in the life of Jesus, parables of Jesus and miracles of Jesus; a list of Bible passages that offer guidance or help in times of crisis; a suggested Reading Guide giving three 14-day reading schemes; and a summary of each of the books of the Bible.   The Schools Edition (left) also has a guide to 'Life Issues' , listing Bible passages relevant to current moral and ethical issues, on the inside front and back covers while the other three Editions have maps in this position.

Hodder Faith, which distributes the New International Version on behalf of Biblica (formerly the International Bible Society) points out that language is dynamic - words can take on new, and sometimes inappropriate, meanings - meanwhile biblical scholarship throws new light on passages.   Three key examples are identified:-

•  Language - An example of change of useage is the word 'alien' which has been replaced by 'foreigner' to avoid associations with extraterrestial beings!   In Judges 16, Delilah ties up Samson with seven fresh 'bowstrings' that have not been dried, rather than with 'thongs' !

•  Gender-accurate language - Where the original text is considered to have intended both male and female, this is reflected by replacing words like 'brothers' with 'brothers and sisters' or by replacing 'men' by 'mankind'.

•  Progress in Biblical scholarship - An example of a change here, quoted by Hodder Faith, is the reference to an 'inn' in the Christmas story, which is considered to be more accurately rendered 'guest room'.

It is the publishers' intention to replace the 1984 Edition of the NIV by the 2011 revision; so it will continue to be called simply the New International Version.  This is consistent with other Bibles including the King James Version (revised in 1616, 1629, 1638, 1762 and 1769) and the Revised Standard Version etc.

Other Editions now available:-

Popular Hardback NIV
with cross-references

Ideal for in-depth study and personal devotional use.
1344 pages hardback
£20.00

Popular Black Leather NIV
with cross-references

Stylish leather-bound NIV with cross-references and concordance, ideal for in-depth study and reference.
£30.00

Paperback New Testament

Easy-to-read layout
Only £2.99

Thinline purple soft-touch NIV with clasp

Practical and attractive, this thinline Bible has a magnetic clasp and pen loop. Ideal for those who read their Bible everywhere they go.  Concordance, ribbon marker, presentation page.
£19.99

Green soft-touch, Thinline NIV with zip

Attractive modern zip Bible in a slip-case.  Concordance, ribbon marker and presentation page.  £17.99

NIV Thinline black hardback Bible

Great value traditional thinline Bible with imitation leather case.  Hardwearing binding.  7.25pt text
£12.99