When I was first introduced to the Messiah Yeshua in 1979, I was given a King James Version (KJV) of the Bible by the man who was instrumental in leading me to the Lord. However, I found the text difficult to read and its language archaic. However, within a year, I discovered the New International Version (NIV) of the Bible and enjoyed how smooth and clear the translation was. Since then, the NIV had been my “mainstay” Bible of choice, with occasional use of the Complete Jewish Bible (CJB), Tree of Life Version (TLV), and other translations as needed for clarity. Sadly, I can no longer say this, nor can I recommend the NIV to anyone. Goodbye NIV!
The NIV Bible 1984 Edition was an improvement to the original NIV Bible published in 1978. It corrected and clarified some of the text and was received well by all. However, Biblica and Zondervan Publishing House made a major revision in 2011 that completely “adulterated” the NIV text by eradicating gender based words from Genesis through Revelation.
In their revision of the NIV, the committee has now gender-neutralized the Holy Scriptures. We see, for example, the changes in Psalm 1.
1984 NIV
Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked or stand in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of mockers. But his delight is in the law of the LORD, and on his law he meditates day and night. He is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither. Whatever he does prospers.
2011 NIV
Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers, but whose delight is in the law of the LORD, and who meditates on his law day and night. That person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither—whatever they do prospers.
As we look around the world today, we see that gender neutralization is happening globally. The God ordained distinction between a man and a woman is being replaced by governmental policy and mandate. School districts are no longer saying “Him or Her” or “Boy or Girl”. Instead, they are forced to use gender neutral terms.
In 2013, California passed a law which ordered schools to allow students to use bathrooms which match the gender with which they identify, rather than their biological gender. In response, many schools began installing gender-neutral bathrooms.
The LGBT movement has infiltrated all sectors of society and the culmination of this lunacy was made into national law by the Supreme Court this summer, as the right for gay couples to marry was legalized in the site of man (not God). As a result, Christians are now being persecuted for taking a stand for Biblical principles. We see this clearly in the case of Kim Davis, the Kentucky Clerk, who refused to issue any marriage licenses because of her Christian opposition to gay marriage. As a result, the U.S. District Judge placed her in jail for contempt of court. Trust me; this is only the beginning of much more persecution to come for the true Believers in Messiah Yeshua.
Romans Chapter 1 discusses the downfall of humanity as all morals have been replaced by the evil desires of men and women.
“18 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness, 19 because what may be known of God is manifest in them, for God has shown it to them. 20 For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse, 21 because, although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful, but became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened. 22 Professing to be wise, they became fools, 23 and changed the glory of the incorruptible God into an image made like corruptible man—and birds and four-footed animals and creeping things.
24 Therefore God also gave them up to uncleanness, in the lusts of their hearts, to dishonor their bodies among themselves, 25 who exchanged the truth of God for the lie, and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever. Amen.
26 For this reason God gave them up to vile passions. For even their women exchanged the natural use for what is against nature. 27 Likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust for one another, men with men committing what is shameful, and receiving in themselves the penalty of their error which was due.
28 And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a debased mind, to do those things which are not fitting; 29 being filled with all unrighteousness, sexual immorality, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, evil-mindedness; they are whisperers, 30 backbiters, haters of God, violent, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, 31 undiscerning, untrustworthy, unloving, unforgiving, unmerciful; 32 who, knowing the righteous judgment of God, that those who practice such things are deserving of death, not only do the same but also approve of those who practice them.”
An ever growing sector of the “Church” has fallen into this madness and has not only accepted these things, but actually practice and promote them. Several “Christian” denominations ordain gay and lesbian ministers and perform same sex marriages. Oh, how God grieves!
Thank God for some Christian denominations that have taken a moral stance, like “The Southern Baptist Resolution Against the 2011 Revision of the New International Version” called “On The Gender-Neutral 2011 New International Version”. Briefly, they state, “RESOLVED, That we cannot commend the 2011 NIV to Southern Baptists or the larger Christian community.”
It was my hope and prayer that the Word of God would not be corrupted by the degradation of the failing Church and the disintegration of morals and sanity. However, my fears have come to pass and the NIV 2011 Version has crossed the boundary.
So, after using the NIV Bible for over 35 years, “I RESOLVE” to discontinue using it and warning everyone against the watering down and adulteration of its text. Going forward, the New King James Version (NKJV) will be my Scripture of choice, with the occasional use of the Complete Jewish Bible (CJB) and the Tree of Life Version (TLV).
May the Lord speak to your heart and give you discernment.
In Messiah’s love,
Rabbi Yossi Laster
Great write up. Excellent!
Very well said…although the message shows these times we are in, and brings saddness to the hearts of those who know what is Truth and what is Right. Thank you for being the Watchman on the wall.
Thank you for telling truth, we must be alert to men trying to change the Word to fit in with societies views of life.
Great piece! I still occasionally refer to the NIV, but mine is an old one that still contains the masculine pronouns. At our own peril, we’ve seen a widespread feminization of America over the last few decades. Children are growing up without a positive masculine influence in their lives. But that’s another discussion.
I wished I knew this information before I purchased the NIV teen study bible for my children. It is packed with good information regarding questions that most teens and adults have about the bible. Oh well, back to the drawing board for another translation.
Thank you for being an example to us all by staying true to Yaweh and not this corrupt world.
Thank you so much Rabbi for showing that to me. I have been using the NIV also, but had not noticed that, I will no longer be usint the NIV Bible any longer.