Versions
of
The Bible
Bible Translations Explained
and
Bible Verses Missing from the NIV
Over the centuries, the Bible has been translated into many languages. Originally, the Old Testament was mostly written in Hebrew, with some parts in Aramaic, and the New Testament was written in Greek. To make the Bible accessible to more people, it was first translated into Greek (called the Septuagint) and then into Latin (called the Vulgate). The Vulgate became the main source for translations into European languages, including early English versions like the Wycliffe Bible. The Vulgate was created because most people in the Western Roman Empire couldn’t read Greek or Hebrew, so they needed a Bible in Latin.
As time went on, people wanted the Bible in their own languages so everyone could read it. This led to English translations, starting with the Wycliffe Bible in the 1300s, followed by the Tyndale Bible and the very influential King James Version (KJV).
Today, there are 3 different translations types of the Bible.
* Word for Word
* Thought for Thought
* Paraphrase
Word for Word:
For a long time, the King James Version was the main Bible used in English-speaking countries. While it’s still popular for its beautiful writing and historical importance, many people have an issue with the Old English style of thee and thou. Scholars now say the while the KJV is still considered an accurate version, it is not the most Word for Word accurate. While we get a lot of blow-back saying this, the facts are still the facts. Newer translations, like the English Standard Version (ESV) and New American Standard Bible (NASB), are considered to be a bit more accurate because they use older, more reliable manuscripts. In addition, as time has passed scholars have gained a clearer understanding of ancient languages.
Thought for Thought:
In this type of translation, the translator is attempts to put a group of words into a thought. While personally, I am not a fan of this Thought to Thought style of translations, they are easier to read. The big downside, they leave out some important verses that are found in the original text. Depending on the reading ability of the reader, this style of translation could be a good fit. The CSB, NIV and NLT fall into this category. Due to their readability, they are typically preferred for prison and street ministries.
Paraphrase:
The paraphrase translation often uses a lot more words in an effort to describe the concept behind the meaning of the original language. This can help the reader to get a better grasp of the intent of the original text. Personally, not a fan of the Paraphrased trnaslation as it can be taken out of context and leave people to come up with there own interpretations of what the Bible is actually saying..
Less Accurate Bible Versions
Some Bible versions are less reliable because they were made by groups with specific beliefs who changed parts of the text to fit their views:
-
New World Translation (NWT): Created by Jehovah’s Witnesses, this version changes verses to match their beliefs, especially about Jesus.
-
Joseph Smith Translation (JST): Made by the founder of the Latter Day Saint movement, this is a reworking of the KJV. Some Mormon groups see it as scripture, but scholars don’t consider it an accurate translation.
-
Queen James Bible: This version changes passages to remove references against homosexuality. Even its publisher admits to these changes.
Less Reliable Study Bibles
Some translations, while not deliberately biased, aren’t great for serious study because they use simple language or less reliable manuscripts:
-
Good News Translation (GNT): Also called the Good News Bible, it uses simple language for easy reading but can have errors and isn’t ideal for deep study.
-
Contemporary English Version (CEV): Like the GNT, it’s written in very simple English, which can sometimes make the translation less accurate.
Does It Matter Which Bible You Read?
Except for versions with clear biases, like the ones listed above, it’s important to read a Bible you can understand. I started with the Good News Bible in the 1970s because it was easy to read. As I got more interested in studying the Bible, I moved on to other translations to learn more. In my opinion, it’s better to read a Bible you can understand and learn from than to not read one at all. The New International Version (NIV) is debated among some Christians, and some verses are missing from it compared to other translations.
Bible Verses Missing from the NIV
Over the years the NIV has received a reputation for being an inaccurate translation of the Bible. NIV is a Thought for Thought translation and attempts to balance accuracy and readability by translating the meaning of a phrase or idea rather than a strict, Word for Word rendering making it an easy read. Due to its easy readability, the NIV has become one of the most popular versions of the Bible. However, there are a few Bible verses missing from the NIV as well as a few mistranslated verses that have made the NIV a source of contention for serious Bible study.
Here is the most complete list that we have found reflecting all the Bible verses missing from the NIV and the verses that are incorrectly translated. This list was compiled by Dr. Rocco Badenhorst, and can also be viewed on his website.
Now, after all that, let’s get to the bottom line of the NIV.
Missing and Incorrectly Translated Verses in The NIV
By Dr. Rocco Badenhorst
Matthew 6:13
Here the NIV omits an important part of the “Lord’s Prayer, “For Thine is the kingdom, the power and the glory for ever, Amen.”
Matthew 17:21
Did some of the translators of the NIV not believe in prayer and fasting?
Matthew 19:17
This verse should be stated correctly as, as in the KJV “Why callest thou me good? There is none good but one, that is, God:”
Matthew 23:14
The NIV omitted this verse completely. Some of the translators of the NIV evidently did not like the word “damnation.”
Matthew 23:23
The word “faith” and the word “faithfulness” do not mean the same. The KJV of the Bible says, “By faith we are saved,” not by “faithfulness. I do not believe that “faith” and “faithfulness” have the same meaning.)
Mark 9:29
The NIV omitted “fasting.” Our Lord Jesus fasted for 40 days and 40 nights.
Mark 13:33
The KJV says, “Watch and Pray.” It is not the same as “be on guard! Be alert!” as translated in the NIV. To be a watchful and praying Christian is paramount.
Mark 15:28
This verse was omitted from the NIV. It was a prophecy from the Old Testament proclaiming the Deity of Christ.)
Luke 4:4
Words omitted in this verse, “but by every Word of God.” All of existence was brought into being by the Word of God. Jesus IS The Word of God. (This is one of the most important verses in the Bible)
Luke 4:8
“Get thee behind me Satan,” in the KJV. Why did the NIV translators not put these words in?
Luke 6:40
“Perfect” is not the same as “fully trained,” as stated in the NIV. Jesus wants us to be perfect in Him, not “fully trained.”
Luke 5:20
Jesus did not call the sinner “friend,” as translated in the NIV. He called him, “man,” as translated in the KJV.
Luke 11:2-4
When we pray the Lord’s Prayer, we pray “Our Father which art in Heaven”. The NIV omitted the words “Our” and only mentions “Father.” Are they referring to another father? In addition, “deliver us from evil” was omitted in verse 4 by the NIV translators. Did they not see a need for deliverance?
Luke 12:31
Here again the NIV omits these important words. It should say “The kingdom of God.” The NIV says, “his kingdom.” To which kingdom are they referring?
Luke 21:19
“Patience” is a gift of the Holy Spirit — “Standing firm” is not the same.
John 4:42
The NIV omitted the “Christ” which means “Anointed One.”
John 9:35
In this particular verse, It should be “Son of God” and not, “son of man,” as the NIV translates it.
Matthew 8:29
NIV translators omitted the name, “Jesus,” thou Son of God.
John 6:47
NIV says, “he who believes.” Should be, “He who believes on Me has everlasting life.” Believing is not enough.
Acts 8:18
NIV says, “spirit – should be “Holy Spirit.” Man has a spirit also.) Which spirit are the translators of the NIV referring to ?
Acts 10:30
(NIV omitted “fasting.” Fasting is powerful for seeing answers to our needs.
Acts 8:37
NIV omitted this entire verse – it is vital to Salvation (Did the translators of the NIV feel ashamed of the Name of Jesus?
Acts 10:30
NIV omitted the word “fasting” – fasting is powerful for seeing needs being met.
Acts 22:16
NIV says “Calling on his name.” KJV says “The Name of the Lord.”
Romans 11:6
The NIV is not very clear on this verse and the KJV explains “Grace and Works.” The NIV omits, ”But if it be of works, then it is no more grace.” This is an important part of the Gospel.
1 Corinthians 14:2
Two errors are in this verse. Firstly, it should read, “unknown tongue” and secondly it is by “the Spirit” (Holy Spirit) and not the spirit of man as in the NIV. Speaking in tongues is not by man’s understanding of the “unknown tongue.” The spirit of man has nothing to do with the “unknown tongue.” It is a gift of the Holy Spirit.
11 Corinthians 7:4
KJV says, “boldness of speech.” NIV says, “I have great confidence in you.”
11 Corinthians 10:5
KJV “Casting down imaginations” is correct. NIV says, “demolish arguments.” See Isaiah 2:11-12 for the importance of casting down imaginations.
Galatians 4:7
KJV says “servant,” and not “slave,” as translated in the NIV. A servant has the choice of leaving his master and a slave does not have a choice. The importance of this translation is that we have a choice of serving Christ or of deserting Him, whereas, a slave does not have that choice.
Galatians 5:22
The NIV translators used the word “faithfulness” in place of the word ”faith.” We are saved by faith and not by being faithful.
Galatians 6:15
NIV omits “for in Christ Jesus” in this verse.
Ephesians 3:9
NIV omitted “created all things by Jesus Christ.”
Revelation 22:19
warns us about taking away from the Word of God.
Ephesians 3:14
KJV says, “I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.” NIV says, “I kneel before the Father.” (Which father are they talking about?)
Philippians 3:21
KJV says, “Vile bodies.” NIV says, “lowly bodies.” These words have different meanings. Vile means sinful and lowly means humble.
Ephesians 5:9
KJV says “Fruit of the Spirit.” NIV says, “Fruit of the light.”
Philippians 4:13
KJV says, “I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me.” NIV says, “I can do everything through him.”(Who are they talking about here?)
Colossians 1:2
The NIV omitted, “and from the Lord Jesus Christ.”
Colossians 2: 18
The NIV says, “What he has seen.” The KJV says, “Things he hath not seen.” A careless translation.
1 Timothy 2: 7
KJV says, “Truth in Christ.” NIV says, “Truth.” (There is only truth in Christ)
1 Timothy 3:16
NIV says “He appeared in a body.” What type of body? The KJV says, “God was manifest in the flesh.”
2 Timothy 3:17
KJV says, “That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.” NIV says, “So that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” (A soldier can be equipped for warfare, but not perfect. Only Christ brings perfection.)
Hebrews 3:6
We are “rejoicing” and not “boasting” as translated in the NIV.
Hebrews 3:18
KJV says, “To them that believed not.” NIV says, “ Not to those who disobeyed.”
Hebrews 4:12
KJV says, “The Word is quick and powerful,” not as in the NIV “quick and active.” One can be active without being powerful. It is the “Power of God,” that sets us free, not “activity.”
Hebrews 13:21
Should be “make you perfect” (KJV) not “equip” you as in the NIV. There is a vast difference. (See comments on 2 Tim 3:17)
I Peter 1:22
Should be “with a pure heart” as in KJV not just heart. NIV everyone has a heart, but only Gods children have pure hearts.
1 Peter 2:2
“Milk of the Word” is correct and easy to understand even for a child, but what does the NIV mean by spiritual milk? The emphasis should be on the Word of God, and not on milk.
2 Peter 1:21
Should be “holy men,” that is men touched by the Holy Spirit, and not “men” as translated in the NIV.
1 John 5:13
The NIV left out the last part of this verse which is important and reads, “and that ye may believe on the Name of the Son of God.”
Jude 1
The NIV left out the word “sanctified.” We are sinners who are sanctified (cleansed by the blood of Jesus, when He paid for our sins with his precious blood).
Revelation 1:11
The NIV omitted the very important Name of Jesus which reads “I AM THE ALPHA AND OMEGA, THE FIRST AND THE LAST.” This is in the original manuscripts.
Revelation 21:24
The nations “which are saved” in the KJV, and not just “the nations” as the NIV says. We need to be saved, born again of the Spirit of God.
There are many more verses in both the New Testament as well as the Old Testament, which are in error in the NIV. Added words, deleted words, changed the meaning or completely left out whole verses, The Lord warns against this practice in the book of Revelation 22:18-19.
Now lets look at some verses in the Old Testament, keeping in mind that not all the books in the NIV are in error. Many translators worked on the NIV; some were sincere, others were used by the devil to corrupt the Word of God.
Isaiah 14:12-15
Here the NIV drops the name, ”Lucifer,” which is another name for the Devil and replaces it with “Morning Star” in place of “son of the morning” as in the KJV. Jesus is referred to as “Morning Star” as in the book of Revelation 22:16. The translators make it sound like our Lord Jesus fell from grace, and not Satan, the devil. The devil was cast out of heaven because of pride.
Exodus 6:3
The word “Jehovah” was replaced with the word ”Lord” in the NIV, this is incorrect because of the following reason, the Name “Jehovah” also known as “Yahweh” is a Name by which God is worshipped as the” Self-Existent One;” One who reveals himself through his creation. In this instance the name ”Lord” would not have done justice to the greatness of God. There are also people who are called Lord. The title” Lord” in this instance does not speak of the greatness of God.
Psalm 8:5
The NIV replace the word angel with a heavenly being, never heard of a heavenly being, why not stick to what the original manuscripts said.
Proverbs 8:18
“Righteousness” is correct as in the KJV. Not “prosperity” as translated in the NIV. One can be prosperous without being righteous, the world can make you prosperous, but it can never make you righteous (in right standing with God) which only comes from God.
Jeremiah 29:11
Here the NIV replaces the word “Peace” with “prosperity.” We can be prosperous without having peace, God is not against His children prospering, but we need to keep the verses in context.
Daniel 3:25
The NIV misses the mark completely here by saying, “the fourth looks like the son of the gods.” “The Son of God,” as translated in the KJV, and not “the gods,” as translated in the NIV. Some of the translators of the NIV have tried to make the Word of God acceptable to all religions. The Word of God cannot be changed to accommodate man, man needs to conform to the Word of God.
Closing Remarks:
Some say the NIV is easer to read; not so, the KJV makes more sense with the help of the Holy Spirit. The NIV has so many controversial verses, that no serious Bible Scholar would feel comfortable studying it. The NIV can be used as a reference to compare scripture.
Finally, the Lord gave me a revelation about this very problem, of distorting the Word of God. He showed me His Word is like fresh, clean water. Drinking clean water is healthy for the body. On the other hand, we get sick from polluted water, same as your soul gets sick from the polluted translations of the Bible, as in the NIV. A dying man in the desert can be revived with clean drinking water. A dying soul on his way to hell, needs the pure Word of God.
by Dr. Rocco Badenhorst