By Adelle M. Banks

(RNS) Zondervan and the International Bible Society have announced plans to

publish an edition of the Bible called “Today’s New International Version,”

an adaptation of the popular “NIV” that will include some gender-neutral

references.

Some TNIV Changes

a.. In Matthew 5:9, “sons of God” has changed to “children of God.”

a.. In Romans 3:28, “a man is justified by faith” has changed to “a person is

…”

a.. References to “the Jews” are described more specifically, such as “the

Jews there.”

a.. The word “pregnant” replaces “with child.”

The new version, which is being called the “TNIV,” will change 7 percent from

the NIV, officials of the Grand Rapids, Mich.-based publishing company and

the Bible society said in their announcement Monday (Jan. 28).

Among the changes will be some regarding gender. For example, “sons of God”

will become “children of God” and “brothers” will be translated as “brothers

and sisters” when scholars determined the original text did not intend any

specific gender reference. References to God and Jesus will remain masculine.

“We firmly believe that to effect positive change in our world, we must

communicate with today’s generations in the English they are being taught and

that they speak,” said Peter Bradley, president of the Colorado Springs-based

Bible society, in a statement. “To accomplish this mission, we must make

certain that Scripture is presented in a way that is unquestionably accurate

and perfectly clear.”

Other changes in the new version include describing Mary, the mother of

Jesus, as “`pregnant” rather than “with child.” Jesus will be called Messiah

rather than “Christ” when the text refers to belief in his messianic status

but will still be called “Jesus Christ” when Christ is used as part of his

personal name. Also, some references to Jews will be more specific, using

phrases such as “the Jews there” or “the Jewish leaders.”

The TNIV translation of the New Testament will be released in the spring and

the complete text, including the Old Testament, is scheduled to appear in

2005. The NIV also will continue to be published.

“With the confidence of IBS, we look forward to the responsibility of

bringing this new edition to millions of people around the world who will

receive a fresh, new, accurate understanding of God’s word,” said Bruce

Ryskamp, CEO and president of Zondervan, in the statement.