“Justification” in NIrV and NIV 2011: Two Very Different Approaches from the Same Stable

Abstract

The New International Reader’s Version (NIrV) of 2005, and the New International Version, as revised in 2011 (NIV 2011), derive from the same stable. NIV 2011 is a “standard” English version, while NIrV is in simplified English, having in mind children and those whose competence in English and/or whose knowledge of the Bible is limited. This study demonstrates the very different approaches these two versions take to rendering the key word-family for Paul’s doctrine of “justification.” It concludes that Paul’s intentions are conveyed more effectively in NIrV (notwithstanding its limitations) and suggests why NIV 2011 fails at this point.