NIV and KJV

It is understandable if there are differences between the KJV and the NIV (beyond the updating of the English language).  The KJV is a translation based on the Textus Receptus, a Greek text comprised of biblical manuscripts that dated from around 900 to 1500 A.D.  The NIV based its translation on what is called the UBS text—those manuscripts from 900 to 1500 A.D. plus additional, earlier manuscripts that were from approximately 150 A.D. to 900 A.D.  While there are many years referenced in the previous sentences, don’t get the wrong idea.  There was very precise copying of biblical manuscripts over the centuries.  The differences between the text the KJV used and the text the NIV used amount to less than one-tenth of one percent.  The NIV does not have many deletions and omissions from the KJV.

Other Bible translations are allowed.  Individual congregations determine which translation(s) they will use.  Our synod has never adopted an official Bible translation.  The discussions in our synod the past few years have centered on the use of translations in our publications.