the books of the bible: a gender accurate and narrative format bible

the books of the bible is a refreshing new bible that is not only written without chapter and verse numbers throughout the text (there is a text range at the bottom of the page) but it is also currently in the gender accurate tniv (today’s new international version). here is some info:

The Books of The Bible project encourages better Bible reading, particularly by emphasizing the reading of whole books. The result is an inviting and clean visual presentation of the Bible that can be understood and enjoyed more easily. The Books of The Bible differs from the format of most current Bibles in significant ways:

Chapter and verse numbers are removed from the text(A chapter and verse range is given at the bottom of each page)

Each book’s natural literary breaks are shown instead

There are no notes, cross references, or section headings in the text

Text is presented in one column rather than two or more

Books that have historically been divided into parts are restored

Books are presented in an order that gives readers more help in understanding

here are some sample page comparisons:

you can find out more at their website and even download sample books.

if you’re wondering what gender accurate means the following should help clarify:

The TNIV is not gender neutral; it is in fact “gender accurate.” Gender neutrality suggests the removal of specific male or female attributes. The TNIV does not remove these attributes or “neuter” any passages of Scripture. The TNIV uses generic language only where the meaning of the text was intended to include both men and women. These changes reflect a more precise rendering of Greek and Hebrew words.

Half of all major Bible translations use some gender-accurate language, especially translations like the NLT (Tyndale) and the NCV (Nelson). But even translations like the the NKJV and the Holman Christian Standard Bible use gender-accurate language.

The TNIV does not refer to God by using such terminology as “she” or “our Father-Mother”. It is the commitment and firm belief of the CBT that masculine terminology remains masculine when the original texts use the masculine form.

The TNIV uses gender-accurate language only where the meaning of the original text was intended to include both men and women.

more info on this topic here

this ridiculously inexpensive ($6.99) but beautifully designed bible can be purchased directly from the international bible society. it says “while supplies last” so i don’t know if it will be reprinted. i heard julie clawson mention elsewhere that the tniv may not be around for long.

update:  here is a christianity today article on this very issue. the tniv is indeed being phased out for a new niv.

ht: frank viola