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COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo., September 1, 2010 – Biblica and Zondervan today announced that the Committee on Bible Translation (CBT) – the independent body of global biblical scholars with responsibility for revising and updating the text of the world’s most popular modern English Bible – is now approaching the end of their work  to update the New International Version of the Bible.  Biblica and Zondervan will begin the production process for print and digital versions of the NIV Bible update once the final text is proofed.  The launch in March 2011 will feature a full line of NIV Bibles.

The CBT was formed in 1965 to create a modern English Bible translation from the oldest and best-attested biblical manuscripts. Since then the committee has continued to meet every year to monitor developments in Biblical scholarship and English usage and to reflect these developments in periodic updates to the text. The committee represents the very best in evangelical biblical scholarship. Its members are drawn from various denominations and from some of the finest academic institutions in the world.

“As a committee, we have worked tirelessly over the past year to ensure that the NIV continues to articulate the words of God as they are recorded in the original languages, in a form of English that is comprehensible to the broadest possible audience,” said CBT Chair, Professor Douglas Moo. “It has been both humbling and exhilarating to participate in the translation process with my colleagues on the committee as we combined biblical scholarship with detailed linguistic study to arrive at the final translated NIV text. It is our prayer as a committee that this revision will glorify God and be used by him to transform the lives of many people.”

“The updated NIV is all about maintaining and enhancing the original values of the NIV for today’s readers,” continued Professor Moo. “We’re looking for a translation that is above all accurate – that says what the original authors said in the way they might have said it had they been speaking to the global English-speaking audience today. We’re looking for a translation that offers clarity – where understanding comes naturally and readers can quickly grasp the original authors’ ideas and the cadence of their language. We’re looking for a translation that is suitable both for in-depth study and for outreach – a translation that Christians can share with their neighbors without hindrance whether they are experienced Bible readers or interested newcomers.”

Professor Moo also expressed his gratitude to the many individuals who responded to the committee’s call for external contributions to the translation process at an update announcement on September 1, 2009.

“The committee wishes to express its appreciation to every Bible scholar, minister, missionary and lay person who responded to our call for suggestions as part of this revision process. Maintenance and improvement of the NIV is a never-finished work, and we count ourselves blessed to have such a rich engagement with thoughtful Christians with a devotion to the unchanging truth of God’s Word.”

“Our prayers have been with the CBT as they have worked diligently over the past year to faithfully update the text of the NIV,” said Keith Danby, International CEO of Biblica. “Their work underscores the commitment of the Committee to honor the original NIV charter to monitor and reflect developments in English usage and biblical scholarship by regularly updating the NIV Bible text.”

“We are tremendously excited about the upcoming release of this new Bible,” said Moe Girkins, President and CEO of Zondervan. “Our goal has always been to expand the Bible’s reach. There are already hundreds of millions of NIV readers around the world, and we believe this latest update from the CBT will illuminate God’s Word to millions more."

Biblica and Zondervan also said they will be announcing the timeline for the release of physical and digital products within the next two months.

For more information about the New International Version of the Bible, visit www.NIVBibleUpdate.com.

About the Committe on Bible Translation (CBT)
The Committee on Bible Translation (CBT) is a "continuing committee of fifteen" formed in 1965 for the purpose of creating and revising the NIV®. For more than 40 years, the CBT has labored to bring the Word of God to people in contemporary English. Those who serve on the CBT are highly esteemed scholars as well as translators. Learn more at http://www.Bible-researcher.com/niv-translators.html

About Biblica (Formerly International Bible Society)
Celebrating more than 200 years in ministry, Biblica provides God’s word to people through translation, publishing, and Bible engagement. Biblica’s ministry extends worldwide, with outreach in Africa, Asia Pacific, Europe, Latin America, Middle East, and North America. Biblica has translated the Bible in more than 100 languages and is the translation sponsor and copyright holder of the New International Version® (NIV®), the most widely read and trusted contemporary English translation. Through its worldwide reach, Biblica engages people with God’s Word so that their lives are transformed through a relationship with Jesus Christ. http://www.biblica.com/niv/index.php

Zondervan, a HarperCollins company, is a world leader in Christian communications and the leading Christian publishing brand. For more than 75 years, Zondervan has delivered transformational Christian experiences through general and academic resources by influential leaders and emerging voices, and been honored with more Christian Book Awards than any other publisher. Headquartered in Grand Rapids, Mich., with offices in San Diego and Miami, Zondervan conducts events and publishes its bestselling Bibles, books, audio, video, curriculum, software, and digital products through its Zondervan, eZondervan, Zonderkidz, Youth Specialties, Editorial Vida, and National Pastors Convention brands. Zondervan resources are sold worldwide through retail stores, online, and by Zondervan ChurchSource, and are translated into nearly 200 languages in more than 60 countries. Visit Zondervan on the Internet at www.zondervan.com (mobile site: zvan.mobi).