Hi HARVEY,
I beg to differ with you, Harvey.  The NIV is a specific type of 
translation which is based on the theory of dynamic equivalency.  If you 
will read the introduction in the front of the NIV you will see that 
wherever possible an exact word-for-word translation is rendered.  However, 
wherever that is impossible the closest possible thought in English is 
applied for the Greek idiom or expression.  This is not the same as a 
paraphrase.  Additionally, the issue goes beyond translation issues to 
textual issues.  The KJV is based on the Byzantine Majority text, which is 
an expanded text based on several textual traditions, including the 
Stephens 1550 Textus Receptus.
The modern translations, like the NIV, are based on the eclectic Greek New 
Testament tradition begun by Westcott and Hort.  The Nestle-Aland 27th 
edition and the United Bible Societies 4th edition are the two most recent 
releases.  The critical editions of the GNT are based on the Alexandrian 
text families, not the Western or Byzantine text families.
While the NIV is not always an absolutely literal word-for-word 
translation, it is an excellent translation and I use it in my everyday 
preaching and teaching ministry to inmates.
Sincerely in Christ,
Charlie
HA>.MSGID: 1:138/323.14 8C2A11F8
HA>.TID: WILDMAIL!/WC v4.12  95-0297
HA>Hi Shoshona, part of Open Bible Forum on versions of translations can b
HA>used in connection with discussing a scripture in order to get perhaps
HA>more understanding, hence the credentials of a certain version may then
HA>be explored to see if it is in line with the Greek or the hebrew.
HA>However in the past case, there was a deliberate attempt to flame those
HA>who did not hold the same view of one translation over another.
HA>The truth of the matter is that the NIV is not a translation but an
HA>expanded translation. To date there have been noted that there are over
HA>150 errors in the NIV.
HA>I for one stick with the KJV and the NKJV, and the Greek and the Hebrew
HA>The KJV also has its share of problems as well, but all in all it is a
HA>good translation.
HA>Hope this helps.
HA>Harvey
HA>--- WILDMAIL!/WC v4.12 
Sincerely in Christ,
Charlie Ray, 
Chaplain
1 Timothy 4:16
Watch your life and doctrine closely.
Persevere in them, because if you do,
you will save both yourself and your hearers.  (NIV).
chaplain@isgroup.net
---
 * WR  # 461 * Sola Scriptura, Solus Christus, Sola Gratia, Sola Fide.
---------------