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Title: The Balance of the Niv: What Makes a Good Translation by Kenneth L. Barker ISBN: 0-8010-6239-X Publisher: Baker Book House Pub. Date: March, 2000 Format: Paperback Volumes: 1 List Price(USD): $13.99

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Average Customer Rating: 4 (2 reviews)

Rating: 4
Summary: Is the Bible "balanced?"
Comment: What makes a good translation of the Bible? The answer, according to Kenneth Barker, is "balance" in at least five areas: a balanced and well represented committee, a balanced textual basis, a balanced translation philosophy, a balanced solution to difficulties, and finally, a balanced selection of available resources. As far as Barker is concerned, the NIV adequately meets all these criteria.

For those looking for a well-written, basic introduction to the NIV, this book admirably serves its purpose. Others who prefer a rigorous critical approach would be advised to look elsewhere. A weakness in Barker's argument, as I see it, is his use "balance" as criterion for a good translation. I agree that the NIV is balanced, but is that a GOOD thing? Is the Bible a balanced book? Many of its ideas and philosophies are sometimes extreme, even shocking. Its language and characters are seldom "balanced". If neutralising imbalances inherent in the original languages for the sake of ecumenism is the purpose of translation, and if subsuming these imbalances under a risk-free English style can be regarded as an advance, then Barker's opinions regarding the NIV hold weight. If however, the purpose of translation is to render what is THERE, with stark offences in tact, then Barker's criterion of "balance" may be somewhat overstated.

Rating: 4
Summary: Barker thinks the Bible is "balanced"
Comment: What makes a good translation of the Bible? The answer, according to Kenneth Barker, is "balance" in at least five areas: a balanced and well represented committee, a balanced textual basis, a balanced translation philosophy, a balanced solution to difficulties, and finally, a balanced selection of available resources. As far as Barker is concerned, the NIV adequately meets all these criteria.

For those looking for a well-written, basic introduction to the NIV, this book admirably serves its purpose. Others who prefer a rigorous critical approach would be advised to look elsewhere. A weakness in Barker's argument, as I see it, is his use "balance" as criterion for a good translation. I agree that the NIV is balanced, but is that a GOOD thing? Is the Bible a balanced book? Many of its ideas and philosophies are sometimes extreme, even shocking. Its language and characters are seldom "balanced". If neutralising imbalances inherent in the original languages for the sake of ecumenism is the purpose of translation, and if subsuming these imbalances under a risk-free English style can be regarded as an advance, then Barker's opinions regarding the NIV hold weight. If however, the purpose of translation is to render what is THERE, with stark offences in tact, then Barker's criterion of "balance" may be somewhat overstated.