Q # 2051071

Question:

Dear Dr. Lindstrom, Can you substantiate your statement that the NIV bible does away with the doctrine of hell? Where? I need proof before I can approach someone with this information. Please be specific. Thanks. Respectfully, Karen Guidry (Ginger Leal’s mom)

Answer:

The editor of the NIV translation, R. Laird Harris, states, “The NIV translators… came to a decision regarding the meaning of the word [HELL]…the meaning grave fits… The translation grave is the most appropriate one. The terms [hell and grave] are synonymous…no more than darkness, dissolution, and the dust of the tomb…to lie in the dust…decay or perish in the grave.” This quote is from ‘THE NIV: THE MAKING OF A CONTEMPORARY TRANSLATION’ pp.58-71 Use a concordance to see where the changes have been made.