Preface | xxi
FOOTNOTES AND FORMATTING
Footnotes in this version are of several kinds , most of which need no explanation . Those giving alternative translations begin with “ Or ” and generally introduce the alternative with the last word preceding it in the text , except when it is a single-word alternative . When poetry is quoted in a footnote a slash mark indicates a line division .
It should be noted that references to diseases , minerals , flora and fauna , architectural details , clothing , jewelry , musical instruments and other articles cannot always be identified with precision . Also , linear measurements and measures of capacity can only be approximated ( see the Table of Weights and Measures ). Although Selah , used mainly in the Psalms , is probably a musical term , its meaning is uncertain . Since it may interrupt reading and distract the reader , this word has not been kept in the English text , but every occurrence has been signaled by a footnote .
As an aid to the reader , sectional headings have been inserted . They are not to be regarded as part of the biblical text and are not intended for oral reading . It is the Committee ’ s hope that these headings may prove more helpful to the reader than the traditional chapter divisions , which were introduced long after the Bible was written .
Sometimes the chapter and / or verse numbering in English translations of the Old Testament differs from that found in published Hebrew texts . This is particularly the case in the Psalms , where the traditional titles are included in the Hebrew verse numbering . Such differences are indicated in the footnotes at the bottom of the page . In the New Testament , verse numbers that marked off portions of the traditional English text not supported by the best Greek manuscripts now appear in brackets , with a footnote indicating the text that has been omitted ( see , for example , Matthew 17 :[ 21 ]).
Mark 16:9 – 20 and John 7:53 — 8:11 , although long accorded virtually equal status with the rest of the Gospels in which they stand , have a questionable standing in the textual history of the New Testament , as noted in the bracketed annotations with which they are set off . A different typeface has been chosen for these passages to indicate their uncertain status .
Basic formatting of the text , such as lining the poetry , paragraphing ( both prose and poetry ), setting up of ( administrative-like ) lists , indenting letters and lengthy prayers within narratives and the insertion of sectional headings , has been the work of the Committee . However , the choice between single-column and double-column formats has been left to the publishers . Also the issuing of “ red-letter ” editions is a publisher ’ s choice — one that the Committee does not endorse .
The Committee has again been reminded that every human effort is flawed — including this revision of the NIV . We trust , however , that many will find in it an improved representation of the Word of God , through which they hear his call to faith in our Lord Jesus Christ and to service in his kingdom . We offer this version of the Bible to him in whose name and for whose glory it has been made .
The Committee on Bible Translation