That Person

[RipponRedeaux]

I appreciate the NIV very much. I thought the TNIV was fine as well. There are pluses and minuses with both. As most of you know I like a plethora of English Bible versions. I quote from a number of them approvingly. And I am also aware of a number of inadequacies that they have.

I have made a lot of threads detailing the poor English of the ESV, and also a few threads itemizing the same regarding the NKJV. Now I will begin to address the style of English in the NIV. In conversation just about all of us use the singular they. And that includes their and them. Most of use don't have any problems with the use of their with reference to an individual. But it's more problematic regarding they and them. I'll address that issue in another thread.

For now, I will cite passages using that person in the NIV. Upon examination it is clumsy. I will pair snips of verses above from the NIV and the alternative renderings from other Bible versions below. I know that some will complain that I am exchanging one problem for another but changing singulars to plurals. Yet it isn't as troublesome as some make it out to be. Most of the time the Bible is addressing 'we' and 'us' --the collective.


1 Cor. 3:17
God will destroy that person (NIV)
God will destroy anyone (NLT)

1 Cor. 8:10
won't that person (NIV)
won't they (NLT)

1 Cor. 16:22
If anyone does not love the Lord, let that person be cursed! (NIV)
Let anyone who has no love for the Lord be cursed. (NET)

Gal. 6:1
restore that person gently (NIV)
restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness (NRSV)

James 1:7
That person should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. (NIV)
Such people should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. (NLT)

James 1:12
that person will receive the crown of life (NIV)
They will receive the crown of life (CEB)

James 5:19
bring that person back (NIV)
brought back by another (NRSV)

1 John 3:17
how can the love of God be in that person? (NIV)
How does God's love abide in anyone (NRSV)

 

[RipponRedeaux]

I will list a number of translations which have that person in the New Testament :

NIV : 43
LEB : 48
NET : 57
NASB : 58
NLT : 64
ISV : 80
CEB : 89

 

[alexander284]

I, also, find the NIV's use of the phrase "that person" awkward.

I'm glad to see I'm not alone.

 

[RipponRedeaux]

I will list some N.T. passages from the NASB2020 which use that person. In these verses the NIV does not use the words that person.

Luke 12:5
"But I will warn you whom to fear: fear the One who, after he has killed someone, has the power to throw that person into hell; yes, I tell you, fear Him!"

Romans 14:15
"For if because of food your brother or sister is hurt, you are no longer walking in accordance with love. Do not destroy with your choice of food that person for whom Christ died."

2 Thess. 3:14
"If anyone does not obey our instruction in this letter, take special note of that person so as not to associate with him, so that he will be put to shame.

2 Thess. 3:15
"And yet do not regard that person as an enemy, but admonish that one as a brother or sister."

 

[RipponRedeaux]

Here are two passages from the ESV.

2 Thess. 3:14
"If anyone does not obey what we say in this letter, take note of that person. and have nothing to do with him, that he may be ashamed."

1 Cor. 2:11
"For who knows a person's thoughts except the spirit of that person, which is in him? So also no one comprehends the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God."

 

[alexander284]

My two favorite Bible translations are the NASB95, and the ESV.

Having said that, however, I do readily concede your points regarding their flaws and/or shortcomings (especially in regard to your points pertaining to grammar, word order, etc.).

Thus far, I'm not necessarily impressed with the changes I've seen implemented for the NASB20.

In any case, I appreciate your posts. And I thank you for taking the time and effort required to share your knowledge with us on the Baptist Board.

 

[RipponRedeaux]

My two favorite Bible translations are the NASB95, and the ESV.

Having said that, however, I do readily concede your points regarding their flaws and/or shortcomings (especially in regard to your points pertaining to grammar, word order, etc.).

I didn't post anything regarding the 95NASB, just the 2020NASB. But thanks for your compliments.

 

[RipponRedeaux]

I will list snips of verses from the LEB. The NIV does not have that person in these verses.

Luke 16:1
"And charges were brought to him that this person was squandering his possessions."

John 19:35
"...and his testimony is true, and that person knows that he is telling the truth..."

Romans 14:15
"Do not destroy by your food that person for whom Christ died."

James 5:20
"...will save that person's soul from death..."