For fifty years, the debate has raged over the quality of the New International Version (NIV). Some in the church have tried to purge the NIV, while others will use nothing else. While its sometimes-loose translation style can leave something to be desired, it continues to be a popular translation.
Through the years, many have shown its weaknesses and strengths. By selecting scholars from all religions, the publishers hoped to get a well-rounded version that would be acceptable to all religions. Despite the various religions represented, the NIV favors Calvinism in a few places.
This lean towards Calvinism prompts some to question its accuracy. However, some criticisms of the NIV are false and should stop being used. Its opponents undermine their own credibility when they use these false arguments.
The Guilt of Sin
One argument comes from Psalm 51:5 NIV, “Surely I have been a sinner from birth, sinful from the time my mother conceived me.” John Calvin built his entire system on the mistaken idea that all people are born depraved with the original sin of Adam, and at first glance Psalm 51 NIV seems to support the idea of inherited sin. Yet, in another place, the Bible clearly contradicts the idea of inherited sin: “The soul who sins is the one who will die. The son will not share the guilt of the father, nor will the father share the guilt of the son” (Eze 18:20 NIV).
Some NIV critics contend that this translation of Psalm 51:5 is both Calvinistic and contradictory. Certainly, if it corrupted the translation of this passage to conform to original sin, then this would be a mark against it. If this verse teaches that humans are born as sinners, then it would contradict other Bible teaching—another strike. The real question is, “Is Psalm 51:5 NIV a corrupt translation?”
David Bewails His Own Sin
In Psalm 51:5, David admits to being a sinner at birth, and sinful from conception. These statements certainly sound Calvinistic, but “Whose sin was he born in?” His mother’s? The world’s? Adam’s? In the psalm, David bewails his own sin. The NIV translates the original Hebrew of this passage properly.
If the NIV version of Psalm 51:5 is right, does that mean John Calvin is correct too? No. In fact, not only does this verse not teach total hereditary depravity—from the NIV or any other translation—it teaches against it. According to the psalm’s superscription, Nathan had confronted David about Bathsheba. David, in his brokenness, pleads for God’s mercy to wash him from his sins (vv. 1-2). Then he wails over his sin (vv. 3-5). The guilt of his sin stung his tender heart and separated him from God.
David considered his sin to be so bad that it tainted his very existence. He committed adultery, corrupted a marriage, and contracted a murder. In his own eyes, David says, “My sin is so bad that it stains me from my birth and conception.” David knew children did not inherit the sins of their parents, but the pain of his sin prompted a poetic hyperbole.
Like Everyone Else?
If everyone is a sinner at birth, then David’s exaggeration means nothing. To show the egregiousness of his sin, David claimed he…was like everyone else?!? Hardly. David lamented he was worse than everyone else—a sinner from birth—something that he felt nobody else could be. He had in mind his own state, not humanity’s state.
Many critics continue to point out the NIV’s Calvinistic leanings. In their vigor, they have targeted Psalm 51:5 as a weakness of this modern English version. Perhaps it would be wise to take a new look at this criticism and admit Psalm 51:5 is solidly and soundly translated by the NIV.
Preaching Minister