Self-Governing Committee Now More Diverse Than Ever

Contact: Trinity McFadden, Senior Manager of Publicity, 616-698-3514, trinity.mcfadden@harpercollins.com

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich., Sept. 15, 2016 /Christian Newswire/ -- The New International Version (NIV) Committee on Bible Translation is pleased to announce the addition of their newest member, Rev. Dr. Andrew Shead. With the addition of Andrew Shead, the CBT is now more globally diverse than ever. Of the 15 members, five are from countries other than the United States (including India, the United Kingdom, and Australia).

Shead, who obtained his Ph.D. from University of Cambridge, is Head of Old Testament Studies at Moore Theological College in Sydney, Australia, where he has taught all three biblical languages and most books of the Old Testament since 1992. His research interests include textual criticism, biblical theology, Hebrew poetry, and the book of Jeremiah.

"It's a wonderful privilege to work with and learn from a group of such people, with such a task," says Shead. "Their diversity is enriching, their joyfulness is infectious, and their godliness is a constant encouragement. I quickly learned to value the wisdom of the group, a wisdom that comes out of the spiritual unity generated by sitting together under the word of God and letting the message of Christ dwell among us richly."

The NIV translation was first published in 1978 by Biblica, a Bible translation ministry founded in 1809 as the New York Bible Society. The translation philosophy of the NIV is to provide optimum combination of transparency to the original manuscripts with ease of understanding in every verse. Given the very nature of language and the changes that occur over time, this work is never complete and demands ongoing attention to keep the text as accurate, readable, and clear to the reader. To learn more about the NIV translation philosophy, visit www.biblica.com/en-us/the-niv-bible/translation-philosophy-of-the-niv.

All 15 members of the Committee on Bible Translation (CBT) are leading evangelical scholars with an unwavering commitment to the authority of Scripture. The CBT, which is a self-governing body (so that no outside group can determine how the NIV is translated), has met every year since 1965 to monitor developments in biblical scholarship, as well as changes in English usage. Each year they request and receive input from pastors, missionaries, laypeople, and scholars. This translation team ensures the NIV translation is free from bias and remains the most accurate, readable, and clear modern English translation of the Bible available today. To learn more about the CBT, visit www.biblica.com/en-us/the-niv-bible/meet-the-translators.

About Biblica – The International Bible Society: Biblica exists to bring God's Word to people in a way they understand, so they are transformed by Christ and inspired to join His mission for the world. We do this through Translation & Publishing, Scripture Access, and Bible Engagement programs. Biblica has been stewarding God's Word for more than 200 years. Throughout this time, the Bible has always been at the center of all we do. By partnering with other Christian ministries and with local churches around the world, we strive to honor God's Word and glorify Christ. To learn more about Biblica, go to www.Biblica.com.

About Zondervan: Zondervan is a world leading Bible publisher and provider of Christian communications. Zondervan, part of HarperCollins Christian Publishing, Inc., delivers transformational Christian experiences through its bestselling Bibles, books, curriculum, academic resources and digital products. The Company's products are sold worldwide and translated into nearly 200 languages. Zondervan offices are located in Grand Rapids, Mich. For additional information, please visit www.zondervan.com.