Although there have been lots of complaints about the new NIV, it seems it has dared to differ from older translations and make a major improvement in one very famous verse. John Byron reports that the new NIV translation of Luke 2:7 has “guest room” instead of “inn.”
I suspect that there are going to be some very surprised people who have purchased the new NIV but will only read Luke 2:7 in it at some Christmas service. I even imagine that there may even be some gasps audible in churches.
Read Kenneth Bailey‘s “The Manger and the Inn” and/or “The Story of Jesus’ Birth” for an explanation of the relevant cultural and linguistic issues.
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