NIrV

Ever since I started working with our PIBC students, almost all of whom use English as an additional language, I've become very interested in Bible translations which are designed for such readers. So, I ordered a copy of the New International Reader's Version (NIrV) Bible from the International Bible Society.

And yes, the NIrV seems very workable for our students -- especially since many of the students will eventually move on to the more developed NIV (or TNIV if they're listening to me). And the NIrV is a real complete translation -- even though the reading level is third grade. (You can compare online with the TNIV and NIV.) So it seems to be a good fit.

But what amazed me about the particular edition I bought was the quality and design.

I had purchased (sight unseen) the The NIrV Bible, Narrative and Illustrated. The water color illustrations make this a piece of art. As soon as you see it you know that this isn't a "children's Bible" -- even though the English is simple enough for a young English reader. And the layout is clean and readable. The paper is slightly waxy and feels good to the touch.

This edition, printed in Japan, also does something I've never seen before. The narrative sections ("the main story") are presented as single column text. The rest of the text (poetry, psalms, letters...) is laid out in double columns. And there is plenty of white space, which makes for easy reading -- or even personal note taking. Click here for a .pdf sample.

And did I mention that this piece of art is on sale for $4.99 each through IBSDirect.com? You could keep this Bible on your coffee table as a discussion starter -- and it's less than $5.

AND if you order a case of 10 -- then the price drops to $4.88. (Commercial resale at these prices is prohibited.)

Order a case so you have Bibles to give out to your children, grandchildren, International students, immigrant neighbors, ESL class, Micronesians students...

That's my plan -- such a deal!