In the world of Christian literature, the Bible stands as the best-selling book and simultaneously one of the most questioned in human history. Recognized as containing the Word of God, it serves as the primary reference for Christians worldwide, including Catholics, Evangelicals, and Orthodox believers, who accept it as a source of sound doctrine.
In Spanish, one of the most appreciated versions is the Reina-Valera, widely used until the early 2000s and still the most requested version by Christians in Latin America. With over 400 years of history since its first edition, it is famously known as the “Bear Bible” due to the image of a bear on its original cover.
Bible translation, a longstanding necessity, has evolved significantly over time, becoming increasingly specialized with tools to interpret the original texts' meaning. Languages, which are ever-changing, require regular updates to translations. Additionally, recent archaeological discoveries, such as ancient Hebrew, Greek, and Aramaic manuscripts, have spurred new revisions and modern versions, particularly amidst the largest population growth in history.
The variety of translations, and more recently the paraphrases, has sparked both admiration and criticism. Some of these criticisms focus on the methods of translation, while others argue that biblical language should not be updated or question the influence of modern publishers, who, according to their detractors, respond to various theological currents and seek to spread their own interpretations alongside the biblical text.
Diario Cristiano, Christian Daily International's Spanish edition, interviewed Dr. Samuel Pagán, a theologian, pastor, and prominent biblical scholar. Since 2018, Dr. Pagán has led the translation committees for the New International Version (NIV) Bible in Spanish and Portuguese for the International Bible Society (IBS), also known as Biblica. The NIV is celebrated as one of the most faithful versions to the original manuscripts, though it remains controversial globally.
“The New International Version in Spanish emerged in the seventies and eighties, initiated by the International Bible Society to provide an understandable biblical text for the generations of the eighties and nineties,” Dr. Pagán explained in an engaging discussion.
He described the translation approach as "dynamic," a balance between literal and dynamic translation. “The slogan was that, when necessary, we opted for a dynamic translation, and when relevant, for a formal translation. That’s why in the NIV, some verses are more dynamic, while others are closer to traditional texts,” he noted. This flexibility has drawn criticism, with some detractors insisting that 15th-century Spanish should remain the standard for translating biblical texts.
Dr. Pagán also highlighted the diversity within the translation team: “All members of the committee were evangelical pastors from various denominations, age groups, and regions. We accounted for the peculiarities of Spanish in countries such as Argentina, Chile, the Dominican Republic, and Colombia, ensuring the text would be accessible to all.”
The committee prioritized faithfully reflecting biblical theology and the original manuscripts. “We aim to convey what Isaiah said, what Paul said, respecting their intentions and contexts. Study Bibles may carry various biases, but we strive to present a neutral text that aligns with evangelical traditions,” Pagán emphasized.
A recent controversy, reported by The Christian Post, involved the “Upside-Down Kingdom Bible,” an English-language edition of the NIV (not equivalent to the standard NIV), which included notes on theological diversity, race, gender, and sexuality. Produced by Zondervan with contributions from figures like Pastor Preston Sprinkle, this edition raised concerns in religious circles.
Dr. Pagán clarified that such publications are not affiliated with the International Bible Society or the NIV in Spanish. “The biblical text is the biblical text. These study editions reflect the theological perspectives of their authors but do not represent the NIV translation committee,” he asserted. He further explained that translations may vary based on the cultural and social context of their intended audience.
“We have stayed close to the evangelical church, supporting it and allowing each denomination—Reformed, Pentecostal, Baptist, or others—to interpret the text according to their traditions. These interpretations, however, do not reflect the positions of the NIV or its committee. The issue with study editions lies not in the biblical text but in the marginal notes, which reveal theologies of specific individuals,” Pagán said.
He summed up the role of the NIV translation committee, saying, “We provide the biblical text to publishers, granting them permission to publish. Publishers may add commentaries or inserts, but those are not study Bibles per se, nor are they our responsibility.”
Dr. Pagán concluded by reaffirming the International Bible Society’s mission: “Our purpose is to remain faithful to the evangelical tradition, emphasizing the study, understanding, and sharing of God’s Word. We want people not only to own a Bible but to read it, live it, and share it with others.”
Dr. Pagán and his team’s dedication to excellence in translation seeks to underscore the rigorous scholarship, cultural awareness, and love for Scripture required to produce a Bible that resonates with modern readers while staying true to its original message.
Originally published by Diario Cristiano, Christian Daily International's Spanish edition.
