McMaster Divinity College is pleased to recognize Rev. Dr. Mark J. Boda, Professor of Old Testament, for his ongoing research and contributions as a member of the Committee on Bible Translation (CBT). Since joining the committee in 2017, Dr. Boda has contributed alongside a team of world-class biblical scholars committed to the ongoing translation and revision of the New International Version (NIV) Bible.
The CBT was formed in 1966 following a gathering of evangelical scholars in 1965 who saw a need for a new English Bible translation. Rather than updating an existing translation such as the KJV, the committee began translating directly from the original Greek, Hebrew, and Aramaic texts. Since the publication of the NIV in 1978, the CBT has continued its work through annual reviews and revisions, ensuring that the NIV reflects the very best of biblical and archaeological scholarship while representing contemporary English. Through this ongoing work, the CBT seeks to provide a translation that faithfully communicates the message of Scripture while serving the needs of readers today.
The NIV’s translation philosophy focuses on balancing faithfulness to the original biblical texts with clarity in contemporary English, ensuring that readers today can engage with Scripture in a way that reflects its original meaning. Rather than focusing only on a word-for-word approach or a thought-for-thought approach, the mission of the NIV is to both preserve the meaning and nuances of the original Greek, Hebrew, and Aramaic texts while communicating God’s Word in clear, natural English. Through a rigorous translation process and regular careful review by the CBT, the NIV continues to impact readers globally as one of the most widely used modern English Bible translations.
We are honoured to have Dr. Boda as part of our faculty and celebrate his continued contribution to biblical scholarship, theological education, and the work of the CBT. Through his service on the committee, Dr. Boda brings his expertise in Old Testament studies, with key areas of research in Old Testament prophecy, Persian Period Old Testament books, Judges, Prayer and Psalms, and Old Testament theology.
To learn more about Dr. Boda’s work with the NIV and the CBT, visit the official NIV website.
