Have you ever walked into a bookstore or searched online for a Bible, only to be overwhelmed by the sheer number of translations available? From the King James Version (1611) to modern translations like the English Standard Version (2001) or Christian Standard Bible (2017), we have more choices today than any generation in church history.
But along with this blessing comes a pressing question: What do these new translations say about gender?
In our age, gender has become one of the most discussed and sensitive topics. Bible translators—tasked with rendering God’s eternal Word into contemporary language—must wrestle with whether to retain traditional masculine terms (man, brethren, sons) or use more inclusive terms (people, brothers and sisters).
This matters deeply. The way Scripture is translated not only shapes how we read the Bible but also how people feel included in God’s story.
A Brief History of Gender in Bible Translation
Ancient Languages and Masculine Forms
The original languages of Scripture—Hebrew (Old Testament) and Greek (New Testament)—often used masculine forms in generic ways.
- Hebrew word adam can mean “man,” “human,” or “mankind” (Genesis 1:27).
- Greek word adelphoi means “brothers,” but contextually it included women too (Philippians 1:12).
In the ancient world, masculine forms often carried inclusive meaning.
Early English Translations
When William Tyndale (1526) and later the King James translators (1611) produced English Bibles, they used the male-oriented English of their time. Phrases like “men,” “sons,” and “brethren” were not seen as excluding women, but as standard English usage.
Why Gender in Translations Became a Debate
Language Shift in Modern English
In recent decades, English usage has shifted. Today, if you say “All men are created equal,” many hear “all males,” not “all people.”
This shift forces translators to decide:
- Should they keep the literal masculine terms even if misunderstood?
- Or should they translate the intended inclusive meaning for modern readers?
Rise of Inclusive Language
From the 1980s onward, some translations began using inclusive phrasing where the biblical text clearly included both men and women.
- Romans 12:1 (KJV): “I beseech you therefore, brethren…”
- NIV (2011): “Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters…”
Both are faithful, but one clarifies for modern readers that Paul addressed the whole church, not just the men.
Major Modern Bible Translations and Gender
1. New International Version (NIV, 2011 Update)
- Dynamic equivalence (thought-for-thought).
- Uses inclusive terms when the context is clearly general.
- Example: adelphoi → “brothers and sisters.”
- Retains masculine pronouns for God (Father, Son, He).
👉 Balances readability and accuracy, widely used across denominations.
2. English Standard Version (ESV, 2001)
- “Essentially literal” philosophy.
- Generally keeps masculine terms like “brothers.”
- Prioritizes word-for-word precision.
👉 Popular among evangelicals who value traditional renderings.
3. New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition (NRSVue, 2021)
- Strives for inclusivity.
- Renders “brothers and sisters” or even “siblings.”
- Sometimes replaces titles like “Son of Man” with “Human One” (in some contexts).
👉 Appeals to academic and mainline Protestant communities.
4. Christian Standard Bible (CSB, 2017)
- “Optimal equivalence”—a middle ground between literal and dynamic.
- Often uses inclusive phrasing but preserves masculine terms where theology demands it (e.g., “Son of God”).
👉 A balanced option for both pastors and lay readers.
5. The Message (MSG, Eugene Peterson)
- A paraphrase designed for devotional readability.
- Frequently uses inclusive, conversational terms like “friends.”
👉 Great for devotional reading, but not a primary study Bible.
Comparison Table: How Different Bible Translations Handle Gender
| Translation | Year / Update | Translation Philosophy | Approach to Gender Language | Example Phrase (Romans 12:1) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| King James Version (KJV) | 1611 | Word-for-word | Keeps masculine terms | “brethren” |
| New International Version (NIV) | 2011 | Thought-for-thought | Inclusive where context is broad | “brothers and sisters” |
| English Standard Version (ESV) | 2001 | Essentially literal | Retains masculine | “brothers” |
| New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition (NRSVue) | 2021 | Inclusive dynamic | Consistently gender-inclusive | “siblings / brothers and sisters” |
| Christian Standard Bible (CSB) | 2017 | Optimal equivalence | Inclusive with theological caution | “brothers and sisters” |
| The Message (MSG) | 2002 | Paraphrase | Inclusive, conversational | “friends” |
Case Study: Galatians 3:28
“There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.”
- KJV: “male nor female.”
- NIV: “male and female.”
- NRSVue: “no longer male and female.”
Slight differences, but the message is unchanged: in Christ, gender does not determine our worth or status.
Real-Life Example: Bible Study Impact
A young woman attends her first Bible study. The leader reads from the ESV: “I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God…”
She hesitates—Does this include me?
Another member reads the NIV: “…brothers and sisters…” Suddenly, the verse feels personal.
👉 Both are accurate, but the hearer’s experience differs. Translation choices shape how people connect with Scripture.
Theological Concerns
- Inclusive translations do not change God’s identity. He is still Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
- Changes mainly apply to human references.
- The challenge: Avoid imposing cultural trends while making Scripture accessible.
Practical Guidance for Christians
- Know the Philosophy:
- Word-for-word (ESV, NASB) → precision.
- Thought-for-thought (NIV, CSB) → clarity + meaning.
- Paraphrase (MSG) → readability.
- Compare Multiple Versions:
Seeing the same verse in different translations deepens understanding. - Welcome Inclusive Clarity:
“Brothers and sisters” often better reflects what Paul intended. - Keep the Gospel Central:
Translation debates must not distract from Christ’s saving work.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Is gender-inclusive translation biblical?
Yes. Greek adelphoi meant “brothers and sisters.” Inclusive renderings capture that meaning for today’s readers.
2. Does inclusive language change theology?
No. God’s identity remains unchanged. Inclusive terms apply to human audiences.
3. Why do some prefer traditional masculine terms?
They value linguistic continuity and tradition. Others prefer inclusivity for clarity.
4. Which Bible translation is best for gender accuracy?
- Accuracy → ESV, NASB.
- Balance → NIV, CSB.
- Inclusivity → NRSVue.
- Devotional → The Message.
5. Should I avoid certain translations?
No. Each has strengths. Use multiple for deeper study.
Conclusion
The latest Bible versions reveal this truth: God’s Word is for everyone—men and women alike.
Different translations handle gender differently, but the Gospel message remains unchanged:
- We are all made in God’s image (Genesis 1:27).
- We are heirs together of grace (1 Peter 3:7).
- We are one in Christ Jesus (Galatians 3:28).
👉 Try reading your favorite passage in two or three translations. Notice how each sheds light on God’s Word—and let it draw you closer to Christ.
