NEW YORK—In their ongoing efforts to make the Bible accessible to as many people as possible, Jehovah’s Witnesses are releasing a large-size edition of the revised New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures. This edition, which is being printed in the United States and Japan, is scheduled to have a combined initial printing of 424,000 copies.

The Witnesses released the regular-size revised New World Translation during a special meeting that was broadcast on October 5-6, 2013, to 31 countries. The 2013 revision represents the most comprehensive update of the translation since 1984. On October 7, 2013, the Witnesses made this translation of the Bible available in a multiplatform app, JW Library, which has already had close to 1.4 million downloads. The revised New World Translation is also available in a variety of electronic formats online at www.pr418.com.

The revised New World Translation in all formats includes nearly 60,000 marginal references, which help readers to understand better the context of Bible accounts. Also included are full-color diagrams, maps of Biblical lands, and charts illustrating details of daily life during Bible times. An appendix explains such topics as the principles of Bible translation and the history of how the Bible was written and preserved.

The 1984 edition of the New World Translation already included God’s personal name some 7,000 times in the text. However, the 2013 revision also reflects current research on where the name of God appears in the oldest Bible manuscripts. Based on further examination of the Dead Sea Scrolls and other ancient manuscripts, the revised New World Translation includes six additional occurrences of the divine name. They are found at Judges 19:18; 1 Samuel 2:25; 6:3; 10:26; 23:14; 23:16. An appendix further discusses the use of the divine name in ancient Hebrew and Greek, as well as its appearance in Bible translations in several modern dialects and languages.

The Witnesses have a long history of printing, distributing, and translating the New World Translation, which has been well-regarded by scholars for its accuracy. The complete text of this translation was first made available in English in 1961. In 1963, The New York Times reported that the New World Translation would be available in six additional languages, as announced at a Witness convention held at Yankee Stadium. Since then, the Witnesses have provided this translation in over 120 languages. In recent years, the New World Bible Translation Committee chose to revise the New World Translation to respond to changes in modern language and to clarify certain Biblical expressions, thus enhancing readability and understanding. The revised New World Translation embodies these latest advances in Bible translation.

“It was thrilling to receive the first editions of the New World Translation over 50 years ago, and it is even more thrilling to have the latest revised edition,” states J. R. Brown, a spokesman for Jehovah’s Witnesses at their world headquarters. “Our intent is to make the Holy Scriptures understandable to all, using language that is accurate, dignified, and contemporary.”

Media Contact(s):

International: J. R. Brown, Office of Public Information, tel. +1 718 560 5000