(RNS) The copyright holder of the New International Version of the Bible said Tuesday (Sept. 1) it plans to release an updated version of the popular translation in 2011.

“As time passes and English changes, the NIV we have at present is becoming increasingly dated,” said Keith Danby, CEO of Biblica, the copyright holder and translation sponsor of the NIV. “If we want a Bible that English speakers around the world can understand, we have to listen to, and respect, the vocabulary they are using today.”

The NIV was created by the Committee on Biblical Translation, which began its work in 1965. Published by Zondervan, it has more than 300 million copies in print worldwide.

Previous versions of the NIV were published in 1978 and 1984. A decade later, an updated version known as the TNIV, or Today’s New International Version, divided the evangelical community over its use of gender-inclusive language.

Douglas Moo, chairman of the Committee on Bible Translation, said in a news conference that the new edition will include a “complete review of every gender-related change since the publication of the 1984 edition.”

He added that he is sure there will be pressure on translators to include or exclude certain language. “We recognize that not everyone will be happy with all the decisions that we make,” he said.

Zondervan President and CEO Moe Girkins said she hopes the new version’s publication, timed to the 400th anniversary of the King James Version, will boost interest and sales.

“We want to extend the reach of the English Bible and we believe that this update will meet the needs of a broader audience,” said Girkins, who expects publication of previous versions of the NIV, including the TNIV, will be phased out after the publication of the new edition.