I’ve only recently discovered Zondervan, the publisher of the NIV bible, has issued a new edition, the 2011 NIV. This edition will replace the current NIV (the 1984 edition). Apparently, they’ve tried revising the NIV twice before with a gender-neutral translation: the TNIV (Today’s New International Version) in 2002 and again in 2005.

The 2011 New International Version (NIV) Bible introduced a key change in 1 Timothy 2:12 that many scholars and church leaders view as a significant departure from previous translations:

NIV 1984: “I do not permit a woman to teach or to have authority over a man; she must be silent.”

NIV 2011: “I do not permit a woman to teach or to assume authority over a man; she must be quiet.”

The shift from “have authority” to “assume authority” is subtle but loaded. Critics argue that “assume” implies a negative, illegitimate power grab, which could allow for women to exercise authority if it’s properly delegated—thus aligning more with egalitarian theology. This change has been described as the most significant advance for evangelical feminists in decades.

For a more detailed discussion, I suggest reading the following:
An Evaluation of Gender Language in the 2011 Edition of the NIV Bible