KJV and NKJV are the most popular translations of the Bible. Both of them have unique characteristics which make them different from each other. KJV was the first Bible translation. It came into existence during the 1600s. KJV is for the general populace. Alexandrian Manuscripts are not part of KJV, but they are part of NKJV.
KJV vs NKJV
The difference between KJV and NKJV is KJV does not consist of Alexandrian manuscripts, but NKJV consists of Alexandrian manuscripts. NKJV is more comfortable to read by the general population as compared to KJV. KJV is written in archaic language, due to which it is hard to read. KJV is written with familiarity and comfort.
KJV stands for King James Version. This is also one type of English translation of the Bible. This was done for the Church of England. This was commissioned in 1604. This took many years to complete and publish. This was finally published seven years later. This got published in 1611. This bible was also known as King James Bible.
NKJV stands for New King James Version. This is also one type of English translation of the bible. This bible was published in 1982. This was published by Thomas Nelson. The complete version has been described by Thomas Nelson. The complete version was derived from King James Version. It is easier to read by the common man.
Comparison Table Between KJV and NKJV
| Parameters of Comparison | KJV | NKJV |
| KJV readers | Yes | No |
| Modern words | No | Yes |
| Alexandrian Text | No | Yes |
| Readability | Less | High |
| Aim | General populace | General population |
| Form | comfort, familiarity | Reminiscent of KJV |
What is KJV?
KJV is an English translation of the Bible. This whole translation was commissioned in 1604. This was done under James VI and me. There are 39 books under books of the King James Version. This book was considered the most important book in the culture. This was written for the general populace.
This book was first printed by Robert Barker and John Norton. This was the third translation of the Bible approved by English Church Authorities. The first book was printed under Geneve Bible, and the second was printed under the authority of Queen Elizabeth. This was written with the feeling of comfort.
The translation can be hard to read by the general population. The first translation was termed The Holy Bible. The first was published under the council. Robert Barker was the king’s printer. The book was printed as a complete folio Bible. This does not contain any Alexandrian text. The authorized version later replaced the Bishop’s Bible.
The authorized version was considered the official version in the Church of England. Book of common prayer supplanted the Great Bible in the Epistle and Gospel readings. The public domain consists of the authorized version in the world. The advocates of the King James Only movement also believed that this version is superior to all the English translations of the Bible.
What is NKJV?
Arthur Farstad conceived the project of NKJV. NKJV guidelines were prepared by the group of people who were later invited during the inauguration ceremony. This is also an English translation of the Bible. Thomas Nelson described this book as clear and readability easy.
The inauguration ceremony was done in the presence of 130 biblical scholars, pastors, and theologies. The translation was done to make the vocabulary and grammar easier. The project was done in 1982, and this took seven years for the completion of the Bible. It consists of Alexandrian texts.
New Testament was first published in 1979, and then in 1980, Psalms were published. The translation is derived from the KJV version only. The changes involved grammar, vocabulary, and spelling. The grammar had changed in the years, so everything had to be changed as per the new grammar and vocabulary. The spellings of few words were updated.
NKJV bible became the best-selling Bible in the USA. An organization named Gideons International places Bibles in hotels and hospitals offers KJV and NKJV. KJV is kept as the default form of the Bible and NKJV as the newer version of the Bible.
Main Differences Between KJV and NKJV
- People who follow KJV are likely to reject NKJV.
- NKJV is more similar to modern-day meanings. In contrast to that, KJV is not similar to modern-day words.
- Alexandrian texts are present only in NKJV, not in KJV.
- NKJV has better readability than KJV.
- KJV is for the general populace, but NKJV aims at the general population.
- KJV has comfort and familiarity, but NKJV is reminiscent of KJV.
Conclusion
There are 39 books under books of the King James Version. The first was published under the council. Robert Barker was the king’s printer. The book was printed as a complete folio Bible. NKJV is more similar to modern-day meanings, and KJV is not similar to modern-day words.
The first book was printed under Geneve Bible, and the second was printed under the authority of Queen Elizabeth. This whole translation was commissioned in 1604. Book of common prayer supplanted the Great Bible in the Epistle and Gospel readings. The public domain consists of the authorized version in the world.
The changes in NKJV involved grammar, vocabulary, and spelling. The grammar had changed in the years, so everything had to be changed as per the new grammar and vocabulary. NKJV guidelines were prepared by the group of people who were later invited during the inauguration ceremony. The spellings of few words were updated.
This is also an English translation of the Bible. Thomas Nelson described this book as clear and readability easy. People who follow KJV are likely to reject NKJV. The inauguration ceremony was done in the presence of 130 biblical scholars, pastors, and theologies. NKJV has better readability than KJV.
