Compare Bible Translations
How the King James Version compares to modern translations
With dozens of English Bible translations available today, choosing one can feel overwhelming. Understanding the differences helps.
Every Bible translation makes choices about how to render the original Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek into English. Some prioritize word-for-word fidelity. Others aim to express the meaning in natural, modern English. Neither approach is wrong — they serve different purposes.
Below we compare the King James Version with five of the most widely used modern translations. Each entry includes the translation approach, source texts, sample verse, and an honest assessment of strengths and considerations.
Side by Side
John 3:16 Across Translations
The most famous verse in the Bible — see how each translation renders it.
KJV (1611)
“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”
NIV (1978)
“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”
ESV (2001)
“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.”
NKJV (1982)
“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.”
NLT (1996)
“For this is how God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.”
NASB (1971)
“For God so loved the world, that He gave His only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him will not perish, but have eternal life.”
Translation Approaches
Word-for-Word vs Thought-for-Thought
Bible translations fall on a spectrum from formal equivalence (word-for-word) to dynamic equivalence (thought-for-thought). Word-for-word translations like the KJV, NASB, and ESV preserve the structure and vocabulary of the original as closely as possible. Thought-for-thought translations like the NIV and NLT focus on conveying the meaning in natural English.
↑ Word-for-word
↓ Thought-for-thought
Detailed Comparison
Each Translation at a Glance
King James Version
(KJV)Source texts: Masoretic Text, Textus Receptus
Strengths
- Unmatched literary beauty and cadence
- Over 400 years of trusted use
- No copyright — freely available to all
- Faithful to the Textus Receptus tradition
- Memorizable, poetic language
Considerations
- Archaic vocabulary (thee, thou, hath)
- Based on older manuscript traditions
New International Version
(NIV)Source texts: Nestle-Aland / UBS Greek, BHS Hebrew
Strengths
- Clear, modern English
- Widely used in churches worldwide
- Good balance of accuracy and readability
Considerations
- Copyrighted — quotation limits apply
- Some verses omitted based on textual criticism
- Less literal than word-for-word translations
English Standard Version
(ESV)Source texts: Nestle-Aland / UBS Greek, BHS Hebrew
Strengths
- Essentially literal translation philosophy
- Modern language with traditional feel
- Strong for study and memorization
Considerations
- Copyrighted with quotation restrictions
- Can feel stilted in narrative passages
- Less established tradition than KJV
New King James Version
(NKJV)Source texts: Masoretic Text, Textus Receptus
Strengths
- Updates KJV language while keeping its style
- Same Textus Receptus source text as KJV
- Easier to read than the original KJV
Considerations
- Copyrighted translation
- Loses some of the KJV's literary power
- Not as widely used as KJV or NIV
New Living Translation
(NLT)Source texts: Nestle-Aland / UBS Greek, BHS Hebrew
Strengths
- Very easy to read and understand
- Good for new Bible readers
- Captures the meaning clearly
Considerations
- Less precise for detailed word study
- Copyrighted translation
- Can over-simplify complex passages
New American Standard Bible
(NASB)Source texts: Nestle-Aland / UBS Greek, BHS Hebrew
Strengths
- Considered one of the most literal translations
- Excellent for detailed study
- Consistently follows source word order
Considerations
- Can read awkwardly in English
- Less suitable for public reading
- Copyrighted translation
Our Perspective
Why We Use the King James Version
We believe the King James Version is the finest English Bible ever produced. Its language is not merely old — it is powerful, precise, and beautiful in a way that modern translations rarely achieve. The rhythm of the KJV was crafted to be read aloud, and its phrases have shaped English literature, law, and culture for over four centuries.
The KJV is also uniquely free. It has no copyright, no quotation limits, no licensing fees. It belongs to everyone. This was the vision of its translators — a Bible for the whole nation — and it remains true today.
That said, we encourage believers to read the Bible in any translation that draws them closer to God. The best Bible translation is the one you will read, study, and live by. If the KJV is that Bible for you — as it is for us — you are in good company.
Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Bible translation is the most accurate?
Accuracy depends on what you mean. Word-for-word translations like the KJV, NASB, and ESV aim to preserve the exact structure of the original languages. Thought-for-thought translations like the NIV and NLT aim to convey the meaning in natural English. Both approaches have strengths, and serious Bible students often consult multiple translations.
Why do some translations have missing verses?
The KJV was translated from the Textus Receptus, a Greek text compiled in the 16th century. Modern translations like the NIV and ESV use older manuscripts discovered since then (such as Codex Sinaiticus and Codex Vaticanus). Some verses present in the Textus Receptus are absent from these older manuscripts, so modern translations omit them or place them in footnotes.
Is the King James Version still a good Bible to use?
Absolutely. The KJV is a faithful, beautiful, and time-tested translation that has nourished believers for over 400 years. Its literary quality is unmatched, it has no copyright restrictions, and its language — once you adjust to the older style — is precise and powerful. Millions of Christians worldwide still prefer the KJV as their primary Bible.
What does "formal equivalence" vs "dynamic equivalence" mean?
Formal equivalence (word-for-word) tries to translate each word and phrase as closely to the original as possible, preserving the structure of the source language. Dynamic equivalence (thought-for-thought) focuses on conveying the meaning and intent of the original in natural, modern English, even if the exact wording differs.
What is the Textus Receptus?
The Textus Receptus ("Received Text") is the Greek New Testament text compiled by Erasmus in 1516 and refined by later editors. It was the standard Greek text of the Reformation era and the basis for the KJV and NKJV New Testaments. Modern critical editions (like the Nestle-Aland text) draw on a wider range of manuscripts discovered after the Textus Receptus was compiled.
Should I use more than one Bible translation?
Many serious Bible readers find value in comparing translations. A word-for-word translation like the KJV is excellent for study and memorization, while a thought-for-thought translation can help clarify difficult passages. The important thing is to read the Bible regularly — the best translation is the one you will actually read.
“Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away.”
— Matthew 24:35
Read the King James Bible