KJV
Word-for-WordTranslation profile
King James Version
KJV
How it translates, how hard it is to read, where it came from, and what makes it distinctive.
Now showing Guided. How it translates, how hard it is to read, where it came from, and what makes it distinctive.
This is an educational comparison guide — not a Bible reader, and not a quiz that picks a best Bible. You can change this anytime.
The short version
KJV stays closer to the wording and structure of the original languages.
These sentences use the listed method, reading-grade, lineage, and notable-facts fields. They are not a ranking.
Translation approach
KJV stays closer to the wording and structure of the original languages. This guide lists this as Word-for-Word.
Reading difficulty
More complex sentence structure. This guide lists grade 12.
What makes it distinctive
The most widely printed and distributed version of the Bible.
Lineage / history
This guide lists earlier English work: Bishop's Bible (1568), Tyndale's Bible (1535).
How it translates
Translation approach: . KJV stays closer to the wording and structure of the original languages.
Scholars translate each word based upon the word usage at the time of the writing. No translation is actually “word for word,” but the intent is to come as close as possible. This method is also called formal equivalence.
Reading level
More complex sentence structure. This guide lists grade 12. Reading level does not measure accuracy.
Where it came from
: Tyndale's Bible (1535); Bishop's Bible (1568)
First listed 1611, current edition 1769.
Text and source listings
Old Testament: ; Complutensian Polyglot, Antwerp Polyglot
New Testament:
What makes it distinctive
A translation’s story
Why this translation exists
1
Before it
Tyndale's Bible (1535) · Bishop's Bible (1568) → KJV → King James Version · King James Version
Bishop's Bible (1568), Tyndale's Bible (1535)
2
Why it was created
In response to Protestant concerns of inaccuracies in earlier English versions (Tyndale's, Geneva, Bishop's).
3
How it translates
Word-for-Word. Scholars translate each word based upon the word usage at the time of the writing. No translation is actually “word for word,” but the intent is to come as close as possible. This method is also called formal equivalence.
4
Who / what it was designed for
The most widely printed and distributed version of the Bible. Used for devotional reading and Bible study by adults who prefer the English found in older versions.
5
Where it sits
Word-for-Word · Grade 12 · First released 1611 (Historical English).
See it in action
Compare with translations that offer a useful contrast — not a ranking.
ASV
Related English lineage
GNT
Different translation approach
NIrV
Different reading grade
Sample verses
And he saith unto them, Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.
16 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. 17 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.