NKJV
Word-for-WordTranslation profile
New King James Version
NKJV
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
NKJV 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
NKJV stays closer to the wording and structure of the original languages. This guide lists this as Word-for-Word.
Reading difficulty
Moderate reading difficulty. This guide lists grade 9.
What makes it distinctive
Indicates where other Greek and Hebrew manuscripts differ.
Lineage / history
This guide lists earlier English work: King James Version.
How it translates
Translation approach: . NKJV 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
Moderate reading difficulty. This guide lists grade 9. Reading level does not measure accuracy.
Where it came from
: King James Version
First listed 1982.
Text and source listings
Old Testament:
New Testament: . Footnotes: Nestle-Aland Novum Testamentum Graece
What makes it distinctive
A translation’s story
Why this translation exists
1
Before it
King James Version → NKJV
King James Version
2
Why it was created
To produce a modern language translation that would maintain the structure and beauty of the King James Version.
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
Indicates where other Greek and Hebrew manuscripts differ. 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 9 · First released 1982 (Modern English).
See it in action
Compare with translations that offer a useful contrast — not a ranking.
KJV
Related English lineage
GNT
Different translation approach
NIrV
Different reading grade
Sample verses
Then He said to 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 whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. 17 For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.