NKJV, Open Bible: Holy Bible, New King James Version
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The study Bible that gets you quickly and fully into the Word. Find what you need! The Open Bible, New King James Version is designed for the hungry reader. This Bible is filled with amazing study aids including comprehensive book introductions and outlines, 64-page concordance, Read-Along references and translation notes, and the classic Biblical Cyclopedic Index covering more than 8,000 textual entries. The Open Bible, New King James Version also features a seven-step method on How to Study the Bible, a Visual Survey of the Bible, The Christian's Guide to the New Life, and The Greatest Archaeological Discoveries of the Bible. This outstanding Bible is available in hardcover and bonded leather.
Features include:
- New King James Version« (NKJV) text
- Biblical Cyclopedic Index
- Christian's Guide to the New Life
- Visual Survey of the Bible
- Book introductions and outlines
- Concordance
Part of the Signature Series line of Thomas Nelson Bibles.
Open Bibles sold to date: More than 3 million
The New King James VersionùMore than 60 million copies sold in 30 years
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NKJV, Open Bible - Thomas Nelson
Holy Bible
Containing
The Old and New Testaments
The Open Bible® Expanded Edition
with Read-Along References® and Read-Along Translations®
Biblical Cyclopedic Index
The Christian’s Guide to the New Life
Book Introductions and Outlines
Visual Survey of the Bible
Special Study Aids
The Open Bible®
Copyright © 1983, 1985, 1990, 1997 by Thomas Nelson, Inc.
The Holy Bible, New King James Version
Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc.
The text of the New King James Version (NKJV) may be quoted or reprinted without prior written permission with the following qualifications:
(1) up to and including 1,000 verses may be quoted in printed form as long as the verses quoted amount to less than 50% of a complete book of the Bible and make up less than 50% of the total work in which they are quoted;
(2) all NKJV quotations must conform accurately to the NKJV text.
Any use of the NKJV text must include a proper acknowledgment as follows:
Scripture taken from the New King James Version. Copyright © 1979, 1980, 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
However, when quotations from the NKJV text are used in church bulletins, orders of service, Sunday School lessons, church newsletters and similar works in the course of religious instruction or services at a place of worship or other religious assembly, the following notice may be used at the end of each quotation: NKJV.
For quotation requests not covered by the above guidelines, write to Thomas Nelson Publishers, Attn: Bible Rights and Permissions, P.O. Box 141000, Nashville, Tennessee 37214–1000.
All Rights Reserved
Printed in the United States of America
1 2 3 4 5–08 07 06
Welcome to …
The Open BibleThe intent of this study Bible is to make the Scriptures an open and rewarding book for personal Bible study and to give an overview of the whole Bible message. In combining scholarly commentary with the latest revision of the trusted King James Version, the publisher is pleased to present the labors of learned and reverent men and women who have sought to clarify the meaning of the Scriptures and bring the treasures of God’s Holy Word into the possession of the reader. To that end, the following special features are provided.
The text is that of the New King James Version. It has been produced with the conviction that the words of Scripture as originally penned in the Hebrew and Greek were inspired by God. Since they are the eternal Word of God, the Holy Scriptures speak with fresh power to each generation, to give wisdom that leads to salvation, that men and women may serve Christ to the glory of God.
The following paragraphs describe The Open Bible®’s many special features, which have been prepared by eminent scholars under the supervision of Thomas Nelson Publishers:
This edition of The Open Bible® is the first to include a full system of study notes. Over 4,500 study notes were carefully selected to help increase your understanding of the Bible, its key personalities, and its times.
Other notes that serve to clarify the text are Read-Along References® and Read-Along Translations®. The symbol R
beside a word denotes a Read-Along Reference®, which lists at the end of the verse other passages that have similar meanings or further bearing on the word or phrase indicated. This exciting cross-reference method of Bible study ties together the magnificent truths of Scripture. The symbol T
beside a word or phrase indicates a Read-Along Translation®, an easy-to-understand equivalent, alternate, or literal translation at the end of the verse. When the symbol *
is used, a textual note is given at the end of the page. When more than one reference or translation follows a verse, a center point •
is used for division. When space does not allow the letter (R or T) to precede the word or phrase referenced, then it follows immediately at the end of the word or first word of the phrase referenced. The asterisk (*) always follows the word or phrase.
Before each book of the Bible there is an introduction and outline of the book. These introductions are extensive and scholarly, and the outlines are designed to give an overview of the book. Related charts provide an at-a-glance summary of the book’s content.
The Biblical Cyclopedic Index is one of the major study aids in The Open Bible®. A marvel in itself, this distinctive section combines the most useful features of a concordance, reference system, and index. With the BCI, the serious Bible student will find the riches of the Word unfolding in logical fashion. For the busy pastor or speaker, searching the Scriptures for a message, the Biblical Cyclopedic Index provides one of the most helpful tools to the explication of the Scriptures in published form today.
Another very noteworthy study feature is The Christian’s Guide to the New Life,
whose thirty-two outlines cover the major teachings of the Bible. Its study notes are placed at the foot of the page near related passages, and they are chained by book chapter-verse and page number of the next related outline point so that you can easily follow the development of each doctrine. With the Christian’s Guide
you can actually cover the material of an advanced course in systematic theology, but in a much easier and clearer manner.
For convenience in Bible study, on the Contents page you’ll find a listing of Bible Study Helps included in The Open Bible®. These helps provide a wealth of information normally found only in a complete library of books.
Among the articles in the Bible Study Helps section are How to Study the Bible,
Harmony of the Gospels,
and Teachings and Illustrations of Christ by Subject.
The Visual Survey of the Bible,
which begins immediately following the Old Testament, gives you a visual overview of the whole of Scripture.
The Biblical Information section features many items not commonly understood in the Scriptures, plus countless bits of practical information in concise form. Of special interest is the article The Greatest Archaeological Discoveries,
which includes photographs and scholarly discussion of many significant archaeological finds.
Messianic prophecies are indicated in The Open Bible® by stars placed with the references in the appropriate passages. An outline star ( ) is used to indicate a prophecy later fulfilled in Jesus Christ. A solid star ( ) is used to indicate a prophecy that has been fulfilled in Jesus Christ.
This study edition of the Holy Bible is intended to make it an Open Book for the reverent reader. It is hoped that this unique edition will truly make the Scripture plain enough so all can have an Open Bible.
The Publisher
Contributors
to the Study Aids
JEAN M. ALLEY, B.A., M.A.
Biblical Cyclopedic Index (Old Testament Word Studies), Contributing Editor
Nashville, Tennessee
KENNETH D. BOA, Ph.D., D.Phil.
Visual Survey of the Bible, Author; Introductions to the Books of the Bible, Co-Author
Director of Publications, Search Ministries
Atlanta, Georgia
†WICK BROOMALL, A.M., Th.M.
Biblical Cyclopedic Index
Minister, Presbyterian Church
Augusta, Georgia
W. A. CRISWELL, D.D., Ph.D.
The Scarlet Thread of Redemption
Pastor, First Baptist Church
Dallas, Texas
ARTHUR L. FARSTAD, Th.D.
Consulting Editor
Bible Editor
Dallas, Texas
PAUL R. FINK, Ed.S., Th.D.
The Christian’s Guide to the New Life, Contributing Editor
Professor of Pastoral Ministries, Liberty Baptist College
Lynchburg, Virginia
DONALD E. HOKE, D.D.
How to Study the Bible
Pastor, Cedar Springs Presbyterian Church
Knoxville, Tennessee
GEORGE KNIGHT, B.A., B.D., Th.M.
Visual Bible Study Aids, Editor
Nashville, Tennessee
†R. G. LEE, LL.D., Ph.D.
A Guide to Christian Workers
Pastor-Evangelist
Nashville, Tennessee
MYLES LORENZEN, Th.M.
Visual Survey of the Bible, Contributor
Co-Pastor, Fellowship Bible Church
Roswell, Georgia
† Deceased
JIM BILL McINTEER, B.A.
Harmony of the Gospels
Minister, West End Church of Christ
Nashville, Tennessee
JOSEPH B. SNIDER, B.A., Th.M.
The Christian’s Guide to the New Life, Contributing Editor
Indianapolis, Indiana
JEFFREY T. TUCKER, B.A., M.Div., M.A., Ph.D.
Biblical Cyclopedic Index (New Testament Word Studies), Contributing Editor
Nashville, Tennessee
†MERRILL F. UNGER, Th.D., Ph.D.
The Greatest Archaeological Discoveries
Professor Emeritus, Dallas Theological Seminary
Dallas, Texas
C. M. WARD, D.D.
A Guide to Christian Workers
Assemblies of God Radio Evangelist
Santa Cruz, California
WILLIAM WHITE, Ph.D.
The Greatest Archaeological Discoveries
Consulting Editor
Warrington, Pennsylvania
BRUCE H. WILKINSON, Th.M.
Outlines to the Books of the Bible, Author; Introductions to the Books of the Bible, Co-Author and Executive Editor
Founder and President, Walk Thru the Bible
Ministries
Atlanta, Georgia
NEAL D. WILLIAMS, Th.D.
The Christian’s Guide to the New Life, Contributing Editor
Assistant Professor of Biblical Studies, Liberty Baptist College
Lynchburg, Virginia
HAROLD L. WILLMINGTON, D.Min.
The Christian’s Guide to the New Life, Executive Editor
Vice President, Liberty Baptist College
Lynchburg, Virginia
Books of the Old and New Testaments and Their Abbreviations
Books of the Old and New Testaments
Alphabetically
Book • O.T. or N.T.
Acts • N.T.
Amos • O.T.
1 Chronicles • O.T.
2 Chronicles • O.T.
Colossians • N.T.
1 Corinthians • N.T.
2 Corinthians • N.T.
Daniel • O.T.
Deuteronomy • O.T.
Ecclesiastes • O.T.
Ephesians • N.T.
Esther • O.T.
Exodus • O.T.
Ezekiel • O.T.
Ezra • O.T.
Galatians • N.T.
Genesis • O.T.
Habakkuk • O.T.
Haggai • O.T.
Hebrews • N.T.
Hosea • O.T.
Isaiah • O.T.
James • N.T.
Jeremiah • O.T.
Job • O.T.
Joel • O.T.
John • N.T.
1 John • N.T.
2 John • N.T.
3 John • N.T.
Jonah • O.T.
Joshua • O.T.
Jude • N.T.
Judges • O.T.
1 Kings • O.T.
2 Kings • O.T.
Lamentations • O.T.
Leviticus • O.T.
Luke • N.T.
Malachi • O.T.
Mark • N.T.
Matthew • N.T.
Micah • O.T.
Nahum • O.T.
Nehemiah • O.T.
Numbers • O.T.
Obadiah • O.T.
1 Peter • N.T.
2 Peter • N.T.
Philemon • N.T.
Philippians • N.T.
Proverbs • O.T.
Psalms • O.T.
Revelation • N.T.
Romans • N.T.
Ruth • O.T.
1 Samuel • O.T.
2 Samuel • O.T.
Song of Solomon • O.T.
1 Thessalonians • N.T.
2 Thessalonians • N.T.
1 Timothy • N.T.
2 Timothy • N.T.
Titus • N.T.
Zechariah • O.T.
Zephaniah • O.T.
In Sequence
Book • Abbr.
Genesis • Gen.
Exodus • Ex.
Leviticus • Lev.
Numbers • Num.
Deuteronomy • Deut.
Joshua • Josh.
Judges • Judg.
Ruth • Ruth
1 Samuel • 1 Sam.
2 Samuel • 2 Sam.
1 Kings • 1 Kin.
2 Kings • 2 Kin.
1 Chronicles • 1 Chr.
2 Chronicles • 2 Chr.
Ezra • Ezra
Nehemiah • Neh.
Esther • Esth.
Job • Job
Psalms • Ps.
Proverbs • Prov.
Ecclesiastes • Eccl.
Song of Solomon • Song
Isaiah • Is.
Jeremiah • Jer.
Lamentations • Lam.
Ezekiel • Ezek.
Daniel • Dan.
Hosea • Hos.
Joel • Joel
Amos • Amos
Obadiah • Obad.
Jonah • Jon.
Micah • Mic.
Nahum • Nah.
Habakkuk • Hab.
Zephaniah • Zeph.
Haggai • Hag.
Zechariah • Zech.
Malachi • Mal.
Matthew • Matt.
Mark • Mark
Luke • Luke
John • John
Acts • Acts
Romans • Rom.
1 Corinthians • 1 Cor.
2 Corinthians • 2 Cor.
Galatians • Gal.
Ephesians • Eph.
Philippians • Phil.
Colossians • Col.
1 Thessalonians • 1 Thess.
2 Thessalonians • 2 Thess.
1 Timothy • 1 Tim.
2 Timothy • 2 Tim.
Titus • Titus
Philemon • Philem.
Hebrews • Heb.
James • James
1 Peter • 1 Pet.
2 Peter • 2 Pet.
1 John • 1 John
2 John • 2 John
3 John • 3 John
Jude • Jude
Revelation • Rev.
Contents
of The Open Bible®
I. Text
Books of the Old and New Testaments
Foreword
Preface
Special Abbreviations
How to Use The Open Bible®
Explanation of Format
Old Testament Text
New Testament Text
II. Bible Study Helps
How to Study the Bible
The Christian’s Guide to the New Life
Biblical Cyclopedic Index
Read Your Bible Through in a Year
Visual Survey of the Bible
Harmony of the Gospels
Teachings and Illustrations of Christ
Prophecies of the Messiah Fulfilled in Jesus Christ
The Parables of Jesus Christ
The Miracles of Jesus Christ
The Laws of the Bible
The Scarlet Thread of Redemption
A Guide to Christian Workers
Concordance
III. Biblical Information
Contributors to Study Aids
Monies, Weights, and Measures
Jewish Feasts
The Jewish Calendar
Between the Testaments
The Apocrypha
The Greatest Archaeological Discoveries
Prayers of the Bible
Bible Land Maps
OLD TESTAMENT
Genesis
Exodus
Leviticus
Numbers
Deuteronomy
Joshua
Judges
Ruth
1 Samuel
2 Samuel
1 Kings
2 Kings
1 Chronicles
2 Chronicles
Ezra
Nehemiah
Esther
Job
Psalms
Proverbs
Ecclesiastes
Song of Solomon
Isaiah
Jeremiah
Lamentations
Ezekiel
Daniel
Hosea
Joel
Amos
Obadiah
Jonah
Micah
Nahum
Habakkuk
Zephaniah
Haggai
Zechariah
Malachi
Genesis
Introduction
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
Chapter 15
Chapter 16
Chapter 17
Chapter 18
Chapter 19
Chapter 20
Chapter 21
Chapter 22
Chapter 23
Chapter 24
Chapter 25
Chapter 26
Chapter 27
Chapter 28
Chapter 29
Chapter 30
Chapter 31
Chapter 32
Chapter 33
Chapter 34
Chapter 35
Chapter 36
Chapter 37
Chapter 38
Chapter 39
Chapter 40
Chapter 41
Chapter 42
Chapter 43
Chapter 44
Chapter 45
Chapter 46
Chapter 47
Chapter 48
Chapter 49
Chapter 50
Exodus
Introduction
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
Chapter 15
Chapter 16
Chapter 17
Chapter 18
Chapter 19
Chapter 20
Chapter 21
Chapter 22
Chapter 23
Chapter 24
Chapter 25
Chapter 26
Chapter 27
Chapter 28
Chapter 29
Chapter 30
Chapter 31
Chapter 32
Chapter 33
Chapter 34
Chapter 35
Chapter 36
Chapter 37
Chapter 38
Chapter 39
Chapter 40
Leviticus
Introduction
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
Chapter 15
Chapter 16
Chapter 17
Chapter 18
Chapter 19
Chapter 20
Chapter 21
Chapter 22
Chapter 23
Chapter 24
Chapter 25
Chapter 26
Chapter 27
Numbers
Introduction
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
Chapter 15
Chapter 16
Chapter 17
Chapter 18
Chapter 19
Chapter 20
Chapter 21
Chapter 22
Chapter 23
Chapter 24
Chapter 25
Chapter 26
Chapter 27
Chapter 28
Chapter 29
Chapter 30
Chapter 31
Chapter 32
Chapter 33
Chapter 34
Chapter 35
Chapter 36
Deuteronomy
Introduction
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
Chapter 15
Chapter 16
Chapter 17
Chapter 18
Chapter 19
Chapter 20
Chapter 21
Chapter 22
Chapter 23
Chapter 24
Chapter 25
Chapter 26
Chapter 27
Chapter 28
Chapter 29
Chapter 30
Chapter 31
Chapter 32
Chapter 33
Chapter 34
Joshua
Introduction
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
Chapter 15
Chapter 16
Chapter 17
Chapter 18
Chapter 19
Chapter 20
Chapter 21
Chapter 22
Chapter 23
Chapter 24
Judges
Introduction
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
Chapter 15
Chapter 16
Chapter 17
Chapter 18
Chapter 19
Chapter 20
Chapter 21
Ruth
Introduction
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
1 Samuel
Introduction
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
Chapter 15
Chapter 16
Chapter 17
Chapter 18
Chapter 19
Chapter 20
Chapter 21
Chapter 22
Chapter 23
Chapter 24
Chapter 25
Chapter 26
Chapter 27
Chapter 28
Chapter 29
Chapter 30
Chapter 31
2 Samuel
Introduction
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
Chapter 15
Chapter 16
Chapter 17
Chapter 18
Chapter 19
Chapter 20
Chapter 21
Chapter 22
Chapter 23
Chapter 24
1 Kings
Introduction
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
Chapter 15
Chapter 16
Chapter 17
Chapter 18
Chapter 19
Chapter 20
Chapter 21
Chapter 22
2 Kings
Introduction
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
Chapter 15
Chapter 16
Chapter 17
Chapter 18
Chapter 19
Chapter 20
Chapter 21
Chapter 22
Chapter 23
Chapter 24
Chapter 25
1 Chronicles
Introduction
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
Chapter 15
Chapter 16
Chapter 17
Chapter 18
Chapter 19
Chapter 20
Chapter 21
Chapter 22
Chapter 23
Chapter 24
Chapter 25
Chapter 26
Chapter 27
Chapter 28
Chapter 29
2 Chronicles
Introduction
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
Chapter 15
Chapter 16
Chapter 17
Chapter 18
Chapter 19
Chapter 20
Chapter 21
Chapter 22
Chapter 23
Chapter 24
Chapter 25
Chapter 26
Chapter 27
Chapter 28
Chapter 29
Chapter 30
Chapter 31
Chapter 32
Chapter 33
Chapter 34
Chapter 35
Chapter 36
Ezra
Introduction
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Nehemiah
Introduction
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Esther
Introduction
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Job
Introduction
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
Chapter 15
Chapter 16
Chapter 17
Chapter 18
Chapter 19
Chapter 20
Chapter 21
Chapter 22
Chapter 23
Chapter 24
Chapter 25
Chapter 26
Chapter 27
Chapter 28
Chapter 29
Chapter 30
Chapter 31
Chapter 32
Chapter 33
Chapter 34
Chapter 35
Chapter 36
Chapter 37
Chapter 38
Chapter 39
Chapter 40
Chapter 41
Chapter 42
Psalms
Introduction
Psalm 1
Psalm 2
Psalm 3
Psalm 4
Psalm 5
Psalm 6
Psalm 7
Psalm 8
Psalm 9
Psalm 10
Psalm 11
Psalm 12
Psalm 13
Psalm 14
Psalm 15
Psalm 16
Psalm 17
Psalm 18
Psalm 19
Psalm 20
Psalm 21
Psalm 22
Psalm 23
Psalm 24
Psalm 25
Psalm 26
Psalm 27
Psalm 28
Psalm 29
Psalm 30
Psalm 31
Psalm 32
Psalm 33
Psalm 34
Psalm 35
Psalm 36
Psalm 37
Psalm 38
Psalm 39
Psalm 40
Psalm 41
Psalm 42
Psalm 43
Psalm 44
Psalm 45
Psalm 46
Psalm 47
Psalm 48
Psalm 49
Psalm 50
Psalm 51
Psalm 52
Psalm 53
Psalm 54
Psalm 55
Psalm 56
Psalm 57
Psalm 58
Psalm 59
Psalm 60
Psalm 61
Psalm 62
Psalm 63
Psalm 64
Psalm 65
Psalm 66
Psalm 67
Psalm 68
Psalm 69
Psalm 70
Psalm 71
Psalm 72
Psalm 73
Psalm 74
Psalm 75
Psalm 76
Psalm 77
Psalm 78
Psalm 79
Psalm 80
Psalm 81
Psalm 82
Psalm 83
Psalm 84
Psalm 85
Psalm 86
Psalm 87
Psalm 88
Psalm 89
Psalm 90
Psalm 91
Psalm 92
Psalm 93
Psalm 94
Psalm 95
Psalm 96
Psalm 97
Psalm 98
Psalm 99
Psalm 100
Psalm 101
Psalm 102
Psalm 103
Psalm 104
Psalm 105
Psalm 106
Psalm 107
Psalm 108
Psalm 109
Psalm 110
Psalm 111
Psalm 112
Psalm 113
Psalm 114
Psalm 115
Psalm 116
Psalm 117
Psalm 118
Psalm 119
Psalm 120
Psalm 121
Psalm 122
Psalm 123
Psalm 124
Psalm 125
Psalm 126
Psalm 127
Psalm 128
Psalm 129
Psalm 130
Psalm 131
Psalm 132
Psalm 133
Psalm 134
Psalm 135
Psalm 136
Psalm 137
Psalm 138
Psalm 139
Psalm 140
Psalm 141
Psalm 142
Psalm 143
Psalm 144
Psalm 145
Psalm 146
Psalm 147
Psalm 148
Psalm 149
Psalm 150
Proverbs
Introduction
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
Chapter 15
Chapter 16
Chapter 17
Chapter 18
Chapter 19
Chapter 20
Chapter 21
Chapter 22
Chapter 23
Chapter 24
Chapter 25
Chapter 26
Chapter 27
Chapter 28
Chapter 29
Chapter 30
Chapter 31
Ecclesiastes
Introduction
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Song of Solomon
Introduction
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Isaiah
Introduction
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
Chapter 15
Chapter 16
Chapter 17
Chapter 18
Chapter 19
Chapter 20
Chapter 21
Chapter 22
Chapter 23
Chapter 24
Chapter 25
Chapter 26
Chapter 27
Chapter 28
Chapter 29
Chapter 30
Chapter 31
Chapter 32
Chapter 33
Chapter 34
Chapter 35
Chapter 36
Chapter 37
Chapter 38
Chapter 39
Chapter 40
Chapter 41
Chapter 42
Chapter 43
Chapter 44
Chapter 45
Chapter 46
Chapter 47
Chapter 48
Chapter 49
Chapter 50
Chapter 51
Chapter 52
Chapter 53
Chapter 54
Chapter 55
Chapter 56
Chapter 57
Chapter 58
Chapter 59
Chapter 60
Chapter 61
Chapter 62
Chapter 63
Chapter 64
Chapter 65
Chapter 66
Jeremiah
Introduction
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
Chapter 15
Chapter 16
Chapter 17
Chapter 18
Chapter 19
Chapter 20
Chapter 21
Chapter 22
Chapter 23
Chapter 24
Chapter 25
Chapter 26
Chapter 27
Chapter 28
Chapter 29
Chapter 30
Chapter 31
Chapter 32
Chapter 33
Chapter 34
Chapter 35
Chapter 36
Chapter 37
Chapter 38
Chapter 39
Chapter 40
Chapter 41
Chapter 42
Chapter 43
Chapter 44
Chapter 45
Chapter 46
Chapter 47
Chapter 48
Chapter 49
Chapter 50
Chapter 51
Chapter 52
Lamentations
Introduction
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Ezekiel
Introduction
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
Chapter 15
Chapter 16
Chapter 17
Chapter 18
Chapter 19
Chapter 20
Chapter 21
Chapter 22
Chapter 23
Chapter 24
Chapter 25
Chapter 26
Chapter 27
Chapter 28
Chapter 29
Chapter 30
Chapter 31
Chapter 32
Chapter 33
Chapter 34
Chapter 35
Chapter 36
Chapter 37
Chapter 38
Chapter 39
Chapter 40
Chapter 41
Chapter 42
Chapter 43
Chapter 44
Chapter 45
Chapter 46
Chapter 47
Chapter 48
Daniel
Introduction
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Hosea
Introduction
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
Joel
Introduction
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Amos
Introduction
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Obadiah
Introduction
Chapter 1
Jonah
Introduction
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Micah
Introduction
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Nahum
Introduction
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Habakkuk
Introduction
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Zephaniah
Introduction
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Haggai
Introduction
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Zechariah
Introduction
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
Malachi
Introduction
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
NEW TESTAMENT
Matthew
Mark
Luke
John
Acts
Romans
1 Corinthians
2 Corinthians
Galatians
Ephesians
Philippians
Colossians
1 Thessalonians
2 Thessalonians
1 Timothy
2 Timothy
Titus
Philemon
Hebrews
James
1 Peter
2 Peter
1 John
2 John
3 John
Jude
Revelation
Matthew
Introduction
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
Chapter 15
Chapter 16
Chapter 17
Chapter 18
Chapter 19
Chapter 20
Chapter 21
Chapter 22
Chapter 23
Chapter 24
Chapter 25
Chapter 26
Chapter 27
Chapter 28
Mark
Introduction
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
Chapter 15
Chapter 16
Luke
Introduction
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
Chapter 15
Chapter 16
Chapter 17
Chapter 18
Chapter 19
Chapter 20
Chapter 21
Chapter 22
Chapter 23
Chapter 24
John
Introduction
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
Chapter 15
Chapter 16
Chapter 17
Chapter 18
Chapter 19
Chapter 20
Chapter 21
Acts
Introduction
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
Chapter 15
Chapter 16
Chapter 17
Chapter 18
Chapter 19
Chapter 20
Chapter 21
Chapter 22
Chapter 23
Chapter 24
Chapter 25
Chapter 26
Chapter 27
Chapter 28
Romans
Introduction
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
Chapter 15
Chapter 16
1 Corinthians
Introduction
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
Chapter 15
Chapter 16
2 Corinthians
Introduction
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Galatians
Introduction
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Ephesians
Introduction
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Philippians
Introduction
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Colossians
Introduction
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
1 Thessalonians
Introduction
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
2 Thessalonians
Introduction
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
1 Timothy
Introduction
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
2 Timothy
Introduction
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Titus
Introduction
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Philemon
Introduction
Chapter 1
Hebrews
Introduction
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
James
Introduction
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
1 Peter
Introduction
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
2 Peter
Introduction
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
1 John
Introduction
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
2 John
Introduction
Chapter 1
3 John
Introduction
Chapter 1
Jude
Introduction
Chapter 1
Revelation
Introduction
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
Chapter 15
Chapter 16
Chapter 17
Chapter 18
Chapter 19
Chapter 20
Chapter 21
Chapter 22
Foreword
For the past several centuries English-speaking peoples have cherished the King James Version of the Bible. This love does not come from a desire to preserve a tradition for tradition’s sake. Rather, the opposite is true: the King James Version has become a tradition because it is loved for its scholarship, literary form, and devotional quality.
During its long history the translation has been revised in accordance with changes in English speech and our growing knowledge of the original text of the Scriptures. Previous major revisions were prepared in 1629, 1638, 1762, and 1769. It is our hope that the present volume, the fifth major revision of the King James Version, will preserve for our own period of history the most revered Bible of the English-speaking world.
The King James Version
In the summer of 1603, when King James was on his way to London to receive the English crown, he was presented with a petition of grievances by clergy holding Puritan convictions, which led the king to call a conference for hearing and for the determining of things pretended to be amiss in the church.
This conference was convened for three days, January 14–16, 1604, and was known as the Hampton Court Conference. During his conference Dr. John Rainolds, the leader of the Puritan party and the president of Corpus Christi College, Oxford, made the motion that a new translation of the Bible be undertaken. Though the majority present were against the motion, it appealed to the king, and he ordered that such a translation be undertaken. Fifty-four of the best biblical scholars in Great Britain were brought together for this great task, divided into six groups—three to work on a translation of the Old Testament and three on the New Testament. Two groups for the Old and New Testaments were to meet at Oxford, two at Cambridge, and two at Westminster.
The result of this action was an English translation which bore the following title: The Holy Bible, Conteyning the Old Testament, and the New, Newly Translated out of the Original tongues: & with the former Translations diligently compared and revised: by his Majesties special Comandement. Appointed to be read in Churches. Imprinted at London by Robert Barker, Printer to the Kings most excellent Majestie. Anno Dom. 1611. While this version is called the Authorized Version,
no act of Parliament was ever passed approving it. King James vigorously promoted such an undertaking, but there was no subsequent official act. Nevertheless, the work soon made its own way to a position of leading acceptance among clergy and laity. It was to hold that position for over three centuries.
A New King James Version
In the latter part of the nineteenth century, F. H. A. Scrivener observed that the King James Bible, … so laborious, so generally accurate, so close, so abhorrent of paraphrase, so grave and weighty in word and rhythm, so intimately bound up with the religious convictions of the English people, will never yield its hard earned supremacy, save to some reverential and well-considered revision of which it has been adapted as the basis, that shall be happy enough to retain its characteristic excellence, while amending its venial [trifling] errors and supplying its unavoidable defect.
The versions of 1881, 1901, and 1952 had used a New Testament Greek text that differed considerably from the traditional text and from the great majority of biblical manuscripts. There was growing concern among large segments of the Christian community that there was insufficient reason for many of these differences.
In 1975 Thomas Nelson Publishers, successor to the British firm that had first published the English Revised Version (1885), the American Standard Version (1901), and the Revised Standard Version (1952), determined to evaluate interest in a possible new revision. Such a revision would retain the traditional text while taking account of variant readings in footnotes.
Because any revision of the Scriptures must meet the needs of public worship, Christian education and personal reading and study, leading clergymen and lay Christians were invited to meetings in Chicago, Illinois, and Nashville, Tennessee, in 1975, and in London, England, in 1976, to discuss the need for revision. Almost one hundred church leaders from a broad spectrum of Christian churches gave strong endorsement to a new revision.
Biblical scholars representing a broad cross section of evangelical Christendom were selected to work on this major project. They came from Canada, England, Scotland, New Zealand, Australia, the Netherlands, and Taiwan, as well as from the United States, so that the New King James Version would reflect internationally accepted English usage.
Each translator worked privately and recommended changes in the King James text. In the translator’s work he used the Biblia Hebraica Stuttgartensia (for the Old Testament) or the Scrivener Greek Text (for the New Testament) and a copy of the 1611 King James Version as revise3d in 1769 (the edition in general use today). His work was then submitted to the executive editor for the Old or New Testament. An elaborate concordance and word studies of the English, Greek, and Hebrew were prepared especially for this revision by the executive editors and their associates. In addition, using the original texts, the King James Bible, and the guidelines, the executive editor for the Old or New Testament carefully reviewed each scholar’s work. Where necessary, they made recommendations for further changes or, in some cases, for restoration of the King James reading.
Each book was then submitted to the English editor to be checked for grammatical accuracy, literary beauty, and the effective communication of the content.
Throughout the entire editing process, the work was regularly reviewed by the clergy and lay advisors who served on the British and North American Overview Committees.
The final exhaustive review process was carried out by a separate Executive Review Committee for each Testament over a period of four years.
All suggested changes were collated by the executive editors. Copies of each book showing all suggested changes were then reviewed in extensive study sessions by the entire Executive Review Committee for each Testament.
The review process was completed in July 1981, at St. Andrews University in northeast Scotland, not far from King James’s residence, historic Stirling Castle. During part of this time the North American Committee was joined in its activity by the distinguished members of the British Overview Committee. AS in the older version of the King James Bible words added to the English text for purposes of clarity, which were not in the original Hebrew or Greek, were indicated to be shown in italics. This work was carried out by the Old and New Testament executive editors. Subject headings were developed jointly by the executive editors and the English editor.
The New King James Version was thus prepared with profound reverence for the Word of God and with deep appreciation of the wise traditions established by the translators of 1611. It was the prayer of the current revisers that the work in which they labored indeed be, as Dr. Scrivener had said years before, a reverential and well-considered revision … retaining the characteristic excellencies
of the King James Bible.’
Preface
Purpose
In the preface to the 1611 edition, the translators of the Authorized Version, known popularly as the King James Bible, state that it was not their purpose to make a new translation … but to make a good one better.
Indebted to the earlier work of William Tyndale and others, they saw their best contribution to consist in revising and enhancing the excellence of the English versions which had sprung from the Reformation of the sixteenth century. In harmony with the purpose of the King James scholars, the translators and editors of the present work have not pursued a goal of innovation. They have perceived the Holy Bible, New King James Version, as a continuation of the labors of the earlier translators, thus unlocking for today’s readers the spiritual treasures found especially in the Authorized Version of the Holy Scriptures.
A Living Legacy
For nearly four hundred years, and throughout several revisions of its English form, the King James Bible has been deeply revered among the English-speaking peoples of the world. The precision of translation for which it is historically renowned, and its majesty of style, have enabled that monumental version of the Word of God to become the mainspring of the religion, language, and legal foundations of our civilization.
Although the Elizabethan period and our own era share in zeal for technical advance, the former period was more aggressively devoted to classical learning. Along with this awakened concern for the classics came a flourishing companion interest in the Scriptures, an interest that was enlivened by the conviction that the manuscripts were providentially handed down and were a trustworthy record of the inspired Word of God. The King James translators were committed to producing an English Bible that would be a precise translation, and by no means a paraphrase or a broadly approximate rendering. On the one hand, the scholars were almost as familiar with the original languages of the Bible as with their native English. On the other hand, their reverence for the divine Author and His Word assured a translation of the Scriptures in which only a principle of utmost accuracy could be accepted.
In 1786 Catholic scholar Alexander Geddes said of the King James Bible, If accuracy and strictest attention to the letter of the text be supposed to constitute an excellent version, this is of all versions the most excellent.
George Bernard Shaw became a literary legend in our century because of his severe and often humorous criticisms of our most cherished values. Surprisingly, however, Shaw pays the following tribute to the scholars commissioned by King James: The translation was extraordinarily well done because to the translators what they were translating was not merely a curious collection of ancient books written by different authors in different stages of culture, but the Word of God divinely revealed through His chosen and expressly inspired scribes. In this conviction they carried out their work with boundless reverence and care and achieved a beautifully artistic result.
History agrees with these estimates. Therefore, while seeking to unveil the excellent form of the traditional English Bible, special care has also been taken in the present edition to preserve the work of precision which is the legacy of the 1611 translators.
Complete Equivalence in Translation
Where new translation has been necessary in the New King James Version, the most complete representation of the original has been rendered by considering the history of usage and etymology of words in their contexts. This principle of complete equivalence seeks to preserve all of the information in the text, while presenting it in good literary form. Dynamic equivalence, a recent procedure in Bible translation, commonly results in paraphrasing where a more literal rendering is needed to reflect a specific and vital sense. For example, complete equivalence truly renders the original text in expressions such as lifted her voice and wept
(Gen. 21:16); I gave you cleanness of teeth
(Amos 4:6); Jesus met them, saying, ‘Rejoice!’
(Matt. 28:9); and Woman, what does your concern have to do with Me?
(John 2:4). Complete equivalence translates fully, in order to provide an English text that is both accurate and readable.
In keeping with the principle of complete equivalence, it is the policy to translate interjections which are commonly omitted in modern language renderings of the Bible. As an example, the interjection behold, in the older King James editions, continues to have a place in English usage, especially in dramatically calling attention to a spectacular scene, or an event of profound importance such as the Immanuel prophecy of Isaiah 7:14. Consequently, behold is retained for these occasions in the present edition. However, the Hebrew and Greek originals for this word can be translated variously, depending on the circumstances in the passage. Therefore, in addition to behold, words such as indeed, look, see, and surely are also rendered to convey the appropriate sense suggested by the context in each case.
In faithfulness to God and to our readers, it was deemed appropriate that all participating scholars sign a statement affirming their belief in the verbal and plenary inspiration of Scripture, and in the inerrancy of the original autographs.
Devotional Quality
The King James scholars readily appreciated the intrinsic beauty of divine revelation. They accordingly disciplined their talents to render well-chosen English words of their time, as well as a graceful, often musical arrangement of language, which has stirred the hearts of Bible readers through the years. The translators, the committees, and the editors of the present edition, while sensitive to the late-twentieth-century English idiom, and while adhering faithfully to the Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek texts, have sought to maintain those lyrical and devotional qualities that are so highly regarded in the Authorized Version. This devotional quality is especially apparent in the poetic and prophetic books, although even the relatively plain style of the Gospels and Epistles cannot strictly be likened, as sometimes suggested, to modern newspaper style. The Koine Greek of the New Testament is influenced by the Hebrew background of the writers, for whom even the gospel narratives were not merely flat utterance, but often song in various degrees of rhythm.
The Style
Students of the Bible applaud the timeless devotional character of our historic Bible. Yet it is also universally understood that our language, like all living languages, has undergone profound change since 1611. Subsequent revisions of the King James Bible have sought to keep abreast of changes in English speech. The pres-ent work is a further step toward this objective. Where obsolescence and other reading difficulties exist, present-day vocabulary, punctuation, and grammar have been carefully integrated. Words representing ancient objects, such as chariot and phylactery, have no modern substitutes and are therefore retained.
A special feature of the New King James Version is its conformity to the thought flow of the 1611 Bible. The reader discovers that the sequence and selection of words, phrases, and clauses of the new edition, while much clearer, are so close to the traditional that there is remarkable ease in listening to the reading of either edition while following with the other.
In the discipline of translating biblical and other ancient languages, a standard method of transliteration, that is, the English spelling of untranslated words, such as names of persons and places, has never been commonly adopted. In keeping with the design of the present work, the King James spelling of untranslated words is retained, although made uniform throughout. For example, instead of the spellings Isaiah and Elijah in the Old Testament, and Esaias and Elias in the New Testament, Isaiah and Elijah now appear in both Testaments.
King James doctrinal and theological terms, for example, propitiation, justification, and sanctification, are generally familiar to English-speaking peoples. Such terms have been retained except where the original language indicates need for a more precise translation.
Readers of the Authorized Version will immediately be struck by the absence of several pronouns: thee, thou, and ye are replaced by the simple you, while your and yours are substituted for thy and thine as applicable. Thee, thou, thy, and thine were once forms of address to express a special relationship to human as well as divine persons. These pronouns are no longer part of our language. However, reverence for God in the present work is preserved by capitalizing pronouns, including You, Your, and Yours, which refer to Him. Additionally, capitalization of these pronouns benefits the reader by clearly distinguishing divine and human persons referred to in a passage. Without such capitalization the distinction is often obscure, because the antecedent of a pronoun is not always clear in the English translation.
In addition to the pronoun usages of the seventeenth century, the -eth and -est verb endings, so familiar in the earlier King James editions, are now obsolete. Unless a speaker is schooled in these verb endings, there is common difficulty in selecting the correct form to be used with a given subject of the verb in vocal prayer. That is, should we use love, loveth, or lovest? do, doeth, doest, or dost? have, hath, or hast? Because these forms are obsolete, contemporary English usage has been substituted for the previous verb endings.
In older editions of the King James Version, the frequency of the connective and far exceeded the limits of present English usage. Also, biblical linguists agree that the Hebrew and Greek original words for this conjunction may commonly be translated otherwise, depending on the immediate context. Therefore, instead of and, alternatives such as also, but, however, now, so, then, and thus are accordingly rendered in the present edition, when the original language permits.
The real character of the Authorized Version does not reside in its archaic pronouns or verbs or other grammatical forms of the seventeenth century, but rather in the care taken by its scholars to impart the letter and spirit of the original text in a majestic and reverent style.
The Old Testament Text
The Hebrew Bible has come down to us through the scrupulous care of ancient scribes who copied the original text in successive generations. By the sixth century A.D. the scribes were succeeded by a group known as the Masoretes, who continued to preserve the sacred Scriptures for another five hundred years in a form known as the Masoretic Text. Babylonia, Palestine, and Tiberias were the main centers of Masoretic activity; but by the tenth century A.D. the Masoretes of Tiberias, led by the family of ben Asher, gained the ascendancy. Through subsequent editions, the ben Asher text became in the twelfth century the only recognized form of the Hebrew Scriptures.
Daniel Bomberg printed the first Rabbinic Bible in 1516–17; that work was followed in 1524–25 by a second edition prepared by Jacob ben Chayyim and also published by Bomberg. The text of ben Chayyim was adopted in most subsequent Hebrew Bibles, including those used by the King James translators. The ben Chayyim text was also used for the first two editions of Rudolph Kittel’s Biblia Hebraica of 1906 and 1912. In 1937 Paul Kahle published a third edition of Biblia Hebraica. This edition was based on the oldest dated manuscript of the ben Asher text, the Leningrad Manuscript B19a (A.D. 1008), which Kahle regarded as superior to that used by ben Chayyim.
For the New King James Version the text used was the 1967/1977 Stuttgart edition of the Biblia Hebraica, with frequent comparisons being made with the Bomberg edition of 1524–25. The Septuagint (Greek) Version of the Old Testament and the Latin Vulgate also were consulted. In addition to referring to a variety of ancient versions of the Hebrew Scriptures, the New King James Version draws on the resources of relevant manuscripts from the Dead Sea caves. In the few places where the Hebrew was so obscure that the 1611 King James was compelled to follow one of the versions, but where information is now available to resolve the problems, the New King James Version follows the Hebrew text. Significant variations are recorded in the textual footnotes at the end of text pages.
The New Testament Text
There is more manuscript support for the New Testament than for any other body of ancient literature. Over five thousand Greek, eight thousand Latin, and many more manuscripts in other languages attest the integrity of the New Testament. There is only one basic New Testament used by Protestants, Roman Catholics, and Orthodox, by conservatives and liberals. Minor variations in hand copying have appeared through the centuries, before mechanical printing began about A.D. 1450.
Some variations exist in the spelling of Greek words, in word order, and in similar details. These ordinarily do not show up in translation and do not affect the sense of the text in any way.
Other manuscript differences such as omission or inclusion of a word or a clause, and two paragraphs in the Gospels, should not overshadow the overwhelming degree of agreement which exists among the ancient records. Bible readers may be assured that the most important differences in English New Testaments of today are due, not to manuscript divergence, but to the way in which translators view the task of translation: How literally should the text be rendered? How does the translator view the matter of biblical inspiration? Does the translator adopt a paraphrase when a literal rendering would be quite clear and more to the point? The New King James Version follows the historic precedent of the Authorized Version in maintaining a literal approach to translation, except where the idiom of the original language cannot be translated directly into our tongue.
The King James New Testament was based on the traditional text of the Greespeaking churches, first published in 1516, and later called the Textus Receptus or Received Text. Although based on the relatively few available manuscripts, these were representative of many more which existed at the time but only became known later. In the late nineteenth century, B. Westcott and F. Hort taught that this text had been officially edited by the fourth-century church, but a total lack of historical evidence for this event has forced a revision of the theory. It is now widely held that the Byzantine Text that largely supports the Textus Receptus has as much right as the Alexandrian or any other tradition to be weighed in determining the text of the New Testament.
Since the 1880s most contemporary translations of the New Testament have relied upon a relatively few manuscripts discovered chiefly in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. Such translations depend primarily on two manuscripts, Codex Vaticanus and Codex Sinaiticus, because of their greater age. The Greek text obtained by using these sources and the related papyri (our most ancient manuscripts) is known as the Alexandrian Text. However, some scholars have grounds for doubting the faithfulness of Vaticanus and Sinaiticus, since they often disagree with one another, and Sinaiticus exhibits excessive omission.
A third viewpoint of New Testament scholarship holds that the best text is based on the consensus of the majority of existing Greek manuscripts. This text is called the Majority Text. Most of these manuscripts are in substantial agreement. Even though many are late, and none is earlier than the fifth century, usually their readings are verified by papyri, ancient versions, quotations from the early church fathers, or a combination of these. The Majority Text is similar to the Textus Receptus, but it corrects those readings which have little or no support in the Greek manuscript tradition.
Today, scholars agree that the science of New Testament textual criticism is in a state of flux. Very few scholars still favor the Textus Receptus as such, and then often for its historical prestige as the text of Luther, Calvin, Tyndale, and the King James Version. For about a century most have followed a Critical Text (so called because it is edited according to specific principles of textual criticism) which depends heavily upon the Alexandrian type of text. More recently many have abandoned this Critical Text (which is quite similar to the one edited by Westcott and Hort) for one that is more eclectic. Finally, a small but growing number of scholars prefer the Majority Text, which is close to the traditional text except in the Revelation.
In light of these facts, and also because the New King James Version is the fifth revision of a historic document translated from specific Greek texts, the editors decided to retain the traditional text in the body of the New Testament and to indicate major Critical and Majority Text variant readings in the textual footnotes. Although these variations are duly indicated in the textual footnotes of the present edition, it is most important to emphasize that fully eighty-five percent of the New Testament text is the same in the Textus Receptus, the Alexandrian Text, and the Majority Text.
Special Abbreviations
Arab. • Arabic
Aram. • Aramaic
Bg. • the 1524–25 edition of the Hebrew Old Testament published by Daniel Bomberg (see Preface, The Old Testament Text
)
cf. • compare
ch., chs. • chapter, chapters
DSS • Dead Sea Scrolls
e.g. • for example
et al. • and others
etc. • and so forth
fem. • feminine
f., ff. • following verse, following verses
Gr. • Greek
Heb. • Hebrew
i.e. • that is
Kt. • Kethib (literally, in Aramaic, written
)—the written words of the Hebrew Old Testament preserved by the Masoretes (see Qr.
)
Lat. • Latin
lit. • literally
LXX • Septuagint—an ancient translation of the Old Testament into Greek
M • Majority Text (see Preface, The New Testament Text
)
ms., mss. • manuscript, manuscripts
masc. • masculine
MT • Masoretic Text—the traditional Hebrew Old Testament (see Preface, The Old Testament Text
)
NU • the most prominent modern Critical Text of the Greek New Testament, published in the twenty-sixth edition of the Nestle-Aland Greek New Testament and in the third edition of the United Bible Societies’ Greek New Testament (see Preface, The New Testament Text
)
pl. • plural
Qr. • Qere (literally, in Aramaic, read
)—certain words read aloud, differing from the written words, in the Masoretic tradition of the Hebrew Old Testament (see Kt.
)
Sam. • Samaritan Pentateuch—a variant Hebrew edition of the books of Moses, used by the Samaritan community
sing. • singular
Syr. • Syriac
Tg. • Targum—an Aramaic paraphrase of the Old Testament
TR • Textus Receptus or Received Text (see Preface, The New Testament Text
)
v., vv. • verse, verses
vss. • versions—ancient translations of the Bible
Vg. • Vulgate—an ancient translation of the Bible into Latin, translated and edited by Jerome
How To Use The Open Bible®
ALTERNATE TRANSLATIONS are set in italic type and preceded by the word Or
; these words are different from those in the text, but they are justified by the original languages.
ITALIC TYPE in the Bible text indicates words that are not in the original languages of Hebrew, Aramaic, or Greek, but have been supplied by the translators for clarity in English.
The superior T
and italic type in its related reference indicate an EQUIVALENT TRANSLATION, which is similar in meaning; translating the text word helps clarify the meaning.
CAPS and SMALL CAPS are used to identify places where the covenant name of God, YHWH, appears in the text (translated as LORD
or GOD
).
CONCEPTUAL REFERENCES are marked with a superior R
to point out the referenced word or phrase in the text. The cross-reference in square brackets refers to a passage similar in concept.
ASTERISKS indicate important textual information. Corresponding notes are found at the foot of the right-hand text column on the same page with the related asterisk.
LITERAL TRANSLATION for a particular word or phrase in the text is denoted with a superior letter T
and the abbreviation Lit.
in the note.
CROSS-REFERENCES, marked with a superior letter R,
point out verses that will explain the referenced word or phrase.
An OUTLINE STAR and a SOLID STAR indicate messianic references. The outline star indicates a prophecy that at the time of the writing had yet to be fulfilled. The solid star identifies the fulfillment of a prophecy.
SUBJECT HEADS and PARALLEL PASSAGES have been added to assist in identifying main subjects of the text that follows and in locating other passages in Scripture that speak to the same subjects.
POETRY and OBLIQUE TYPE set apart certain portions of Bible text. Poetry is structured as contemporary verse to reflect the poetic form and beauty of the original Hebrew, Aramaic, or Greek language. Oblique type in the New Testament text indicates quotations from the Old Testament.
THE CHRISTIAN’S GUIDE TO THE NEW LIFE is a point-by-point study of basic Bible doctrines that covers the material of an advanced course in systematic theology. The introduction leads you to the page of the first underlined verse. Detailed notes at the bottom of the page discuss the passage. Then they refer you to the next verses for study.
Explanation of Format
The format of this volume is designed to enhance the vividness and devotional quality of the Holy Scriptures and to assist the reader in personal study. To this end, special features have been incorporated in the text of the Bible and in special study aids on each page.
Read-Along® Study Aids
Superior R’s and T’s usually precede the referenced word or phrase in the text whereas asterisks always follow the referenced word or phrase (examples: Rglory, Tminister, king of Israel*). When space does not allow the superior letter to precede the referenced word or phrase, the superior immediately follows the referenced word or the first word of the phrase (example: RkingT).
Superior R’s indicate cross-references. These cross-references point out verses that will enhance the reader’s understanding of the referenced word or phrase in the text; they also identify Old Testament sources of New Testament quotations. A cross-reference in square brackets (example: [Deut. 12:5]) is a conceptual cross-reference; that is, it refers to a passage similar in concept to the referenced passage in the text.
A superior R can also indicate a prophecy of the Messiah. The reference at the end of the verse will be followed by an outline or solid star. The outline star indicates a prophecy that at the time of the writing had yet to be fulfilled. The solid star indicates the fulfillment of a prophecy.
Superior T’s indicate translation notes. There are four kinds of these notes:
— equivalent translations (in italic type with no introductory words; example, mercy), which are roughly similar in meaning to the translations in the text and help to clarify them;
— alternate translations (in italic type, preceded by Or
; example: Or mercy), which are different from those in the text but are justified by the original languages;
— literal translations (in italic type, preceded by Lit.
; example: Lit. mercy); and
— notes that explain words or phrases in the text (in roman type; example: Mercy).
Words set in in roman type in translation notes are explanatory only and are not translated from the original languages.
Asterisks are used to indicate important textual information. The corresponding note is found at the foot of the right-hand column of Bible text on the same page on which the asterisk appears. Textual notes point out significant textual variants in both the Old and New Testaments. The sources of these variant readings are identified by abbreviations listed under Special Abbreviations
.
The notes in the present edition of the New Testament make no evaluation of readings (and so terms such as better manuscripts
are avoided), but they do clearly indicate the sources of readings that diverge from the traditional text, whether they be from the modern eclectic or critical
text (NU), which depends heavily upon the Alexandrian type of text, or from the Majority Text (M). (See the Preface, The New Testament Text,
for an explanation of these terms.) Thus, a clearly defined statement of the variants, representing all textual persuasions, is provided for the benefit of interested readers.
Subject headings indicate the main subjects of the sections of text that follow them. These headings are not found in the original Hebrew, Aramaic, or Greek, but have been added to assist the reader in identifying topics and transitions in the biblical content. Whenever a parallel passage in Scripture exists, reference to that parallel is made with the subject heading.
The Text
Italic type in the text (example: God saw that it was good) indicates