Bible Versions

Very good explanation of where the Bible versions came from. I've personally studied exactly what he's talking about and his history is right on. If you use a newer "version" I suggest you watch this. Its only 8 min., so enjoy.

Doctrinal Issue of NKJV vs. KJV

2 John 1:9 Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son.

Recently I have been involved in discussions with friends about the differences between the NKJV and the KJV. I am a KJVer and my position is not well liked, but I got backing. Backing from the Word! Here is an email I have sent my friends regarding this topic.

That is the question at hand. Does the NKJV change doctrine? Lets actually look into it. My words will be in red.

1 John 5:13 (King James Version)

13These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God.

1 John 5:13 (New King James Version)

13 These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life,^[a] and that you may continue to believe in the name of the Son of God.

Now the main difference here is the word continue in the NKJV. You see that it is in italics which means it is a word that is not in the original text and it is added in to make more sense. Why would they insert continue? This verse in the KJV is strong for eternal security but in the NKJV it makes it seem that if you don't have the words John writes then it is possible for you to fall away. Doctrinal change? You betcha.

Mark 15:36 (King James Version)

36And one ran and filled a spunge full of vinegar, and put it on a reed, and gave him to drink, saying, Let alone; let us see whether Elias will come to take him down.

Mark 15:36 (New King James Version)

36 Then someone ran and filled a sponge full of sour wine, put it on a reed, and offered it to Him to drink, saying, “Let Him alone; let us see if Elijah will come to take Him down.”

The difference here is in the KJV it says vinegar and the NKJV it says "sour wine". Lets go to the prophecy of this passage in Psalm 69:21.

Psalm 69:21 (King James Version)

21They gave me also gall for my meat; and in my thirst they gave me vinegar to drink.

Psalm 69:21 (New King James Version)

21 They also gave me gall for my food,
And for my thirst they gave me vinegar to drink.

Why would they change this? So now if you were trying to show someone prophecies fulfilled using the NKJV they would disprove you by saying the prophecy has to be exact, which it does, in the KJV.

Romans 1:25 (King James Version)

25Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen.

Romans 1:25 (New King James Version)

25 who exchanged the truth of God for the lie, and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever. Amen.

The difference here is that the KJV is saying that these people took God's truth and changed it the NKJV is saying that these people kind of dropped God's truth and went on to something else. They in a way walked away from God. I now see why people who read the NKJV believe in walking away. The KJV is very strong on saying that nothing can take you out of the hand of God and that no temptation will ever be to great for you to handle. IF we could walk away then that would mean we were given a temptation that took us over, GOD PROMISES that will not happen.

John 1:3 (King James Version)

3All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made.

John 1:3 (New King James Version)

3 All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made.

Huge difference here. KJV is stating here that every creation is made BY Christ, NKJV is stating that it was THROUGH Christ saying that He didn't make every thing. Interesting that the Witnesses "bible" uses the same words as the NKJV. The witnesses believe exactly that, that things were just made through Him and not actually by Him. ( I know I'm right on this because my grandparents are pretty much JW's)

Hebrews 10:14 (King James Version)

14For by one offering he hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified.

Hebrews 10:14 (New King James Version)

14 For by one offering He has perfected forever those who are being sanctified.

The KJV is saying that by Christs death on the cross Christians are sanctified but the NKJV is asserting that there is a sanctification process. How can one offering cover a process? Would there not have to be offerings?

1 Corinthians 1:18 (King James Version)

18For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God.

1 Corinthians 1:18 (New King James Version)

18 For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.

Who is saved and who is being saved? Maybe KJVers are saved and NKJVers are being saved? If you follow the NKJV reading then you would have to say the basis for salvation is whether or not you think the cross is foolishness. HUGE doctrinal difference. Is there a "being" saved?

2 Corinthians 2:15 (King James Version)

15For we are unto God a sweet savour of Christ, in them that are saved, and in them that perish:

2 Corinthians 2:15 (New King James Version)

15 For we are to God the fragrance of Christ among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing

Again, who is the "being" saved and who is saved?

Titus 3:10 (King James Version)

10A man that is an heretick after the first and second admonition reject;

Titus 3:10 (New King James Version)

10 Reject a divisive man after the first and second admonition,

A difference? Most Definitely! NKJV is asserting that you should reject someone if they start up problems the KJV is saying you should reject someone if they try to advance false doctrine, hence a heretick vs. someone who is divisive.

1 Corinthians 1:22 (King James Version)

22For the Jews require a sign, and the Greeks seek after wisdom:

Corinthians 1:22 (New King James Version)

22 For Jews request a sign, and Greeks seek after wisdom;

The Jews in order to accept Christ NEED a sign from God (which they will get), they do not just WANT a sign from God.

Now with all these verses I challenge you to try and go back into the original Greek Tectus Receptus (T.R., which the NKJV claims is what they used) and see what the correct translations are concerning these verses. I think it might suprise you with the NKJV claiming to be a newer version of KJV how much they swayed to the New Greek Text which all other new age versions are built upon. If the NKJV truly used the T.R. then why in many, many passages do they use the same statements as the NASB, NIV, ESV, etc.? To check it out use this handy site www.biblegateway.com which posts all the versions for easy side by side comparison. Unfortunately it is powered by Zondervan and includes "versions" like The Message and Today's NIV (TNIV). But for these purposes it works.

So am I being "dogmatic" or simply standing up for the TRUE, INERRANT, Word of God?

HIS will, my desire
-James

Where do we draw the line?

Merry Christmas! ( And HECK yes we can say that!)