King James Bible vs. New World Translation: What's the Difference?
Edited by Aimie Carlson || By Janet White || Published on December 18, 2024
King James Bible is a 17th-century English translation of Christian scriptures; New World Translation is a modern Bible version by Jehovah's Witnesses.
Key Differences
The King James Bible (KJB), commissioned by King James I of England in 1604 and published in 1611, is one of the most influential and widely read versions of the Christian Bible in the English-speaking world. Its language, marked by its majestic and poetic Elizabethan English, has had a profound impact on English literature and religious practice. The New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures (NWT), first released in 1950 by the Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society, is a modern English translation of the Bible produced by Jehovah's Witnesses. It emphasizes clarity, simplicity, and adherence to what its translators believe to be the original texts' meanings.
One significant difference between the KJB and the NWT is their approach to divine names. The KJB follows the tradition of using "LORD" or "GOD" in uppercase to represent the Tetragrammaton, whereas the NWT consistently uses "Jehovah" to represent the divine name, reflecting its translators' belief in restoring the name to its rightful place in the Scriptures.
The NWT also diverges from the KJB in several translational choices and interpretations, often reflecting the theological perspectives of Jehovah's Witnesses. For example, the NWT translates John 1:1 differently from the traditional rendering found in the KJB, emphasizing the theological viewpoint of the Jehovah's Witnesses regarding the nature of Christ. These differences are not merely linguistic but also doctrinal, influencing how the texts are understood and practiced within their respective faith communities.
Despite these differences, both the King James Bible and the New World Translation have played significant roles in their communities. The KJB has shaped the development of English-speaking Christianity and culture, while the NWT seeks to provide Jehovah's Witnesses and other readers with what it considers a faithful and understandable version of the Scriptures for personal study and evangelism.
Comparison Chart
Date of Publication
1611
First released in 1950, completed in 1961
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Language Style
Elizabethan English
Modern English
Translation Philosophy
Adherence to traditional texts
Modern accuracy and readability
Divine Names
Uses "LORD" or "GOD"
Uses "Jehovah"
Target Audience
General English-speaking Christians
Jehovah's Witnesses and modern readers
King James Bible and New World Translation Definitions
King James Bible
A cornerstone of English Christian tradition.
The King James Bible remains a preferred version for many denominations.
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New World Translation
Reflects Jehovah's Witnesses' doctrinal beliefs.
Translational choices in the New World Translation support specific theological views.
King James Bible
Commissioned by King James I of England.
The King James Bible aimed to unify English-speaking Christians.
New World Translation
A modern English Bible translation by Jehovah's Witnesses.
The New World Translation is used worldwide in Jehovah's Witnesses' worship.
King James Bible
Known for its majestic Elizabethan English.
The poetic language of the King James Bible resonates in many churches.
New World Translation
Seeks to be accurate and understandable.
The New World Translation was produced to enhance Bible study.
King James Bible
A historic English translation of the Bible from 1611.
The King James Bible has influenced English literature for centuries.
New World Translation
Emphasizes the use of "Jehovah" for the divine name.
The New World Translation restores Jehovah to the text, unlike other versions.
King James Bible
Uses the Textus Receptus as its New Testament base text.
Scholars of the King James Bible meticulously translated ancient manuscripts.
New World Translation
Continuously updated for clarity and accuracy.
Recent editions of the New World Translation incorporate the latest manuscript discoveries.
FAQs
How does the language of the KJB differ from the NWT?
The KJB uses Elizabethan English, while the NWT uses modern English for clarity.
What is unique about the New World Translation's approach to divine names?
It uniquely uses "Jehovah" to represent the Tetragrammaton.
Are there doctrinal differences reflected in these translations?
Yes, translational choices often reflect the doctrinal positions of their respective translators.
Can the New World Translation be found in languages other than English?
Yes, it's available in multiple languages to accommodate Jehovah's Witnesses worldwide.
Why was the King James Bible commissioned?
To produce a unified English translation for the Church of England.
What manuscripts were used for the New World Translation?
It was based on Hebrew, Greek, and Aramaic texts considered most accurate by its translators.
What role does the King James Bible play in English literature?
It has had a profound impact on English prose, poetry, and culture.
Is the King James Bible still widely used today?
Yes, it remains popular in many Christian denominations for its literary and religious significance.
Why do Jehovah's Witnesses prefer the New World Translation?
For its readability, doctrinal accuracy, and use of "Jehovah."
What are some criticisms of the New World Translation?
Critics argue that some translational choices reflect Jehovah's Witnesses' theology more than textual accuracy.
Do both translations include the Apocrypha?
The original KJB included the Apocrypha, but most modern editions and the NWT do not.
Are there study aids available for these versions?
Yes, both have accompanying study aids, though tailored to their respective audiences.
How has the King James Bible been preserved through history?
Through careful reproduction and widespread use in English-speaking churches.
How do Jehovah's Witnesses view the King James Bible?
They respect it as a historic Bible translation but prefer the NWT for its clarity and doctrinal alignment.
Is the King James Bible copyrighted?
No, it is in the public domain.
How do translations like the NWT influence religious practice?
They can shape doctrinal understanding and worship practices within their communities.
How does the public generally receive the New World Translation?
Reception varies, with Jehovah's Witnesses praising its utility and critics questioning its translation choices.
Can anyone read the New World Translation?
Yes, it's available to the public, often distributed for free by Jehovah's Witnesses.
Has the New World Translation been revised?
Yes, it has undergone revisions to update language and improve accuracy based on new research.
What is the significance of the Textus Receptus for the KJB?
It served as the Greek manuscript base for the New Testament translation.
About Author
Written by
Janet WhiteJanet White has been an esteemed writer and blogger for Difference Wiki. Holding a Master's degree in Science and Medical Journalism from the prestigious Boston University, she has consistently demonstrated her expertise and passion for her field. When she's not immersed in her work, Janet relishes her time exercising, delving into a good book, and cherishing moments with friends and family.
Edited by
Aimie CarlsonAimie Carlson, holding a master's degree in English literature, is a fervent English language enthusiast. She lends her writing talents to Difference Wiki, a prominent website that specializes in comparisons, offering readers insightful analyses that both captivate and inform.
