Making The King James Even Better
This is the claim by the Thomas Nelson Company (TNC) for their
“New King James Bible.”
In a brochure published by them the KJV is pictured as an old
worn out book with a man standing beside it with ancient style
clothing on. TNC said, “...the King James Version is 368
years old... It has been cherished by so many for so long that
letting it fall into disuse is unthinkable.”
With this noble desire to save the KJV from the cobwebs and dust
they start out, “not to replacing the King James, but to
making it even better.”
They said, “What has been needed is a revision of the time
honored favorite that would make it more understandable without
harming its poetic beauty or its inspired truth.”
I. Here are some examples of what they did to its poetic
beauty in the Gospel of John:
1. “...Where are you staying?” (1:38)
2. “Then they said to Him. Who are You?” (8:25)
3. “Jesus said to them, Come and eat breakfast.”
(21:12)
4. “Verily, verily,” has been replaced with “Most
Assuredly.”
II. Here are some examples of what they did to its
inspired truth in the Gospel of John:
1. The word “miracles” is replaced with
“signs” in all places with the exception of one.
2. “For He whom God has sent speaks the words of God, for
God does not give the Spirit by measure.” (3:34) The words
“unto him” are omitted!
It was only to the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ that the Holy
Spirit was given without measure. No mortal could contain Him!
The Pentecostals will like this verse.
3. “You are of your father the devil, and the desires of
your father you want to do...” (8:44)
This verse leaves the impression that they might do otherwise.
The Bible says, “the lusts of your father ye will
do...”
The Modernists will like this verse.
4. In John 14:2 “mansions” are replaced with
“dwelling places.”
5. In John 14:18, “comfortless” is replaced with
“orphans” as it is in the NIV, Amplified New Testament,
Douay Version, etc.
6. In John 20:17 Jesus told Mary, “Touch me not; for I am
not yet ascended to my Father.”
In the New King James Bible it says, “Do not cling to Me,
for I have not yet ascended to My Father,” thus indicating
that Mary took hold of Him.
The sacrifice of Himself had been made but not presented to the
Father. She could not touch the sacrifice.
Who is the New King James better for?
It is obviously for the ENEMIES OF THE CROSS!
~By Raymond Blanton