The New King James Version of the Bible (NKJV) deserves a review alongside other Bible translations, and not just a category within the King James Version (KJV).  That’s because the NKJV is more than just a Bible which has taken out the “thee’s and thou’s” of the KJV and replaced them with the contemporary “I” and “you.”

Thomas Nelson Publishers (a division of the much larger HarperCollins Publishing) commissioned the project in 1975 to bring a group of scholars, pastors, and lay persons together (130 in all) to form a new translation which would retain the KJV’s style for the modern reader.  It took 7 years for the translation committee to work with the original manuscripts, along with faithfulness to the literary beauty and classic prose of the KJV to produce a Bible that connects with modern readers.

Since 1982, the NKJV has become a popular choice for many Bible readers seeking an accurate translation, attention to literary detail and style, while upholding the original style of the KJV.

You might think Bob is all about sniffing, but he appreciates beauty when he hears it.

Using “Bob’s 5 Bark Review System” we review the New King James Version of the Bible:

1. Trustworthy

The NKJV has as its express aim to give meaning clearly in every day English while at the same time maintaining as much of the wording and grammar of the original languages as possible. With such a large review team from all over the world going over every word of the translation, this is a Bible with trust written all over it.

Bob has a clear “bark” for the trustworthy translation of the NKJV.

2. Understandable

Being able to understand the Bible was a high value to the translation and review team of the NKJV.  Give Psalm 23 a read and see what you think:

The Lord is my shepherd;
I shall not want.
He makes me to lie down in green pastures;
He leads me beside the still waters.
He restores my soul;
He leads me in the paths of righteousness
For His name’s sake.

Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil;
For You are with me;
Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.

You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies;
You anoint my head with oil;
My cup runs over.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me
All the days of my life;
And I will dwell in the house of the Lord
Forever.

For readers familiar with the older KJV, you will quickly recognize the language.  For newer readers, you’re likely to connect with the soaring literary poetry.  This version of the Bible might not be the best for elementary kids or English second language readers. However, the NKJV can connect with you.

Bob gives a “bark” for the ability to understand the NKJV.

3. Readable

One of the differences between the KJV and NKJV is the arrangement of the verses into paragraphs for narrative literature, and stanzas for poetry.  The KJV simply sets the verses apart without locating the blocks of thought.  The NKJV considered the plain reading of large sections of Scripture as a value they wanted to include in their translation.

Here is John 3:16-18 in NKJV language:

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.  For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.

He who believes in Him is not condemned; but he who does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.

Also, as with other best-selling versions, there are lots of different Bibles on the market with the NKJV translation.  A similarity with the KJV is that the better selling NKJV Bibles tend to be large-print and giant-print.  However, unlike the KJV, you won’t have a problem finding a font size that you need for the NKJV.

With the improvements provided over the original KJV, Bob gives the NKJV a “bark” for its smooth reading.

4. Durable

As with most Bibles, the durability over time has a lot to do with whether it is a paper-back or hard cover Bible.  Does the hardback Bible have its pages glued or sewn to the spine?  It’s difficult nowadays to find a hard-back Bible with pages sewn to the spine, but they’re out there.  Also, the more inexpensive Bibles don’t have the best paper for their pages.

Bob and I always recommend purchasing a Bible you plan to read every day.  Therefore, it makes the most sense to buy a good durable leather Bible, or solid hard-back with sewn pages.  When it comes to the Bible as a physical book, you get what you pay for, no matter the publishing house.

Thomas Nelson is a respected publisher who puts out a quality product, so you’ll have no problem finding a good NKJV Bible.

Bob gives a “bark” for NKJV Bibles and their durability (just make sure to get a more expensive one – believe me, you wouldn’t want Bob howling at you for buying a cheaper one).

5. Attractive

Thomas Nelson Publishers have lots of options for NKJV Bibles.  There are so many that you can customize and personalize your Bible with your favorite color, size, and style.

Bob’s still waiting on a bloodhound devotional Bible, but he still gives a hearty “bark” to all the attractive Bibles in the NKJV.

Based on “Bob’s 5 Bark Bible Review” of the New King James Version on the Bible, we give it:

5 Barks out of 5

Good job, NKJV.  You’ve given a new generation the best of the old KJV.