New King James Version (NKJV)

In 1611, the King James Version of the Holy Bible was published in England. No other book has had as much impact on the world as this historic translation. Earlier century scholars maintained the translation by modifying grammar, spelling and word usage to keep the biblical language alive and relevant for each new generation. In 1769, updates to the King James Version ceased, and its words continue to be cherished today. In the last thirty years, more than forty modern translations of the Bible have been published, and the King James Version continues to be the overwhelmingly favorite translation.

In 1975, more than two-hundred years since the King James Version’s last update, the boldest and most extensive revision in the history of modern Bible publishing began. With a 130-person team of Greek, Hebrew, and English scholars, editors, church leaders, and Christian laity Thomas Nelson Publishers sought to preserve the accuracy and poetry of the King James Version, but in a language that the everyday person could understand. In 1979 the NKJV New Testament was finished, releasing only the Book of Psalms in 1980. In 1982, the New King James Version was released in its entirety, seven years after its commission, making it the fifth major revision to the beloved King James Version.