Thanks for this excellent video! Thomas Nelson is doing an incredible job in publishing the NKJV! To my mind, the quality, available formats, and affordability are unmatched among Bible publishers today. And what a wonderful reading experience this translation provides! The NKJV is indeed awesome!
I realized the value of the NKJV while in seminary. The greatest feature is that in the notes it gives the variances between the different manuscript texts while keeping the KJV “feel”.
I love both the NKJV and the 95 revision of the NASB because they're the two most Scholarly and intellectually honest versions of the two manuscript traditions.
NKJV is one of the most underrated version. I love the textual notes that they give in the margins (some of them at least). I think it reads easily. Finally, the NT basis is the TR or the traditional reading
Thanks for posting this video. I grew up on the KJV, then moved to the NIV, ESV, and have just started reading the NKJV recently, and it is fast becoming my favorite translation.
I use the LSB as my primary and the NLT as my secondary. The NKJV is what I grew up with so it has a special place in my heart whenever I hear or read from it.
Love so many of your videos and I always had a respect for the NKJV but you really solidified why. I have also recently become a huge fan of the LSB and many of the points and their translation philosophy resonates with the things you also care about. And even though the LSB was based on the critical text, the Majority Text verses are included in brackets and I believe that if you spent some time with the LSB it would become another favorite of yours as well. God bless you, thank you for serving us so well.
I’ve been using NASB 1995 since 2009 for daily reading and preaching. Last year I read through the Bible in ESV, and this year I’m reading through the Bible is NKJV. Really like the NKJV!
Excellent overview. I'm also a fan of the NKJV, and for essentially the same reasons you give. I am also a Byzantine Priority guy. I have used it as my daily reading and preaching/teaching Bible for more than thirty years now.
I use the ESV. However, the NKJV has a very special place in my heart. When I was baptized when I was 15, my church gave me an NKJV thin line with cross references that I wore out for about ten years.
We need to beg Thomas Nelson Pub. to put some generous side margins for those of us who love notes in their Bibles. I have RARELY pulled out a notebook to review a particular note....but I sure do reflect and study on the notes that I have in my Bible. My first from Thomas Nelson is their End of Verse Reference Bible..... If they could add note taking space....keep the FONT I love.....winner! I love the fonts....went through a horrid two years where I could read NO bible except for their GIANT print and was so grateful for it. It was THE ONLY ONE at the time. So, THANK YOU, Thomas Nelson for that precious Bible during a REALLY rough time.
I personally find the ESV and the NASB are you can pick one or the other because they frankly do the same job--a good word for word and accurate version of the Scriptures in modern English. The only reason why I'd say the NASB-95 edges out the ESV for me is the way it formats any Old Testament quote in upper case and how even for a critical text based NT it leaves most of the TR verses intact but brackets them off instead of relegating those to a foot note like the ESV. Now the new NASB 2020 went the ESV route so that's why I've stuck with the 95 version and also the publisher still puts out all of the revisions of the NASB so you can still buy a new copy.
The NASB95 is fantastic. The NKJV is fantastic. The WEB is very nice. I wish I had one. There is nothing "wrong" with the 1611 or 1790 KJV. The issue is that modern readers can't understand it.
NKJV is my favorite translstion and my has been for many years preaching and teaching I still use the ESV for reading and study and the NLT for daily reading and devotion.
Great video! The NKJV is definitely in my top 3-5 translations. Great Bible that you used for the video. I agree with every point; however, everything that makes the NKJV a great modern update is what I find in the New American Standard Bible and the Legacy Standard Bible which are my favorites! I grew up with the KJV, but when I got a NASB nearly 30 years ago, that really helped me in understanding of the Holy Scriptures.
I am totally in agreement on the capital letters for the references to God! I do that as well! And with your review and comments, I'm going to take another look at my NLKV here at home 🙂 Also, love that you close with "love ya lots" at the end of podcast 😊
I’m not an onlyist, but I do see there being a tremendous value in having an ecclesiastical text. That is one of the strengths I see in the NKJV. Multiple generations can, not only understand it, but also recognize its familiarity.
I like the Capitalized pronouns (it also helps clarify who it is talking about at times). I agree with your translation philosophy regarding words like 'brethren.' Good video (makes me appreciate my copy of the NKJV even more).
Started to use the NKJV for study, especially since I got the Spirit-filled Life study Bible, edited by the late Jack Hayford. I have been following a 6-month reading plan recommended by Pastor Tim Nickles and the NKJV will be the next read through.
The NKJV is indeed AWESOME! It is my favorite. Though I also adore the NASB. Growing up the NKJV was the only translation any Church I ever went to allowed use of.
I also don't really mind occasion updates. My opinion is that, unless there's a major archeological discovery like the Dead Sea Scrolls, that clarify certain meanings in the text that were previously somewhat ambiguous, an update every 30-50 years to keep pace with modern language is probably appropriate.
I am toying with the idea of switching over. I just got a compact one for on the go and even with the little I've read so far, I am liking it. We'll see!
@@greatbriton8425 ok great one. Acts 5:30, Kjv, how did they kill Jesus? The nkjv says they hung him on a cross.The Kjv says they killed him then hung him on a cross..Toni's husband
@@tonimccoy9778 Sad that you lied by making up the word 'then'. 1) The greek is in this form is best translated 'and' - there is no 'by' or 'then'. 2) 'And' means both - they both killed him AND hanged him on a tree which as the Bible elsewhere tells us, twice, made him cursed of God. It is the fact that they weren't happy just with killing him but also wanted him cursed that is important here. Making up the word 'by' turns it into one thing - his crucifixion - and so misses wwhat the Spirit wanted to say. Notice also your own spirit, how you called me "great one" for passing on something I've discovered. That's condescending. That and the above with the lie tells me that you have a problem that may be pride related. Here's a good tip. Spend an hour on your knees at 3am asking God to meet with you and talk to you. Ask him what lie you believe about yourself, and after he answers that, ask him what is true about you. God bless you, I hope this answer helps you.
If you want to play the translation game…. We all should learn Greek and Hebrew, and to say you can’t is a. Poor excuse. Also, would God withhold His truth from the English speaking world until solely 1611? No, nor did he stop. If it stays true to the text, it’s God’s Word.
I grew up with the NIV until my mid-20s, then used the HCSB for 15 or so years. But when I decided I wanted to move to a more formal translation, and after doing more research than was probably necessary, I chose the NKJV as my main translation. I love it for all the reasons you mention, and they played a role in me choosing it (particularly the textual notes, and I wanted a TR-based Bible after always reading critical text translations). But the true deciding factor for me is how it reads. It keeps much of the poetic language and cadence of the KJV, but is also fairly easy to understand.
I just got my very first NKJV a couple of days ago. I've already been reading through the OT in my ESV Chronological, so I figured I'd start in the NT. I'm only in Matthew and already can hear the cadence of the KJV. It's lovely! The weird thing is, I've never read the KJV other than bits and pieces here and there. It's still somehow in my head just because of the cultural influence it has had for so long. It's woven into American culture. Or... it used to be. Sigh.
Although the Legacy Standard Bible is what I am using now for my own personal reading and study, I still love the NKJV. If I had an opportunity to step up to the pulpit and do some preaching, the NKJV is the Bible I would probably take with me. It just sounds so great, doesn't it? Perhaps the most sonically powerful translation we have.
Hey Matt. Always love your videos. Love the NKJV but also preach from the ESV. Have you ever thought of using the ESV Verse by Verse Preaching Bible? It is a wide margein with the verse by verse format and the print is pretty good. Seems to be the best of both worlds.
I grew up on the KJV in the 70s and 80s so I have a soft spot for the KJV and NKJV. The church I went to most recently used the NIV so I had that for a while. A couple of years ago, I tried to settle on the ESV as my daily driver and I ran with it for about a year and a half. Eventually, I moved back to the NKJV for several of the reasons you point out in your video. I prefer the capitalization of the divine pronouns, the italicized added words and the setting apart of OT quoted texts. The ESV (at least the product I had) didn't do any of these. I realize the NKJV isn't faultless and misses things here and there, but for daily reading, I've settled on the NKJV. When I do study, though, I do venture out beyond the NKJV. Good video. Really enjoyed it.
NKJV is one of my Top 5 favorite translations. I like that it (1) preserves the KJV sentence structure while replacing awkward words, (2) preserves the Textus Receptus manuscript tradition, and (3) isn't updated by the editors every 10 years (like the NASB or NIV).
I would have to disagree with your comment about the NASB being updated all the time though. The NASB is my go to translation and while it has been revised about 4 times since 1959 compared to the ESV where it's been revised it seems every few years. Plus unlike the ESV or the NIV one can still buy a new copy of the NASB revision you prefer. I for example prefer the 1995 revision the best and you can still get a brand new copy of it unlike other translations where if there's been a revision only the new revision is the official version that is out.
@@billhope2596 I likewise prefer the NASB95. As for the NIV, I rely on the 1984 and despise the 2011; as you have pointed out, Biblica has stripped the internet of the 1984 and only makes the 2011 available.
I recently purchased the NKJV Full Color Edition Study Bible and have really been impressed not only with the amount of Biblical information, but the layout and color schemes make it very readable and easy to navigate.
@calamitycoccyx2127 I also use the NASB95. It is my main preaching and teaching version and i own fifteen editions of it from various publishers. I will bring in the LSB on occasion and even the 2020, which i have warmed up to. I don't mind the 2011 since i never really used the NIV much before I started preaching. I have read through the 2011 edition, and I used it for my reading plan in 2021. It's not bad, but sometimes the gender accuratel stuff gets in the away and muddles some important scriptures. The good news is if I wanted to use the 1984, I have a copy in Logos bible software since I owned it before the twenty eleven came out.
Thank you for your informative review of the NKJV Bible. I grew up with the KJV bible, so it was only natural to be drawn to the NKJV when it was introduced. While I read from a broad spectrum of translations covering formal equivalent through dynamic translations, the NKJV is without question, a favorite of mine. As others have mentioned, the text notes and cross references to the NKJV are excellent.
Thanks for this. Our church uses ESV and my go-to Bible is ESV but this year I decided that my read through the Bible I would use different translations. I tried NASB2020 for awhile but decide a more formal translation is what I wanted and ended up with LSB and NKJV (same edition you have in your video). I must say reading the NKJV is a wonderful read (not to disparage LSB). Since I don't particularly like red letter editions I found fewer format options with NKJV but certainly do like this McClaren layout with black text and blue highlights.
The KJV is my favorite for studying. I consider the KJV to be the standard by which I judge translations. My regular reading bible is the NKJV. I also have an ESV, ASV, NASB 95, and LSB. But whenever I want to be sure what's going on, I go to the KJV. I do wish there was an NKJV with the "thees and thous" because preserving the first person singular is important for context!
The NKJV is one of my three standard translations, along with the ESV and the NASB 95. Great video highlighting some of the reasons it is one of the very best Bible versions available.
I grew up on, read, heard and memorized the Old King James. So I loved and was an early adopter of the NKJV. I just wish they had translated the word translated as “verily” (amen), as “surely” instead of “assuredly” in the NKJV.
It’s my favorite ❤. I grew up KJV and switched to NKJV in college in the early 80s. I tried NASB 1995 off and on. And I like the ESV. But the NKJV? It’s my go to. And the one I use for Bible memory.
I’ve been a primarily NASB95 (and now an LSB) guy for many years. I do love the ESV and NKJV as well. But I always giggle a bit internally when I’m at church with my LSB following along the sermon. One of our primary teaching/preaching elders teaches out of the NKJV, another from the ESV. And each time one of them says (regardless of the translation they are using) “And this word is often rendered *blank* and that is probably the better way of putting it” I look down at my LSB and 9 times out of 10 the word they are referring to is how the LSB renders it. BUT! I do love all of these and if I were ever in a situation where any of these great translations was my only option I would cherish it with all my heart.
One of the things that has driven me crazy has been the constant updating of modern translations. This makes memorization work very difficult. This is one of the things I have greatly appreciated about the NKJV. All they would need to do is simply update the text critical notes every 20 years or so, but keep the main text the same. After working out some early quirks of a new translation in the first decade of a translation’s publication life, modern translations really shouldn’t be updated for at least 50-100 years in the main text.
I just bought a premium large print NKJV bible to use with the Professor Grant Horner Bible-Reading System that calls for reading 10 chapters a day from 10 different books. I have been reading from various study bibles for several years. But Grant Horner suggests reading from the very same paper bible. So, I am going to try this for several years to see if so can learn the Word much better. I wanted a translation that was very memorizable.
I have been blessed by this and your defense of the NKJV. I’m often subject to good natured ribbing (and sometimes not so good natured) because I stick to MT and TR translations. But I find this most helpful
This is a great video. Thank you. I personally prefer the KJV for personal devotions, but it is undoubtedly harder to understand for a modern reader like me. I can, of course, study to aid my own understanding. However, the NKJV is better if I'm reading out loud in a small group setting because my hearers will not have studied the KJV language. So, using NKJV is a good balance between my hearers understanding what I'm reading, and my preference for a Bible where the New Testament is based on the TR. Again, good video. Thanks.
I am PCA and we use the ESV in Church. My personal reading is the NKJV. As you said in the notes the NKJV does a great job of saying what translation they are using. Also, you can’t beat Thomas Nelson’s comfort text. Most ESV bible have way too much page bleeding for me.
My favorite is the ESV followed closely by the NASB95. I would probably put NKJV a distant third. I'm not real big on the TR, personally. But the NKJV is definitely a great Bible.
Almost everyone posting here is agreeing with your ideas. Your summary here on why the "NKJV is AWESOME" is the best and most complete video I have ever watched on this subject!
I thoroughly enjoy many translations(NASB77/95, ESV, NET, CSB, and others; however, the NKJV has become the version I prefer to preach from. Also, the NKJV continues to prod me to clarity regarding upper case pronouns and messianic prophecies-which I love. To your point, it is an excellent bridge translation for ESV-KJV users.
I totally agree with your overview of the NKJV of the Bible! I'm very glad you addressed the NKJV, especially over the NIV, which I find to be problematic in areas of that Bible. I find woke to be offensive, particularly in The Holy Bible! Thank you...
l agree and thanks Matthew. l have a preminum NKKV from Thomas Nelson and enjoy every aspect of it, especially the translation and the comfort print they use.
Thanks for this video. I typically use the KJV, but am using the ESV study bible for reading through the Bible in a year this year. I will definitely be breaking out my NKJV soon. I have not read it for quite some time. Thanks again, Your OPC member reformed Baptist
The NKJV gives us three translations, based on text type, in one Bible. And it is honest about which text type is reflecting the difference. Whereas most reflect their agenda by saying things like, the best manuscript say. Or less helpful, some manuscript say. The NKJV is a three in one Bible that is specific. Obviously there is a byzantine tradition, such as in the Robinson Pierpont New Testament, that gives byzantine variants as opposed to majority text variants. It would be cool if the NKJV would give this fourth text type some space as well.
I like the nkjv because of the paragraphing. One gets an outline based on the paragraph divisions. The divisions are many but each tends to have a thought.... I usually resort to it daily. Could you do an episode on the paragraphing on the nkjv versus nasb?
The new King James is my pastor's preferred translation and mine. I wish there were more Reformed resources available in it. I would love to see the Westminster Standards with scripture proofs in the New King James.
Thank you for this. I'm a NKJV reader; it is the one we have used daily for our family Bible readings for over 30 years. I sometimes wonder, however, at some of the choices the translators have made. For example, Hebrews 2:16 where epilambanetai is translated as 'gives aid to' rather than 'take on the nature of' (which was moved to the margin). Again, in Hebrews 3:16 it departs from the sense of the KJV which is on the line of "Some, having heard, rebelled, but not all who came out of Egypt by Moses."
Thanks for this excellent video! Thomas Nelson is doing an incredible job in publishing the NKJV! To my mind, the quality, available formats, and affordability are unmatched among Bible publishers today. And what a wonderful reading experience this translation provides! The NKJV is indeed awesome!
The DIVINE PRONOUNS..... YES..... I love this reverence in the word. KJV, NKJV, NASB.....
NKJV was the first Bible I studied when I became a true follower of Christ.
I love my NKJV McArthur study Bible I tried others I always go back to it
I realized the value of the NKJV while in seminary. The greatest feature is that in the notes it gives the variances between the different manuscript texts while keeping the KJV “feel”.
I love both the NKJV and the 95 revision of the NASB because they're the two most Scholarly and intellectually honest versions of the two manuscript traditions.
Exactly!
For me the NASB'95 and NKJV is the perfect pair.
Agree!
Jonathan Edwards Study Bible in the NKJV might just be the one to win me over to the NKJV once and for all, can't wait!
This is the way
NKJV is one of the most underrated version. I love the textual notes that they give in the margins (some of them at least). I think it reads easily. Finally, the NT basis is the TR or the traditional reading
The NKJV was the first bible translation I ever read. Will always love it for that alone.
Thanks for posting this video. I grew up on the KJV, then moved to the NIV, ESV, and have just started reading the NKJV recently, and it is fast becoming my favorite translation.
I use the LSB as my primary and the NLT as my secondary.
The NKJV is what I grew up with so it has a special place in my heart whenever I hear or read from it.
Love so many of your videos and I always had a respect for the NKJV but you really solidified why. I have also recently become a huge fan of the LSB and many of the points and their translation philosophy resonates with the things you also care about. And even though the LSB was based on the critical text, the Majority Text verses are included in brackets and I believe that if you spent some time with the LSB it would become another favorite of yours as well. God bless you, thank you for serving us so well.
Love the NKJV!
I’ve been using NASB 1995 since 2009 for daily reading and preaching. Last year I read through the Bible in ESV, and this year I’m reading through the Bible is NKJV. Really like the NKJV!
I have trouble reading other versions than the NKJV. I just love how beautiful it is! Though I do want to read the NASB as well.
No need to read the NaSB when one already has the NKJV
Excellent overview. I'm also a fan of the NKJV, and for essentially the same reasons you give. I am also a Byzantine Priority guy. I have used it as my daily reading and preaching/teaching Bible for more than thirty years now.
NKJV awesome translation. Textual notes excellent!
I use the ESV. However, the NKJV has a very special place in my heart. When I was baptized when I was 15, my church gave me an NKJV thin line with cross references that I wore out for about ten years.
We need to beg Thomas Nelson Pub. to put some generous side margins for those of us who love notes in their Bibles. I have RARELY pulled out a notebook to review a particular note....but I sure do reflect and study on the notes that I have in my Bible. My first from Thomas Nelson is their End of Verse Reference Bible..... If they could add note taking space....keep the FONT I love.....winner! I love the fonts....went through a horrid two years where I could read NO bible except for their GIANT print and was so grateful for it. It was THE ONLY ONE at the time. So, THANK YOU, Thomas Nelson for that precious Bible during a REALLY rough time.
My top 4 bibles in no particular order are: KJV, NKJV, ESV and NASB.
All you ever need.
I personally find the ESV and the NASB are you can pick one or the other because they frankly do the same job--a good word for word and accurate version of the Scriptures in modern English. The only reason why I'd say the NASB-95 edges out the ESV for me is the way it formats any Old Testament quote in upper case and how even for a critical text based NT it leaves most of the TR verses intact but brackets them off instead of relegating those to a foot note like the ESV. Now the new NASB 2020 went the ESV route so that's why I've stuck with the 95 version and also the publisher still puts out all of the revisions of the NASB so you can still buy a new copy.
The NASB95 is fantastic.
The NKJV is fantastic.
The WEB is very nice. I wish I had one.
There is nothing "wrong" with the 1611 or 1790 KJV. The issue is that modern readers can't understand it.
And whosoever rather than whoever. I agree though. NKJV is becoming one of my favorites again.
NKJV is my favorite translstion and my has been for many years preaching and teaching I still use the ESV for reading and study and the NLT for daily reading and devotion.
I enjoy the NKJV. It really helps me to understand the Scripture.
The last point about the textual footnotes is my favorite aspect of the NKJV. It is my preferred translation. Thank you for this video!
Thank you for this informative video😊
Great video! The NKJV is definitely in my top 3-5 translations. Great Bible that you used for the video. I agree with every point; however, everything that makes the NKJV a great modern update is what I find in the New American Standard Bible and the Legacy Standard Bible which are my favorites! I grew up with the KJV, but when I got a NASB nearly 30 years ago, that really helped me in understanding of the Holy Scriptures.
I am totally in agreement on the capital letters for the references to God! I do that as well! And with your review and comments, I'm going to take another look at my NLKV here at home 🙂
Also, love that you close with "love ya lots" at the end of podcast 😊
*NKJV!
Great video! It was very informative.
I’m not an onlyist, but I do see there being a tremendous value in having an ecclesiastical text. That is one of the strengths I see in the NKJV. Multiple generations can, not only understand it, but also recognize its familiarity.
Watch THE WORDS OF GOD: KJB or Modern Bibles
I like the Capitalized pronouns (it also helps clarify who it is talking about at times). I agree with your translation philosophy regarding words like 'brethren.' Good video (makes me appreciate my copy of the NKJV even more).
Love my David Jeremiah NKJV and full of written notes
It’s a great translation. Been a favourite for a long time. My others are NASB and I don’t mind throwing in the NET for contrast.
NKJV for me....
I am currently reading in the NKJV after watching this video which was very helpful. Thank you. Saving to watch again.
Started to use the NKJV for study, especially since I got the Spirit-filled Life study Bible, edited by the late Jack Hayford. I have been following a 6-month reading plan recommended by Pastor Tim Nickles and the NKJV will be the next read through.
The NKJV is indeed AWESOME! It is my favorite. Though I also adore the NASB. Growing up the NKJV was the only translation any Church I ever went to allowed use of.
Im Majority Text preferred so the NKJV is def my main translation! Thanks for the vid.
I also don't really mind occasion updates. My opinion is that, unless there's a major archeological discovery like the Dead Sea Scrolls, that clarify certain meanings in the text that were previously somewhat ambiguous, an update every 30-50 years to keep pace with modern language is probably appropriate.
NKJV is my main squeeze for many of the reasons you mentioned. I’m Byzantine preference and love the cadence.
I just started using the NKJV after reading the ESV for several years. I have really enjoyed it!
I am toying with the idea of switching over. I just got a compact one for on the go and even with the little I've read so far, I am liking it. We'll see!
@@Yesica1993 It's awesomely wrong. See THE WORDS OF GOD: KJB or Modern Bibles
@@greatbriton8425 ok great one. Acts 5:30, Kjv, how did they kill Jesus? The nkjv says they hung him on a cross.The Kjv says they killed him then hung him on a cross..Toni's husband
@@tonimccoy9778 Sad that you lied by making up the word 'then'.
1) The greek is in this form is best translated 'and' - there is no 'by' or 'then'.
2) 'And' means both - they both killed him AND hanged him on a tree which as the Bible elsewhere tells us, twice, made him cursed of God. It is the fact that they weren't happy just with killing him but also wanted him cursed that is important here. Making up the word 'by' turns it into one thing - his crucifixion - and so misses wwhat the Spirit wanted to say.
Notice also your own spirit, how you called me "great one" for passing on something I've discovered. That's condescending. That and the above with the lie tells me that you have a problem that may be pride related.
Here's a good tip. Spend an hour on your knees at 3am asking God to meet with you and talk to you. Ask him what lie you believe about yourself, and after he answers that, ask him what is true about you. God bless you, I hope this answer helps you.
If you want to play the translation game…. We all should learn Greek and Hebrew, and to say you can’t is a. Poor excuse.
Also, would God withhold His truth from the English speaking world until solely 1611? No, nor did he stop. If it stays true to the text, it’s God’s Word.
My preferred translation is ESV, but I do use the NKJV in my studies, and when you guys finish that Edwards Study Bible, I definitely want it.
This is one reason I love Logos software... can flip through versions easily. NKJV is my primary.
My favorite Bible translation by far.
I grew up with the NIV until my mid-20s, then used the HCSB for 15 or so years. But when I decided I wanted to move to a more formal translation, and after doing more research than was probably necessary, I chose the NKJV as my main translation.
I love it for all the reasons you mention, and they played a role in me choosing it (particularly the textual notes, and I wanted a TR-based Bible after always reading critical text translations). But the true deciding factor for me is how it reads. It keeps much of the poetic language and cadence of the KJV, but is also fairly easy to understand.
I just got my very first NKJV a couple of days ago. I've already been reading through the OT in my ESV Chronological, so I figured I'd start in the NT. I'm only in Matthew and already can hear the cadence of the KJV. It's lovely! The weird thing is, I've never read the KJV other than bits and pieces here and there. It's still somehow in my head just because of the cultural influence it has had for so long. It's woven into American culture. Or... it used to be. Sigh.
I love the NKJV! Thanks for this video.
I love the KJV, NKJV and NLT
Although the Legacy Standard Bible is what I am using now for my own personal reading and study, I still love the NKJV. If I had an opportunity to step up to the pulpit and do some preaching, the NKJV is the Bible I would probably take with me. It just sounds so great, doesn't it? Perhaps the most sonically powerful translation we have.
Hey Matt. Always love your videos. Love the NKJV but also preach from the ESV. Have you ever thought of using the ESV Verse by Verse Preaching Bible? It is a wide margein with the verse by verse format and the print is pretty good. Seems to be the best of both worlds.
I believe all sermons should and can apply to our listeners. We preach to change lives, not to impress.
I grew up on the KJV in the 70s and 80s so I have a soft spot for the KJV and NKJV. The church I went to most recently used the NIV so I had that for a while. A couple of years ago, I tried to settle on the ESV as my daily driver and I ran with it for about a year and a half. Eventually, I moved back to the NKJV for several of the reasons you point out in your video. I prefer the capitalization of the divine pronouns, the italicized added words and the setting apart of OT quoted texts. The ESV (at least the product I had) didn't do any of these. I realize the NKJV isn't faultless and misses things here and there, but for daily reading, I've settled on the NKJV. When I do study, though, I do venture out beyond the NKJV. Good video. Really enjoyed it.
Loved this video, I so love my NKJV, and I am so with you on capitalizations.
NKJV is one of my Top 5 favorite translations. I like that it (1) preserves the KJV sentence structure while replacing awkward words, (2) preserves the Textus Receptus manuscript tradition, and (3) isn't updated by the editors every 10 years (like the NASB or NIV).
I would have to disagree with your comment about the NASB being updated all the time though. The NASB is my go to translation and while it has been revised about 4 times since 1959 compared to the ESV where it's been revised it seems every few years. Plus unlike the ESV or the NIV one can still buy a new copy of the NASB revision you prefer. I for example prefer the 1995 revision the best and you can still get a brand new copy of it unlike other translations where if there's been a revision only the new revision is the official version that is out.
@@billhope2596 I likewise prefer the NASB95. As for the NIV, I rely on the 1984 and despise the 2011; as you have pointed out, Biblica has stripped the internet of the 1984 and only makes the 2011 available.
Don’t forget the ESV. The ESV is also constantly updated.
I recently purchased the NKJV Full Color Edition Study Bible and have really been impressed not only with the amount of Biblical information, but the layout and color schemes make it very readable and easy to navigate.
@calamitycoccyx2127 I also use the NASB95. It is my main preaching and teaching version and i own fifteen editions of it from various publishers. I will bring in the LSB on occasion and even the 2020, which i have warmed up to. I don't mind the 2011 since i never really used the NIV much before I started preaching. I have read through the 2011 edition, and I used it for my reading plan in 2021. It's not bad, but sometimes the gender accuratel stuff gets in the away and muddles some important scriptures. The good news is if I wanted to use the 1984, I have a copy in Logos bible software since I owned it before the twenty eleven came out.
Thank you for your informative review of the NKJV Bible. I grew up with the KJV bible, so it was only natural to be drawn to the NKJV when it was introduced.
While I read from a broad spectrum of translations covering formal equivalent through dynamic translations, the NKJV is without question, a favorite of mine. As others have mentioned, the text notes and cross references to the NKJV are excellent.
Thanks for this. Our church uses ESV and my go-to Bible is ESV but this year I decided that my read through the Bible I would use different translations. I tried NASB2020 for awhile but decide a more formal translation is what I wanted and ended up with LSB and NKJV (same edition you have in your video). I must say reading the NKJV is a wonderful read (not to disparage LSB). Since I don't particularly like red letter editions I found fewer format options with NKJV but certainly do like this McClaren layout with black text and blue highlights.
The KJV is my favorite for studying. I consider the KJV to be the standard by which I judge translations.
My regular reading bible is the NKJV. I also have an ESV, ASV, NASB 95, and LSB.
But whenever I want to be sure what's going on, I go to the KJV.
I do wish there was an NKJV with the "thees and thous" because preserving the first person singular is important for context!
The NKJV is one of my three standard translations, along with the ESV and the NASB 95. Great video highlighting some of the reasons it is one of the very best Bible versions available.
I grew up on, read, heard and memorized the Old King James. So I loved and was an early adopter of the NKJV. I just wish they had translated the word translated as “verily” (amen), as “surely” instead of “assuredly” in the NKJV.
Yes, I love NKJV. 👍🤟
Hi Mathew, thank you for your programs.Would you review the Legacy Standard Bible. Blessings on you.
Spot on! Well-spoken and informative. Thank you!🙏📖
It’s my favorite ❤. I grew up KJV and switched to NKJV in college in the early 80s. I tried NASB 1995 off and on. And I like the ESV. But the NKJV? It’s my go to. And the one I use for Bible memory.
I cannot wait for the Edwards study bible to come out.
I’ve been a primarily NASB95 (and now an LSB) guy for many years. I do love the ESV and NKJV as well. But I always giggle a bit internally when I’m at church with my LSB following along the sermon. One of our primary teaching/preaching elders teaches out of the NKJV, another from the ESV. And each time one of them says (regardless of the translation they are using) “And this word is often rendered *blank* and that is probably the better way of putting it” I look down at my LSB and 9 times out of 10 the word they are referring to is how the LSB renders it.
BUT! I do love all of these and if I were ever in a situation where any of these great translations was my only option I would cherish it with all my heart.
Great work. I really enjoyed this.
I grew up on the KJV, so a move to the NKJV (as my primary translation) was natural for me. I like that the NKJV is a little easier to read.
One of the things that has driven me crazy has been the constant updating of modern translations. This makes memorization work very difficult. This is one of the things I have greatly appreciated about the NKJV. All they would need to do is simply update the text critical notes every 20 years or so, but keep the main text the same. After working out some early quirks of a new translation in the first decade of a translation’s publication life, modern translations really shouldn’t be updated for at least 50-100 years in the main text.
Grew up using the esv and nkjv, and to this day theyre still the two translations i use the most
I like the endless cross references same with the ESV... you can go on rabbit trails for hours
I just bought a premium large print NKJV bible to use with the Professor Grant Horner Bible-Reading System that calls for reading 10 chapters a day from 10 different books. I have been reading from various study bibles for several years. But Grant Horner suggests reading from the very same paper bible. So, I am going to try this for several years to see if so can learn the Word much better. I wanted a translation that was very memorizable.
I have been blessed by this and your defense of the NKJV.
I’m often subject to good natured ribbing (and sometimes not so good natured) because I stick to MT and TR translations. But I find this most helpful
I would LOVE it if they updated the NKJV.
This is a great video. Thank you.
I personally prefer the KJV for personal devotions, but it is undoubtedly harder to understand for a modern reader like me. I can, of course, study to aid my own understanding.
However, the NKJV is better if I'm reading out loud in a small group setting because my hearers will not have studied the KJV language. So, using NKJV is a good balance between my hearers understanding what I'm reading, and my preference for a Bible where the New Testament is based on the TR.
Again, good video. Thanks.
I am PCA and we use the ESV in Church. My personal reading is the NKJV. As you said in the notes the NKJV does a great job of saying what translation they are using. Also, you can’t beat Thomas Nelson’s comfort text. Most ESV bible have way too much page bleeding for me.
My favorite is the ESV followed closely by the NASB95. I would probably put NKJV a distant third. I'm not real big on the TR, personally. But the NKJV is definitely a great Bible.
NKJV is the bible I read it is New Geneva Study, Introduction by R.C.Sproul. Who was the person I would like to hear about the mysteries of the bible.
Schuyler Stridon ESV is a single column verse by verse translation that may meet what you are looking for in an ESV to preach from.
I've been using the NKJV for about 30 years since switching from the NASB.
Outstanding lesson.
Almost everyone posting here is agreeing with your ideas. Your summary here on why the "NKJV is AWESOME" is the best and most complete video I have ever watched on this subject!
I thoroughly enjoy many translations(NASB77/95, ESV, NET, CSB, and others; however, the NKJV has become the version I prefer to preach from. Also, the NKJV continues to prod me to clarity regarding upper case pronouns and messianic prophecies-which I love. To your point, it is an excellent bridge translation for ESV-KJV users.
I totally agree with your overview of the NKJV of the Bible! I'm very glad you addressed the NKJV, especially over the NIV, which I find to be problematic in areas of that Bible.
I find woke to be offensive, particularly in The Holy Bible!
Thank you...
l agree and thanks Matthew. l have a preminum NKKV from Thomas Nelson and enjoy every aspect of it, especially the translation and the comfort print they use.
NKJV is my wife’s favorite and my 3rd favorite after LSB and NASB95. NKJV is the most criminally underrated translation out there.
And the most accurate (as far as readily available daily translations)
Thanks for this video. I typically use the KJV, but am using the ESV study bible for reading through the Bible in a year this year.
I will definitely be breaking out my NKJV soon. I have not read it for quite some time.
Thanks again,
Your OPC member reformed Baptist
The NKJV gives us three translations, based on text type, in one Bible. And it is honest about which text type is reflecting the difference. Whereas most reflect their agenda by saying things like, the best manuscript say. Or less helpful, some manuscript say. The NKJV is a three in one Bible that is specific. Obviously there is a byzantine tradition, such as in the Robinson Pierpont New Testament, that gives byzantine variants as opposed to majority text variants. It would be cool if the NKJV would give this fourth text type some space as well.
I use NKJV and ESV.
I’ve been enjoying the Legacy Standard Bible recently 👍
I like the nkjv because of the paragraphing. One gets an outline based on the paragraph divisions. The divisions are many but each tends to have a thought.... I usually resort to it daily. Could you do an episode on the paragraphing on the nkjv versus nasb?
If they ever update I hope it’ll just be footnotes only
I wish they would update the notes in it while keeping the exact same phrasing in them. I also wish they included the Deuterocanon.
What do you think of the BSB's footnotes? how do they compare to the NKJV's?
The new King James is my pastor's preferred translation and mine. I wish there were more Reformed resources available in it. I would love to see the Westminster Standards with scripture proofs in the New King James.
We have the Thompson Chain in NKJV and Strong's Concordance is numbered to the Textus Receptus
NET textual notes are amazing
they're ok
I love the new king Jimmy. I wish you could get one with the apocrypha, though.
I have been a kjv guy for many years. I really like the NASB I just wish it had the themes and the thou’s in it.
i have the compact Maclaren and my eyes are getting bad😢. gonna have to get a large print.
I wish that I had discovered the NKJV years go.
Thank you for this. I'm a NKJV reader; it is the one we have used daily for our family Bible readings for over 30 years. I sometimes wonder, however, at some of the choices the translators have made. For example, Hebrews 2:16 where epilambanetai is translated as 'gives aid to' rather than 'take on the nature of' (which was moved to the margin). Again, in Hebrews 3:16 it departs from the sense of the KJV which is on the line of "Some, having heard, rebelled, but not all who came out of Egypt by Moses."
Amen and Amen! Thank you.
First time hearing the upper case 'Y' for God....