New or Old King James Version?

This is an article by Pastor Ted Ertle, a Baptist minister with 40+ years of ministry experience. In fact, he was the interim pastor at the Walnut church just before came here. Such a wise man, I trust you enjoy this article. I hold Pastor Ertel in the highest regard.

Were I beginning ministry, I would use the New King James Version (NKJV) of the Bible. Am I changing now? No. There are also a multitude of older Believers like me who are not likely to change. I do read the NKJV often and have read it through many times.

I have said, "If a red button appeared on my desk with a label that said pushing it eliminate every other translation and paraphrase .. I would unhesitatingly push the button!" The NKJV is a good translation. The traditional King James (KJV) is also a good translation .. neither is perfect. No translation is without flaws.

There is a group, however, that says the old KJV is without flaws, or virtually so. They live under the banner of "KING JAMES ONLY" and print blistering attacks on every other version, including the NKJV. They are difficult to oppose because of their strategy. They point to perceived flaws and call the NKJV counterfeit, corrupt, and evil. It is hard to win a battle on defense. And you see, I will not oppose the KJV nor insult it. I hold our Traditional Version in too high regard. The KJV is a blessed Book, used of God, and loved by His people. Could I write a tract that blasted its weak points? Certainly I could .. but I wouldn't. I think those who ridicule the NKJV shouldn't either. It is the Word of God, and in my studied opinion, it frankly has less flaws than the KJV.

I. "KING JAMES ONLY" IS NOT A SPIRITUAL MOVEMENT

I do not mean they are unspiritual, but rather, it is not a movement that stands out for being the most prayerful, the most sacrificial, the most missionary, or evangelistic. They may do all these, but the majority of God's most profitable servants are outside their movement .. because the movement is small and most Believers are outside!

Their churches split, their people divorce, their Pastors fall into sin at the same rate as those outside the movement (to the shame of all, of course). No one will be more saved or Christ-like for being in the "KJ ONLY" group, as opposed to other Bible-believing Churches who are fundamental in Doctrine and earnest in following our blessed Lord.

II. "KING JAMES ONLY" IS NOT A SCHOLARLY MOVEMENT

I have seen two anti-NKJV tracts. I have one in hand that (I beg pardon) is pitiable. The writer obviously knows nothing of the Greek Text or language. No student, trained in Theology and Greek, would feel anything but sorrow for such a sad, unenlightened attack on the NKJV.

The writer harangues changes that in some cases are clear improvements in updating language and clarifying verses. In nearly all other instances, he ridicules changes that are totally true to the Original Text, and are thoughtful and purposeful. Are all these changes necessary or improvements? No. (See, I still love the KJV). Are any of those changes devious and undermining to the Sacred Text? The answer is again, No.

The KJV is a translation. No translation is perfect. The NKJV is also a translation, and also not perfect. But the NKJV deserves respect for reflecting the authoritative Original-Language Texts very, very well. Its enemies misrepresent it. If the Lord tarries, in years ahead there will be more translation improvements. A New New King James Version will be needed to keep up with language changes. God's Word never changes, but languages do. Translations should speak to living people in the clearest, most succinct manner possible.

III. "KING JAMES ONLY" IS SOMETIMES AN IRRATIONAL MOVEMENT

1. I know of one adherent who doubts the salvation of anyone who was not led to the Lord using the KJV version of the Bible.

2. I am aware, having read their material, of those who exalt the English KJV above the Greek Texts .. the Texts of the Apostles! This is madness! It is saying, "Don't confuse me with truth or facts, my mind is made up." They have created their own truth.

3. I am aware of those so steeped in "King James Only" that they actually believe Missionaries should go to other lands, teach them English, and use only the KJV. This is irrational and absurd. Are all Believers in the "King James Only" camp this way? No! But it is the same movement (in a fanatical form) that is carried to its logical extreme, believing their favored translation is the inspired, final edition, forever.

4. It is not uncommon for "KJ Only" Churches to withdraw their fellowship from other Churches and organizations which are identical in Doctrine but use the NKJV. They truly seem to believe they are the last of the orthodox people, the last bulwark agaisnt the collapse of Biblical faith. "Translation Fixation" is not a Christian distinctive.

The "KJ Only" movement will become smaller, dated, and more marginalized as years pass. Their supportive group of people over 50 will slowly pass away.

As long as there are good, fundamental, Bible-centered Churches available, I would not choose to regularly attend a "KJ Only" church. I am offended by their irreverence and contempt toward anything not of that version.

IV. THE NEW KING JAMES VERSION IS EASILY JUSTIFIED

1. Those who are aware of manuscripte issues should know that, like the KJV, the NKJV uses the same Majority Text family of Greek manuscripts. It is the only modern translation that does. This is a position where I have conviction and agree. In Textual Origin, the KJV and NKJV are sisters.

2. The NKJV actually tries for compatibility to the earlier KJV. Many verses are identical. Either can normally follow the other. This is not true of other English versions.

3. The NKJV corrects obsolete words, some totally meaningless even to traditional readers, not to mention new students. I have a fairly long list of these words. Will I print that list? No. I am not against the KJV. I will not oppose it, but in many areas, I like the NKJV better, especially as a vehicle to reach and disciple our current and coming generations. If someone buying a Bible for himself or another asks my opinion, I say, "Get a New King James Version in a study Bible edition."

4. The NKJV more consistently translates Greek words with the same English words, a help in comparitive studies. I am thinking of two words in the Greek that are confused in the KJV, resulting in the loss of some specific insights. I am thinking of an unnecessary word added in the KJV in five to six occasions that affects an aspect of the Doctrine of Christ. Once again, I will not print these flaws as they do not hinder this marvelous translation (KJV) from leading us into understanding God's truths.

This is not a comparitive study, pitting these two translations against each other. I regard them as friendly versions that should not be made to struggle against each other in an adversarial way. The NKJV is a worthy translation for this generation. I praise God for it, as I have praised Him for the KJV that I also continue to use. I freely use them both, and God blesses me in both. I believe He will do the same for you.

Pastor Theodore W. Ertle

73602 Sixth Avenue

South Haven, Michigan 49090

(Telephone: 1-269-639-8588)