Translations · Formal · 1611
KJV — King James Version
The 1611 translation that shaped English literature and church liturgy for four centuries.
Updated 18 May 2026 · By the Bibles.co.uk editorial team
The short answer
- Style
- Formal
- Philosophy
- Formal
- Reading level
- Grade 12
- First published
- 1611
We're still adding KJV Bibles to the shop.
Browse all Bibles →Where it sits on the spectrum
Below, every major English translation plotted against KJV (highlighted in burgundy). Translation philosophy runs left-to-right; reading level top-to-bottom.
How it reads
Reading level is one of the cleanest indicators of how easy a translation is to follow cold. The KJV sits at grade 12.
Strengths
- Unmatched literary and liturgical resonance
- Memorisation friendly — rhythmic prose
- Trusted across denominations historically
Watch-outs
- Archaic vocabulary (thee, thou, wherefore) slows new readers
- Based on later Greek manuscripts than modern translations
- Reading level ~12+
See it in action
Three well-known verses in the KJV. Compare against another translation using the tool below.
KJV King James Version | For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. |
KJV King James Version | The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. |
KJV King James Version | And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. |
Who uses the KJV?
Traditional Anglican, Reformed, Baptist and Pentecostal congregations; readers who value literary heritage.
If the KJV sounds right for you → Browse all KJV Bibles
Translation Comparator
Same verse, two translations
John 3:16
“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”
- Style
- Formal
- Level
- Grade 12
- Year
- 1611
John 3:16
“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.”
- Style
- Formal
- Level
- Grade 8
- Year
- 1982
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Start the Bible FinderFrequently asked
- Is the KJV a good Bible translation?
- The King James Version (KJV, 1611) is a formal-equivalence English Bible translation prepared for the Church of England. Known for literary cadence and influence on English; archaic vocabulary makes it harder for first-time readers. Strengths include: Unmatched literary and liturgical resonance; Memorisation friendly — rhythmic prose; Trusted across denominations historically.
- What reading level is the KJV?
- The KJV reads at roughly US grade 12, using a formal translation philosophy.
- Who uses the KJV?
- Traditional Anglican, Reformed, Baptist and Pentecostal congregations; readers who value literary heritage.
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Explore a related translation
Discover another translation, edition or guide close to the KJV.
Keep reading
NKJV — New King James Version
A modern update of the King James that preserves its majesty while replacing archaic vocabulary.
NASB — New American Standard Bible
The most literal mainstream English translation — sometimes wooden, always transparent to the Greek and Hebrew.
All translations
Compare every major English Bible side by side.