Translations · Formal · 1982
NKJV — New King James Version
A modern update of the King James that preserves its majesty while replacing archaic vocabulary.
Updated 18 May 2026 · By the Bibles.co.uk editorial team
The short answer
- Style
- Formal
- Philosophy
- Formal
- Reading level
- Grade 8
- First published
- 1982
We're still adding NKJV Bibles to the shop.
Browse all Bibles →Where it sits on the spectrum
Below, every major English translation plotted against NKJV (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 NKJV sits at grade 8.
Strengths
- Retains the cadence and memorability of the KJV
- Modern pronouns and verb forms make it more accessible
- Strong for both study and devotional reading
Watch-outs
- Still follows the KJV's textual base in the New Testament
- Some passages remain more complex than NIV/ESV
See it in action
Three well-known verses in the NKJV. Compare against another translation using the tool below.
NKJV New King James Version | 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. |
NKJV New King James Version | The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. |
NKJV New King James Version | And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose. |
Who uses the NKJV?
Readers who grew up with the KJV but want modern English; many Baptist and Pentecostal congregations.
If the NKJV sounds right for you → Browse all NKJV Bibles
Translation Comparator
Same verse, two translations
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
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
Not sure yet?
Answer three questions. We'll recommend your Bible.
Like the NKJV? The Finder will narrow down editions, bindings and study tools that match.
Start the Bible FinderFrequently asked
- Is the NKJV a good Bible translation?
- The New King James Version (NKJV, 1982) modernises the vocabulary and grammar of the KJV while preserving its literary beauty and formal-equivalence approach. Strengths include: Retains the cadence and memorability of the KJV; Modern pronouns and verb forms make it more accessible; Strong for both study and devotional reading.
- What reading level is the NKJV?
- The NKJV reads at roughly US grade 8, using a formal translation philosophy.
- Who uses the NKJV?
- Readers who grew up with the KJV but want modern English; many Baptist and Pentecostal congregations.
Ready to browse?
See every New King James Version edition we stock — study, journaling, large print, gift and everyday reading.
Keep reading
KJV — King James Version
The 1611 translation that shaped English literature and church liturgy for four centuries.
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.