With hundreds of Bible translations available today, many Christians ask: "Which Bible should I use?" and "What is the difference between the KJV and the NIV?" This is one of the most important questions a Christian can ask, because the Bible you use directly affects your understanding of God's Word and the Gospel itself.
Every English Bible translation comes from one of two completely different manuscript families:
1. The Textus Receptus (Traditional Text) — From Antioch, Syria
This is the text line used by the first Christians. The manuscripts originating from Antioch encompass over 5,210 manuscripts and were faithfully copied and preserved by born again believers. The King James Bible New Testament is the ONLY English Bible that uses this text.
2. The Alexandrian Text — From Alexandria, Egypt
This text line originates from the pagan school of Alexandria, Egypt. These manuscripts were significantly altered and contain over 5,788 changes to the New Testament. Every modern English Bible — the NIV, ESV, NASB, NLT, NKJV — is translated from this corrupt text.
God promised to preserve His Word forever:
"The words of the LORD are pure words: as silver tried in a furnace of earth, purified seven times. Thou shalt keep them, O LORD, thou shalt preserve them from this generation for ever." ~ Psalm 12:6-7 KJV
"Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away." ~ Matthew 24:35 KJV
If God promised to preserve His Word, then that preserved Word must exist somewhere. The King James Bible — translated from the preserved Textus Receptus — is that preserved Word of God in the English language.
The NIV and other modern versions remove, change, or water down hundreds of key verses. Here are just a few examples:
Acts 8:37 — The NIV completely removes this verse.
KJV: "And Philip said, If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest. And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God."
NIV: This verse is entirely omitted.
1 John 5:7 — The NIV removes the clearest Trinity verse in the Bible.
KJV: "For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one."
NIV: The entire heavenly witness is removed.
Luke 24:51 — The NIV removes the ascension of Christ into heaven.
KJV: "And it came to pass, while he blessed them, he was parted from them, and carried up into heaven."
NIV: "carried up into heaven" is omitted in many manuscripts.
Isaiah 14:12 — The NIV changes "Lucifer" to "morning star."
KJV: "How art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning!"
NIV: Changes "Lucifer" to "morning star" — the same title given to Jesus Christ in Revelation 22:16.
The differences between the KJV and modern versions are not merely stylistic. When key Gospel verses are removed or altered, the clear message of salvation by grace through faith alone can be obscured. The integrity of God's Word is not a minor issue — it is the foundation of everything we believe.
"Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God." ~ Matthew 4:4 KJV
The New King James Version (NKJV) is not a revision of the King James Bible. Despite its name, the NKJV was translated from the Alexandrian text and contains the same corruptions found in the NIV, ESV, and other modern versions. The true King James Bible is the 1611 Authorized Version and its subsequent editions — not the NKJV.
The King James Bible is the preserved, inspired, inerrant, and infallible Word of God in the English language. It is translated from the correct manuscript family and has been used by God to bring millions of souls to salvation for over 400 years. We do not recommend any other English Bible translation.
"For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword..." ~ Hebrews 4:12 KJV
For more information visit our KJV Only page or contact us with your questions.