What is the 21st Century King James Version (KJ21)?

Answer

Published in 1994 by Deuel Enterprises, Inc. (Gary, South Dakota), the 21st Century King James Version of the Bible aims to preserve the sacred message and beautiful language of the King James Version while enhancing readability and comprehension for modern readers. Edited by William D. Prindle of Deuel Enterprises, the updates drew upon the scholarship, skill, and dedication of the original translators of the KJV, which have endured for four centuries. A revised edition including the Apocrypha (without lectionary markings) was released in 1998 as the Third Millennium Bible.

21st Century King James Version – Translation Approach

The 21st Century King James Version (KJ21) is rooted in the King James Version (KJV) of A.D. 1611. It is not a new translation but a meticulous modernization to remove outdated words by consulting the most comprehensive and authoritative modern American dictionary, the Webster’s New International Dictionary, Second Edition, unabridged. Spelling, punctuation, and capitalization have also been modernized. Words that are obsolete or archaic, and no longer understood by educated Bible readers, have been substituted with carefully chosen current equivalents. All language concerning gender and theology in the King James Version remains unaltered from the original. Additionally, it includes the cross-references from the original KJV, and more.

21st Century King James Version – Advantages and Disadvantages

The 21st Century King James Version has not gained widespread acceptance in the Christian community, mainly due to the strong attachment many KJV users have to the 1611 “authorized” King James Version. This is unfortunate because the KJ21 is indeed a significantly more readable and understandable English rendition of the Bible compared to the KJV. The 21st Century King James Version successfully achieves its objective of modernizing the archaic language of the KJV while remaining faithful to the original text.

21st Century King James Version – Sample Verses

John 1:1, 14 – “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us (and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only Begotten of the Father), full of grace and truth.”

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.”

John 8:58 – “Jesus said unto them, ‘Verily, verily I say unto you, before Abraham was, I am!’”

Ephesians 2:8-9 – “For by grace are ye saved through faith, and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God—not by works, lest any man should boast.”

Titus 2:13 – “looking for that blessed hope and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Savior Jesus Christ,”