Working to Produce the Modern King James Version for Our Generation in 2024

The goal of the modern King James Version (KJV) project is to faithfully produce an edition of the KJV that utilizes modern English, and does not alter its meaning throughout the entire Bible. The King James Version was translated over 400 years ago into a different form of English than we use today; it is known as Elizabethan English, Shakespearean English, as well as KJV English. This stage of English was Early Modern English, whereas today our language has proceeded to the stage of Modern English. Since the time that the KJV was translated there have been significant changes to the language in spelling, grammar, word meanings, and punctuation. The meanings of some words in the KJV have changed. As a result, when readers come across those words, they can easily mistake the meaning for a modern one instead of the actual archaic definition that is being used in the KJV. The difficulty lies in the fact that Bible readers may not even realize that the KJV is using an unfamiliar archaic meaning. We naturally receive the meanings that are common nowadays because that is what we know. But if we perceive today’s meaning of a word when the KJV is using a different older meaning, the result could either be confusion or failing to attain a correct understanding. Additionally, the outdated word forms and grammar can unnecessarily lead to awkwardness and problems with readability. For English speakers who are unfamiliar with the KJV, the text ends up sounding strange, unnatural, and foreign. And yet the KJV is an excellent and accurate translation of God’s word into English. The distinction between singular and plural pronouns is a major benefit of the KJV that modern editions do not offer. There are many people today who trust the translation of the KJV as being faithful to the originals and correct in meaning, and they do not wish to use a translation that alters its meaning. What is the solution? It is time to produce a modern King James Version that faithfully updates the antiquated language without changing its meaning for a single verse. By doing so, today’s English speakers who use the KJV can correctly and more easily understand the meaning of God’s word. Please note that the New King James Version (NKJV) does not merely modernize the language of the KJV, but actually translates many verses differently with a meaning that disagrees with the KJV. This means that the NKJV is not acceptable for many people as a modern edition of the KJV.

Please aid us to make this project’s vision a reality. We would be glad to have more help from the body of Christ to serve the Lord with this new edition of his Scriptures. Also, this website is mainly being used as a tool to enable more people to find our project. The project’s primary website is located at www.KJVupdate.com. Please go there for updates and more details. May God bless you in Jesus’ name.