The 21st Century King James Version (KJ21) is a modern English translation of the Bible first published in 1994. It aims to update the vocabulary and grammar of the original 1769 King James Version (KJV), while preserving the classic style and literary beauty of the KJV. Here is an overview of the KJ21 translation and what it offers:
Background
The KJ21 was translated by William J. Falconer, a pastor and Greek scholar. He wanted to bring the KJV into the 21st century by updating its Early Modern English language while maintaining its familiar phrasing and cadence. The KJV was last updated in 1769, so the language was becoming increasingly difficult for modern readers to understand. The goal of the KJ21 was to make a KJV that was easier to read and comprehend for 21st century English readers.
Some key facts about the KJ21 translation:
- Published in 1994 by Destiny Image Publishers
- Translated by Rev. William J. Falconer
- Modernizes language of original 1769 KJV text
- Preserves style and beauty of KJV wording
- Updates over 10,000 archaic words/phrases
- Over 4 years and 8000 hours spent in translation
- Strict formal equivalence translation philosophy
- Uses KJV manuscript sources for New Testament
- Uses Biblia Hebraica Stuttgartensia for Old Testament
Translation Philosophy
The KJ21 is a formal equivalence translation, meaning it stays as literal as possible to the original biblical languages and grammar. The translators sought to update the KJV’s language while preserving its style, phrasing, and cadence that has resonated with English readers for centuries. The translation philosophy included:
- Retain familiar KJV expressions and memorable language
- Update only words/grammar that have become archaic or obsolete
- Use traditional Early Modern English grammar and syntax
- Follow KJV formatting, chapter/verse divisions, and italicized words
- Allow enhanced readability while keeping KJV language intact
Some characteristics of the KJ21 include:
- Retains all KJV thee’s, thou’s, saith’s etc.
- Updates obsolete verb endings (-est, -eth)
- Replaces archaic pronouns (thee, thy) with contemporary forms
- Uses contemporary grammar for negations, questions, and personal pronouns
- Simplifies complex grammar and sentence structures
- Modernizes spelling of certain words (brass/brazen, ghost/spirit)
The translators sought to strike a balance between readability and maintaining the poetic beauty of the King James text. The goal was to allow subtle word updates while keeping the classic phrasing intact.
Translation Examples
Here are some example verses comparing the KJ21 to the original KJV text:
John 3:16
KJV: 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.
KJ21: 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.
Psalm 23:1
KJV: The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.
KJ21: The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.
1 Corinthians 13:1
KJV: Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal.
KJ21: Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass or a tinkling cymbal.
As you can see, the KJ21 updates the grammar and vocabulary for meaning, while retaining the style and cadence of the original KJV phrasing. The goal was to keep the language in the spirit of the KJV while enhancing comprehension.
Features of the KJ21 Translation
Here are some key features that set the KJ21 translation apart:
- Readability: By updating over 10,000 archaic words and phrases, the KJ21 improves comprehension for modern readers compared to the KJV.
- Maintains Literary Beauty: The elegant language, phrasing, and style of the original KJV is retained.
- Familiarity: The KJV cadence and expressions are preserved, allowing readers to follow along with familiar passages.
- Traditional Thees/Thous: The reverent pronouns thee/thou/thine are kept intact.
- Poetic Language: The lofty prose and rhythmic beauty of the KJV remain untouched.
- Accuracy: As a formal equivalence translation, it adheres closely to the original biblical texts.
- Accessibility: The updated language provides improved comprehension for 21st century readers.
The combination of accuracy and beauty makes the KJ21 an appealing option for those wanting a modern-language King James Bible. The updates allow modern readers to better grasp the meaning behind the majestic language.
Differences From King James Version
While the KJ21 maintains the style and structure of the original KJV, there are some notable differences in terms of language:
- Over 10,000 word/phrase updates from archaic to modern English
- Pronoun forms modernized (thee to you)
- Archaic verb endings replaced (-eth to -es)
- Obsolete words replaced (replenish to fill)
- Outdated spellings updated (asswage to assuage)
- Words condensed for clarification (an hungered to hungry)
- Simplified sentence structures and grammar
- Transition words added for improved readability
- Clarified language and punctuation
Yet despite these language updates, the lofty cadence and rhythms of the KJV text remain intact. The KJ21 treads lightly, changing only what is necessary for comprehension while leaving the rest of the KJV phrasing unaltered.
Reception and Usage
Since its release, reviews and reception of the KJ21 translation have been mixed:
- Praised for its improved readability while retaining beauty of KJV language
- Critiqued for not going far enough in its updates to language
- Some readers dislike any change from the original KJV
- Others appreciate the attempt to bring KJV into 21st century English
- Adopted by some churches/pastors who want an updated KJV Bible
- Has not gained widespread popularity or replaced KJV
- Provides an alternative for those wanting modernized KJV text
The KJ21 appeals to readers who love the majesty of the King James but struggle with its early 17th century language. It offers a middle ground between contemporary translations and the original KJV. While not as popular as translations like the NKJV or ESV, the KJ21 finds appeal in certain churches/denominations who desire an updated KJV.
Comparison to Other Modern KJV Translations
The KJ21 can be compared to other modern translations that also aim to update the language of the King James Bible while retaining its style:
- New King James Version (NKJV): Much more extensive updating into modern English. Seen as departing further from original KJV text.
- Modern English Version (MEV): Updates some grammar/vocabulary but retains ‘thee/thou’ language. Stays closer to KJV style than NKJV.
- King James 2000 (KJ2000): Stays closer to KJV language than MEV or NKJV but includes more modern English. Not as popular.
- 21st Century King James (KJ21): Very conservative updating of KJV. Keeps ‘thee/thou’ language and KJV style intact. More readability than MEV or KJ2000.
The KJ21 offers a light modernization while keeping the familiarity and poetry of the KJV translation. For those who want minimal change from the original KJV, the KJ21 provides improved readability with the least deviation from the source text.
Supporting Bible Study
For personal Bible study, the KJ21 provides these advantages:
- Easier to read and comprehend versus KJV language
- Allows better understanding of scripture meaning
- Accessibility for new/modern bible readers
- Retains devotional language of KJV
- Familiar and poetic phrasing supports memorization
- Helps visualize biblical imagery/descriptions
- Assists in gaining insights from archaic KJV words
The KJ21 can help make in-depth Bible study more fruitful by removing stumbling blocks of outdated language. The meaning becomes clearer when reading complex passages translated into modern vocabulary and grammar. It provides continuity and familiarity for longtime KJV readers as well.
Use in Ministry
For ministry use, the KJ21 can be beneficial in these ways:
- Preaching – provides accessibility while allowing use of beloved KJV phrasing
- Outreach – updated language can appeal to new generations of seekers
- Teaching – enhanced readability allows clearer instruction from Scripture
- Discipleship – supports memorization and Biblical literacy goals
- Study Groups – participants can grasp meaning while enjoying poetic language
- Personal Growth – enables KJV readers to gain new insights from modern language
- Continuity – translational bridge from traditional KJV to contemporary bible versions
The KJ21 allows ministries attached to the KJV tradition to continue utilizing its majestic phrasing while removing the barriers of obsolete language. It provides an updated, accessible KJV for teaching and ministry contexts.
Ongoing Relevance
The 21st Century King James Version fills a niche role in today’s English Bible translation landscape:
- Provides continuity from the KJV tradition
- Appeals to those attached to KJV language
- Retains the poetic beauty of the original KJV text
- Makes KJV more accessible for modern readers
- Offers an alternative to contemporary thought-for-thought translations
Even with newer translations available, the KJ21 supplies a unique option for churches/individuals who value the phrasing and style of the venerable King James Bible. Its conservative updating approach honors KJV tradition while removing obstacles for current readers. For those desiring a modern language experience without losing the voice of the beloved KJV, the 21st Century King James Version strives to fill that role.
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