The Modern King James Version (MKJV) is a translation of the Bible published in 1962 by Jay P. Green. It was created as an update to the original King James Version (KJV), aiming to make the text more understandable for modern readers while preserving the style and poetry of the original KJV.
Some key features of the MKJV:
- It modernizes archaic words from the KJV – e.g. “thee” and “thou” are changed to “you” and “yours.”
- It updates grammar and sentence structure for improved readability.
- Proper names are transliterated from the Hebrew and Greek rather than Anglicized.
- Italics are used to indicate words added by translators for clarity.
- The chapters and verses match the KJV to allow easy cross-referencing.
- The poetic style of the KJV is retained as much as possible.
The translation philosophy of the MKJV is essentially formal equivalence – aiming for a word-for-word translation rather than paraphrasing. The goal is to convey the meaning of the original texts accurately while using clear modern language.
Some key passages where the MKJV departs from the KJV:
- Isaiah 7:14 – “virgin” changed to “maiden” to match the Hebrew ‘almah.
- John 1:18 – “only begotten Son” changed to “only begotten God.”
- 1 Timothy 3:16 – “God” changed to “He” based on older manuscripts.
- 1 John 5:7-8 – Comma Johanneum removed due to lack of manuscript evidence.
Overall, the changes update the language for comprehension while preserving the style and precision of the KJV. Critics argue some accuracy and poetry is lost. Supporters say it strikes the right balance between accuracy and readability.
The MKJV gained popularity through distribution by Jay P. Green’s publishing house, Sovereign Grace Publishers. It has been used widely among independent fundamentalist Baptist churches and other conservative Protestant groups who appreciate its more modern language while sticking close to the KJV text.
Some specific features of the MKJV translation:
Readability
The MKJV updates words and grammar to make the text easier to understand for modern readers:
- “Thee” and “thou” changed to “you” and “yours”
- “Saith” changed to “says”
- Archaic verb endings dropped – “speaketh” to “speaks”
- Redundant pronouns removed – “ye” to “you”
- Words like “behold,” “verily,” “shew” modernized
Sentence structure is streamlined by:
- Removing redundant phrases – “it came to pass”
- Changing word order for better flow
- Shortening complex sentences when possible
The goal is for modern readers to comprehend the text easily while maintaining the literary style.
Accuracy
The MKJV aims for formal equivalence to the original Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek texts. Steps taken include:
- Names transliterated from original languages
- Key terms consistently translated
- Italics indicate words added for English clarity
- Poetic structures preserved where possible
There are some key passages where the translation departs from the KJV:
- Isaiah 7:14 “virgin” changed to “maiden”
- John 1:18 “only begotten Son” to “only begotten God”
- 1 John 5:7-8 Comma Johanneum removed
These changes are based on more recent manuscripts and scholarship. Overall, the MKJV aims to offer an accurate, readable translation.
Translation Philosophy
The MKJV adheres to formal equivalence translation:
- Stays close to original wording and grammar
- Preserves features like Hebraic poetic parallelism
- Footnotes offer explanations where needed
Unlike dynamic equivalence translations that paraphrase, the MKJV retains more literal accuracy while updating language.
Some key elements of the translation philosophy:
- Represent the inspired Word of God faithfully
- Let the biblical authors speak for themselves
- Translate passage by passage for best context
- Provide clear modern English while retaining theological terms
The aim is to convey the original text accurately in modern English with minimal interruption.
History and Reception
The MKJV was translated and published by Jay P. Green of Sovereign Grace Publishers in 1962. He was a Baptist minister passionate about making the Bible accessible.
Green worked with a team of over 100 scholars to update the language of the KJV while retaining its essence. The translation went through multiple revisions into the 21st century.
The MKJV gained popularity within conservative Protestant circles who appreciated its faithfulness to the KJV and trusted its scholarship. Reasons for its appeal:
- Familiarity of King James style
- Easy to transition from the KJV
- Appreciation for formal equivalence approach
- Published by a trusted conservative publisher
It has been used widely among independent Baptist churches, Reformed congregations, and Christian homeschooling families. Its use declined after 1982 when the New King James Version offered another KJV update.
Critics argue the MKJV lacks the beauty of the KJV while not going far enough in updating language. But many still appreciate its balance of accuracy and readability.
Study Resources
Some key study resources are available for the MKJV, including:
- Center-column cross references linking passages
- Footnotes with alternate translations, explanations
- Nelson’s Cross Reference Guide to the Bible
- Concordances and dictionaries keyed to the MKJV
- Study notes and guides published by Sovereign Grace
Resources focused on the KJV can also be useful since the versions share common language in places. Overall, there are sufficient tools to dig deep into the MKJV for those who appreciate its approach.
Ongoing Use and Relevance
The MKJV gained dedicated readers through the late 20th century, but usage has declined since the 1982 release of the New King James Version which offered a more extensive KJV update.
Some churches and readers still use the MKJV, but the translation has faded from prominence. Reasons include:
- More modern translations widely available
- Loss of knowledge/familiarity with KJV language
- Concerns over its limited manuscript basis
- Declining influence of Sovereign Grace publishing
However, the MKJV still offers benefits for some readers:
- Appreciation for formal equivalence approach
- Desire for continuity with KJV tradition
- Trust in the translators’ conservative theology
- Smooth transition from the KJV
While no longer a frontrunner, the MKJV fills a niche for those wanting a modernized KJV without losing the style and cadence of the original. It will likely maintain a small but loyal following into the future.
Comparison to Other Versions
The MKJV has similarities and differences when compared to other major Bible versions:
King James Version
Very similar style and rendering. Differences include:
- Updated archaic words/grammar
- Proper names transliterated
- Italics for added words
- Minor translational variants
Overall preserves KJV style while improving readability.
New King James Version
Both update KJV language, but NKJV more extensive and consistent:
- NKJV uses current grammar/vocabulary
- NT bases on modern critical Greek texts
- More complete textual footnotes
NKJV seen as fuller revision of the KJV.
English Standard Version
Both essentially formal equivalent, but ESV:
- Based on latest manuscript evidence
- Gender inclusive language
- More readable/fluent style
ESV considered more accessible while retaining word-for-word accuracy.
New International Version
NIV dynamic equivalence versus MKJV formal equivalence:
- NIV less word-for-word, more paraphrasing
- NIV aimed at general accessibility
- MKJV retains theological terms and Hebraisms
NIV offers different translation philosophy from MKJV.
Overall the MKJV provides a unique balance of KJV style and modernization. Other versions offer more extensive updates or differing translation approaches. The MKJV fills a niche for conservative readers who want a touch of modernization while retaining connection to the venerable KJV.
Conclusion
The Modern King James Version brings the text of the beloved King James Bible into more modern English for improved comprehension. While newer translations have surpassed its popularity, the MKJV continues to hold niche appeal for conservative Protestant readers who appreciate its formal equivalence approach and its loyalty to the KJV tradition. For those desiring an updated KJV that retains the cadence and poetry of the original, the MKJV remains a viable option that will likely persist for years to come. It offers a middle road between the traditional KJV and more modern versions, appealing to those who value continuity with the past while accessing the text more easily.