What is the difference between the King James Version (KJV), the New King James Version (NKJV) and the New American Bible (NAB)?
The King James Version (KJV) is written in a poetic style using Elizabethan English. It has been the most universally accepted translation for centuries. It is used by most Protestant Denominations. Our New Testament for Windows shareware is the King James Version of the New Testament.
The New King James Version (NKJV) is written in an elegant literary style which is easier to read than the KJV. It is the fastest growing Bible translation in the world. It is used by most Protestant Denominations.
The New American Bible is the official translation of the Roman Catholic Church. It was published in 1970 and updated in 1990. The NAB Old Testament contains 7 more books than the KJV or NKJV. These books are called the Apocrypha by Protestants; they are generally referred to as the Deuterocanonical books by Roman Catholics. Extensive footnotes are included in the NAB. This translation also carries the seal of approval of the Catholic Church called the Nihil Obstat and Imprimatur.
The KJV, the NKJV and the NAB are complete equivalence translations. This means that the translators seek to transmit in English the words and structure of the original language.
Sample Scriptures:
KJV (Matthew 17:5)
While he yet spake, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them: and behold a voice out of the cloud, which said, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; hear ye him.
NKJV (Matthew 17:5)
While he was still speaking, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them; and suddenly a voice came out of the cloud, saying, "This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. Hear Him!"
NAB (Matthew 17:5)
While he was still speaking, behold, a bright cloud cast a shadow over them, then from the cloud came a voice that said, "This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to him."
