Why, of all the English Bible translations, do I prefer and teach from the New King James Version (NKJV)?

First, a disclaimer…

“No translation of the Word of God can have an absolute or definitive status. The final appeal must always be to the original languages, in the traditional Hebrew and Greek texts.” [Trinitarian Bible Society Doctrine of Holy Scripture, pg 6, note 3]

The NKJV, along with the King James Version (KJV) / Authorized Version (AV), differs from most modern translations (ESV, NIV, NAS, RSV, TLB, etc) by using the Textus Receptus (Latin: “Received Text”) for its New Testament source.

• Textus Receptus does not have the omissions or edits found in the Alexandrian text edited by Westcott & Hort in 1881
• The Alexandrian text’s Codices (Vaticanus and Sinaiticus), believed to be “older and more reliable”, are thought by others to have been removed from use, literally shelved, due to textual corruption, explaining their survival over the centuries
• Omitted (but very familiar) verses from most modern translations include… Mt 17:21, 18:11, 23:14, Mk 11:26, 15:28, 16:9-20, Lk 17:36, Jn 7:53-8:11, Ac 8:37
• “List of Major Textual Variants in the New Testament” includes a partial list of omitted and edited verses related to most modern translations.

Further “practical” reasons for using NKJV:

• Easily understandable (non-archaic) English, yet stylistically similar to traditionally used KJV
• Formal Equivalence = literal, word-for-word translation
• Cross references easily with the KJV and associated study tools (eg Strong’s Concordance)
• Verse-number formatting, instead of paragraph formatting, maintains every verse is given individual prominence and won’t be “lost” in a paragraph. NOTE: Most modern translations are paragraph formatted. Consequently, omitted and edited verses become less noticeable and are only referenced in a footnote.

Concluding points:

• While the NKJV is the Bible translation I use, its use is not exclusive. I’ll regularly cross-reference other translations for additional perspectives and insights into a verse’s meaning. The goal, of course, is to understand the meaning of a verse so that it can be faithfully applied!
• We can be thankful for the general reliability of the English Bible translations available today. However, even if the translations were found to be unreliable, there’s no alibi for not understanding the Creator when He’s provided a Communication. In fact, the responsibility to understand His Word, even if the original languages are different from our own, rests squarely upon its recipients. Thank God that He’s a loving God and has broadcast His Word in a myriad of ways!

2Ti 3:16 All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness,
17 that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.

Following a 14-day winter storm in the Mediterranean, the Apostle Paul and 275 others washed ashore Malta:

Ac 28:1 ¶ Now when they had escaped, they then found out that the island was called Malta.
2 And the natives showed us unusual kindness; for they kindled a fire and made us all welcome, because of the rain that was falling and because of the cold.
3 But when Paul had gathered a bundle of sticks and laid them on the fire, a viper came out because of the heat, and fastened on his hand.
4 So when the natives saw the creature hanging from his hand, they said to one another, “No doubt this man is a murderer, whom, though he has escaped the sea, yet justice does not allow to live.”
5 But he shook off the creature into the fire and suffered no harm.

Though Paul likely suffered a sting from the viper fastening on his hand, in response he just “shook it off”.

He knew God was delivering him to Rome:

Ac 23:11 But the following night the Lord stood by him and said, “Be of good cheer, Paul; for as you have testified for Me in Jerusalem, so you must also bear witness at Rome.”

And he was, no doubt, acquainted with Jesus’ words regarding the Great Commission:

Mr 16:18 “they will take up serpents; and if they drink anything deadly, it will by no means hurt them; they will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover.”

When Paul “shook off” the viper and survived, the next sequence of events followed as a direct result:

Ac 28:6 However, they were expecting that he would swell up or suddenly fall down dead. But after they had looked for a long time and saw no harm come to him, they changed their minds and said that he was a god.
7 In that region there was an estate of the leading citizen of the island, whose name was Publius, who received us and entertained us courteously for three days.
8 And it happened that the father of Publius lay sick of a fever and dysentery. Paul went in to him and prayed, and he laid his hands on him and healed him.
9 So when this was done, the rest of those on the island who had diseases also came and were healed.
10 They also honored us in many ways; and when we departed, they provided such things as were necessary.

Paul received new found respect from the natives (formerly regarding him as “a murderer”, in their eyes he was now “a god” – v4,6)

Paul & company were received and entertained by a leading island citizen named Publius (v7), who later became known as St Publius, bishop of Malta

Paul healed Publius’ father of fever and dysentery (v8)

Paul healed the rest of those on the island who had diseases (v9)

Paul & company were honored in many ways (v10)

Insights and Applications:

1. “Viper Bites” can sting, but they can also be shaken off as a result of faith in God’s word
2. Continuing faithfully when “Viper Bites” occur may open previously inaccessible ministry opportunities
3. Respect and honor are bestowed upon the faithful and his company

Ge 3:14 ¶ So the LORD God said to the serpent: “Because you have done this, You are cursed more than all cattle, And more than every beast of the field; On your belly you shall go, And you shall eat dust All the days of your life.
15 And I will put enmity Between you and the woman, And between your seed and her Seed; He shall bruise your head, And you shall bruise His heel.”

Ever heard a Christian say, “What we’re doing must be right since we’re under such spiritual attack!”? On the 10th anniversary of 9/11 I thought about this, wondering if the logic holds true. The question came to mind: Have we, as a nation, really been doing so ‘right’ that it would provoke a terrorist attack? I’m not so sure.

What if, instead of “affirming righteousness” by allowing a trial, God actually intended to reveal shortcomings and imperfections? Glorying in self-righteousness wouldn’t be the end, but brokenness, repentance, humility, and reconciliation through Jesus Christ. Now of this, I’m very sure!

Jas 1:2 My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials,
3 knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience.
4 But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.