KJV vs. NAB

Attribute	KJV	NAB
Translation	King James Version	New American Bible
Year of Publication	1611	1970
Language	English	English
Number of Books	66	73
Style	Formal	Modern

Translation Style

The King James Version (KJV) of the Bible is known for its formal and poetic language, which has made it a classic in English literature. The New American Bible (NAB), on the other hand, aims for a more contemporary and accessible style of translation. While the KJV may be more challenging to read due to its archaic language, some readers appreciate the beauty and reverence it brings to the text. The NAB, on the other hand, strives for clarity and ease of understanding, making it a popular choice for modern readers.

Accuracy and Scholarship

Both the KJV and NAB are based on rigorous scholarship and aim for accuracy in their translations. The KJV, translated in the early 17th century, relied on the best available manuscripts at the time. However, with advancements in biblical scholarship and the discovery of older manuscripts, the NAB benefits from more recent research and archaeological findings. This has led to some differences in wording and interpretation between the two versions, with the NAB often incorporating newer insights into its translation.

Textual Variants

Due to the nature of ancient manuscripts and the process of transmission over centuries, there are inevitably variations in the biblical text. The KJV and NAB differ in how they handle these textual variants. The KJV tends to follow the Textus Receptus, a Greek text that was widely used during the time of its translation. The NAB, on the other hand, incorporates a wider range of textual sources, including the Dead Sea Scrolls and other ancient manuscripts, in an effort to provide a more comprehensive and accurate representation of the original text.

Footnotes and Study Aids

Both the KJV and NAB include footnotes and study aids to help readers understand the text and its historical context. The KJV footnotes often provide alternative translations or explanations for difficult passages, drawing on the work of earlier commentators and translators. The NAB, on the other hand, includes more extensive footnotes that incorporate insights from modern biblical scholarship, archaeology, and linguistics. These footnotes can be helpful for readers seeking a deeper understanding of the text and its cultural background.

Denominational Influence

The KJV has a long history of use in Protestant churches and has become associated with certain denominations, such as the Anglican Church. Its language and phrasing have influenced English-speaking Christianity for centuries. The NAB, on the other hand, was commissioned by the Catholic Church in the United States and is the official translation used in liturgical settings. As a result, the NAB may include certain books or passages that are not found in Protestant Bibles, such as the deuterocanonical books.

Popularity and Accessibility

While the KJV remains a beloved and widely read translation, especially among traditional and conservative Christian communities, the NAB has gained popularity for its readability and contemporary language. The NAB is often recommended for new readers of the Bible or those looking for a more approachable translation. However, the KJV's enduring popularity and cultural significance cannot be denied, as it continues to be cherished for its literary beauty and historical importance.