KJV vs NIV: A Complete Comparison

Choosing between the King James Version (KJV) and the New International Version (NIV) is one of the most common decisions new Bible readers face.

Both are excellent translations. But they're designed for different purposes and readers.

This guide breaks down everything you need to know to make the right choice.

Quick Comparison

The King James Version (KJV)

History

The KJV was commissioned by King James I of England in 1604 and completed in 1611. For over 400 years, it has been the most influential English Bible translation.

Strengths

✅ Beautiful language — The KJV's poetic prose has shaped English literature

✅ Time-tested — 400+ years of use and influence

✅ Word-for-word accuracy — Stays close to original Hebrew and Greek

✅ Memorization — Many classic verses are in KJV form

✅ Public domain — Free to use without copyright restrictions

Challenges

❌ Archaic language — "Thee," "thou," "hath," "begat" can confuse modern readers

❌ Difficult vocabulary — Many words have changed meaning since 1611

❌ Older manuscripts — Translated from fewer ancient texts than modern translations

Sample Verse (John 3:16)

"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."

The New International Version (NIV)

History

The NIV was created by over 100 scholars from various denominations. First published in 1978, it was updated in 1984 and again in 2011 to reflect modern English usage.

Strengths

✅ Easy to read — Clear, contemporary language

✅ Balanced approach — Accurate yet understandable

✅ Modern scholarship — Uses the best available ancient manuscripts

✅ Widely used — Best-selling modern English Bible

✅ Study resources — Extensive commentaries and study guides available

Challenges

❌ Copyright restrictions — Cannot freely reproduce large portions

❌ Less poetic — Some find it less majestic than the KJV

❌ Thought-for-thought — Some prefer stricter word-for-word translation

Sample Verse (John 3:16)

"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life."

Side-by-Side Comparisons

The Lord's Prayer (Matthew 6:9-13)

KJV:

Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.

NIV:

Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.

Psalm 23:1-4

KJV:

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me.

NIV:

The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name's sake. Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me.

Which Should You Choose?

Choose KJV if:

• You grew up with it and it feels like home
• You attend a church that uses it exclusively
• You appreciate traditional, poetic language
• You've already memorized verses in KJV
• You want a public domain translation

Choose NIV if:

• You're new to Bible reading
• You want to understand what you're reading immediately
• You prefer contemporary language
• You're studying with a group using NIV
• You want extensive study resources

A Third Option: Use Both

Many serious Bible readers use multiple translations:

• NIV for daily reading — Easy to understand
• KJV for worship and memorization — Beautiful language
• ESV or NASB for deep study — Word-for-word accuracy

There's no rule saying you can only use one translation.

What About Other Translations?

See our full translation comparison guide →

The Bottom Line

The best Bible translation is the one you'll actually read.

Both the KJV and NIV are faithful translations of God's Word. Millions of people have encountered truth through each one.

If you're just starting out, the NIV's clarity makes it easier to build a reading habit. If you love traditional language and grew up with the KJV, there's nothing wrong with continuing to use it.

What matters most isn't which translation you choose — it's that you open it and read.

Start Reading Today

Ready to begin? Our 365-day reading plan works with any translation. Pick your favorite and start today.

Start Day 1 →

View the Full Reading Plan →