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Published in 1994 by Deuel Enterprises, Inc. (Gary, South Dakota), the 21st Century King James Version of the Bible seeks to preserve the sacred message and beautiful language of the King James Version while making it easier to read and understand for the modern reader. Edited by William D. Prindle of Deuel Enterprises, the updates relied on the scholarship, skill, and dedication of the original translators of the KJV, which have stood the test of time for four centuries. A revised edition with the Apocrypha (but without lectionary markings) appeared in 1998 as the Third Millennium Bible.
21st Century King James Version - Translation method
The 21st Century King James Version (KJ21) is based on the King James Version (KJV) of A.D. 1611. It is not a new translation, but a careful updating to eliminate obsolete words by reference to the most complete and definitive modern American dictionary, the Webster’s New International Dictionary, Second Edition, unabridged. Spelling, punctuation, and capitalization have also been updated. Words which are either obsolete or archaic, and are no longer understood by literate Bible readers, have been replaced by carefully selected current equivalents. All language relating to gender and theology in the King James Version remains unchanged from the original. Also included are the cross references from the original KJV, plus many more.
21st Century King James Version - Pros and Cons
The 21st Century King James Version has never gained traction in the Christian community, largely due to the fierce loyalty many KJV users have to the 1611 "authorized" King James Version. This is sad, as the KJ21 is indeed a much more readable and understandable English translation of the Bible than the KJV. The 21st Century King James Version fulfills its goal of updating the archaic language of the KJV while staying as close as possible to the original KJV.
21st Century King James Version - Sample Verses
John 1:1, 14 – “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us (and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only Begotten of the Father), full of grace and truth.”
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.”
John 8:58 – “Jesus said unto them, ‘Verily, verily I say unto you, before Abraham was, I am!’”
Ephesians 2:8-9 – “For by grace are ye saved through faith, and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God—not by works, lest any man should boast.”
Titus 2:13 – “looking for that blessed hope and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Savior Jesus Christ,”
