7 Reasons the NKJV is My Favorite Translation

Many of you know that I’ve read multiple translations of the Bible. The one I cut my teeth on and read over and over again during the formational years of my faith is the NKJV. When the ESV came out, I read it and made the switch. After several updates, I decided to give the NKJV a try again, and what I found was home. Here are seven reasons why.

Many have asked about these trusted scholars. Here is a short list of a few.

1. Arthur Farstad (majority lean but TR advocate)
2. James Snapp Jr
3. Edward D Andrews
4. Dwayne Green (although more of a majority lean)
5. Mark Ward (although not a TR apologist, he brings good balance to the debate.)

[JosephMeador]

I was waiting for this video with long-suffering... i mean, patience! I love the NKJV, it reads beautifully and accurately.

[monstertruckfan]

I love that the NKJV capitalizes He and Him when referring to our Lord. That is what first caught my eye, and then the modernization of the thee, thou, etc. It is just easier to read without leaving behind the KJV which is what I grew up with. I was KJV only for many, many years (not on purpose, I just didn't see a need to change until a few years ago when I decided to branch out and try something new and different.) I tried the NLT (love that one, too!), and the CSB. I could not get into the ESV. I am now a KJV/NKJV person. I use the Parallel Plus Bible app to cross-check about 8 translations from time to time, in which case I start with NLT, CSB, and then the others.

[alliellioxenfree]

Grateful to YouVersion for adding NKJV audio this year.

[jimyoung]

I've had the NKJV as my main translation for something like 25 years. Love it. That said it's really helpful to have other translations like the NLT and CSB to supplement. Some of those NKJV words are a little much for new believers.

[stevecamp]

One of your best Tim! Excellent. I read daily the NKJV with other translations. Their translators notes are unsurpassed.

[ruthmayforth]

AND i love that the NKJV capitalizes the pronouns when referencing God, and capitalizes the Angel of the Lord when it is a Christophany or Theophany in the OT.

[stella-tv]

Loooove the NKJV! English is not my first language so I love and appreciate how the NKJV capitalizes the pronoun when referring to God. It seems like a small thing but it brings so much clarity and understanding when reading the Word.

[Yesica]

I just got my "baby Macleran" and it's the cutest thing I've ever seen. The print is smaller than my ESV Large Print Compact (which I can no longer see well and will have to donate), but it's SO much clearer! I can't even believe it. This is my first ever NKJV and I look forward to reading it. Who knows, maybe I'll switch entirely over and get a larger one. This is all your fault!

Edit: I just today received my NKJV Study. (The non-full color version. I'm one of those 3 people on the planet who doesn't care for full color.) I dragged the ginormous beast to a coffee shop and started reading in Judges, which is where I am in my OT read through. The print is so crisp and clear even in the study notes! Thank you for introducing me to the NKJV. I am really enjoying it.

[BloodBoughtMinistries]

Love the NKJV! Love the footnotes and that they don't update it.

[armandodeking]

I’ve just started to transition to NKJV from ESV due to your videos 😬🔥

[jasonlamphier]

Great video Tim, NKJV is in my top 3! Love seeing you defending the TR

[srn]

I love the nkjv. My father bought me the new open study bible nkjv when i was a kid so thats what i grew up reading. Ive had that bible for over thirty years. Im so grateful i still have it

[Miroslaw-rsip]

Well said sir, the NKJV has been my go to translation for 30 years while I also have read the NASB95 and ESV.

[cslug]

Always love with a video from one of the three Tims pops up, especially if it's regarding the New King James, which is my favorite version. Like you I love that it hasn't been updated and remains consistent. I've been using the NKJV as my main translation for close to a decade now and I find myself always returning to it after trying out others like the ESV or LSB.

Love your videos and God bless!

[martinheatingcoolingmartin]

I appreciate this. My pastor does not support the NKJV, but only uses to esv. I like the esv, yet absolutely prefer the NKJV. It’s fuller, clearer and poetic.

[Tommytoolsqueezer]

I’ve got a beautiful black Thomas Nelson NKJV leather bible.. it’s such a beautiful read!

[flowerlass]

Terrific video! Thank you. I love my NKJV!

[arepadetrigo]

Excellent video. All of your points are true and well-taken. There are several really readable and accurate translations in English, but none surpass the NKJV. I am glad we have the Critical Text but the TR is truly the Word of God!

[karenbenscoter]

I love the cadence! It’s easier to follow when groups read from other translations.

[Prentiss.Yeates]

Such a great commentary- the NKJV is the Swiss Army knife of bible translations. A tool box between the cover.