The NKJV Matters

I have come a long way since those early days of reading the Good News Bible (now the Good News Translation)—complete with stick-figure illustrations. While the GNB served me well at the time, the New King James Version Nelson Ultraslim Reference Bible (NKJV), with its center-column references—as seen in the picture—is far better suited to me today.

The greatest feature of the NKJV (1982)—a modern update of the King James Version (1611)—is undoubtedly its word-for-word translation approach. Whereas thought-for-thought translations, like the GNB, which focus on conveying the meaning of words and phrases, the NKJV, published by Thomas Nelson, aims to “preserve all the information in the text [Hebrew based on the Masoretic Text and Greek based on the Textus Receptus], while presenting it in good literary form.”

Another feature I greatly appreciate is the center-column reference system with its explanatory, linguistic, and textual notes (such as variant readings from the Majority Text and Critical Text), along with cross-references and other valuable study tools. These resources help me consistently “rightly divide the word of truth” (2 Timothy 2:15) and grow more familiar with Scripture as a whole. For me, a reference column is essential.

I also appreciate its ultraslim design. Measuring 5.87 by 1.1 by 8.86 inches and weighing just 1.38 pounds, it strikes an ideal balance between readability and portability. The 8.5-point font is easy on the eyes, and the size makes it comfortable to hold—whether I’m reading in my favorite chair, at church, or in a hotel room while traveling.

Through the many beneficial features mentioned above, it is clear that the NKJV matters. Therefore, Thomas Nelson encourages readers to build their lives upon the New King James Version. However, before we can build, we must first establish a firm foundation of faith. Only after laying this gospel foundation can we truly build our lives on the NKJV.