Is the New King James Bible Catholic?
The New King James Bible (NKJV) is a widely recognized and popular English translation of the Bible. However, there has been some debate regarding its classification as a Catholic Bible. This article aims to explore the origins, characteristics, and religious affiliations of the NKJV to determine whether it can be considered a Catholic Bible.
The NKJV was first published in 1982 by Thomas Nelson Publishers. It is based on the original King James Version (KJV), which was first published in 1611. The NKJV was created to update the language and make it more accessible to modern readers while maintaining the traditional style and format of the KJV.
One of the key factors that contribute to the confusion about the NKJV’s Catholic affiliation is its inclusion of the Apocrypha. The Apocrypha is a collection of books that are included in the Catholic Bible but are not part of the Protestant canon. These books are considered to be of lesser authority but are still included in the Catholic Bible due to their historical and theological significance.
The NKJV includes the Apocrypha, which may lead some to believe that it is a Catholic Bible. However, it is important to note that the NKJV is not an official Catholic translation. It was not commissioned or approved by the Catholic Church, and it does not contain the deuterocanonical books in their entirety. Instead, the NKJV includes the Apocrypha as a supplement to the Old Testament, allowing readers to explore these texts for their historical and cultural value.
Another factor that sets the NKJV apart from other Catholic translations is its translation philosophy. The NKJV aims to be a word-for-word translation, meaning that it seeks to capture the exact wording of the original texts. This approach is similar to that of the KJV, which was also a word-for-word translation. In contrast, many Catholic translations, such as the New American Bible (NAB), are more dynamic equivalents, focusing on conveying the meaning of the original texts rather than their exact wording.
Despite its inclusion of the Apocrypha and word-for-word translation philosophy, the NKJV is not considered a Catholic Bible. It is a Protestant translation that has been embraced by many Catholic readers for its readability and faithfulness to the original texts. The NKJV has been used by both Catholic and Protestant denominations, making it a versatile and accessible translation for individuals of various faith backgrounds.
In conclusion, while the New King James Bible includes the Apocrypha and has a word-for-word translation philosophy, it is not an official Catholic translation. It is a Protestant translation that has been widely adopted by both Catholic and Protestant readers. Understanding the origins, characteristics, and religious affiliations of the NKJV helps clarify its classification and its role in the diverse landscape of Bible translations.
