Not all Bible translations say the same thing. Some omit entire verses. Others quietly remove words that change the meaning of Scripture entirely. When you compare the King James Bible side by side with modern translations like the NIV, NASB, and NWT, the differences are impossible to ignore.
Here is a closer look at some of the most significant changes — and why they matter.
An Entire Commandment Was Removed
In Romans 13:9, the King James Bible includes “Thou shalt not bear false witness” — one of the Ten Commandments. The NIV, NASB, and NWT all omit it entirely. Not footnoted. Not questioned. Simply gone.
The Virgin Birth Was Obscured
Luke 2:33 in the King James Bible reads “And Joseph and his mother marvelled.” The NIV renders it “The child’s father and mother marvelled.” Calling Joseph “the child’s father” directly contradicts the virgin birth — one of the foundational doctrines of the Christian faith. The King James Bible was careful never to call Joseph the father of Jesus. Modern translations were not.
The Blood of Christ Was Taken Out
Colossians 1:14 in the King James Bible reads: “In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins.” The NIV and NASB both read: “In whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.” The phrase “through his blood” — the very basis of redemption — is removed.
God Became “He”
In 1 Timothy 3:16, the King James Bible declares: “God was manifest in the flesh.” The NIV renders it “He appeared in a body.” The NASB says “He who was revealed in the flesh.” By replacing “God” with “He,” the explicit statement of Christ’s divinity is softened into ambiguity.
The Holy Spirit Was Removed from Purification
1 Peter 1:22 in the King James Bible reads: “Ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit.” The NIV, NASB, and NWT all omit “through the Spirit” — removing the Holy Spirit’s role in the believer’s purification entirely.
Christ’s Rebuke of Satan Was Deleted
In Luke 4:8, the King James Bible records Jesus saying “Get thee behind me, Satan” before quoting Scripture to resist temptation. The NIV, NASB, and NWT all omit this rebuke entirely — leaving only the Scripture quote without Christ’s direct command.
The Confession of Faith Was Erased
Acts 8:37 in the King James Bible contains the Ethiopian eunuch’s confession: “I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.” This is the basis on which Philip baptizes him. The NIV omits the verse entirely. The NASB casts doubt on it with a footnote. The NWT omits it as well. The confession that Jesus is the Son of God — the foundation of baptism — simply disappears.
Every Word Matters
These are not minor stylistic preferences. They are changes to doctrine, meaning, and the completeness of God’s Word. The King James Bible preserves what others have quietly set aside — and that is reason enough to hold it close.
At Kinsman & Company, every product we create is inscribed with King James scripture because we believe every word of it — not some of it.
See the full verse-by-verse comparison chart →
Read more: Why the King James Bible Is the Most Faithful English Translation →
