DISCLAIMER:  Before we get started, let me always state that, “Whatever version you will read and apply is the one you should use.”  However, if that version leads you away from solid doctrine, reader beware.

 

It has been argued that the “King James Version” is too hard to understand.  Suffice it to say, whichever version you decide to read, remember that the Word of God is Spiritually understood when all is said and done.  Please review the chart below.

 

The “Flesch-Kincaid Research Company Grade Level Indicator,” discloses that the “KJV” is easier to read in 23 out of 26 of the versions tested.  Their formula:  .39% average number of words per sentence + 11.8% average number of syllables per word -- 15.59 = Grade Level.

 

GENESIS, CHAPTER ONE:  Grade Level = KJV 4.4; NIV 5.1; NASB 4.7; Good News 5.1; NKJV 5.2.

MALACHI, CHAPTER ONE:  Grade Level = KJV 4.6; NIV 4.8; NASB 5.1; Good News 5.4; NKJV 4.6.

MATTHEW, CHAPTER ONE: Grade Level = KJV 6.7; NIV 16.4; NASB 6.8; Good News 11.8; NKJV 10.3.

REVELATION, CHAPTER ONE:  Grade Level = KJV 7.5; NIV 7.1; NASB 7.7; Good News 6.4**; NKJV 7.7.

 

**Don’t read this one for doctrine!

 

THE NEXT CHART IS BASED UPON THE BOOK OF MATTHEW ONLY, WITH THE (as an example) NEW AMERICAN STANDARD BIBLE LISTED FIRST, THEN THE KJV.

 

1:1 & 1:17:  DEPORTATION / CARRIED AWAY.

2:16:  ENVIRONS / COASTS.

3:12:  WINNOWING FORK / FAN.

5:15:  PECK-MEASURE / BUSHEL.

5:19:  ANNULS / BREAK.

5:21:  MURDER / KILL.

8:11:  RECLINE AT THE TABLE / SAT.

8:32:  BEGONE / GO.

9:13 & 12:7:  COMPASSION / MERCY.

9:18:  SYNAGOGUE OFFICIAL / CERTAIN RULER.

9:20:  HEMORRHAGE / ISSUE OF BLOOD.

9:20 & 14:38:  FRINGE / HEM.

9:38:  BESEECH / PRAY.

10:1:  SUMMONED / CALLED.

10:10:  TUNICS / COATS.

10:16:  SHREWD / WISE.

11:26: WELL PLEASING / GOOD.

13:46:  VALUE / PRICE.

14:24: ALREADY MANY STAID AWAY / IN THE MIDST OF THE SEA.

14:24:  BATTERED / TOSSED.

15:6:  INVALIDATED / MADE.

15:17:  ELIMINATED / CAST OUT.

17:24:  TWO-DRACHMA TAX / TRIBUTE MONEY.

17:27:  STATER / PIECE OF MONEY.

20:2:  DENARIUS / PENNY.

20:15:  GENEROUS / GOOD.

21:15:  INDIGNANT / DISPLEASED.

22:38:  FOREMOST / FIRST.

23:37:  WERE UNWILLING / WOULD NOT.

25:2:  PRUDENT / WISE.

25:10:  MAKE THE PURCHASE / BUY.

26:7:  VIAL / BOX.

26:50:  SEIZED / TOOK.

27:27:  PRAETORIAN / COMMON HALL & WHOLE ROMAN COHORT / BAND OF SOLDIERS.

27:65:  KNOW HOW / CAN.

 

However, keep in mind that portions of all translations are at higher learning (after college) levels.  Such as the Book of Hebrews in the “KJV.”  Why?  Because if you set a limit upon the level of understanding, say for example, a 6th grade level for the Book of Hebrews, what are you (dangerously) leaving out?