Bible Translation Comparison

Shannon Smith 3-28-11

RSA SR9 Bible

The NIV and the King James are similar translations but the NIV is a more “relaxed” version on the KJV. In James 2:14-25 throughout the entire passage, the NIV uses the word “deeds” while the KJV uses the word “works”. In verses 14-15 there are no significant differences besides some slight word variations but the different variations still get the same message across. In verse 16 the NIV uses the word “well fed” while the KJV uses the word “filled”. In verse 17 the NIV uses the word “action” in contrast the the KJV’s use of “works” and it adds on the words “being alone” to the end of the verse. Verse 18 does not have any important differences but in verse 19 the KJV uses the words “the devils” and the NIV says “demons”. Verse 20 in the NIV uses “You foolish person” while the KJV uses “O vain man”. In 21 NIV calls Abraham “righteous” and the KJV calls him “Justified by his works”. In verse 22 the NIV says “actions” and the KJV says “works”. Also in 22 the KJV says that his faith was made “perfect” and in the NIV says “complete”. In verse 23 the NIV uses the word “credited” instead of the word “imputed” that the KJV uses. Verse 24 did not have any important differences. In the NIV, verse 25 the translation calls Rahab is called a prostitute while in the KJV she is called a harlot. Also, in 25 they say that she is “justified” and in the NIV they say she is “considered righteous”. Those are the difference that seemed to have the most significance.

The difference that stood out to me the most was the NIV using the word “demons” while the KJV says “the devils”. I think that this difference is important and that the meanings are different. Also, another major difference that stood out to me was the words “deeds” and “works” and how they were used in the NIV and the KJV. The words can mean different things and I personally think the the word “deeds” is more appropriate for this particular passage. Another add on that the KJV uses was the add on of “being alone” and I thought that the add on was very important. And, the final major significance, is how the NIV says that Rahab was “considered righteous” versus the KJV saying that she was “justified”. I think that these difference need to be kept in mind.