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For readers who want a Bible that stays as close as possible to the original Hebrew and Greek, the choice often comes down to two outstanding modern translations: the English Standard Version (ESV) and the New King James Version (NKJV).
Both are "word-for-word" translations, prized for their accuracy and precision. But they come from slightly different traditions and result in a different reading experience. One modernises the language of the most classic English Bible, while the other provides a fresh, scholarly rendering based on the latest textual research.
Which of these trusted, literal translations is the right one for your in-depth study? This guide will compare the ESV and the NKJV to help you make a confident choice.
The main difference between the ESV and the NKJV lies in their source texts and style: both are literal translations, but the NKJV updates the traditional language of the KJV while using the same Textus Receptus manuscript, whereas the ESV uses modern scholarly manuscripts for its base, resulting in some textual differences.
At a Glance: Key Differences Between the ESV and NKV
The Elephant in the Room: The Manuscript Difference
If you open an ESV and an NKJV and read them side-by-side, you will eventually notice something surprising: The ESV occasionally moves a phrase, or even an entire verse, down into the footnotes, while the NKJV leaves it right in the middle of the paragraph.
Has the ESV "removed" verses from the Bible? No. It all comes down to a fundamental disagreement over which ancient Greek manuscripts should be used for translation.
Here is the simple, non-academic breakdown of how these two Bibles were built:
The NKJV and the "Textus Receptus" (The Tradition)
When the original King James Version was translated in 1611, the scholars used the best Greek manuscripts available in Europe at the time. This specific collection of manuscripts became known as the Textus Receptus (The Received Text).
- The NKJV Approach: The scholars who translated the New King James Version in the 1980s made a deliberate choice to stick with this exact same family of Greek texts. They updated the English to remove the "Thees and Thous," but they kept the underlying Greek foundation identical to the 1611 KJV. If a verse was in your granddad's KJV, it is in the NKJV.
The ESV and the "Critical Text" (The Antiquity)
Since 1611, archaeologists have discovered thousands of much older biblical manuscripts (including the famous Dead Sea Scrolls). These discoveries date much closer to the actual time of Jesus and the Apostles. Scholars combined these older discoveries into what is called the Critical Text.
- The ESV Approach: The ESV translation team used this older, newly discovered Critical Text. When they looked at these older scrolls, they realized that certain verses found in the 1611 KJV weren't actually in the oldest copies; they had likely been accidentally added as margin notes by monks centuries later. Therefore, the ESV moves those "late additions" to the footnotes in the name of strict historical accuracy.
Which approach is better?
Neither is "wrong", they just prioritise different things.
- Choose the NKJV if you want to read the Bible exactly as the Reformers and early English Christians read it for the last 400 years.
- Choose the ESV if you want to read the text that modern historians and archaeologists believe is the closest scientific match to the 1st-century originals.
A Closer Look at the ESV and NKJV Bibles:
The ESV: Modern Precision
The English Standard Version (ESV) was created to be a fresh "word-for-word" translation for the 21st century. It is highly respected in academic and pastoral circles for its accuracy, clarity, and literary excellence. Because it is based on the same modern scholarly manuscripts as most other contemporary translations (like the NIV), it is very easy to compare with them for study purposes.
You should choose an ESV Bible if:
- You want a literal translation that reflects the latest biblical scholarship.
- You are a pastor, teacher, or student who needs a precise text for deep study.
- You appreciate a translation that is both accurate and has a clear, elegant literary style.
The NKJV: Traditional and Faithful
The New King James Version (NKJV) was created with a deep respect for the original KJV. The goal was not to create a new translation from scratch, but to update the vocabulary and grammar of the beloved 1611 version for modern readers. It removes the archaic "thee"s and "thou"s but carefully preserves the classic sentence structure and literary cadence of the original. Crucially, it uses the same underlying Greek texts (Textus Receptus) as the KJV, which is a key reason many readers who trust that manuscript tradition choose the NKJV.
You should choose an NKJV Bible if:
- You love the style and textual tradition of the King James Version but find the old English difficult.
- You want a literal translation that feels familiar and traditional.
- You are looking for a bridge between the historic KJV and modern language.
Making Your Choice: A Matter of Tradition and Text
Choosing between the ESV and NKJV often comes down to your preference for the underlying source texts and reading style.
- For a modern, scholarly, literal translation, choose the ESV.
- For a modernised version of the classic KJV tradition, choose the NKJV.
Both are excellent, trustworthy translations that are perfect for serious study. They honour God's Word with their commitment to accuracy and will serve you well as you seek to understand Scripture more deeply.
Our Bible Finder tool can help you find the perfect Bible with a personal recommendation.
Still not sure which Bible is right for you? You can learn more in our complete, free 97-page ebook, 'How to Choose Your Bible'.
