Differences between the NIV and the King James version bible?

Answer 1

The King James Version (KJV) and the New King James Version (NKJV) are primarily translated from the Hebrew Masoretic text and the Greek Received text. The KJV also drew upon the works of other scholars before their translation like William Tyndale. As with any translation into another language, there are a few serious errors. The NKJV tried to retain much of the beauty and faithfulness to the text in the KJV while correcting obvious errors (like Easter instead of Passover in Acts 12:4).

In the 'Age of Enlightenment' in the late 18th Century to early 20th Century, there came the advent of 'higher criticism' from the scholarly circles that have adopted the Evolution Theory. Bible translation underwent changes. These 'higher critics' dismissed the Scripture claim of being 'God-breathed' or inspired. These chose to take from the oldest manuscripts with the idea other is better or more accurate. Not always the case in human history.

Most recent translations of The Bible like the New International Version (NIV), Revised Standard Version (RSV), New English Bible (NEB) and the New American Standard (NAS) give precedence to manuscripts that are favored by these 'higher critics.'

Whatever the above mentioned translations, the overall majority of the content is the same. There are few significant variation of passages. Hence, the above can be useful in studies but should be cautiously used to establish doctrine in the areas of disagreement.

There is still another category of translations or rightly termed 'paraphrases.' These have their author's attempt to simplify text by putting it into their own words with current language. Yes, much easier to read but unreliable in study. Some even 'cater' to special interest if you can believe that :) The Living Bible and the Contemporary English Version (CEV) are two examples.