Quick Comparison of Bible Versions
It is often said that all Bible versions are basically the same, that their differences are just minor wording changes. Read the following comparison between the King James Version and the best-selling modern Bible translation, the New International Version, and then decide for yourself whether or not this is true.
Why did Jesus come to earth?
KING JAMES
BIBLE
Luke 9:56
For the Son of man is not come to destroy men's lives, but to save them. And they went to another village.
Matt. 18:11
For the Son of man is come to save that which was lost.
NEW INTERNATIONAL
VERSION
Luke 9:56
and they went to another village.
Matt. 18:11
(missing)
Is repentance important?
KING JAMES
BIBLE
Matt. 9:13
...I am not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.
NEW INTERNATIONAL
VERSION
Matt. 9:13
...I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.
For whom did Jesus die?
KING JAMES
BIBLE
I Cor. 5:7
...Christ our passover is sacrificed for us:
NEW INTERNATIONAL
VERSION
I Cor. 5:7
...Christ, our Passover lamb, has been sacrificed.
In Whom must you believe to be saved?
KING JAMES
BIBLE
John 6:47
Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me hath everlasting life.
NEW INTERNATIONAL
VERSION
John 6:47
I tell you the truth, he who believes has everlasting life.
Was Joseph really the father of Jesus?
KING JAMES
BIBLE
Luke 2:33
And Joseph and his mother marvelled at those things which were spoken of him.
NEW INTERNATIONAL
VERSION
Luke 2:33
The child's father and mother marveled at what was said about him.
Did Jesus give His disciples power to heal?
KING JAMES
BIBLE
Mark 3:15
...power to heal sickness, and to cast out devils.
NEW INTERNATIONAL
VERSION
Mark 3:15
...authority to drive out demons.
If it's hard to do, should we just remove it?
KING JAMES
BIBLE
Mark 11:26
But if ye do not forgive, neither will your Father which is in heaven forgive your trespasses.
NEW INTERNATIONAL
VERSION
Mark 11:26
(missing)
Who is in charge?
KING JAMES
BIBLE
I Cor. 10:28
...for the earth is the Lord's and the fulness thereof:
NEW INTERNATIONAL
VERSION
I Cor. 10:28
(last part of verse missing)
How must we deal with our enemies?
KING JAMES
BIBLE
Matt. 5:44
...Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you.
NEW INTERNATIONAL
VERSION
Matt. 5:44
...Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.
Where did Jesus go?
KING JAMES
BIBLE
John 16:16
A little while, and ye shall not see me: and again a little while, and ye shall see me, because I go to the Father.
NEW INTERNATIONAL
VERSION
John 16:16
In a little while you will see me no more, and then after a little while you will see me.
Question: Aren't some of these things included in the NIV in the footnotes?
Answer: That is not the same as including them in the text. When a young Christian sees these passages have been moved to the footnotes, he or she will assume that they are probably not really part of God's Word. After all, the translators did not include them in the text, but simply implied that "some" manuscripts include them. What they are not told is that the vast majority of texts used by the early church included these words. They are God's Words!
Thanks for the comparisons.
You are comparing 2 Protestant versions of the Bible. How about including some quotes from the Douay? Or the New Jerusalem for Catholics?
What kind of Bible is the New International Version?? Never heard of it.
You are right... Better stick to the Douay-Rheims. Incidentally, the NIV is not approved for use in any Catholic liturgies.