In the Great Tradition: The New King James Version

by Arthur L. Farstad, Nelson Reference & Electronic Publishing (Manufactured by)

In 1975, the boldest, most extensive project in modern Bible publishing history began. 130 Bible scholars, pastors and communicators gathered with one goal in mind - to preserve the accuracy, authority and beauty of the King James Version while updating the language for modern readers. This book offers an insightful glance into the history of this event as only the Executive Editor, Arthur L. Farstad can tell. If you've ever thought that a room full of biblical scholars sorting through Hebrew and Greek was boring, then think again. Revealing the pain staking progress that each member of the committee made over the seven-year process, three distinct sections guide the reader through the purpose of the NKJV

Genres: History, Christian

184 pages, Paperback

First published March 8, 1990

Reviews

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a very good book 📖 especially if you are a fan of the New King James Bible Translation. The author was originally the editor of the New Testament and ultimately became the General Editor of the entire translation project so he knows whereof he speaks when he describes the translation philosophy of the NKJV Bible.

The book is very interesting but I also see where it could be considered dry reading by those whose interest might be considered passing on the topic. Hence, I only gave the book four stars instead of five. I have to admit that I was well into the second chapter of the book before I started to really become interested. Farstad did not pull me in from the very beginning of chapter one. However, the more I read the more interested I became. It didn’t hurt that I was already familiar with much of his terminology so that the learning curve for me was not as steep as it might be for someone else who did not have the same pre-exposure that I had.

This book had the effect of whetting my appetite for books on the same topic but for other Bible translations. The NKJV is my favorite translation of scripture because it retains the beauty of the KJV while dispensing with the archaic wording of it. Perhaps I can find a similar book on the NLT (New Living Translation) which is my next favorite.

[Jonathan Sidnell · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good summary of how the NKJV was made

As I have been reevaluating which Bible translation should be my main Bible, this has helped me understand and appreciate just what the NKJV has going for it. The NT Editor and executive editor of the translation gives an insiders view on the review process itself is given, along with summaries of the decisions and changes made by the committee. The icing on the cake is the clear explanation of some of the textual criticism issues underlying their choice to translate from textus receptus but present factual, unbiased summaries of the other textual traditions in footnotes.

I came away with a fresh respect for a translation I'd overlooked for many years. I'm no NKJV-only-ist, and neither is the author, but it has been good to be reminded of another translation worthy of attention and consultation.

[Brett Maragni · Rating 5 out of 5]

For those who love and appreciate the New King James Version (NKJV) of the Bible, what an amazing treasure we have in this book. I already have a love for the NKJV prior to reading this book, but after reading it, my confidence in the work of the translators is greater than ever. Thankful for this contribution.

[Daniel Sell · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you love the New King James Version (NKJV) or want to learn more about this translation of the Bible, this book is for you!

[Steve · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good Overview of the NKJV

The author gives the reader a good overview of how the NKJV came to be. He shows us the history of the KJV, and its successor, the NKJV. We learn about the history of translations. At no time does the author say the NKJV is a superior translation. The last chapter could have been done away with. It was a list of endorsements. If you like the NKJV, you will enjoy this book.

[Sean · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an excellent overview of the production of the New King James Version (NKJV) translation of the Bible, as written by Arthur Farstad, who served as the Executive Editor of that undertaking. The NKJV has long been one of my favorite translations, and after reading Farstad's book I have an even greater appreciation of the translation itself and also those who accepted the challenge of updating the venerable Authorized Version (better known to most of us as the King James Bible). Farstad leads us through the translation process in some detail, emphasizing that everyone involved respected the original KJV and diligently sought to preserve the Authorized Version's accuracy and literary excellence while updating it into contemporary English and taking into account more recent scholarship. It's an engaging read, at least for us bibliophiles, and it serves as an illuminating window on the arduous process of translating the Holy Bible into English--a process probably much more daunting than most of us will ever appreciate. Though relatively short, Farstad's book is packed with information, and I think any fan of either the NKJV or the Authorized Version will benefit from giving it a look. If anything, I love the NKJV more after reading this book than I did beforehand. Highly recommended.

[lora johnson · Rating 1 out of 5]

Not what I thought

I bought this book thinking it was the NKJV of the Bible. It is not. This is the story of how the work was done to update previous versions. While interesting, it was not what I wanted to order.