KJV and NIV variants in Revelation
(Rev 22:18-19 NIV) I warn everyone who hears
the words of the prophecy of this book: If anyone adds anything to them,
God will add to him the plagues described in this book. {19} And if anyone
takes words away from this book of prophecy, God will take away from him
his share in the tree of life and in the holy city, which are described in this
book.
The detractors of the NIV accuse it of subtracting from the word of God, but
actually the KJV has added to the word of God.
This file records subtractions or changes in the KJV version
compared to the NIV within Revelation. For an excellent study of the KJV only
controversy see Darkness to
Light BIBLE VERSIONS CONTROVERSY see also
Greek Texts and
The Revelation. The best book on the subject is The
King James Only Controversy : Can You Trust the Modern Translations? by
James R. White, at only $9.59 from
Amazon.
Textus Receptus, Majority Text and Critical Text
The Textus Receptus (received text) upon which the KJV is
mainly based was the edition produced by Erasmus in 1516, with further work by
Stephanus (d 1559) and Theodore Beza (d 1605). Erasmus did not have the last
six verses of Revelation and he translated it into Greek from the Latin
Vulgate, see 'tree of life' (NIV) vs 'book of life' (KJV) in Rev 22:19. Erasmus
had only one copy of Revelation in the Greek and this was copied for him by a
copyist as he had to give the manuscript back. The copyist had difficulties
because the text of Revelation was buried within a commentary and therefore
some mistakes were made. Some of these eventually found their way into the KJV.
In Revelation the Majority Text (MT) and Critical Text (CT)
mostly agree, the major differences are with the RT upon which the KJV is
based. "I counted 140 verses within the book of Revelation were the
Received Text (RT) does not agree with the Majority Text (MT). Also, I noted 23
verses of the Critical Text (CT) that do not agree with the MT. Clearly the CT
is much closer to the original than the RT in the book of Revelation."Greek Texts and The
Revelation . Therefore as far as Revelation goes we are safer using the NIV
rather than the KJV.
The critical text (CT) is earlier than the Majority Text
(MT) because it was more easily preserved in the desert like conditions of
Egypt. However the MT although later is found in great numbers than the CT. It
is possible that CT was more vunerable to additions or subtractions by Gnostics
(heretical sect). For further info see
Gary F
Zeolla However the MT has had more scribal additions because it has been in
circulation longer. Hence we find that 'he' is changed to 'Jesus' and 'Jesus'
is changed to 'Jesus Christ' (Rev 1:9, 12:17, 22:21).Thus while it appears that
the NIV is guilty of taking away from the word of God the KJV is actually
guilty of adding to it.
The TR agrees with the MT 99% of the time in its handling of
variants and the CT agrees with the MT 98% of the time (Passantino, p.38). So
there is only a 1-2% difference overall between these published Greek texts.
Moreover, the majority of variants among manuscripts and between the above
mentioned, Greek texts are insignificant, "Some variations exist in the
spelling of Greek words, in word order, and in similar details. These
ordinarily do not show up in translation and do not affect the sense of the
text in any way" (Parallel, p.xxiii). quoted from
Gary F. Zeolla
As far a Revelation is concerned there are no major
differences between the MT, TR and CT see
MT vs. CT and
TR vs. MT.
For all variants in Revelation see
here.
Comparing the KJV, NKJ and NIV
| KJV, NKJ |
NIV |
| "formal equivalence" or word for word translation |
"dynamic equivalence" or "thought-for-thought"
interpretation |
| Based on the Textus Receptus (TR) Greek text which is related to the
Majority Text (MT) based on the Byzantine (Greek) textual tradition |
Based on the "Critical Text" (CT) based on the Alexandrian
(Egyptian) text-type |
| Word added for clarity are in italics |
No indication of words added |
Formal equivalence vs. Dynamic equivalence.
The KJV uses a word for word translation (formal
equivalence), as does the NASB, whereas the NIV uses thought for thought
translation (dynamic equivalence). The real difference between the NIV and the
KJV is that the NIV translators make more of an attempt at interpreting the
meaning, while in the KJV translation it is more what the word says leaving you
free to make the interpretation. In the example below the Greek says 'it is
good not to touch a woman' however the NIV has added its own
interpretation of what this means by saying 'it is good for a man not to
marry'. Could it be that God is saying do not touch a woman because that might
lead you into fornication, so it is better to get married.The KJV and NKJ both
have a higher view of marriage and stricter standards for the unmarried.
| KJV |
NKJV |
NIV |
| (1 Cor 7:1-2 KJV) Now concerning the things whereof ye wrote unto me: It
is good for a man not to touch a woman. {2} Nevertheless, to avoid
fornication, let every man have his own wife, and let every woman have her own
husband. |
1 Corinthians 7:1 Now concerning the things of which you wrote to me: It
is good for a man not to touch a woman. 2 Nevertheless, because of sexual
immorality, let each man have his own wife, and let each woman have her own
husband. |
(1 Cor 7:1-2 NIV) Now for the matters you wrote about: It is good for a man
not to marry. {2} But since there is so much immorality, each man should have
his own wife, and each woman her own husband. |
Language and Revelation
The book of Revelation says that people of every language will hear
the gospel and indeed will be in heaven (Rev 5:9, 7:9, 14:6).
(Rev 7:9 NIV) After this I looked and there
before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every
nation, tribe, people and language, standing before
the throne and in front of the Lamb. They were wearing white robes and were
holding palm branches in their hands.
God loves all people and therefore he speaks to people in
their own language. The idea that the KJV is the only God inspired version does
a great disservice to people of non-english speaking languagues. The same God
who confused peoples languages at the time of Babel is the same God who speaks
to people today using their own language. The bible was
originally written mainly in Hebrew and Greek, which were the common languages
of the time. The King James version was translated into the common language of
the people at the time (1611). That language is not the common language today,
thee's and thou's were used in the seventeenth century, but not today. To those
who are not saved, the King James version of the bible found in most hotel
rooms will not convey the word of God effectively because it is not
contemporary English. God speaks to people in the language that they
understand, Pentecost is an example. Modern translations are designed to speak
the word of God to people in a language that they understand. I believe that
God inspired the people who carried out the translation from the original Greek
and Hebrew into English in 1611, just as he has inspired people to translate
the bible into other tongues. The KJV controversy is very much an English
language problem. I believe that modern language versions are needed in order
to meet the needs of todays people.
I list differences between the KJV and the NIV below. In the
majority of cases it makes very little diference to one's interpretation of a
passage. To the scholar there are some, and mostly few, significant
differences, which need to be noted in any good commentary. In the English
speaking world we are fortunate to have a multitude of translations to choose
from, however we need to remember that the gospel is to be preached to all
nations (and therefore in all languages).
The purist should note that God has given us three synoptic
gospels, Matthew, Mark and Luke. Luke wrote for Gentiles and Matthew wrote to
Jews. Each author has given us his own interpretation of what Jesus said. Just
compare the parable of the sower. Each author has recorded Jesus words slightly
differently. However each version gives us a different perspective on this
marvellous parable. The purist will acknowledge that, although different, all
three are divinely inspired.
| KJV |
| Matthew |
Mark |
Luke |
| (Mat 13:18-23 KJV) Hear ye therefore the parable of the sower. |
(Mark 4:13-20 KJV) And he said unto them, Know ye not this parable? and how
then will ye know all parables? {14} The sower soweth the word. |
(Luke 8:11-15 KJV) Now the parable is this: The seed is the word of God.
|
| {19} When any one heareth the word of the kingdom, and understandeth it
not, then cometh the wicked one, and catcheth away that which was sown in his
heart. This is he which received seed by the way side. |
{15} And these are they by the way side, where the word is sown; but when
they have heard, Satan cometh immediately, and taketh away the word that was
sown in their hearts. |
{12} Those by the way side are they that hear; then cometh the devil, and
taketh away the word out of their hearts, lest they should believe and be
saved. |
| {20} But he that received the seed into stony places, the same is he that
heareth the word, and anon with joy receiveth it; |
{16} And these are they likewise which are sown on stony ground; who, when
they have heard the word, immediately receive it with gladness; |
{13} They on the rock are they, which, when they hear, receive the word
with joy; |
| {21} Yet hath he not root in himself, but dureth for a while: for when
tribulation or persecution ariseth because of the word, by and by he is
offended. |
{17} And have no root in themselves, and so endure but for a time:
afterward, when affliction or persecution ariseth for the word's sake,
immediately they are offended. |
and these have no root, which for a while believe, and in time of
temptation fall away. |
| {22} He also that received seed among the thorns is he that heareth the
word; and the care of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, choke the
word, and he becometh unfruitful. |
{18} And these are they which are sown among thorns; such as hear the word,
{19} And the cares of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, and the
lusts of other things entering in, choke the word, and it becometh unfruitful.
|
{14} And that which fell among thorns are they, which, when they have
heard, go forth, and are choked with cares and riches and pleasures of this
life, and bring no fruit to perfection. |
| {23} But he that received seed into the good ground is he that heareth the
word, and understandeth it; which also beareth fruit, and bringeth forth, some
an hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty. |
{20} And these are they which are sown on good ground; such as hear the
word, and receive it, and bring forth fruit, some thirtyfold, some sixty, and
some an hundred. |
{15} But that on the good ground are they, which in an honest and good
heart, having heard the word, keep it, and bring forth fruit with patience.
|
[I had two childrens bibles from my god-mother (suitable for
my young mind), after them I used the RSV (Relatively Sound Version) for some
years, and then I used the NIV. I also had a wonderful Sunday School teacher
who taught me about God in a language that my five year old mind could
understand. May God reward her and my god-mother.]
Differences between the NIV and KJV. Having written a
commentary on Revelation based on the NIV, although my Greek was keyed to the
KJV, I would suggest that there are no more than about ten verses where the
differences would make any significant difference to my
interpretation.You will note that the KJV has quite a few additions to
the text compared to the NIV.
| NIV |
KJV |
(Rev 1:1 NIV) The revelation of Jesus Christ,
which God gave him to show his servants what must soon take place. He made it
known by sending his angel to his servant John,
|
(Rev 1:1 KJV) The Revelation of Jesus Christ,
which God gave unto him, to show unto his servants things which must shortly
come to pass; and he sent and signified it by his angel unto his servant
John:
semaino=signified |
(Rev 1:2 NIV) who testifies to everything
he saw--that is, the word of God and the testimony of Jesus Christ.
|
(Rev 1:2 KJV) Who bare record of the word
of God, and of the testimony of Jesus Christ, and of all things that he saw.
martureo to be a witness to testify |
(Rev 1:5 NIV) and from Jesus Christ, who is the
faithful witness, the firstborn from the dead, and the ruler of the kings of
the earth. To him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by his
blood,
|
(Rev 1:5 KJV) And from Jesus Christ, who is the
faithful witness, and the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the
kings of the earth. Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins
in his own blood, [washed=louo:G3068 which is correct]
|
(Rev 1:6 NIV) and has made us to be a
kingdom and priests to serve his God and Father--to him be glory
and power for ever and ever! Amen.
|
(Rev 1:6 KJV) And hath made us kings and
priests unto God and his Father; to him be glory and dominion for ever
and ever. Amen. [the Gk word kratos:G2904 can mean power or dominion]
|
(Rev 1:8 NIV) "I am the Alpha and the
Omega," says the Lord God, "who is, and who was, and who is to
come, the Almighty."
|
(Rev 1:8 KJV) I am Alpha and Omega, the
beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and
which is to come, the Almighty.
|
(Rev 1:9 NIV) I, John, your brother and
companion in the suffering and kingdom and patient endurance that are ours in
Jesus, was on the island of Patmos because of the word of God and the testimony
of Jesus.
|
(Rev 1:9 KJV) I John, who also am your
brother, and companion in tribulation, and in the kingdom and patience of Jesus
Christ, was in the isle that is called Patmos, for the word of God, and
for the testimony of Jesus Christ.
|
(Rev 1:11 NIV) which said: "Write on a
scroll what you see and send it to the seven churches: to Ephesus, Smyrna,
Pergamum, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia and Laodicea."
|
(Rev 1:11 KJV) Saying, I am Alpha and
Omega, the first and the last: and, What thou seest, write in a book, and
send it unto the seven churches which are in Asia; unto Ephesus, and unto
Smyrna, and unto Pergamos, and unto Thyatira, and unto Sardis, and unto
Philadelphia, and unto Laodicea.
|
(Rev 1:12 NIV) I turned around to see the voice
that was speaking to me. And when I turned I saw seven golden
lampstands,
|
(Rev 1:12 KJV) And I turned to see the voice
that spake with me. And being turned, I saw seven golden candlesticks;
[luchnia:G3087 lampstand is better, they did not use candles when
Revelation was written] |
(Rev 1:18 NIV) I am the Living One; I was dead,
and behold I am alive for ever and ever! And I hold the keys of death and
Hades.
|
(Rev 1:18 KJV) I am he that liveth, and was dead;
and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell
and of death. [hell=haides:G86 NIV is better]
|
(Rev 2:5 NIV) Remember the height from which you
have fallen! Repent and do the things you did at first. If you do not repent, I
will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place.
|
(Rev 2:5 KJV) Remember therefore from whence thou
art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee
quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou
repent.
|
(Rev 2:9 NIV) I know your afflictions and your
poverty--yet you are rich! I know the slander of those who say they are
Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan.
|
(Rev 2:9 KJV) I know thy works, and
tribulation, and poverty, (but thou art rich) and I know the blasphemy
of them which say they are Jews, and are not, but are the synagogue of
Satan.[blasphemia:G988 ]
|
(Rev 2:13 NIV) I know where you live--where
Satan has his throne. Yet you remain true to my name. You did not
renounce your faith in me, even in the days of Antipas, my faithful witness,
who was put to death in your city--where Satan lives.
|
(Rev 2:13 KJV) I know thy works and
where thou dwellest, even where Satan's seat is: and thou holdest fast
my name, and hast not denied my faith, even in those days wherein Antipas was
my faithful martyr, who was slain among you, where Satan
dwelleth.[seat=thronos 2362]
|
(Rev 2:15 NIV) Likewise you also have those who
hold to the teaching of the Nicolaitans.
|
(Rev 2:15 KJV) So hast thou also them that hold
the doctrine of the Nicolaitanes, which thing I hate.
|
(Rev 2:22 NIV) So I will cast her on a bed of
suffering, and I will make those who commit adultery with her suffer intensely,
unless they repent of her ways.
|
(Rev 2:22 KJV) Behold, I will cast her into a bed,
and them that commit adultery with her into great tribulation, except they
repent of their deeds.
Some copyists changed her to their to agree with they |
Rev 3:3 NIV Remember, therefore, what you
have received and heard; obey it, and repent. But if you do not wake up, I will
come like a thief, and you will not know at what time I will come to you.
|
(Rev 3:3 KJV) Remember therefore how thou
hast received and heard, and hold fast, and repent. If therefore thou shalt not
watch, I will come on thee as a thief, and thou shalt not know what hour I will
come upon thee. [how=(in what manner)]
|
(Rev 3:8 NIV) I know your deeds. See, I have
placed before you an open door that no one can shut. I know that you
have little strength, yet you have kept my word and have not denied my name.
(I know is not in the Greek)
|
(Rev 3:8 KJV) I know thy works: behold, I have set
before thee an open door, and no man can shut it: for (i.e.
because) thou hast a little strength, and hast kept my word, and hast not
denied my name.
|
(Rev 3:14 NIV) "To the angel of the church in
Laodicea write: These are the words of the Amen, the faithful and true witness,
the ruler of God's creation.
|
(Rev 3:14 KJV) And unto the angel of the church of
the Laodiceans write; These things saith the Amen, the faithful and true
witness, the beginning of the creation of God; [arche can mean
beginning and ruler (first in rank)]
|
Rev 4:6 Also before the throne there was what
looked like a sea of glass, clear as crystal. In the center, around the throne,
were four living creatures, and they were covered with eyes, in front
and in back.
|
(Rev 4:6 KJV) And before the throne there was a
sea of glass like unto crystal: and in the midst of the throne, and round about
the throne, were four beasts full of eyes before and behind.
[living creatures is probably a better translation of zoon and helps to
distinguish between the living creatures and (wild) beasts (therion) of
Ch 13.] |
(Rev 4:11 NIV) "You are worthy, our Lord
and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all
things, and by your will they were created and have their
being."
|
(Rev 4:11 KJV) Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive
glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy
pleasure they are and were created.
|
(Rev 5:1 NIV) Then I saw in the right hand of him
who sat on the throne a scroll with writing on both sides and sealed
with seven seals.
|
(Rev 5:1 KJV) And I saw in the right hand of him
that sat on the throne a book written within and on the backside, sealed
with seven seals.
[biblion:G975 they did not have books when Revelation was written] |
(Rev 5:10 NIV) You have made them to be a
kingdom and priests to serve our God, and they will reign on the
earth."
|
(Rev 5:10 KJV) And hast made us unto our God
kings and priests: and we shall reign on the
earth.[basileus:G935]
|
(Rev 5:14 NIV) The four living creatures said,
"Amen," and the elders fell down and worshiped.
|
(Rev 5:14 KJV) And the four beasts said, Amen.
And the four and twenty elders fell down and worshipped him that liveth for
ever and ever.
|
(Rev 6:1 NIV) I watched as the Lamb opened the
first of the seven seals. Then I heard one of the four living creatures say in
a voice like thunder, "Come!"
|
(Rev 6:1 KJV) And I saw when the Lamb opened
one of the seals, and I heard, as it were the noise of thunder, one of the four
beasts saying, Come and see.
|
(Rev 6:3 NIV) When the Lamb opened the second
seal, I heard the second living creature say, "Come!"
|
(Rev 6:3 KJV) And when he had opened the second
seal, I heard the second beast say, Come and see.
|
(Rev 6:5 NIV) When the Lamb opened the third seal,
I heard the third living creature say, "Come!" I looked, and
there before me was a black horse! Its rider was holding a pair of scales in
his hand.
|
(Rev 6:5 KJV) And when he had opened the third
seal, I heard the third beast say, Come and see. And I beheld, and lo a
black horse; and he that sat on him had a pair of balances in his hand.
|
(Rev 6:7 NIV) When the Lamb opened the fourth
seal, I heard the voice of the fourth living creature say,
"Come!"
|
(Rev 6:7 KJV) And when he had opened the fourth
seal, I heard the voice of the fourth beast say, Come and see.
|
(Rev 6:8 NIV) I looked, and there before me was a
pale horse! Its rider was named Death, and Hades was following close
behind him. They were given power over a fourth of the earth to kill by sword,
famine and plague, and by the wild beasts of the earth.
[Hades is correct translation of Gk. haides:G86 ] |
(Rev 6:8 KJV) And I looked, and behold a pale
horse: and his name that sat on him was Death, and Hell followed with
him. And power was given unto them over the fourth part of the earth, to kill
with sword, and with hunger, and with death, and with the beasts of the earth.
[Hades is the abode of the dead before the judgement and hell is the final
dwelling place after the judgement] |
(Rev 6:10 NIV) They called out in a loud voice,
"How long, Sovereign Lord, holy and true, until you judge the
inhabitants of the earth and avenge our blood?"
|
(Rev 6:10 KJV) And they cried with a loud voice,
saying, How long, O Lord, holy and true, dost thou not judge and avenge our
blood on them that dwell on the earth?
|
(Rev 6:14 NIV) The sky receded like a
scroll, rolling up, and every mountain and island was removed from its place.
|
(Rev 6:14 KJV) And the heaven departed as a
scroll when it is rolled together; and every mountain and island were moved out
of their places.
[The Gk ouranos:G3772 can be sky or heaven] |
(Rev 6:17 NIV) For the great day of their
wrath has come, and who can stand?"
|
(Rev 6:17 KJV) For the great day of his
wrath is come; and who shall be able to stand?
[In context of 6:16 I think that their is best] |
(Rev 7:14 NIV) I answered, "Sir, you
know." And he said, "These are they who have come out of the
great tribulation; they have washed their robes and made them white in the
blood of the Lamb.
|
(Rev 7:14 KJV) And I said unto him, Sir, thou
knowest. And he said to me, These are they which came out of great tribulation,
and have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.
|
(Rev 8:13 NIV) As I watched, I heard an
eagle that was flying in midair call out in a loud voice: "Woe!
Woe! Woe to the inhabitants of the earth, because of the trumpet blasts
about to be sounded by the other three angels!"
|
(Rev 8:13 KJV) And I beheld, and heard an
angel flying through the midst of heaven, saying with a loud voice, Woe,
woe, woe, to the inhabiters of the earth by reason of the other voices of the
trumpet of the three angels, which are yet to sound!
|
(Rev 9:1 NIV) The fifth angel sounded his
trumpet, and I saw a star that had fallen from the sky to
the earth. The star was given the key to the shaft of the Abyss.
|
(Rev 9:1 KJV) And the fifth angel sounded, and I
saw a star fall from heaven unto the earth: and to him was given
the key of the bottomless pit.
|
(Rev 9:2 NIV) When he opened the Abyss, smoke rose
from it like the smoke from a gigantic furnace. The sun and sky were
darkened by the smoke from the Abyss.
|
(Rev 9:2 KJV) And he opened the bottomless pit;
and there arose a smoke out of the pit, as the smoke of a great furnace; and
the sun and the air were darkened by reason of the smoke of the pit.
|
(Rev 9:4 NIV) They were told not to harm the grass
of the earth or any plant or tree, but only those people who did not
have the seal of God on their foreheads.
|
(Rev 9:4 KJV) And it was commanded them that they
should not hurt the grass of the earth, neither any green thing, neither
any tree; but only those men which have not the seal of God in their
foreheads.
|
(Rev 9:13 NIV) The sixth angel sounded his
trumpet, and I heard a voice coming from the horns of the golden altar
that is before God.
|
(Rev 9:13 KJV) And the sixth angel sounded, and I
heard a voice from the four horns of the golden altar which is before
God,
|
(Rev 9:15 NIV) And the four angels who had been
kept ready for this very hour and day and month and year were released
to kill a third of mankind.
|
(Rev 9:15 KJV) And the four angels were loosed,
which were prepared for an hour, and a day, and a month, and a year, for
to slay the third part of men.
|
(Rev 9:20 NIV) The rest of mankind that were not
killed by these plagues still did not repent of the work of their hands; they
did not stop worshiping demons, and idols of gold, silver, bronze, stone
and wood--idols that cannot see or hear or walk.
|
(Rev 9:20 KJV) And the rest of the men which were
not killed by these plagues yet repented not of the works of their hands, that
they should not worship devils, and idols of gold, and silver, and
brass, and stone, and of wood: which neither can see, nor hear, nor walk:
|
(Rev 10:1 NIV) Then I saw another mighty angel
coming down from heaven. He was robed in a cloud, with a rainbow above his
head; his face was like the sun, and his legs were like fiery pillars.
|
(Rev 10:1 KJV) And I saw another mighty angel come
down from heaven, clothed with a cloud: and a rainbow was upon his head, and
his face was as it were the sun, and his feet as pillars of fire:
|
(Rev 10:5 NIV) Then the angel I had seen standing
on the sea and on the land raised his right hand to heaven.
|
(Rev 10:5 KJV) And the angel which I saw stand
upon the sea and upon the earth lifted up his hand to heaven,
|
(Rev 10:6 NIV) And he swore by him who lives for
ever and ever, who created the heavens and all that is in them, the earth and
all that is in it, and the sea and all that is in it, and said, "There
will be no more delay!
|
(Rev 10:6 KJV) And sware by him that liveth for
ever and ever, who created heaven, and the things that therein are, and the
earth, and the things that therein are, and the sea, and the things which are
therein, that there should be time no longer:
|
(Rev 10:8 NIV) Then the voice that I had heard
from heaven spoke to me once more: "Go, take the scroll that lies
open in the hand of the angel who is standing on the sea and on the land."
little scroll is better |
(Rev 10:8 KJV) And the voice which I heard from
heaven spake unto me again, and said, Go and take the little book which
is open in the hand of the angel which standeth upon the sea and upon the
earth.
[bibliaridion:G974 little scroll rather than scroll
(biblion:G975) as in 5:1 see 10:9 where NIV has little scroll ] |
(Rev 11:1 NIV) I was given a reed like a measuring
rod and was told, "Go and measure the temple of God and the altar, and
count the worshipers there.
|
(Rev 11:1 KJV) And there was given me a reed like
unto a rod: and the angel stood, saying, Rise, and measure the temple of
God, and the altar, and them that worship therein.
[NIV count is implied, you count the number of worshippers and measure the
temple] |
(Rev 11:3 NIV) And I will give power to my two
witnesses, and they will prophesy for 1,260 days, clothed in sackcloth."
|
Rev 11:3 And I will give power unto my two
witnesses, and they shall prophesy a thousand two hundred and threescore days,
clothed in sackcloth.
[power is not in the Gk but is implied] |
(Rev 11:4 NIV) These are the two olive trees and
the two lampstands that stand before the Lord of the earth.
|
(Rev 11:4 KJV) These are the two olive trees, and
the two candlesticks standing before the God of the earth.
|
(Rev 11:8 NIV) Their bodies will lie in the street
of the great city, which is figuratively called Sodom and Egypt, where also
their Lord was crucified.
|
(Rev 11:8 KJV) And their dead bodies shall lie in
the street of the great city, which spiritually is called Sodom and Egypt,
where also our Lord was crucified.
|
(Rev 11:15 NIV) The seventh angel sounded his
trumpet, and there were loud voices in heaven, which said: "The
kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of his
Christ, and he will reign for ever and ever."
|
(Rev 11:15 KJV) And the seventh angel sounded; and
there were great voices in heaven, saying, The kingdoms of this world
are become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of his Christ; and he shall
reign for ever and ever.
pleural kingdoms |
(Rev 11:17 NIV) saying: "We give thanks
to you, Lord God Almighty, the One who is and who was, because you have taken
your great power and have begun to reign.
|
(Rev 11:17 KJV) Saying, We give thee thanks, O
Lord God Almighty, which art, and wast, and art to come; because thou
hast taken to thee thy great power, and hast reigned.
|
(Rev 12:12 NIV) Therefore rejoice, you heavens
and you who dwell in them! But woe to the earth and the sea, because the devil
has gone down to you! He is filled with fury, because he knows that his time is
short."
|
(Rev 12:12 KJV) Therefore rejoice, ye heavens,
and ye that dwell in them. Woe to the inhabiters of the earth and of the
sea! for the devil is come down unto you, having great wrath, because he
knoweth that he hath but a short time.
|
(Rev 12:13 NIV) When the dragon saw that he had
been hurled to the earth, he pursued the woman who had given birth to
the male child.
|
(Rev 12:13 KJV) And when the dragon saw that he
was cast unto the earth, he persecuted the woman which brought forth the
man child.
[dioko:G1377 can mean pursued or persecuted] |
(Rev 12:17 NIV) Then the dragon was enraged at
the woman and went off to make war against the rest of her offspring--those who
obey God's commandments and hold to the testimony of Jesus.
|
(Rev 12:17 KJV) And the dragon was wroth with
the woman, and went to make war with the remnant of her seed, which keep the
commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ.
|
(Rev 13:1 NIV) And the dragon stood on the
shore of the sea. And I saw a beast coming out of the sea. He had ten horns and
seven heads, with ten crowns on his horns, and on each head a blasphemous name.
|
(Rev 13:1 KJV) And I stood upon the sand of
the sea, and saw a beast rise up out of the sea, having seven heads and ten
horns, and upon his horns ten crowns, and upon his heads the name of blasphemy.
|
(Rev 13:4 NIV) Men worshiped the dragon
because he had given authority to the beast, and they also
worshiped the beast and asked, "Who is like the beast? Who can make war
against him?"
|
(Rev 13:4 KJV) And they worshipped the dragon
which gave power unto the beast: and they worshipped the beast,
saying, Who is like unto the beast? who is able to make war with him?
|
(Rev 13:7 NIV) He was given power to make war
against the saints and to conquer them. And he was given authority over every
tribe, people, language and nation.
|
(Rev 13:7 KJV) And it was given unto him to make
war with the saints, and to overcome them: and power was given him over all
kindreds, and tongues, and nations.
|
(Rev 13:10 NIV) If anyone is to go into captivity,
into captivity he will go. If anyone is to be killed with the sword, with
the sword he will be killed. This calls for patient endurance and
faithfulness on the part of the saints.
Endurance and the will of God |
(Rev 13:10 KJV) He that leadeth into captivity
shall go into captivity: he that killeth with the sword must be killed with
the sword. Here is the patience and the faith of the saints.
Law of retribution |
(Rev 13:13 NIV) And he performed great and
miraculous signs, even causing fire to come down from heaven to earth in
full view of men.
|
(Rev 13:13 KJV) And he doeth great wonders,
so that he maketh fire come down from heaven on the earth in the sight of men,
|
(Rev 13:15 NIV) He was given power to give
breath to the image of the first beast, so that it could speak and cause
all who refused to worship the image to be killed.
|
(Rev 13:15 KJV) And he had power to give
life unto the image of the beast, that the image of the beast should
both speak, and cause that as many as would not worship the image of the beast
should be killed.
|
(Rev 13:16 NIV) He also forced everyone, small
and great, rich and poor, free and slave, to receive a mark on his right
hand or on his forehead,
|
(Rev 13:16 KJV) And he causeth all, both small
and great, rich and poor, free and bond, to receive a mark in their
right hand, or in their foreheads:
|
(Rev 13:17 NIV) so that no one could buy or sell
unless he had the mark, which is the name of the beast or the number of
his name.
|
(Rev 13:17 KJV) And that no man might buy or sell,
save he that had the mark, or the name of the beast, or the number of
his name.
|
(Rev 13:18 NIV) This calls for wisdom. If
anyone has insight, let him calculate the number of the beast, for it is
man's number. His number is 666.
|
(Rev 13:18 KJV) Here is wisdom. Let him that
hath understanding count the number of the beast: for it is the number of a
man; and his number is Six hundred threescore and six.
(chi_xi_stigma:G5516)
Note: KJV say 'number of a man' NIV says 'it is man's number' |
(Rev 14:1 NIV) Then I looked, and there before
me was the Lamb, standing on Mount Zion, and with him 144,000 who had his
name and his Father's name written on their foreheads.
|
(Rev 14:1 KJV) And I looked, and, lo, a Lamb
stood on the mount Sion, and with him an hundred forty and four thousand,
having his Father's name written in their foreheads.
Cf. (Rev 14:11 KJV) And the smoke of their torment ascendeth up for ever and
ever: and they have no rest day nor night, who worship the beast and his image,
and whosoever receiveth the mark of his name. |
(Rev 14:2 NIV) And I heard a sound from
heaven like the roar of rushing waters and like a loud peal of thunder. The
sound I heard was like that of harpists playing their harps.
|
(Rev 14:2 KJV) And I heard a voice from
heaven, as the voice of many waters, and as the voice of a great thunder: and I
heard the voice of harpers harping with their harps:
|
(Rev 14:3 NIV) And they sang a new song before the
throne and before the four living creatures and the elders. No one could learn
the song except the 144,000 who had been redeemed from the earth.
|
(Rev 14:3 KJV) And they sung as it were a
new song before the throne, and before the four beasts, and the elders: and no
man could learn that song but the hundred and forty and four thousand, which
were redeemed from the earth.
|
Rev 14:4 These are those who did not defile
themselves with women, for they kept themselves pure. They follow the
Lamb wherever he goes. They were purchased from among men and offered as
firstfruits to God and the Lamb.
|
(Rev 14:4 KJV) These are they which were not
defiled with women; for they are virgins. These are they which follow
the Lamb whithersoever he goeth. These were redeemed from among men,
being the firstfruits unto God and to the Lamb.
Note: a virgin bride is appropriate for he Lamb |
(Rev 14:5 NIV) No lie was found in their
mouths; they are blameless.
|
(Rev 14:5 KJV) And in their mouth was found no
guile: for they are without fault before the throne of God.
|
(Rev 14:8 NIV) A second angel followed and said,
"Fallen! Fallen is Babylon the Great, which made all the nations drink the
maddening wine of her adulteries."
|
(Rev 14:8 KJV) And there followed another angel,
saying, Babylon is fallen, is fallen, that great city, because she made all
nations drink of the wine of the wrath of her fornication.
|
(Rev 14:10 NIV) he, too, will drink of the wine of
God's fury, which has been poured full strength into the cup of
his wrath. He will be tormented with burning sulfur in the presence of
the holy angels and of the Lamb.
|
(Rev 14:10 KJV) The same shall drink of the wine
of the wrath of God, which is poured out without mixture into the
cup of his indignation; and he shall be tormented with fire and
brimstone in the presence of the holy angels, and in the presence of the Lamb:
Elsewhere orge is translated as wath in KJV only here it is translated
indignation presumably to distinguish it from thumos which is translated
as wrath. |
(Rev 14:11 NIV) And the smoke of their torment
rises for ever and ever. There is no rest day or night for those who worship
the beast and his image, or for anyone who receives the mark of his
name."
|
(Rev 14:11 KJV) And the smoke of their torment
ascendeth up for ever and ever: and they have no rest day nor night, who
worship the beast and his image, and whosoever receiveth the mark of his
name.
|
(Rev 15:2 NIV) And I saw what looked like a sea of
glass mixed with fire and, standing beside the sea, those who had been
victorious over the beast and his image and over the number of his name. They
held harps given them by God
|
(Rev 15:2 KJV) And I saw as it were a sea of glass
mingled with fire: and them that had gotten the victory over the beast, and
over his image, and over his mark, and over the number of his name, stand
on the sea of glass, having the harps of God.
|
(Rev 15:3 NIV) and sang the song of
Moses the servant of God and the song of the Lamb: "Great and marvelous
are your deeds, Lord God Almighty. Just and true are your ways, King of the
ages.
|
(Rev 15:3 KJV) And they sing the song
of Moses the servant of God, and the song of the Lamb, saying, Great and
marvellous are thy works, Lord God Almighty; just and true are thy ways, thou
King of saints.
|
(Rev 16:5 NIV) Then I heard the angel in charge of
the waters say: "You are just in these judgments, you who are and
who were, the Holy One, because you have so judged;
|
(Rev 16:5 KJV) And I heard the angel of the waters
say, Thou art righteous, O Lord, which art, and wast, and
shalt be, because thou hast judged thus.
|
(Rev 16:7 NIV) And I heard the altar
respond: "Yes, Lord God Almighty, true and just are your
judgments."
|
(Rev 16:7 KJV) And I heard another out of the
altar say, Even so, Lord God Almighty, true and righteous are thy
judgments.
|
(Rev 16:17 NIV) The seventh angel poured out
his bowl into the air, and out of the temple came a loud voice from the throne,
saying, "It is done!"
|
(Rev 16:17 KJV) And the seventh angel poured
out his vial into the air; and there came a great voice out of the temple of
heaven, from the throne, saying, It is done.
|
(Rev 16:18 NIV) Then there came flashes of
lightning, rumblings, peals of thunder and a severe earthquake. No earthquake
like it has ever occurred since man has been on earth, so tremendous was
the quake.
|
(Rev 16:18 KJV) And there were voices, and
thunders, and lightnings; and there was a great earthquake, such as was not
since men were upon the earth, so mighty an earthquake, and so great.
|
(Rev 16:21 NIV) From the sky huge hailstones of
about a hundred pounds each fell upon men. And they cursed God on
account of the plague of hail, because the plague was so terrible.
|
(Rev 16:21 KJV) And there fell upon men a great
hail out of heaven, every stone about the weight of a talent: and men
blasphemed God because of the plague of the hail; for the plague thereof was
exceeding great.
|
(Rev 17:2 NIV) With her the kings of
the earth committed adultery and the inhabitants of the earth were
intoxicated with the wine of her adulteries."
|
(Rev 17:2 KJV) With whom the kings of
the earth have committed fornication, and the inhabitants of the earth
have been made drunk with the wine of her fornication.
|
(Rev 17:6 NIV) I saw that the woman was drunk with
the blood of the saints, the blood of those who bore testimony to Jesus.
When I saw her, I was greatly astonished.
|
(Rev 17:6 KJV) And I saw the woman drunken with
the blood of the saints, and with the blood of the martyrs of Jesus: and
when I saw her, I wondered with great admiration.
[martus:G3144 can mean witness] |
(Rev 17:8 NIV) The beast, which you saw, once was,
now is not, and will come up out of the Abyss and go to his destruction. The
inhabitants of the earth whose names have not been written in the book of life
from the creation of the world will be astonished when they see the beast,
because he once was, now is not, and yet will come.
|
(Rev 17:8 KJV) The beast that thou sawest was, and
is not; and shall ascend out of the bottomless pit, and go into perdition: and
they that dwell on the earth shall wonder, whose names were not written in the
book of life from the foundation of the world, when they behold the beast that
was, and is not, and yet is.
|
(Rev 17:9 NIV) "This calls for a mind
with wisdom. The seven heads are seven hills on which the woman sits.
|
(Rev 17:9 KJV) And here is the mind which
hath wisdom. The seven heads are seven mountains, on which the woman
sitteth.
oros can mean mountain or hill |
(Rev 17:14 NIV) They will make war against the
Lamb, but the Lamb will overcome them because he is Lord of lords and King of
kings--and with him will be his called, chosen and faithful
followers."
|
(Rev 17:14 KJV) These shall make war with the
Lamb, and the Lamb shall overcome them: for he is Lord of lords, and King of
kings: and they that are with him are called, and chosen, and faithful.
|
(Rev 18:6 NIV) Give back to her as she has
given; pay her back double for what she has done. Mix her a double portion from
her own cup.
|
(Rev 18:6 KJV) Reward her even as she
rewarded you, and double unto her double according to her works: in the
cup which she hath filled fill to her double. [see Exo 22:7 ]
|
(Rev 18:20 NIV) Rejoice over her, O heaven!
Rejoice, saints and apostles and prophets! God has judged her for the
way she treated you.'"
|
(Rev 18:20 KJV) Rejoice over her, thou heaven,
and ye holy apostles and prophets; for God hath avenged you on her.
|
(Rev 19:1 NIV) After this I heard what sounded
like the roar of a great multitude in heaven shouting: "Hallelujah!
Salvation and glory and power belong to our God,
|
(Rev 19:1 KJV) And after these things I heard a
great voice of much people in heaven, saying, Alleluia; Salvation, and glory,
and honour, and power, unto the Lord our God:
|
(Rev 19:6 NIV) Then I heard what sounded like a
great multitude, like the roar of rushing waters and like loud peals of
thunder, shouting: "Hallelujah! For our Lord God Almighty reigns.
|
(Rev 19:6 KJV) And I heard as it were the voice of
a great multitude, and as the voice of many waters, and as the voice of mighty
thunderings, saying, Alleluia: for the Lord God omnipotent reigneth.
[KJV always translates this as Almighty elsewhere in Rev] |
(Rev 20:9 NIV) They marched across the breadth
of the earth and surrounded the camp of God's people, the city he loves. But
fire came down from heaven and devoured them.
|
(Rev 20:9 KJV) And they went up on the breadth
of the earth, and compassed the camp of the saints about, and the beloved city:
and fire came down from God out of heaven, and devoured them.
|
(Rev 20:12 NIV) And I saw the dead, great and
small, standing before the throne, and books were opened. Another book
was opened, which is the book of life. The dead were judged according to what
they had done as recorded in the books.
|
(Rev 20:12 KJV) And I saw the dead, small and
great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was
opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things
which were written in the books, according to their works.
|
(Rev 20:13 NIV) The sea gave up the dead that were
in it, and death and Hades gave up the dead that were in them, and each
person was judged according to what he had done.
|
(Rev 20:13 KJV) And the sea gave up the dead which
were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them:
and they were judged every man according to their works.
[Hades is the better translation, Hades is temporary Hell is permanent, Hades
is thrown into the lake of fire in the next verse] |
(Rev 20:14 NIV) Then death and Hades were
thrown into the lake of fire. The lake of fire is the second death.
|
(Rev 20:14 KJV) And death and hell were
cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death.
[Hades is correct translation of Gk. haides:G86 ] |
(Rev 21:4 NIV) He will wipe every tear
from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for
the old order of things has passed away."
|
(Rev 21:4 KJV) And God shall wipe away
all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow,
nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are
passed away.
|
(Rev 21:23 NIV) The city does not need the sun
or the moon to shine on it, for the glory of God gives it light, and the Lamb
is its lamp.
|
(Rev 21:23 KJV) And the city had no need of the
sun, neither of the moon, to shine in it: for the glory of God did lighten it,
and the Lamb is the light thereof.
[luchnos:G3088 lamps is best, the source of the light cf.
luchnia:G3087 lampstand i.e. the church is a lampstand, Jesus is the
Lamp] |
(Rev 21:24 NIV) The nations will walk by its
light, and the kings of the earth will bring their splendor into it.
|
(Rev 21:24 KJV) And the nations of them
which are saved shall walk in the light of it: and the kings of the earth
do bring their glory and honour into it.
|
(Rev 22:5 NIV) There will be no more night. They
will not need the light of a lamp or the light of the sun, for the Lord
God will give them light. And they will reign for ever and ever.
|
(Rev 22:5 KJV) And there shall be no night
there; and they need no candle, neither light of the sun; for the Lord
God giveth them light: and they shall reign for ever and ever.
[luchnos:G3088 lamp is better, no candles in John's day] |
(Rev 22:6 NIV) The angel said to
me, "These words are trustworthy and true. The Lord, the God of the
spirits of the prophets, sent his angel to show his servants the things
that must soon take place."
|
(Rev 22:6 KJV) And he said unto
me, These sayings are faithful and true: and the Lord God of the holy
prophets sent his angel to show unto his servants the things which must shortly
be done.
|
(Rev 22:12 NIV) "Behold, I am coming
soon! My reward is with me, and I will give to everyone according to
what he has done.
|
(Rev 22:12 KJV) And, behold, I come
quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his
work shall be.
|
(Rev 22:14 NIV) "Blessed are those who
wash their robes, that they may have the right to the tree of life and
may go through the gates into the city.
|
(Rev 22:14 KJV) Blessed are they that do his
commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter
in through the gates into the city.
|
Rev 22:19 And if anyone takes words away from this
book of prophecy, God will take away from him his share in the tree of
life and in the holy city, which are described in this book.
|
Rev 22:19 And if any man shall take away from the
words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the
book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are
written in this book. [NASB has tree]
|
(Rev 22:21 NIV) The grace of the Lord Jesus be
with God's people. Amen.
|
(Rev 22:21 KJV) The grace of our Lord Jesus
Christ be with you all. Amen.
|
- A Student's Guide to New Testament Textual Variants The Revelation to John
Revelation 1:5-14:3 ,
Revelation 14:13-22:21
Bruce Terry Professor of Bible and Humanities Ohio Valley College
|