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.
  1. 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

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